Abstract: Disclosed is a propulsion system that comprises a power source coupled to a flotation device. The power source can be rechargeable. The system further comprises at least one thruster configured to be coupled to a person. A power cable operably couples the power source and the at least one thruster. The system is configured such that the at least one thruster propels the person through the water while the power source remains at a surface of the water and coupled to the flotation device. The system can include an air supply assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having improved aesthetics and desirable aerodynamic properties due, at least in part, to the novel shape of the dimples on the surface thereof. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball that includes at least a portion of its dimples having a shape obtained from the intersection of a toroid and a sphere. The resulting curve of intersection represents the dimple perimeter and the intersecting portion of the surface of the toroid represents the dimple surface shape.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-layered core structure are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, and a surrounding outer core layer. The layers of the core structure may have different hardness gradients. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and alloys thereof dispersed in a thermoset polymeric matrix. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin. The resulting ball has high resiliency and good spin.

Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.

Abstract: A tennis ball retrieval apparatus with enhanced ball retention capability coupled to a frame of a tennis racket is provided. The tennis ball retrieval apparatus includes a scoop assembly with an upper receptacle coupled to a base member, the base member having a generally U-shaped member coupled to the frame of the tennis racket, the upper receptacle having a generally spherical scoop with a front opening and an inner concave surface designed to conform to contours of the tennis ball. The tennis racket is maneuvered in a sweeping motion to permit the generally spherical scoop of the upper receptacle to scoop the tennis ball through the front opening. This permits the inner concave surface of the upper receptacle to conform to the tennis ball, thereby permitting the upper receptacle to retain the tennis ball therein.

Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club face plates with internal cell lattices are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, a front portion having a face portion with a front surface and a back surface, an interior cavity extending between the top and sole portions and between the face and back portions, and an elastic polymer material in the interior cavity, and a bonding portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf club 4 includes a head hd and a sole surface 12. The sole surface 12 includes a ridgeline RL extending from a toe side toward a heel side, a leading surface Si positioned on a face side of the ridgeline RL and inclined upward toward the face side, and a trailing surface S2 positioned on a back side of the ridgeline RL and inclined upward toward the back side. Inclination angles at respective positions of the trailing surface S2 are defined as ?2c at a central position, ?2t at a toe reference position, and ?2h at a heel reference position. Then, the head hd satisfies at least one of the following (a) and (b): (a) The inclination angle ?2t is greater than the inclination angle ?2c (b) The inclination angle ?2h is greater than the inclination angle ?2c.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, and a front portion. The golf club head may include an interior cavity. The interior cavity may be filled with an elastic polymer material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A face insert comprising a planar member composed of a rigid material such as plastic or metal and a polymeric backing is disclosed herein. The planar member, which makes contact with a golf ball during use, includes a plurality of geometrically-shaped holes, each of which comprises a perimeter edge that has a variable radius to further optimize performance of the face insert. In some embodiments, one or more of the holes extends completely through the planar member, i.e. is a through-hole, and the polymeric backing includes at least one protrusion with an angled upper surface that is sized to extend into a through-hole and further improve performance of the face insert. The face insert described herein can be used with any type of golf club head, including putters, woods, irons, and hybrids, and the holes may take any shape, including oval, hexagonal, and chevron.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club weight attachment mechanisms are described herein. In some embodiments, a golf club head comprises a head body with an interior cavity, a shell portion, and a bracket with a weight member coupled to the bracket. In one embodiment, the bracket and the weight member can be configured to be fully contained within the interior cavity. Other examples and related methods are also described herein.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising multiple means of adjusting the location of the center of gravity, and the bias, is disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the golf club head comprises a non-metal medallion comprising a channel that is affixed to one of the crown and the sole, a slidable weight sized to fit within the channel, and a cover that attaches to the medallion and locks the slidable weight within the channel at a location selected by a user. The cover preferably includes at least one cutout so that the slidable weight is at least partially visible to the user when it is locked within the channel. The cover also includes additional cutouts that receive protrusions extending from the medallion to more securely attach the cover to the medallion.

Abstract: A rod-like object for ball games 1 usable for a ball games or practice thereof, the rod-like object 1 comprising a grip 20 on a proximal end side of an elongated main body 10, the main body 10 comprising a first flexible part 12 in which primary deflective deformation occurs along a first imaginary plane, a second flexible part 14 that is provided more toward the proximal end side than the first flexible part 12 is and in which principal deflective deformation occurs along a second imaginary plane, and a highly rigid part 19 interposed between the first flexible part 12 and the second flexible part 14, the first imaginary plane and the second imaginary plane intersecting each other, and the highly rigid part 19 having a flexural rigidity in a direction of the first imaginary plane that is equal to or greater than a flexural rigidity of the second flexible part 14 in the same direction and a flexural rigidity in a direction of the second imaginary plane that is equal to or greater than a flexural rigidity of t

Abstract: A golf club shaft formed by winding prepregs, made of reinforced fibers impregnated with a thermosetting resin, into layers and thermally curing the prepregs. The golf club shaft includes a 90-degree prepreg, a fiber direction of which is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the golf club shaft and which is provided on each of an inner layer side and an outer layer side, and the golf club shaft satisfies the following condition: 2.0?D2/D1?4.0, wherein D1 designates a thickness of the inner-layer-side 90-degree prepreg, and D2 designates a thickness of the outer-layer-side 90-degree prepreg.

Abstract: A golf equipment cleaning device is provided wherein the cleaning device selectively expels a pressurized fluid that a golfer may use at any point on the golf course. A golfer may use a hand pump to pressurize a container that comprises a fluid. Then, the golfer may release the pressurized fluid through the end of a bristled brush such that the golfer may scrub a golf ball or golf club with a bristled brush and a pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A goalie hockey stick including a shaft with two bends in it, a vertical paddle and a blade with an added bend that allows goaltenders to play their position with the goal of stopping the puck from scoring by blocking the puck or deflecting the puck away from the opening of the goal. It also allows the goalie to play, control, pass and shoot the puck both standing and on their knees.

Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.

Abstract: A boot form for a hockey skate is made of multiple plastic materials having different hardness properties, or different flexural moduli, and is formed via an injection-molding process or another similar process. One or more of the plastic materials may be reinforced with fibers of glass, carbon, aramid, or another stiffening material to strengthen one or more regions of the boot form. For example, pellets of a first plastic material having a flexural modulus of approximately 190 MPa (e.g., a polyamide elastomer block amide) may be injected into a mold to form a softer upper region of the boot form. And pellets of a second plastic having a flexural modulus of approximately 20,000 MPa (e.g., a Nylon 12 with long glass fibers) may be injected into the mold to form a stiffer lower region of the boot form. Additional skate components may then be attached to the boot form.

Abstract: A concealed compartment system for use with a skateboard is provided by a riser with a rail body having a deck mounting surface and a truck mounting surface with the riser acting as a spacer between the skateboard deck and at least one truck when assembled together, the riser further including a channel projecting at least partially through the rail body in which one or more items may be stored.

Abstract: A deck of cards includes eighty four playing cards. Each playing card has a front surface and a back surface. The front surface of all of the playing cards has the same design. The eighty four playing cards include four sets of twenty one playing cards. Each of the four sets corresponds to a branch of military service and each playing card within each of the four sets of twenty one playing cards corresponding to a rank within a respective branch of the military service.

Abstract: A playing card game machine with an anti-cheat device includes a shuffling machine and a robotic arm. The shuffling machine includes a drive mechanism to drive a movable board having a through hole to move left and right. The robotic arm is provided with a suction cup. The suction cup passes through the through hole of the movable board to suck playing cards. The movable board is provided with a sensing seat. The periphery of the sensing seat is provided with infrared receivers arranged in at least three directions. The infrared receivers of the sensing seat can sense an external infrared ray and prevent the playing cards from being marked, so that the player is unable to know the suit and numeric of the playing card passing through the through hole to bring a fair competition in the game. An infrared transmitter is provided to achieve a self-check.

Abstract: A dice and board game. The game may comprise: a game board, a set of indicator cubes, and four or more saucers. The game board may comprise: a primary playing surface, cubbies, colored sections, an inner wall, and an outer wall. The primary playing surface may comprise a marking and may be surrounded and defined by an inner wall. The cubbies and the colored sections may be located on an outer perimeter of the game board and may be in between the inner wall and the outer wall. The cubbies and the colored sections may alternate along the outer perimeter of the game board and may be separated by partitions. The set of indicator cubes may comprise: color indicator cubes, number indicator cubes, and five sets of colored dice. Each of the color indicator cubes may comprise five colored sides and one symbol side.

Abstract: A method and system that involves articulating a set of methods for incorporating objective assessments of fantasy-team-owners' physical activity into Fantasy Sport platforms.

Abstract: A method for transitioning gameplay is provided, the method including: receiving a signal to interrupt gameplay of a video game, the gameplay being presented on a head-mounted display; in response to receiving the signal, transitioning the gameplay from an active state to a paused state; wherein transitioning the gameplay includes identifying an intensity of a gameplay aspect, and progressively reducing the intensity of the gameplay aspect before entering the paused state.

Abstract: A game apparatus is capable of controlling infrared radiation emitters for radiating infrared light. The game apparatus executes game processing using imaging information on the infrared light obtained from an input device. The input device takes an image of the infrared light radiated by the infrared radiation emitters, and also receives an input from a user. The game apparatus comprises pattern storage means; selection means; and radiation control means. The pattern storage means stores at least one signal pattern of an infrared signal usable by a control target device. The selection means selects at least one of the at least one signal pattern stored by the pattern storage means, using the input received by the input device. The radiation control means causes the infrared radiation emitters to output an infrared signal of the signal pattern selected by the selection means.

Abstract: An operation device for performing an operation input on a play machine has an operation unit, a support that supports the operation unit while the operation unit is rotatable about a first rotation axis, and a switching unit that switches a direction of the first rotation axis by rotating the support about a second rotation axis in a direction different from that of the first rotation axis.

Abstract: An improved controller for a game console that is intended to be held by a user in both hands in the same manner as a conventional controller, which has controls on the front operable by the thumbs, and has two additional controls located on the back in positions to be operated by the middle fingers of a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic conversion are described. One disclosed method includes the steps of: determining a characteristic of a target user interface device having a target haptic output device, determining a source haptic effect associated with a source user interface device having a source haptic output device; converting the source haptic effect to a target haptic effect, the conversion based at least in part on the characteristic of the target haptic output device, and generating a haptic signal associated with the target haptic effect, the haptic signal configured to cause the target haptic output device to output the target haptic effect.

Abstract: A computing system is configured to execute a computer program on a server and to provide a video stream of the program output to a geographically remote client over a communication network. An add-on manager is provided to facilitate the use of add-ons to extend the functionality of the computer program. The add-on manager is responsive to commands received from the client and is configured to associate individual add-ons and add-on data with specific user accounts. The add-ons can be located on the server or some other location remote from the client.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are provided for performing video compression including encoding a plurality of video frames or portions thereof according to a first encoding format; transmitting the plurality of encoded video frames or portions to a client device; receiving feedback information from the client device, the feedback information usable to detect whether one or more video frames or portions thereof have not been successfully received and/or decoded; determining, in response to detecting that one or more video frames or portions thereof have not been successfully received and/or decoded, whether to encode a new video frame or portion thereof according to a second encoding format or to encode the new video frame to be dependent on the last video frame or portion thereof known to have been successfully received and/or decoded.

Abstract: A method for generating a gameplay video of a video game is provided. The method initiates with recording a user's gameplay of the video game. The user's recorded gameplay is analyzed to determine a region of interest, the region of interest being a region of the video game having social network sharing levels that exceed a predefined threshold. Boundaries are defined within a gameplay context of the video game based on the determined region of interest that define options for selection of a beginning and an end for the gameplay video. The gameplay video of the video game is generated based on the selection defined from the boundaries. The gameplay video of the video game is shared over the social network to one or more additional client devices for viewing by one or more additional users.

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

Abstract: A first player character or a second player character is caused to perform an action by operating the first player character or the second player character in accordance with an input, and a player character as an action target for performing an action corresponding to the input is switched. Further, a position and/or a direction of a virtual camera are set in accordance with a position and/or a direction, in a virtual world, of the player character set as the action target, and the position and/or the direction of the virtual camera are changed in accordance with the action of the player character. An image of the virtual world viewed from the virtual camera set for the player character as the action target is displayed on a display apparatus. Then, the action target can be switched to the second player character as during the operation on the first player character as the action target in the same player turn.

Abstract: In order to attain the object described above, a game apparatus is able to use coordinate input means and display means, and positions a virtual camera Ca in a three-dimensional virtual space. When a predetermined operation is performed at any position in a predetermined range on a touch panel (coordinate input means), the game apparatus performs zooming-in-on operation (changes an angle ?1 of view of the virtual camera) without changing an imaging direction of the virtual camera.

Abstract: There are disclosed control devices (30, 300, 600) for controlling a display device (80, 380, 680). According to one embodiment, the control device (30) is operable in multiple orientations. In response to detecting the change of orientation of the control device (30), a navigation menu (920) in relation to content (810, 820, 830) displayed by the display device (80) is generated in a processor (60) of the control device (30). The navigation menu (920) generated by the processor (60) is then displayed on a control device display (90) of the control device (30) to facilitate controlling the display device (80). There are also disclosed methods of controlling a display device using the aforementioned control devices (30, 300, 600).

Abstract: A game system is provided that implements comment display so as not to interfere with operation when a player operates the game. This game system includes a game machine upon which a player plays a game. At least one comment which is to be displayed according to the circumstances of the game on the game machine are displayed to the player upon a game screen. A determination is made as to whether or not the player is being requested to perform an operation in the game, and a predetermined limitation is imposed upon the display of the at least one comment on the basis of the result of this determination.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including one or more processors, a memory, and one or more display devices. The electronic gaming device further includes a left surround audio device, a right surround audio device, a dialog enhancing center channel speaker, a low frequency effects device, a left speaker, and a right speaker. The combination of the left surround audio device; the right surround audio device; the dialog enhancing center channel speaker; the low frequency effects device; the left speaker; and/or the right speaker produce one or more sound effects in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the use of electronic systems based upon monitored physical activity. The method can be implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The program instructions are operable to: provision rules associated with a user and at least one of health metrics and physical activity of the user; monitor the at least one health metrics and physical activity of the user over a predetermined time; and manage access to any of a plurality of electronic systems based on the monitored at least one health metrics and physical activity being in compliance or non-compliance with the provisioned rules.

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

Abstract: Awards of value are awarded to residents of a virtual universe for consenting to be teleported in response to invitations for teleportation. The consent can be made conditional upon any of a variety of circumstances which can be specified by a resident of the virtual universe for a corresponding avatar and which form rules for auto-teleportation. These conditions can be stored and searched and avatar and location status monitored and compared to the conditions to control issuance of invitations to increase the likelihood that an invitation will be automatically accepted. A delay before acceptance is also preferably provided to provide for graceful conclusion or termination of current avatar activity.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable a spectator's experience for online active games. In an embodiment, an online multiuser game system includes an online game session server system communicatively coupled to a public network for access by a plurality of users to establish a plurality of real-time interactive games sessions. The online multiuser game system further includes a spectator server communicatively coupled to the online game session server system and configured to enable a user to view summary information of an active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to time shift the active game session and to view the summary information of the active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to view the summary information of the active game session while the user is playing the active game session.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a rider wherein the apparatus comprises a vehicle having a bottom sliding surface and an interior sized to receive at least one rider. Also described is a track having a path sized to receive the vehicle therein, at least one sliding section disposed along the track, and at least one roller section disposed along the track. The method comprises locating a vehicle within the track and conveying said vehicle along the sliding and rolling sections.

Abstract: An apparatus or method for draining fluid from an amusement attraction while helping prevent substantial portions of fluid from splashing out of the attraction. The apparatus may be an end component for a shutdown lane that has one or more areas or catch basins for flowing the fluid thereon or therethrough. Various sidewalls, hills, ridges, and/or drainage surfaces may be implemented by or on the end component to ideally keep water from splashing outside of the end component and to help maintain rider safety as the rider slides towards the end component. One or more stages of drainage areas or surfaces may be utilized for the end component. The apparatus may be in the form of an end component, a larger portion of an attraction, such as a shutdown lane, or discrete components that may be connected within or to a portion of an attraction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a surfing device comprising at least one energy projector for projecting energy, at least one energy recycling mechanism for recycling at least some of the projected energy, and at least one energy projecting structure. The energy projecting structure is configured for supporting the energy projector to provide a plurality of energy projecting positions for the projection of energy therefrom. The projected energy provides a simulated surfing surface, positioned a distance from the plurality of energy projecting positions. The energy projecting structure is also configured for supporting the energy recycling mechanism for projecting recycled energy from one or more recycled projection positions.

Abstract: A sleeping bag system has the appearance of a stuffed character when not in use as a sleeping bag and includes a torso including a torso compartment therein, a first limb having a first arm compartment therein which is in connection with the torso compartment, a second limb having a second arm compartment therein which is in connection with the torso compartment, at least a third limb having at least a first leg compartment therein which is in connection with the torso compartment. The sleeping bag system further includes an opening in the torso providing access to the torso compartment from outside of the sleeping bag system and an item removably storable in the torso compartment which is adapted to provide stability to the sleeping bag system such that the sleeping bag system can sit upright without support when not in use as a sleeping bag.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle capable of convertible flight from hover to linear flight includes a body having a longitudinal body axis, a plurality of forward wings, a plurality of aft wings, at least one motor, and at least three aerodynamic propulsors driven by the at least one motor. Each forward wing extends a forward wing plane. Each aft wing extends from an aft wing plane. The aerodynamic propulsors are mounted longitudinally between the plurality of forward wings and plurality of aft wings.

Abstract: An optical-based aerial gaming system comprises: a multirotor unmanned flying device comprising: a main body; a plurality of propulsion units, a wireless receiver configured to receive data via radio communication; a wireless transmitter configured to send data via radio communication; one or more light generators configured to project laser or infrared light from the unmanned flying device; and one or more light sensors configured to detect laser or infrared light projected by a separate unmanned flying device; and a remote control unit comprising: a wireless transmitter configured to send data via radio communication; and a wireless receiver configured to receive data via radio communication, wherein the unmanned flying device is configured to transmit to the remote control unit, using the wireless transmitter of the unmanned flying device, at least a portion of encoded data of the detected laser or infrared light.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensing device that can be incorporated in a construction element for a toy construction set to allow new use of construction elements, for instance tracking the construction process. Sensing device comprises a carrier comprising a top surface provided with a series of top coils, a bottom surface with a series of bottom coils at a distance from said top coils, the sensing device further comprising a data processor functionally coupled with a memory for storing a status, said data processor comprises a computer program which controls and reads currents through each of said top and bottom coils and storing them in memory, thereby tracking status for each of said top and bottom coils.

Abstract: An interlinking assembly device for generating three-dimensional objects. The device includes a unit having a pair of wings and at least one loop. The wings have slots that can accept a wing from another unit. The at least one loop can also accept a wing from another device, allowing multiple rows to be linked and extend in three dimensions. A kit includes more than one unit and can include more than one embodiment of the unit.