Abstract: A golf club head including a multi-piece construction. The golf club head includes a plurality of body components coupled at a seam. A weight member is coupled to the golf club head so that it overlaps a seam.

Abstract: In one embodiment the golf club head includes three main components, a frame component, a rear cap component, and a striking plate. In another embodiment the club head may also comprise a front component, which is manufactured as a single unitary piece, and a rear cap component. The front component may also be overmolded by a thermoplastic polymeric outer portion which may or may not cover the striking face and which provides additional reinforcement at the load bearing sections of the club head and allows a more facile connection to the rear cap component. In another embodiment, a club head having a main body, crown insert, sole insert and metal face plate frame is formed by forming the sole insert and crown insert from a polymeric material using a thermoforming or thermosetting process and then injection molding the main body over the sole insert, crown insert and metal face plate frame.

Abstract: Some disclosed golf club heads comprise a shell made of a composite material that is attached to a strike plate that is formed of a metallic material. The shell can include a first mating section and the strike plate can include a second mating section configured to mate with the first mating section. Some disclosed golf club heads comprise a shell made of a composite material that is attached to a strike/sole plate combination. The strike/sole plate combination can include a strike plate and sole plate, which are integrally formed and made of a metallic material. The shell can include a first mating section and the strike/sole plate combination can include a second mating section configured to mate with the first mating section.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body, a variable face thickness pattern, and a plurality of solid metal stiffening rods, and which satisfies the equation Vballnorm?0.0356x+140.82, is disclosed herein. The body comprises a face, a sole, and a return section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the rods extends from the return section to the sole within the hollow interior proximate the face to reduce stresses placed on the face during impact with a golf ball. The rods are all located within 1 inch of a rear surface of the face measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and are spaced a distance of 0.500 to 2.00 inch from one another within the hollow interior. The variable face thickness pattern preferably comprises a plurality of concentric rings, with a center ring having a thickness that is less than a thickness of an intermediary ring.

Abstract: A golf club head having multiple structural columns is disclosed herein. A body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown or return section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the structural columns extends from the crown or return section to the sole section within the hollow interior to reduce stresses placed on the face section during impact with a golf ball. The structural columns are all located within 1 inch of a rear surface of the face section measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and are spaced a distance of 0.500 to 2.00 inch from one another within the hollow interior.

Abstract: A muscle-back iron golf club head includes a blade-like upper mass, a muscle-like lower mass, a planar front surface, a top surface, a sole surface, a heel surface, a toe surface, and a rear surface having a first contour. A recess is in the rear surface, the recess having a first portion in the blade-like upper mass and a second portion in the muscle-like lower mass. An insert may be provided in the recess, and such insert may substantially fill the recess and may include a back surface having a second contour which is different from the first contour of the club head rear surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a golf club head comprising a body having a crown, a sole, a front wall and a hosel, wherein the body defines a hollow interior. The golf club head further comprises a center of gravity height adjustment assembly wherein the center of gravity height adjustment assembly is positioned within the hollow interior of the body. The products of inertia (Ixz and Iyz) of the golf club head have an absolute value below 100 g-cm2.

Abstract: A tray is formed of a base in a horizontal plane with a periphery in a rectangular configuration. The tray has four side walls extending upwardly from the periphery of the base. The tray has divider panels dividing the tray into chambers. An outwardly extending plank has a sinusoidal exterior with indents for removably receiving and supporting upper extents of golf clubs. A stand has three pivoting legs below and a pivot assembly above with a horizontal dovetail slot. A dovetail projection depending downwardly from the base of the tray is slidably received in the dovetail slot.

Abstract: Utilities that allow repairing turf and installing a turf repair tool on a shaft or grip of a golf club. In one aspect, a turf repair tool is disclosed for partial conforming attachment to a golf club grip. The turf repair tool may be irreversibly engaged with the golf club grip to facilitate ergonomic turf repair. The turf repair tool may include one or more prongs that may extend beyond the end of a golf club shaft distal to a golf club head such that a golfer may manipulate a golf club to repair a portion of dislodged turf without kneeling, sitting, or maintaining a position or posture that places excess or undue strain on the golfer. Additionally, the present disclosure includes embodiments that relate to a method of irreversibly installing the turf repair tool on a grip of a golf club.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure combine an insulated cooler and toss game kit, such as a washer toss game. Two insulated halves form a pair of target portions when separated or can be combined to form a case. Game playing pieces, such as washers, and target cylinders are stored within the case. The two halves are configured to allow contents, such as beverages, food and/or temperature control materials to be stored in the interior volume.

Abstract: A retractable ball return system having a rebounding surface that is retractable on a roll back into a reel assembly housing, which housing is mountable above a garage door opening or in an open space such as a gymnasium. The rebounding apparatus includes an integrated cable support structure, which is securable at its lower corners to attachment members mounted to the garage door frame. The door frame attachments have a plurality of different connection points which allow the rebounding surface to be secured at different degrees of angle, from angling forward to angling back, or centered in the middle for a perpendicular setting. Once connected, the support cable is retracted, either manually or mechanically, to pull the cable taught, to allow for a strong support structure. The rebounding surface is also then retracted until it has a desired tension level to allow the rebounding surface to be used with different balls as well as to adjust the different performance levels with the same ball.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a golf swing. The system includes a club lie angle calculator, a golf club grabber, and a propeller channel for creating and supporting a swing plane for a user equal to the lie angle of a given golf club.

Abstract: Portable guiding device for the practice of golf comprising a first fastening module, rigid or semi-rigid, with an inverted U shape, which is attached to the user's belt. Said first fastening module comprises attachment methods to a second arm module, which in turn comprises a retractable extendible system that is placed in a mouth of said second arm module. Said retractable arm, in turn, comprises a series of telescopic sub-arms that may be manually extended or retracted, depending on the user's needs, and concludes in a distal end which is placed in the mouth of an objective module, which is made of a soft material. The second arm module allows for different adjustment and angle degree variations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an exercise apparatus. In certain embodiments, an exercise apparatus comprises a frame and a seat assembly, the seat assembly comprising a seat, the seat configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position accommodates use of the exercise apparatus by a user sitting on the seat and wherein the second position accommodates use of the exercise apparatus by a user sitting in a wheelchair. The seat assembly may be pivotably coupled to the frame. The seat assembly may comprise a stop configured to inhibit movement of the seat, and may further comprise a biasing element that is biased to disengage the stop.

Abstract: An article of apparel includes a padding system that dynamically changes configuration in response to an impending impact. The padding system may change from a state that has a high flexibility and offers low protection from impact to a state that has a low flexibility and offers increase protection from impact. The system may use a filament to constrict a plurality of padding elements together in order to increase the overall stiffness of the pad. The filament may be tightened and loosened by a spool. The spool may receive a signal regarding the impending impact from a sensor that is a part of the article of apparel, or a sensor that is separate from it.

Abstract: Disclosed are joint protection devices, which may include a garment configured to be worn by a user; and a cushioning pad attached to the garment, the pad comprising cushioning regions, a continuous upper layer and a continuous lower layer at least partially bonded to the continuous upper layer, a cushioning material disposed between and bonded to the upper layer and the lower layer in the cushioning regions, and one or more grooves between the cushioning regions, which enable radial articulation of the cushioning regions relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports item (1), comprising a carrier (3) for a coupling device (25) for accommodating a user and including at least one distributing device (2) for the loads and/or forces to be transmitted to the sports item (1), which at least one distributing device (2) connects the carrier (3) to the sports item (1) via a joint arrangement, the latter having at least one pivoting arm (4, 5; 6, 7), which is pivotably connected, in each case via a joint (8, 9; 10, 11), to the sports item (1) at one arm end of the pivoting arm and to the carrier (3) at the other arm end of the pivoting arm, wherein the carrier (3) is movable from a starting position, counter to the restoring force of at least one elastic restoring element, to a balancing position in which the carrier is brought closer to the sports item (1).

Abstract: Climbing aids for use on snow comprising a climbing skin and one or both of a climbing skin tip and tail are disclosed. At least the climbing skin tip and/or tail is comprised of a flexible sheet that may be composed of a plastic polymer. Embodiments are disclosed in which the sheet is resilient and curved in a generally transverse direction to transfer forces towards the edges of the climbing aid to reduce entry of snow between the climbing aid and the undersurface of a ski or snowboard.

Abstract: Provided herein is a training device configured to allow a user to simulate all of the balancing and turning movements of downhill snow skiing or snowboarding on dry, downhill surfaces. The device is equipped with a braking system that allows the user to slow down the speed of travel when the moving direction changes from forward to sideways, thereby simulating the act of slowing down on a slope by turning a ski or snowboard. The braking effect is further enhanced when the ski or snowboard is tilted towards the uphill direction, further simulating the actual movements of skiing or snowboarding on snow. The braking system may include one or more mechanisms to amplify the force applied to the brake cables. An optional steering bar may be provided with handles that are positioned ahead of the bar to simulate the planting of ski poles prior to or during a turn.

Abstract: One-person vehicle (1) for urban transport comprising a transport deck (2) for one user of the vehicle (1), trucks (3) for the displacement of said transport deck (2), and control arms (4) for said trucks (3) which are attached to said transport deck (2) so that they can pivot with respect to said trucks (3) when the user swings the deck (2) for changing the traveling direction of the vehicle (1), and is characterized by the fact that each of said trucks (3) comprises a pivot (5) to be inserted into one of said control arms (4) and a damper assembly (19) which is interposed between the pivot (5) and the arm (4) rotating about said pivot (5), allowing said damper assembly (19) to compensate on said arm (4) the weight force that swings the deck (2) and to drive the return to the centre of said arm (4) when said force yields.

Abstract: A game having: a plurality of game pieces; a plurality of game cards, the plurality of game cards having a plurality of first cards, a plurality of second cards and a plurality of third cards, the plurality of first cards when played require an action to be performed and the plurality of second cards when played allow for one of the plurality of pieces to be possessed; and wherein when each one of the game pieces when possessed provides immunity to the action to be performed when one of the plurality of second cards is played.

Abstract: A device for forming a random set of playing cards comprises a card in-feed area, a shuffling system, a card removal area, and a card reading system located within the device, the card reading system employing a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and a hardware component, the hardware component capable of converting signals from the CMOS sensor into vector sets and comparing the vector sets to known vectors to determine rank and suit.

Abstract: A board game, also embodied in two or three dimension electronic display, is based on one of China's greatest works of literature, Journey to the West or Monkey. The preferred embodiment of the game of the instant invention allows from two to four players to compete through a combination of chance rolls of dice, chance draw of randomly-sequenced instruction cards, and exercise of strategy. The initial “movement roll” of two six-sided dice by each player begins advance of their game pieces along spaces around a closed path. When all of the game pieces have completed one round, a separate central character game piece may advance along a separate path that ends at a final goal. This requires repetitive circuits of the players' game pieces around the closed path.

Abstract: A device for conducting a roulette game includes a rotatable wheel with a plurality of pockets each associated with a game indicium and a selector having at least one face with a payout indicator thereon. Wagers are received from players on the outcome of a spin. The selector is propelled into a rotating wheel and the game indicium associated with the pocket in which the pocket comes to rest is used to resolve the wagers. The payout indicator on a designated face of the selector determines, at least in part, the payout for certain of the winning wagers.

Abstract: An electronic gaming die includes an enclosure, a flexible substrate, a number of light emitting diodes, a sensor, a processor and a battery. The enclosure has N sides where N is equal to or greater than 4. The flexible substrate folds into N sides and fits into an interior of the enclosure, wherein each side has an inner face, an outer face and is assigned an integer from 1 to N. The light emitting diodes are disposed on the outer face of each side of the flexible substrate, wherein the number of light emitting diodes equals the integer assigned to the side of the flexible substrate. The sensor, processor and battery are disposed on one of the inner faces of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for providing offers to facilitate users to complete active game actions in a game space are disclosed. Offers to forego a group of pending wait periods of active game actions may be generated and presented to the users at the same time or near the same time along with offers to forego these pending wait periods individually and separately. In some examples, for incentivizing the users to accept the offer to forego the group of pending wait periods, a discount may be determined for these offers with respect to the offers to forego the group of pending wait periods individually and separately. In some examples, selection of the group of pending wait periods may be made based on likelihoods as to whether the users will spend stored consideration to forego the group of pending wait periods individually and separately.

Abstract: A game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the game controller includes a main body, a trigger device, and a first adjustment mechanism. The trigger device has a trigger body coupled to the main body and that pivots along a pivotal axis relative to the main body. The first adjustment device has a first surface that contacts a second surface of the main body at a first point of contact when the trigger body is moved. The first adjustment device is movable along a first axis such that the first point of contact is adjusted along the first axis.

Abstract: A finger pad for a game controller includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes a finger interface. The finger interfaces includes a plurality of planar facets. The planar facets are sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger. The second side includes a mounting interface.

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

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

Abstract: An image of a game played by a user A is streaming distributed to information processing apparatuses of users B, C and D. On an outputting apparatus of the user A, candidates for a user who is to play the game in place of the user A are presented. To a user who has the operation right of the game, a controller mark indicating that the user has the operation right of the game is applied. Consequently, the user A can recognize at a glance who has the operation right.

Abstract: The computer-implemented game comprises a plurality of user-initiated in-game actions for affecting game state information that includes a set of browser in-game actions which is available via a browser user interface and includes a set of convenience in-game actions which is unavailable via the browser user interface, a single convenience in-game action of the set of convenience in-game actions being capable of producing a particular game result that corresponds to a plurality of browser in-game actions from the set of browser in-game actions, the plurality of browser in-game actions being capable of collectively producing the particular game result. A mobile application allows access to a set of mobile in-game actions that includes at least a portion of the set of browser in-game actions and includes the set of convenience in-game actions, initiation of each convenience in-game action being a user-selectable option for a user only via the mobile application.

Abstract: Customized wait state experiences for an avatar in a virtual universe are provided by determining user alternative wait context preferences, selecting alternative wait state content objects accordingly, creating a wait state context in the virtual universe system using the alternative wait state content objects, and transporting the waiting avatar to the newly created wait state context for the duration of the wait. The custom context can include scenery, sounds, and even information streams and feeds. The avatar is optionally returned to the original context upon an event, such as a customer service representative, being available and ready to interact with the user. Artificial intelligence processes are optionally used to determine probable wait state context preferences for the user. Rewards may be given to the user for waiting, and for completing games or challenges.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for executing a game presented on a screen of a head mounted display include executing a game. The execution of the game renders interactive scenes of the game on the screen of the HMD. Images identifying a shift in gaze direction of the user wearing the HMD, are received. The gaze shift is detected during viewing of the interactive scenes presented on the HMD screen. Real-world images that are in line with the gaze direction of the user, are captured from a forward-facing camera of the HMD. A portion of the screen is transitioned from a non-transparent mode to a semi-transparent mode in response to the shift in the gaze direction such that at least part of the real world images are presented in the portion of the screen rendering the interactive scenes of the game. The transparent mode is discontinued after a period of time.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for warning a user of a head mounted display during gameplay of a video game. A game is executed causing interactive scenes of the game to be rendered on a display portion of a head mounted display (HMD) worn by a user. Images of a physical environment in a vicinity of the user are received from a forward facing camera of the HMD, while the game is being executed. The images are analyzed to determine if the user is approaching one or more objects in the physical environment. Data is sent to be rendered on the display portion of the HMD while rendering the interactive scenes of the game. The data provides information to avoid interaction with the one or more objects in the physical environment.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for image recognized content creation. There is provided a method comprising capturing an image from a camera, analyzing the image to recognize a plurality of elements, converting the plurality of elements into custom content data, and executing an interactive application using the custom content data. In one embodiment, the interactive application may comprise a racing video game, and the image may comprise a racetrack layout for use in the racing video game. Thus, a user can provide a racetrack by drawing simple lines and curves on a piece of paper, which are detected by the camera and converted into valid data assets for the video game. In this manner, even young children can leverage common drawing skills using familiar physical drawing implements for quick and simplified content creation, bypassing the need to use complex, tedious, and proprietary conventional on-screen user interfaces.

Abstract: A technique for dynamically generating game activities for a game (e.g., a role-playing game) includes loading game information about the game into a data processing system (e.g., a question answering system). Context data (e.g., a question) is received from a client (e.g., a player of the game, a user of the game, another system, or a game engine). In response to receiving the context data, a game activity is dynamically generated based on the context data and the game information. The game activity is then initiated in the game and presented to the client.

Abstract: A technique for dynamically generating game activities for a game (e.g., a role-playing game) includes loading game information about the game into a data processing system (e.g., a question answering system). Context data (e.g., a question) is received from a client (e.g., a player of the game, a user of the game, another system, or a game engine). In response to receiving the context data, a game activity is dynamically generated based on the context data and the game information. The game activity is then initiated in the game and presented to the client.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method and system for detecting unusual performance in a game. The game has a participant. The method calculates for the participant, a performance metric. The method compares the performance metric to a threshold value. Based on the comparison, the method optionally connects to a server. In some embodiments, the connection is for uploading a set of data from the participant to the server. The server, of some embodiments, broadcasts to the participant. The broadcast is a one-way transmission. In some embodiments, the broadcast includes a distribution based on a set of sample participants. In these embodiments, the set of sample participants comprises a representative sample of all the participants in the game. The threshold value, of some embodiments, is based on the broadcast and in some embodiments, the broadcast includes a histogram. The connecting occurs, in some embodiments, when the performance metric exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: A ranking method and system for providing a ranking of a game friend. The method includes registering a game friend who has joined a game service. The method further includes calculating a ranking of the user with respect to a game friend based on a ranking inquiry request received from the user terminal, and providing the user terminal with the calculated ranking of the user. The user terminal drives a game service platform associated with a plurality of games and provides some information needed for automatic friend registration and the ranking inquiry request information through the game service platform.

Abstract: In a prediction game, the potential value of a participant's prediction depends on the time when the prediction is submitted. The prediction may pertain to the outcome of a competition in a bracket-style tournament (e.g., the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, or “March Madness”).

Abstract: A ride system includes a first ride vehicle and a second ride vehicle positioned within a course and configured to travel within the course. The ride system also includes a control system having at least one controller and at least one position tracking system, where the at least one controller is configured to control movement of the first and second ride vehicles, and where the at least one position tracking system is configured to facilitate identification of a first location and a second location of the first and second ride vehicles, respectively, within the course. The ride system also includes a wireless network configured to enable communication between components of the ride system.

Abstract: A wave form for a water ride attraction having an inflatable cushion with a ride surface adapted to support a rider. The ride surface has a substantially planar section, followed by an upwardly inclined concave section, and then a horizontally inclined convex section. A wake form for a water ride attraction has an inflatable cushion having a ride surface. The ride surface has a substantially planar central section, flanked by an upwardly inclined concave section on one side and an upwardly inclined concave section on the other side. A water ride attraction has an inflatable wave form or wake form and a water delivery arrangement for delivering a flow of water to the inflatable wave form or wake form in a flow direction. The ride surface is arranged to allow a rider to ride on the flow of water in a direction generally transverse to the direction of water flow.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: A very low pressure and entirely mechanical sea water desalination device is described, which may be built and operated at a fraction of the current costs for the desalination of sea water. The desalination device is used to purify polluted or otherwise impure water and is a device is easily scaled and can be used in a very small facilities up to the largest facilities for desalinating or purifying water. The device operates with sunlight and ambient heat, and therefore will be very inexpensive to operate in desert and tropical regions; and slightly more expensive to operate in cooler regions, yet still substantially less expensive than the existing systems. The device reduces the cost of potable water made from sea water or other polluted sources to a level which is comparable to or less than the cost of such water received from traditional local fresh-water sources.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus of the present invention includes high-pressure column 1 corresponding to a region above a heat exchanging section located at a lowermost part of a region including a trayed section or a packed bed section, which is used as a rectifying section; and low-pressure column 2 that is located above as seen from high-pressure column 1, which integrates a region including a trayed section or a packed bed section which is used as a stripping section, with rectifying section corresponding portion 2g that corresponds to a region locating below the heat exchanging section located at the lowermost part in the rectifying section. Rectifying section corresponding portion 2g is located on top 2c of the stripping section in low-pressure column 2 so that rectifying section corresponding portion 2g continues to the stripping section.

Abstract: A method for recovering heat available at low temperature in a process and its use in order to reduce the energy consumption of the said process, and application of this method to an aromatics complex in which the low-temperature heat is recovered at the head of distillation columns in the form of low-pressure steam and is reused to reboil other distillation columns in which the operating pressure has possibly been lowered.

Abstract: A fractional extraction apparatus comprises one or more extraction vessel configured to receive a process fluid, allow the process fluid to come into contact with a source material within the extraction vessel under either of a selectively configured first predetermined pressure and a first predetermined temperature to remove a first predetermined extracted material from the source material to form a first mixture or a second predetermined pressure and a second predetermined temperature to remove a second predetermined extracted material from the source material to form a second mixture. The apparatus further comprises one or more separation chamber and a circulation conduit, the conduit including a separation portion configured to receive the first or second mixture and permit a portion of the first or second predetermined extracted material to separate from the mixture within the separation chamber.

Abstract: An extraction apparatus comprises an extraction vessel configured to remove an extracted material from a source material in contact with a process fluid to form a mixture. The apparatus further comprises a separation chamber and a process fluid circulation conduit, the conduit comprising a separation portion configured to receive the mixture and permit a portion of the extracted material to separate from the mixture within the separation chamber. The apparatus further comprises a temperature regulator configured to permit re-circulation of a temperature regulation fluid and regulate the temperature of the process fluid.