Abstract: A golf grip for a golf club is disclosed herein. The golf grip includes a closed end, an open end, a composite shell including a laminate composite fiber material, a foam layer, and a shaft cavity. The foam layer is inward of the composite shell. The shaft cavity extends from the open end towards the closed end. The shaft cavity is inward from the composite shell and the foam layer. In embodiments, the golf grip also includes a core tube inward of the composite shell and of the foam layer. The core tube forms a shaft cavity for receiving a shaft of the golf club.

Abstract: This disclosure presents a training device and return for practice or game play so that when a ball is directed toward the target, the ball can either impact the target face or pass through one of a plurality of holes in the target face. The training device may be adjustable for use with different sized balls and the return may be automated.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure describe a frameless basketball backboard assembly and a method for producing a frameless basketball backboard assembly. A mounting structure is attached to one side of the backboard assembly, and a support assembly mounted to the backboard assembly connects the backboard assembly to a base. A rim may be added to a side of the backboard assembly by attaching to the support assembly.

Abstract: A ball toss game and method of playing enables multiple players that form two teams to take turns tossing two sets of uniquely colored or patterned balls into two silos positioned at a predetermined distance from each other, and then award points for a final ball thrown into a top position of the silo. Two sets of balls having unique color or patterns are tossed into the receiving opening of silo. As balls are tossed into the silos, a stacked arrangement forms until final ball is tossed into a top position of stacked arrangement. Points are awarded to the team having the final ball in the top position. The silos have a top funnel forming a receiving opening, a bottom base, and a tube extending between top funnel and bottom base. A restriction member block and releases the balls from falling into the bottom base to be retrieved.

Abstract: The present technology may relate to an athletic training aid to assist in training a user to perform tasks. Various embodiments of the athletic training aid may comprise a body section having a plurality of pivot points disposed between a first end of the body section and a second end of the body section. The plurality of pivot points may be configured to form the body section into a first shape. A coupling device may be configured to couple a first segment of the body section to a second segment of the body section. The coupling device may be configured to couple a first pivot point to a second pivot point to allow the second segment to rotate with respect to the first segment. The coupling device may further comprise a through hole to create an opening through the first and second pivot points.

Abstract: An athletic stance trainer includes a planar board with a first pair of slots, a second pair of slots, a center aperture, and a semi-circular slot is located adjacent to the center aperture. Also included is an anchor having a base that is secured to the board via the center aperture. That base has an anchor stop for traveling within the semi-circular slot such that the rotation of the board relative to the anchor is limited by the semi-circular slot and by the anchor stop. A strap passes through the first pair of slots. That strap is for securing the board to a foot of a user. The anchor is for securing the board to a ground.

Abstract: A cycling training apparatus including a structure that is supported on the floor and a belt that is movable with respect to the structure and forms a closed longitudinal loop on which a bicycle can be supported and ridden. The apparatus includes a securing element with two opposite ends. One end has a first connector configured to be attached to a bicycle. The opposite end includes a second connector configured to be attached to a fixed point. The securing element is flexible so that the straight line distance between these ends is variable, enabling the bicycle to move longitudinally over the belt. The connectors also allow for transversal movement and lateral tilting of the bicycle.

Abstract: A machine for throwing balls is provided that can accurately adjust the vertical height or pitch and the lateral placement or yaw of balls being thrown. The machine includes a pitch housing, a threaded pitch adjustment shaft rotatably mounted to the pitch housing, a pitch yoke threadably mounted to the pitch adjustment shaft, a yaw housing to which the pitch housing is fixed, and a threaded yaw adjustment shaft rotatably mounted to the yaw housing. Also included is a yaw yoke mounted to the yaw housing and to the yaw adjustment shaft, and a stand to which the yaw housing is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: A process and a system for managing a bowling center, which includes one or more bowling lanes along which a bowl is rolled, one or more pin setting up machines at one end of the lane and one or more bowlers' bays at the opposite end of the lane, one or more overhead monitors or videos above the lane, one or more consoles or keyboards located at the one or more lanes, respectively, and allowing a user to enter data, an electronic control system set up to manage the bowling center, and in particular, a score program which calculates the score of the games played at the bowling center and displays the score, in particular at the respective overhead monitor. A visual signal is emitted at the respective lane to indicate that the lane is open and waiting for users.

Abstract: A card shoe apparatus having a control unit. The control unit functions to store a uniquely identifiable shuffled card ID of shuffled playing cards, identify the shuffled playing cards as the card set to be used in a current game in connection with the shuffled card ID, and store each specified event that occurs during the use of identified shuffled playing cards at a game table. Each specified event including at least one of the following: a reading error in the card reading unit; an end of a game due to an operation of an end button, or the drawing of a cut card from the shuffled playing cards; an attempt to draw a card when no card should be drawn; an attempt to move or insert a card in a direction opposite to a drawing direction of a card; and an occurrence of a preset irregular operation.

Abstract: A method of playing a lottery instant scratch ticket game comprises a plurality of physical tickets, wherein each ticket provides one printed grid that is common to two different play and pay methods. The two play and pay methods are performed simultaneously, and provide differing prizes. A highest jackpot prize is offered for only one of the play methods.

Abstract: A security-enhanced document includes a substrate; at least one lower portion of graphic imaging with or without first variable indicia directly or indirectly digitally imaged on the substrate; at least one release coat applied over the lower portion; at least one SOC applied over the release coat to maintain the lower portion imaging unreadable until removal of the SOC; and at least one overprint upper portion with digital imaging of second variable indicia over the SOC, the overprint upper portion being registered to cover at least a part of the imaging of the lower portion, the overprint upper portion being associated with the lower portion, such that the upper portion has at least one associated feature imaged with respect to a visual or thematic aspect of the lower portion. The document enhances the popularity and fun of games using the document, and may expand the consumer base for the games.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing marbles games. The apparatus is a circular or polygonal playing board or ring, which encompasses a playing surface. A top ring extends above the playing board along its outer circumference, and may extend over the outer perimeter of the playing board, allowing marbles struck off the playing surface to pass underneath into a marble collection mechanism. Marbles drop onto a sloped guide track, and then roll down to one of a plurality of collections slots.

Abstract: A crane game is provided for amusement, training, and team building purposes. The body of the crane is suspended beneath manually held handles which are attached to the crane body by cords. Two lifting hooks are suspended beneath the crane body and operated by lifting lines which engage the crane body and extend outwardly from the crane body. Multiple persons each control a handle or lifting line and operate the crane through coordinated movement of the handles and lifting lines.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a first group seeking members, detecting one or more users seeking to join a group, retrieving group parameters corresponding to the first group, and retrieving user parameters corresponding to each of the one or more users. The group parameters may include group characteristic data and group requirements. For each user of the one or more users, the group parameters corresponding to the first group are compared against the user parameters corresponding to the user. A score is determined for each of the one or more users based on the comparing. One or more selected users of the one or more users is recommended to the first group at least in part based on the score. One or more computer programs may be adapted to execute the above steps, and a processor may be configured to perform the above steps.

Abstract: An apparatus for executing a computer game are provided. The apparatus includes an output unit configured to transmit a first image generated based on a form of a first user participating in the computer game and a second image generated based on a form of a second user participating in the computer game to a display apparatus, and a control unit configured to predict a possibility of a collision between the first user and the second user, and to control transmitting warning information indicating the possibility of the collision to the display apparatus via the output unit, according to a result of the predicting.

Abstract: A removable controller accessory for a game controller. The removable controller accessory includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes a finger interface sized and shaped for manual manipulation by a finger. The second side includes a mounting interface configured to selectively mate with an accessory-retention feature of a mounting platform of the game controller to removably affix the removable controller accessory to the mounting platform.

Abstract: A handheld controller including a main body having a thumb surface and a thumbstick extending from the thumb surface. A trigger button is positioned on the main body and a handle extends from the main body on a side opposite the trigger button, wherein the handle has a palm side and a finger side. A third-finger button is positioned on the finger side of the handle and includes a magnet mounted thereon. A sensor operative to detect the magnet is positioned inside the handle adjacent the magnet.

Abstract: A joystick module includes a base, a joystick body, a joystick cover and a second protruding edge. The base includes a casing and a first protruding edge. A top part of the casing has an opening. The first protruding edge is formed on a periphery of the opening of the casing. The joystick body is installed in the base. A first end of the joystick body is protruded through the opening so as to be rotated. The joystick cover is installed in the base and connected with the joystick body. In response to a rotation of the joystick body, the joystick cover is correspondingly rotated. During the rotation of the joystick body, a part of the second protruding edge is contacted with an inner surface of the casing. When the part of the second protruding edge is contacted with a part of the first protruding edge, the rotation of the joystick body is limited.

Abstract: Remote gaming and/or projection are provided. A first device includes a gaming system or presentations associated with its display. The features of the gaming system are accessed over a network and images associated with accessed features and/or associated with presentations of a host's display are then projected onto a client's display. The client and the client's display are remote from the host, the gaming system, and the host's display.

Abstract: The present invention enhances the player's gameplay visual, feedback and other experiences by taking advantage of optical adapters, feedback mechanics, advancements in theatrical audio, frame rate throttle, meta-file object framework for storage and retrieval, calibration advancements, vocal command enhancements, voice object lookups, facial/body scan, color/clothing coordination, party or celebration capabilities, noise cancellation, interactive object placement, heart rate monitor, pan-tilt-zoom camera advances, cooperative gameplay advances and programming advancements.

Abstract: A game system is disclosed. The game system includes a computer, a display device and an operation device. The computer is configured to run a game, the display device is configured to display a game image, and the operation device is configured to input an operation command into the computer. A vibrator is provided in the display device and/or the operation device. The computer is further configured to send a vibration signal to the display device and/or the operation device according to game information, so as to drive the vibrator to generate vibration. According to the above game system, the display device and the operation device such as mouse or keyboard may generate vibration by means of the vibrator, according to game information, present vibration sensing and tactile for a player, thereby enabling the player to be more personally on the scene in the game.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing device capable of accepting operation information from a game controller. An acceptance section accepts operation information from a terminal device different from the game controller. An application execution section executes an application in accordance with operation information accepted by the acceptance section. A delivery processing section transmits application image data to the terminal device. An auxiliary storage device holds input assignment information of the terminal device. The delivery processing section transmits, to the terminal device, input assignment information of the application under execution held by a storage section.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system having a processor that performs operations including receiving from an accessory device a control signal for controlling a software application, determining that the control signal corresponds to a first action of a plurality of actions for controlling the software application, monitoring a frequency of usage of the first action, and presenting at the accessory device or a display device coupled to the accessory device a measure of the frequency of usage of the first action. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Joystick display data is generated for display on a touch screen of an electronic device. The joystick display data creates a visual representation of a virtual joystick when displayed on the touch screen. Touch data from the touch screen is processed to determine when the touch data indicates user interaction with the virtual joystick. When the touch data indicates user interaction with the virtual joystick, the joystick display data is adjusted to reflect the user interaction with the virtual joystick, based on the touch data, and joystick data is generated based on the user interaction with the virtual joystick. The display of at least one other element on the touch screen can be adjusted based on the joystick data.

Abstract: An information processing device communicates with a block set assembled by a user, and thereby obtains information on the structure of the block set. In addition, a corresponding position setting screen including an image of an object corresponding to the block set is displayed on a display device. The user moves a joint of the block set which joint is desired to be associated, by for example bending and stretching the joint. Next, the user indicates a joint to be associated on a 3D object side in the image of the 3D object by a cursor, and performs a determination input. The joint of the block set and the joint of the 3D object are thereby associated with each other. The block set and the object are interlocked with each other bidirectionally by thus setting the corresponding positions of the block set and the object.

Abstract: A network of slot machines which plays audio and/or other media assets in synchronicity, leading to a more consonant audiovisual atmosphere or more effective player attraction. Audio may be dynamically distributed among different gaming machines in the network. Audio playback may be synchronized between several machines, forming a collaborative harmony. Game events, such as reels stopping, may be synchronized with audio playback.

Abstract: Techniques for enabling selection of one or more viewports from a scene representation are disclosed herein. In some aspects, scene configuration information including a position of at least one viewport relative to the scene may be received. Each of the at least one viewport may be associated with a streaming camera view. A scene representation may then be defined based, at least in part, on the scene configuration information. One or more viewport representations corresponding to each of the at least one viewport may be positioned within the scene representation, based, at least in part on, the scene configuration information. The scene representation, including the at least one viewport representation, may be displayed, for example, to a user. Each viewport representation may allow the respective streaming camera view associated with the corresponding viewport may to be displayed, such as by selection of each viewport representation.

Abstract: A computer device has a user interface which displays user actuatable game elements. User input is received and used to determine if there is a match involving three or more game elements. If so a check is made to see if one of the game elements is of a particular type. If so the size of the particular game element is determined to see if it is the smallest size. If not at least two further game elements of the given type are provided with a smaller graphical representation as compared to the at least one game element of the given type in the match game condition.

Abstract: There is stored in a storage device a conversion coefficient for correcting the difference between payment methods with respect to the correlation between the unit for enumerating a consumption amount and monetary value and treating the consumption amount of monetary value of each payment method as an enumerated value in the same unit system. Obtained from a payment apparatus is consumption record data where the consumption amount of monetary consumption by a user is represented by the number of units for each payment method. Calculated is an enumerate value corresponding to the consumption amount of each payment method based on the consumption amount of each payment method included in the consumption record data and the conversion coefficient. Based on the enumerated value obtained for each payment method and a predetermined unit price, calculated is a counter value to be charged from the first party to the second party.

Abstract: Methods and systems for verifying and/or modifying game data for a location-based game, such as a parallel reality game, are provided. Game data for the location-based game can be verified and/or modified by establishing one or more mini-games to be played within the location-based game. Players can be encouraged to play the mini-game by providing a reward, such as a virtual reward that can be used in the location-based game or by providing another suitable reward. Mini-game data received from a plurality of players of the mini-game can be aggregated and used to update game data for the location-based game. In this manner, game elements, game objectives, and/or game play for all players in the location-based game (even players that do not play in the mini-game) can be adjusted based on the aggregated responses to the mini-game.

Abstract: Methods and systems for metrics-based gaming operations are provided. Information concerning game play for each play may be received and stored. Such information may be used to generate certain metrics. The generated metrics, in turn, may be used to determine how to customize a game operation. Such game operations may include providing training to a player, matching a player up with another player or with a team, adjusting a game event, etc.

Abstract: Provided is a user interface having improved usability when, in a period in which information relating to a state of a game which is being executed by a game device is being distributed to another game device, users exchange messages regarding the game being distributed. The game device executes a game application, distributes the information relating to the state of the game being executed to the another game device, receives from a distribution-destination game device a message input by the user of the distribution-destination game device regarding the distributed information, and controls display means to display a game image representing the state of the game along with the received message.

Abstract: A system and method are described below for encoding interactive low-latency video using interframe coding. For example, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method for performing video compression comprises: detecting a maximum data rate of a communication channel between a server and a client; transmitting a video stream comprising a series of sequential frames from the server to the client; detecting that the maximum data rate will be exceeded if a particular frame of the sequence of frames is transmitted from the server to the client over the communication channel; and in lieu of transmitting the frame which could cause the maximum data rate to be exceeded, causing the client to re-render the previous frame of the sequence of frames, thereby effectively reducing the frame rate of the video stream rendered on the client.

Abstract: A modular construction system and method of assembly designed to provide the user with the flexibility to build a wide array of customized buildings and other similar items, while offering lifelike detail of construction materials in those items. The system and method include a number of stackable unique part shapes which may be used in different orientations to construct a building, partial building, sculpture, or other item. The pieces have an integrated system for attaching to one another, which is designed so that pieces may be oriented a number of different ways relative to one another, for example, in order to minimize the chance of pattern repetition in the texture of the walls of the final structure. The structural pieces of the product may contain only female receptacles for attachment. Attachment may be accomplished by inserting a double ended male piece into each of two abutting female receptacles.

Abstract: An interlocking structure is provided. The interlocking structure includes a floor panel which has a floor tab, a floor groove, and a floor tenon. A side panel includes a first side tab, a second side tab, and a side groove, wherein the side groove is removably coupled to the floor groove. A top panel has a top tab, a top groove, and a top tenon, wherein the top tab is removably coupled to the side groove and the top groove is removably coupled to the first side tab. A back panel has a back tab, a back groove, a first back mortise and a second back mortise. The first back mortise is configured to receive the floor tenon and the second back mortise is configured to receive the top tenon. A rod is removably coupled to at least one of the floor tenon and the top tenon.

Abstract: The invention relates to planarly connectable toy bricks comprising an unilaterally open, box-like hollow body and plug-in pins at the bottom outer side and bottom domes on the bottom inner side. In order to achieve increased frictional force both plug-in pins on the upper side of the toy brick and bottom domes on the bottom side of the toy brick are designed as an n-rectangular straight prism having parallel and equally long side edges. Ribs are designed as double-webbed retaining protrusions, the plug-in pins have through-holes of different shapes at the bottom as well as stabilizing webs which extend between the retaining protrusions and parallel thereto. A click system is provided, which ensures that user has apart from the visual and haptic perception an acoustic perception of the completion of the clamping of two toy bricks.

Abstract: A process for the construction of a second chemical plant, which second chemical plant is suitable for the separation of cyclohexanone from a second mixture, which second mixture comprises reaction products from the hydrogenation of phenol. The process comprises providing a first chemical plant, which first chemical plant is suitable for the separation of cyclohexanone from a first mixture, and a second chemical plant comprising a distillation column suitable for distilling overhead cyclohexanone reused from the first chemical plant.

Abstract: A process for washing hydrocarbons said process comprising: (I) distilling a crude acetone mixture preferably obtained from the cleavage of cumene hydroperoxide and containing hydrocarbons and water so as to form a bottoms fraction containing said hydrocarbons in an organic phase and an aqueous phase; (II) contacting at least a part of said bottoms fraction with an aqueous metal hydroxide solution so as to provide a concentration of 0.1 to 5 wt % MOH, where M is an alkali metal, in the aqueous phase; (III) separating the aqueous phase and the organic phase; (IV) contacting at least a part the organic phase from step (III) with an aqueous metal hydroxide solution so as to provide a concentration of 6 to 20 wt % MOH in the aqueous phase; (V) separating the organic phase and aqueous phase formed in step (IV); (VI) washing at least a part of the organic phase of step (V) with water.

Abstract: A co-current contacting system is described herein. The co-current contacting system includes a co-current contactor located in-line within a pipe. The co-current contactor includes an annular support ring configured to maintain the co-current contactor within the pipe and a number of radial blades configured to allow a liquid stream to flow into the co-current contactor. The co-current contacts also includes a central gas entry cone configured to allow a gas stream to flow through a hollow section within the co-current contactor, wherein the co-current contactor provides for efficient incorporation of liquid droplets formed from the liquid stream into the gas stream. The co-current contacting system also includes a separation system configured to remove the liquid droplets from the gas stream.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for extracting compounds from raw materials packed into an extraction column. The system may include a flowing solvent source connected to an extraction column to provide a flow of solvent for extracting the raw materials. The system may also include an electrodeionizer to separate positive ions and negative ions within the flowing solvent to create an imbalance of ions and transform the solvent to a deionized solvent. In further embodiments, the extraction column includes a solvent surface layer in contact with a bed of raw materials, such that the hydraulic pressure applied within the extraction column results in the formation of catalyzing energy to generate a self-perpetuating energy cycle to extract the raw materials.

Abstract: A system for separating components of a fluid containing at least a first component and a second component includes a device having an inlet for introducing the fluid into the device, a first outlet for directing the first component of the fluid from the device, and a second outlet for directing the second component of the fluid from the device. A material that has a gradient in properties is located in the device between the inlet and the first and second outlets. The material has a first portion with an affinity for the first fluid component and a second portion with an affinity for the second fluid component. The first portion is positioned with relation to the first outlet such that the first component is directed from said device through the first outlet. The second portion is positioned with relation to the second outlet such that the second component is directed from the device through the second outlet.

Abstract: A multi-walled tube that is useful as an analytical column in which chemical mixtures can be separated into their individual components is described. In order to be acceptable as an analytical column, the inner surface of the multi-walled tube must support effective separation, but not react chemically with or contaminate the solvent or the analyte (sample to be separated). Grade 316 stainless steel is typically preferred for this purpose. Moreover, the inner diameter (ID) surface of the multi-walled column is preferably very smooth (less than 10 micro inch Ra) with no interruptions in the surface such as scratches, pits, or asperities. However, since the column is designed to be attached to chromatographic equipment using standard size connection features, the size of standard fittings define the outer diameter (OD) of the column.

Abstract: An example system includes an auger assembly that is attachable to a vacuum system, in which the auger assembly includes a hose, an auger, and an auger motor. The hose includes an inlet at a distal end and an outlet at a proximal end. The auger includes a shaftless helical blade having a portion that is radially enveloped by the hose. The vacuum system is adapted to suck material from the septic tank or pit latrine via the hose. The auger motor is adapted to rotate the auger about a helical axis in a first direction, in which the rotation about the helical axis in the first direction causes the shaftless helical blade of the auger to translate along the helical axis from the outlet of the hose towards the inlet of the hose.

Abstract: A filter arrangement with a top element and a bottom element and a filter element therebetween captures oversized particles on the upper surface of the filter element and tangentially rinses these particles using an elution fluid to provide a concentration of particles in a relatively low volume of fluid for further analysis. A configuration using a slider valve may also be utilized. Additionally, an arrangement of supply and receiving containers may be used to minimize the number of containers required. A mass flow meter may be incorporated to measure the flow of elution fluid. Finally, a wash stage of the filtering process may be used to introduce stain onto the particles for further analysis, such as that associated with Gram staining and these stained particles may be further analyzed.

Abstract: A fluid filter apparatus comprising an upper housing shell; a lower housing shell; a pleat pack element comprising a peripheral frame and a folded pleated media. The frame is at least partially molded over the media to secure the media in the frame, and the media comprises two or more types of media of different densities from each other.

Abstract: A screw filter press comprising a screw shaft, having at least one coil turn and two screw shaft ends. The shaft axis is parallel to the gravity vector and is supported by screw shaft upper end connected to a rotary drive. The screw shaft is enclosed a filter area by a cylindrical filter tube, with openings and which is adjacent radially to a filtrate space, to which underpressure is applied. The sliding tube radially surrounding the screw shaft is the same inner diameter as the filter tube. Radial play occurs between at last one coil turn adjoining the filter tube proximate to the filter tube inner wall.

Abstract: Adsorbent materials are disclosed, along with filter elements containing the adsorbent materials methods of using adsorbents to remove siloxane contaminants from a gas stream. The method includes providing an adsorbent material that has been washed with an acid and passing a gas through the adsorbent material so as to reduce siloxane levels in the gas. A filter element for reducing siloxane levels in a gas includes a first adsorbent material, the first adsorbent material comprising an acid-washed adsorbent; and a second adsorbent material, the second adsorbent material comprising an acid-impregnated adsorbent.

Abstract: At least one gaseous impurity, for example silane, is removed by absorption from a feed gas stream, for example a gas stream comprising nitrogen and hydrogen, the gaseous impurity being less volatile than the feed gas stream. The absorption is effected by a sub-cooled absorbent at a first cryogenic temperature and a first pressure. The absorbent is typically propane. The absorption may be conducted in a liquid-vapor contact column (130). Absorbent containing impurity may be regenerated in a regeneration vessel 150 and returned to the column (130).

Abstract: A class of water lean, organic solvents that can bind with various acid gasses to form acid gas bound molecules having a high degree of intramolecular hydrogen bonding which enables their use as regenerable solvents for acid gas capture. Unlike the other devices described in the prior art, the present invention takes advantage of shortened distances between the portions of the molecule that form hydrogen bonds within the structures when loaded with an acid gas so as to create a molecule with a higher internal bonding affinity and a reduced proclivity for agglomeration with other molecules.