Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for athletic performance and technique monitoring are disclosed. In one example, a sensor output is received associated with a movement of a user torso during a running motion. The sensor output is analyzed to identify an undesirable torso motion.

Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring a game ball, wirelessly gathering data from the ball, game elements, players, officials, to improve timeliness and accuracy of game, includes a wireless tag disposed within ball to provide an identification, wirelessly communicable with a receiver to indicate a position in X, Y, Z coordinates, such that ball edge locations are identified; wireless communication system tag reading devices arranged in an array, each configured to sense and read each wireless communication system tag; a pressure sensor disposed upon player and configured to send signal of sudden pressure change; a computer control center connected to the wireless communication system tag and tag reading devices, configured for receiving, computing, processing a plurality of game data and communicating a decisive signal for exact position for placement of ball; and a personal computing device worn by game official for communications and configured to send, receive data during game.

Abstract: A positioning system includes a golf ball and a mobile terminal. The golf ball includes a battery and a transmitter configured to operate with electric power supplied from the battery and transmit a radio signal to outside of the golf ball. The mobile terminal includes a receiver configured to receive the radio signal from the golf ball and a processor configured to measure the position of the mobile terminal, and to measure the position of the golf ball based on the strength of the radio signal received by the receiver at two or more points at which the measured position of the mobile terminal differs.

Abstract: A method for configuring and operating one or more fitness studios each comprising a plurality of exercise stations at which users perform associated exercise routines, each station having an associated display, the method comprising, for each fitness studio, periodically retrieving, by a server from a database, fitness information for the studio in question for a specified period, from a multi-period fitness library; communicating, by the server to a studio computer, the retrieved fitness information over a communications network; periodically receiving, by the studio computer, the retrieved fitness information; configuring the exercise stations dependent upon the received fitness information; and communicating, by the studio computer to the exercise station displays, dependent upon the received fitness information, station directions to users exercising at the stations for performing an exercise.

Abstract: An exercise assistance apparatus, an exercise assistance method, and an exercise assistance program, according to which it is possible to cause a user to perform exercise at an appropriate load. An exercise assistance apparatus includes: a pulse measurement unit that measures a pulse rate of a user, a movement pace measurement unit that measures a movement pace of the user and a guide unit that guides the movement pace of the user based on a pulse rate range set in advance by the user, the pulse rate measured by the pulse measurement unit, and the movement pace measured by the movement pace measurement unit.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an improved camming stem system including a head member, a plurality of cam lobes, a connection system, and a retraction system. The cam lobes may be selectively rotatable between an extended state and a retracted state with respect to at least one axle of the head member. The connection system may create an elongated, substantially rigid region by intercoupling the head member with a loop. The connection system includes a cord continuously wrapped around the head member and loop. The continuous configuration of the cord around both the head member and the loop creates the necessary minimum tensile strength for operation of the camming system. The cord may be wrapped around a rivet or one or more axles of the head member. Independent regions of the cord may be spliced together to form the continuous configuration.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core and cover are provided. The ball contains a small, heavy inner core and surrounding outer core layer. The inner core preferably contains metal powder such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, nickel, iron, tin, and bronze particles dispersed in a thermoset or thermoplastic polymeric matrix. For example, a polybutadiene rubber matrix may be used. In one preferred embodiment, the inner core contains elemental iron powder. Preferably, the particles have a weight average size in the range of about 10 ?m to about 450 ?m. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the inner core has a structure with projecting members. For example, the outer surface may contain multiple projecting ribs with gaps located between the ribs. The ball includes a cover surrounding the core structure. The cover may be multi-layered.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent flying performance on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball having a spherical core and at least one cover layer covering the spherical core, wherein the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing: (a) a base rubber, (b) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator, (d) an unsaturated fatty acid and/or a metal salt thereof (excluding an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof), and (e) a saturated fatty acid and/or a metal salt thereof, provided that the rubber composition further contains (f) a metal compound in the case of containing only (b) the ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms as the co-crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided. In one version, a six-piece ball having a three-layered core and three-layered cover is formed. Preferably, the inner core is made of a thermoset rubber composition, the intermediate core layer is made of a thermoplastic composition, and the outer core layer is made of a highly neutralized polymer (HNP) composition. The cover includes inner, intermediate, and outer cover layers, wherein the outer cover is made of a composition comprising a polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer or blend thereof. In a second version, a five-piece ball having a two-layered core and three-layered cover is produced. The finished balls have high resiliency and rebounding properties.

Abstract: A golf ball storing/releasing device is formed of a single length of rod having a modulus of elasticity and bent to form a golf-ball-supporting track. The track having back and front sections. Each section including first and second spaced-apart portions, the first portions of the back and front sections forming a first side portion and the second portions of the back and front sections forming a second side portion. The spaced-apart portions all being dimensioned less than the diameter of a golf ball. The first and second side portions converging toward one another from the turnaround sections to a ball-entry juncture section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bridge for a ball game racket as well as to a frame for a ball game racket comprising a bridge.

Abstract: A golf club with a multi-material face is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention has a multi-material striking face portion that can be comprised out of a metallic outer layer combined with a composite mid-section, all forming a face cup construction that can be connected to an aft body. The composite portion of the multi-material face disclosed in accordance with the present invention may generally have an inter laminar shear strength of greater than about 60 MPa, most preferably greater than about 60 MPa and less than about 145 MPa.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. A golf club head may include a body portion having a face portion with regions of varying thickness. In one example, the golf club head may include a center portion with a first thickness, an outer wall portion with a second thickness less than the first thickness, and a plurality of inner wall portion with a third thickness less than the second thickness. The golf club head may include a body portion and a plurality of weight portions. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf club head with an improved sole profile is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a wedge type golf club head wherein the sole is formed from continuously variable radius of curvature from the leading edge to the trailing edge, without any identifiable inflection points. The resulting golf club head improves performance, as this new sole profile allows specific portions of the sole to have a profile that meets the needs at that location.

Abstract: A shaft 6 includes a plurality of layers formed by fiber reinforced resins. The layers include a hoop layer and bias layers. The hoop layer includes a full length hoop layer s9 constituted with a prepreg having a fiber elastic modulus of equal to or greater than 30 (tf/mm2) and having a fiber weight per unit area of equal to or greater than 50 (g/m2) but equal to or less than 80 (g/m2). The bias layers s2, s3, s4, and s5 include high elasticity containing bias layers s4 and s5 constituted with a prepreg contacting a high elastic pitch-based carbon fiber having a fiber elastic modulus of equal to or greater than 80 (tf/mm2). Preferably, the full length hoop layer s9 is disposed outside the high elasticity containing bias layers s4 and s5.

Abstract: A flexible grip of elastomeric material for a golf club is disclosed. The grip has a groove or pocket therealong on the inner surface and an aperture through the closed end of the grip coincident with the groove. Upon installation of the grip onto the club shaft, a rigid strip is inserted through the aperture and into the groove or pocket. The thickness of the strip is chosen to cause a raising of the outer surface of the grip to form a rib therealong. The interior groove or pocket is formed by a rib formed on a core or mandrel employed in molding of the grip. Upon removal of the mandrel after molding, the groove or pocket and aperture are left in the grip for receiving the rigid strip.

Abstract: A golf club and golf club head having a high static loft angle, low forward center of gravity, and enhanced z-axis gear effect via a large roll radius and/or tightly controlled moment of inertia about the CG x-axis, Ixx, associated with upward and downward twisting of the club head.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gaming device (1) to throw and catch a ball or a shuttlecock comprising a basket (20) structured around two rigid walls (21, 23) and elastic means (22, 24) for throwing the ball or the shuttlecock with a certain velocity by stretching the gaming device (1), while making it easier to catch the projectile in the structured basket (20) when the gaming device (1) is in resting position.

Abstract: A baseball swing trainer. The baseball swing trainer includes a housing having a base, a rear wall, and a top portion defining an open center area. A plurality of resistance blades extend downward from the top portion such that they are positioned within the open center area. A fastener is disposed on the rear wall for securing the swing trainer to a vertical structure such as a pole or tree. When a user swings a bat through the open center area, the resistance blades resist the motion of the bat. This enables the user to develop the muscles that are activated during the swing, which helps to increase swing speed and strength. A resistance band removably affixed to the vertical structure can be connected to the end of a bat to accelerate the bat through the natural swing plane, which enhances the neurological firing rate related to swing musculature.

Abstract: A golf device including an elongated portion. A first sub elongated portion may be recessed in the elongated portion. A second sub elongated portion may be recessed in the elongated portion. An arch portion may be slideably engageable inside the first sub elongated portion and the second sub elongated portion.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes deficiencies of existing line-calling devices by leveraging a single fixed-location camera to identify object state conditions that resolve object-tracking problems that otherwise require multi-camera or moving-camera solutions. Though described in the context of an automated tennis line-calling device, the invention is equally applicable to other object-tracking problems that can be resolved by identifying object state conditions without employing moving or multiple cameras. The tennis line-calling device is attached to (or at least located in proximity to) the net post of a tennis court, thereby enabling a “close-up” view of both static (court lines) and moving (ball, players, etc.) objects.

Abstract: A process that utilizes single squad matchup predictions pools, non scoring forces possession changes, binary stats, players participants predictions, real-time or known statistical outcome that's compared to other squads, teams, individuals, positions, athletes, ranking and wagering based on a single contest or pool cumulative averages. Stat knowledge IQ differences allow players to control the outcome of their participation. It captures both offensive and defensive scores based on fans prediction IQ and not the actual game results, real-time, retro or fantasy. It is a self sustaining validating process.

Abstract: According to the various features characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partially fingered gloves intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but limited to football and golf. Primarily because of its unique finger configurations, and/or grip enhancers, and/or hand protective properties, the present invention makes a glove more operable in various sports activities.

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

Abstract: A packing box for packaging of playing cards has, in an assembled state, a shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with six faces including front and rear faces, right and left side faces, and top and bottom faces. The packing box includes cut lines in two locations at a predetermined interval in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped, and a central band in a portion defined by the cut lines provided in the two locations. The right and left side faces of the packing box can be removed along the cut lines such that side edges of the playing cards within the packing box are exposed.

Abstract: A lottery system, ticket product and method incorporate a lottery ticket product having encrypted planar displays, wherein results are revealed through malforming the ticket, such as by manipulating the ticket to decrypt information contained on the ticket.

Abstract: A system for operating an interactive electronic multimedia puzzle, comprising a puzzle generation engine that receives a variety of audio, video, still graphic, or text-based content, divides content into portions, associates portions of content with puzzle tiles, and presents a puzzle comprising a shuffled arrangement of puzzle tiles to a user, and a method for operating an electronic multimedia puzzle with options which allow both cooperative and competitive social interaction between a plurality of puzzle-solving participants.

Abstract: A hand-held puzzle game having an outer cube-shaped puzzle surrounding an inner spherical puzzle. An embodiment of the invention provides a six-sided, two-by-two cube puzzle containing a spherical puzzle with nine floating two-color parts and six pole centers, three of which are V-shaped to restrict rotation in some directions. The outer cube and inner sphere puzzles maybe solved independently, or the two puzzles may be solved jointly to solve the entire puzzle.

Abstract: A multiple target electronic dart gaming machine includes multiple targets mounted on opposite sides of a game board of a target assembly that is housed in a cabinet of the gaming machine. A visual display video monitor provides players and observers with game scores and the like. The game board may be axially rotated between at least first and second positions so as to allow game play on the different targets which can be moved into and out of position to aid in gameplay such as deciding which player goes first. Additionally, the position of the game board may be detected through the use of a detector on or in the board.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating user voting for potential future game content in an online game are disclosed. Multiple sets of the potential future game content may be presented to users for voting. A user vote for a given set of the potential future game content may cost an amount of voting power associated with the user. The user may earn voting power by engaging in gameplays, making in-game purchases, and/or undertaking any other game-related actions desired by the provider(s) of the online game. A set of potential future game content may be selected based on votes received from the users. In some examples, rewards may be determined for distribution to the users based on the voting for the potential future game content.

Abstract: An example connected device includes a first battery for supplying electric power to a game controller, a first terminal electrically connected to the game controller, and a resistor connected to the first terminal. The game controller includes a controlled component, a second battery for supplying electric power to the controlled component, a second terminal electrically connected to the connected device, a voltage detecting circuit detecting a voltage value in accordance with a current which flows through the resistor when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to each other, and a control circuit. The control circuit discriminates a device connected to the game controller based on the detected voltage value, and switches from the second battery to the first battery when the discriminated device is the connected device while electric power is supplied from the second battery to the controlled component.

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

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for creating out-of-game objectives for a computer game. Embodiments include determining user identification information identifying a user account within a computer game. Communications with a first physical device are established. In response to an in-game event within the computer game, embodiments configure the first physical device to detect a first out-of-game activity by configuring the first physical device with one or more conditions that are satisfied when data collected using one or more sensors of the first physical device exceeds a defined threshold value, and that, when satisfied, indicate the first out-of-game activity is completed. Upon receiving, from the first physical device, an indication that the out-of-game activity has been completed, embodiments affect one or more gameplay attributes of the computer game for the user account, based on the completed out-of-game activity.

Abstract: A controller is provided. The controller includes at least one button, an object integrated with a body, and the object defined from a translucent plastic material. Further included is an inertial sensor, an LED device defined to illuminate the object, and a circuit for interpreting input data from the at least one button and the inertial sensor and for communicating data wirelessly. The circuit further configured to interface with the LED device to trigger illumination of the LED to switch from an un-illuminated state to an illuminated color. The LED device is activated depending on data received from a computing system. The activation occurring in response to a state interpreted by the computer program during execution.

Abstract: A gaming controller can include a housing; a plurality of input components; a processor; a wired or wireless interface communicatively couplable with a headset; a wired or wireless interface communicatively couplable with a gaming console, the gaming console communicatively couplable with an audiovisual system; an audio headset detection circuit that detects if a headset is coupled with the gaming controller; a transmitter that transmits an audio control signal causing the audio of the audiovisual system to be adjusted if the audio headset detection circuit detects (automatically or on command) that no audio headset is coupled with the gaming controller; and a transmitter that transmits an audio control signal causing the audio of the headset to be adjusted if the audio headset detection circuit detects (automatically or on command) that an audio headset is coupled with the gaming controller.

Abstract: A server apparatus for providing a game using game media to a user over a network may include a storage unit, an identifier obtaining unit, and a game content output unit. The storage unit may store identifiers and game media in association with each other. The identifier obtaining unit may obtain, from a terminal apparatus, an identifier selected through a user operation. The game content output unit may obtain a game content associated with the identifier obtained by the identifier obtaining unit and may output the game content to the terminal apparatus. The game content may not be identifiable using the identifier.

Abstract: An electronic game-providing device is provided that stores log information relating to electronic game play conducted by an invitor user in association with link information used to access said log information, in the form of a game play database; transmits invitation information containing the link information to an invitee user; and, upon receipt of a link information selection from the invitee user, refers to the game play database and transmits the log information associated with the selected link information.

Abstract: An application is executed in a hosted environment in one or more computing devices. A user may experience difficulty in the application at a particular point in the application. Input commands may be obtained from a stored past session of the application. The stored past session of the application may correspond include another user successfully completing the particular point in the application. The input commands may be provided to the application to help the user get past the difficulty.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for providing a dynamic gaming environment. Physical circumstance information relating to a gaming device, such as ambient conditions or geographic location information, may be identified. A gaming application executing on the gaming device may provide or modify a gaming environment based on the identified physical circumstances information.

Abstract: A method of changing a virtual world of a computer-implemented game based on real-world locations of players of the computer-implemented game is disclosed. A presence of a player of the computer-implemented game is detected at a physical location. A presence of an additional player of the computer-implemented game is detected at the physical location based on a communication received from the player of the computer-implemented game. An aspect of the virtual world of the computer-implemented game is changed based on the detecting of the presence of the player at the physical location and the detecting of the presence of the additional player of the computer-implemented game at the physical location.

Abstract: A method to provide additional gaming network functionality links a user's gaming network identity with the user's social network identity. Linkage of the user's gaming network and social network identities establishes a two way communication link by which a gaming (social) network service can obtain information from, and send information to, a social (gaming) network service on behalf of the user. The gaming (social) network service may obtain information regarding the social (gaming) network relationships of the user's social (gaming) network identity and suggest gaming (social) network relationships to the user based on the social (gaming) network relationships. The gaming (social) network service additionally enables a user having linked identities to post gaming (social) network related messages as social (gaming) network messages via their social (gaming) network identity.

Abstract: A video game application is executed on a computer gaming device. While the video game application is providing active gameplay, the computer gaming device receives a command to broadcast the active gameplay. Responsive to the command, the computer gaming device broadcasts the active gameplay without interrupting the active gameplay.

Abstract: A portable electronic device 100 includes a horizontally long casing, both ends of which are gripped by a user's both hands, respectively. The device further includes a LCD fit into the front face of the casing 10. Outwardly projecting bulges are respectively formed at both sides of the rear face of the casing where fingers of the user gripping the casing 10 placed. Since the fingers and palms are naturally flexed to fit to the dome-like bulges 42L, 42R, the portable electronic device 100 fits comfortably in the user's hands. The operability is hard to be degraded even if the device is vibrated strongly during a game play with the device.

Abstract: A movable platform, comprising a structural element, a display structured and arranged to be coupled to the structural element, a first flexible support with a first end structured and arranged to be coupled to the structural element and a second end structured and arranged to be coupled to a support structure. The platform further comprises a sensor structured and arranged to provide data representative of movement of the display and at least one actuator, wherein the at least one actuator is structured and arranged to move the display based on at least one control signal. The platform further comprises a control module structured and arranged to send the at least one control signal to the at least one actuator, and operable to determine the at least one control signal based on the data representative of movement of the display and a reference signal.

Abstract: A toy construction set includes first and second construction elements, a pin, and a fastener including a body and a head. Each of the first and second construction elements includes through-holes and grooves on two major surfaces, respectively, of the construction element. A thickness of each groove is substantially the same. At at least one end of each groove, an edge of the groove is curved. The pin includes a body having a cavity and a member. A first portion of an edge of the member is curved, and a second portion of the edge of the member is straight. A thickness of the member is not larger than the thickness of each groove. The member of the pin is fixed in place in one of the grooves of the first construction element when the first and second construction elements are coupled by the pin and the fastener so as to constrain the pin from rotating with respect to an axis of the body of the pin.

Abstract: A building plate 1 a, 1 b, 1 c for a toy building set is provided, said building plate having a bracket plate 5 and a complementarily configured socket 7 to the effect that several building plates can be interconnected to form a larger building plate by mounting of the bracket plate 5 on a building plate 1 b in a socket 7 on another building plate 1 c.

Abstract: A robot includes a body having a torso, a pair of arms and servos configured to drive the arms. A first end of each of the arms is movably connected to the torso via a corresponding one of the servos. An opposite, second end of each of the arms is connected with a hand. A first connection member is arranged on the body. A fake gun includes a second connection member that is magnetically attractable to the first connection member, and is connected to the body when the second connection member is attracted to the first connection member. One of the arms is rotatable and the hand of the one of the arms and the fake gun are configured in such a way that fake gun is detachably connected to the hand of the one of the arms when the one of the arms is rotated to a predetermined position.

Abstract: Evaporator system of the mechanical vapor recompression type, which has a housing (1) and evaporator tubes (2) positioned parallel to each other. A product inlet (3) in fluid communication with a distribution element (4) is connected to the evaporator tubes (2), and a secondary channel (5) is formed between the inside surface of the housing (1) and the external surfaces of the evaporator tubes (2). A vapor liquid separator (6) is positioned at a bottom side of the evaporator tubes (2) and the secondary channel (5). A compressor (7) is in fluid communication with a vapor outlet of the vapor liquid separator (6), and a second transport tube (8) is connected to an inlet (9) of the secondary channel (5). Each evaporator tube (2) of the plurality of evaporator tubes has an inner diameter (de) of at least 50 mm.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to apparatuses that include a vessel comprising a humidification region (e.g., a bubble column humidification region) and a dehumidification region (e.g., a bubble column dehumidification region), and associated systems and methods. In certain embodiments, the apparatuses are configured to include various internal features, such as vapor distribution regions and/or liquid flow control weirs and/or baffles. In some cases, the apparatuses are used in water purification systems, such as desalination systems. The water purification systems may comprise additional devices external to the apparatuses, such as one or more heat exchangers, one or more heating devices, and/or one or more cooling devices.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to apparatuses that include a vessel comprising a humidification region (e.g., a bubble column humidification region) and a dehumidification region (e.g., a bubble column dehumidification region), and associated systems and methods. In certain embodiments, the apparatuses are configured to include various internal features, such as vapor distribution regions and/or liquid flow control weirs and/or baffles. In some cases, the apparatuses are used in water purification systems, such as desalination systems. The water purification systems may comprise additional devices external to the apparatuses, such as one or more heat exchangers, one or more heating devices, and/or one or more cooling devices.