Abstract: A high voltage direct current signal is obtained from a power supply. The power supply includes power factor correction circuitry. A control command is obtained from an exercise machine. The exercise machine includes a direct current motor. A pulse-width modulation signal is generated from the direct current signal based on the control command. The pulse-width modulation signal is provided to the direct current motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treadmill for allowing an exerciser to perform walking or running exercise on an endless belt. The treadmill is selected to be operated in a forward movement mode or in a reverse movement mode. In the reverse movement mode, a control unit of the treadmill controls a driving device to drive a top surface of the endless belt to slide forward for allowing the exerciser to simulate backward walking. When a detecting device detects that the exerciser enters a warning area in front of a normal range of movement, a reaction mechanism would be triggered to control the driving device to slow down or stop the endless belt. In the forward movement mode, the control unit controls the driving device to drive the top surface of the endless belt to slide backward and to disable the reaction mechanism.

Abstract: A vertical stepping machine includes a frame, a crank wheel connected to the frame, a crank arm extending away from a rotational axis of the crank wheel, and a pedal beam connected to the crank arm. A linkage assembly is connected to the frame at a fixed frame location and to the pedal beam at a fixed pedal beam location. A first linkage member of the linkage assembly has a length that forces the pedal beam to travel along an elliptical path as the crank wheel rotates.

Abstract: A treadmill may include a deck, a first pulley incorporated into the deck, a second pulley incorporated into the deck, a tread belt surrounding the first pulley and the second pulley, a motor in mechanical communication with at least one of the first pulley and the second pulley to move the tread belt in a first direction, and a runaway mitigation mechanism in at least indirect mechanical communication with the motor. The runaway mitigation mechanism at least mitigates a motor runaway condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring athletic performances include determining “flight time,” e.g., the amount of time both feet are off the ground, and optionally “flight time” resulting from different types of activities, such as jogging, running, sprinting, jumping, etc. “Flight time” may help a player or coach better understand the effort the athlete is putting out, compare efforts of two or more players, gauge the athlete's performance change over time, and/or identify conditioning needs and/or areas for improvement. Such systems and methods also may generate and display various athletic performance metrics, such as: instantaneous flight time; average flight time; cumulative flight time during an athletic performance or other time period; instantaneous jump height; average jump height; cumulative jump height during an athletic performance or other time period; and comparisons of any flight time and/or jump height metric(s) of one player against another player and/or against himself/herself; etc.

Abstract: An active exercise and therapeutic system for promoting physical motion, balance and coordination and importantly a variety of therapeutic modalities to a user's foot or feet. The system includes a training apparatus having a stationary base member operatively interconnected with first and second rotating platforms mounted thereon. The first and second rotating platforms are adapted to receive, respectively, the foot of an individual to stand thereon such that each foot can rotate independently about a separate axis. Stationary base member with rotating platforms mounted thereon can further be positioned upon a specialized mount operative to impart a further range of motion or specific orientation. In further embodiments, the rotating platforms may be provided with a variety of functional modalities, such as calorie counting, distance travelled, and the like, or a therapeutic modality, such as heat, cold or pressure sensation to impart a therapeutic effect to the user's feet.

Abstract: A fall restriction assembly for use by a pole climber/the assembly includes an elongated outer strap having first and second opposite ends, an inner strap/lanyard adjustably connected to the outer strap and that includes a connector for interconnecting it to a body belt worn by the pole climber; an adjustable connector assembly interconnecting the inner strap/lanyard to the outer strap; and a looped handle connected to the first end of the outer strap.

Abstract: A waterproof audio system having an audio plug electrically connected to a y-adapter, a left coiled wire having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said y-adapter and said second end connected to a left ear bud speaker; and a right coiled wire having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said y-adapter and said second end connected to a right ear bud speaker, wherein said left coiled wire is releasably affixed to a left section of a stretchable goggle cord and said right coiled wire is releasably affixed to a right section of said stretchable goggle cord.

Abstract: A method of forming a golf ball is disclosed herein. The method includes injecting a cover mixture into a mold to form a cover mixture comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane resin and a polyahl, subjecting the golf ball to a polyisocyanated solution to create a golf ball with a polyisocyanated cover, and heating the golf ball or polyisocyanated cover to remove a solvent component of the polyisocyanated solution and promote the reaction of the polyisocyanate with the cover mixture and polyahl.

Abstract: A golf ball with a cover formed by spraying is disclosed herein. In the present invention, a mixture of a low viscous diisocyanate component and a diamine free of organic solvent are sprayed onto a mantle insert to form a cover layer for a golf ball. A rapid reaction occurs and a solid layer forms within ten seconds. The polyurea material is extremely durable so that the cover layer performs with excellent shear cut durability.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball showing a low spin rate on driver shots and a high spin rate on approach shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical center, at least two envelope layers covering the spherical center, and a cover covering the envelope layers, wherein an envelope layer (Es1) formed from a material having a lowest material hardness among a center constituent material and envelope layers constituent materials, is disposed in a region located at a distance from 36.0% to 65.0% of a golf ball radius from a center point of the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball with a center core comprising polybutadiene and a clay material in an amount ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 weight percent of the center core is disclosed herein. Alternatively, the golf ball has a mantle layer with a blend of ionomer materials and a clay material in an amount ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 weight percent of the mantle layer.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a multi-layered core structure are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, an intermediate core layer, and a surrounding outer core layer. The layers of the core structure may have different hardness gradients. In one preferred embodiment, each core layer has a positive hardness gradient. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and alloys thereof. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a first thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber, and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a second thermoset composition. The resulting ball has high resiliency and good spin control.

Abstract: A sports ball comprising a cover having an outer substrate surface is provided. The cover may include plurality of panels, wherein each panel has a respective panel surface. The panel surfaces of the respective panels collectively comprise the outer substrate surface of the cover. A surface texture is disposed upon and additively applied to the outer substrate surface. The surface texture is disposed on the respective panel surfaces in customizable, panel-specific, predefined panel arrangements. The surface texture defines surface profile that includes an alternating and repeating series of land areas and raised portions, wherein each raised portion is positioned between a plurality of land areas. The raised portions extend from the outer substrate surface and are formed from a dimensional ink, wherein each of the plurality of raised portions has a terminus that is spaced apart from the outer substrate a height of greater than about 0.05 millimeters (mm).

Abstract: A shaft of a golf club includes a reverse-tapered engagement part. The reverse-tapered engagement part includes a sleeve having a reverse-tapered shape, and a reverse-tapered outer surface. A hosel part of a head includes a reverse-tapered inner surface and a hosel slit. A hosel hole includes the reverse-tapered inner surface having a shape corresponding to that of the reverse-tapered outer surface. Either one of the reverse-tapered outer surface and the reverse-tapered inner surface includes an abutting engagement surface and a non-abutting engagement surface. The other of the reverse-tapered outer surface and the reverse-tapered inner surface includes a first abutting surface and the second abutting surface. In the golf club, a first state and a second state in which club lengths are different from each other can be achieved.

Abstract: Some disclosed golf club heads include body having at least one raised sole portion and a cantilevered ledge extending down around a perimeter of the club head below the level of the raised sole portion. Some disclosed golf club heads include one or more sole openings in the body and a sole insert that is mounted inside the body over the sole openings. The sole can include weight tracks as well, and a rear weight track can extend between a toe side sole opening and a heel side sole opening. A crown insert can also be included that is mounted over an upper opening in the body.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of golf club heads having a balance of the following parameters: a low and back club head center of gravity position, a high moment of inertia, and low aerodynamic drag. Methods of manufacturing the embodiments of golf club heads having a balance of club head center of gravity position, moment of inertia, and aerodynamic drag are also described herein.

Abstract: A forged golf club face has a continuous outer layer of a first material encasing at least one inner layer made of second material. The materials may have differing properties, such as Young's Modulus, density, and strength properties, among others. By incorporating the different materials into the outer layer and the inner layer, the coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf club face is improved without sacrificing durability. The club face is forged from a pre-formed billet having at least one monolithically encased inner layer.

Abstract: A head 2 includes a face part 4. The face part 4 includes a plurality of constant thickness regions S1 and S2, and a plurality of thickness transition regions R1, R2 and R3. The constant thickness regions include a first constant region S1 and a second constant region S2 which is thinner than the first thickness region S1. The thickness transition regions R1, R2 and R3 which are adjacent to each other is disposed between the first constant region S1 and the second constant region S2. The thickness transition regions adjacent to each other have different thickness change rates from each other.

Abstract: A waterproof racket includes an annular skeleton, a receiving pocket having a pocket cavity, and a trampoline layer affixed to the receiving pocket. The annular skeleton is received in the pocket cavity to retain the receiving pocket in an annular configuration. The trampoline layer is affixed to a centerline of the receiving pocket, wherein the trampoline layer is stretched to form a trampoline surface in a tension manner.

Abstract: A bumper golf game system, and related methods, are disclosed. The system includes a flexible putting mat including inner and outer surfaces, first and second goal recesses extending at least partially through the mat, an array of a plurality of central obstacle recesses extending at least partially through the mat positioned generally between the first and second goal recesses, a pair of first goal obstacle recesses extending at least partially through the mat flanking the first goal recess, and a pair of second goal obstacle recesses extending at least partially through the mat flanking the second goal recess. The system also includes a plurality of obstacles configured to mount within the obstacle recesses and extend past the inner surface of the mat. The system further includes a plurality of rails configured to interconnect and extend over the inner surface of the mat to bound a portion thereof.

Abstract: A sports and games apparatus consisting of two rods and an aerodynamic projectile with an opening which receives the two rods. The projectile is launched by manipulating the rods in an opposing fashion. The opening of the projectile is of the appropriate size to allow for the rods to slide through, but not large enough that the projectile exhibits unwanted motions that inhibit accuracy during the launching motion. The rods are used to propel the projectile towards a variety of targets which interact with the projectile in various ways. The projectile may comprise a multitude of aerodynamic shapes and a multitude of methods for interacting with targets.

Abstract: A sport training device for players practicing with balls that includes a support arm assembly having an arm post, a pivot assembly coupled to the arm post and comprising a claw assembly that supports a ball, and a clamp coupled to the arm post. The claw assembly is movable to a raised position, and the clamp is configured to engage the pivot assembly when the claw assembly moves to the raised position.

Abstract: A surf pool design comprising of an artificial contiguous reef, consisting of a first and second reef sub sections and a specific surf pool design that function together to create a surf pool for recreational surfing. Aspects of the invention provide a surf pool including a contiguous artificial reef of any shape or size. The continuous artificial shaped reef can include an inclined slope traversing the reef from the tip of the first artificial reef sub section to the open end of the second artificial reef sub section. The definition for the purpose of this invention an artificial contiguous reef, is a reef that is angled, contoured and shaped to the bottom of the surf pool. The meaning of pool in the embodiment is any artificially created body of water such as a pool, lake or lagoon which is constructed for the purpose of recreational surfing.

Abstract: A structurally unified free standing bag joined by its exterior skin to effectively absorb impact energy. The bag may comprise a foam top; a base with a rim and a channel below the rim, where the channel has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the rim; a cover, where the foam top attaches to the base via the cover; and a clamp assembly attached to the cover. The clamp assembly may have an open position and a closed position. The clamp assembly may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the rim when in the open position and smaller than the diameter of the rim when in the closed position, and the clamp assembly may be capable of being placed in the channel and secured in the closed position to attach the foam top to the base.

Abstract: A system for aiding the selection of a golf shot by a golfer on a hole of a golf course, comprising means for retrieving statistics indicative of past performances by the golfer for each of a plurality of golf club types, means for retrieving data regarding the hole of the golf course, means for analyzing the retrieved statistics in concert with the data regarding the hole of the golf course, means for selecting one of the golf club types as the statistically preferred golf club type for the golf shot, and means for displaying the selected golf club type to the golfer.

Abstract: An integrated golf club comprising standard golf club shaft and an integrated electronics system golf club head apparatus for directly measuring physical parameters of the golf club head motional acceleration swing forces and golf club head face and golf ball impact forces and further processing those measurements and transmitting the measurement data wirelessly to a user interface device. The integrated electronics system golf club head comprises several optimized assemblies that support electronic measurement, processing and wireless communication functions that are integrated with a customized golf club head shell and club face to provide a golf club head with physical properties that are substantially similar to that of a regulation play golf club head of same type. The user interface device that receives wirelessly transmitted data further processes the data and provides the golfer with useful golf swing and impact metrics in multiple different user selectable formats.

Abstract: An exercise equipment storage apparatus having a number of shelves, each having a support surface. A support structure in the form of a spine is arranged to support the shelves. A plurality of stop members are mounted on the support surface. The stop members define at least one storage zone for receiving the exercise equipment. The plurality of stop members are reconfigurable to selectively vary the position, size and/or orientation of the at least one storage zone. As such, the storage unit may be reconfigured to house an almost limitless range of exercise equipment.

Abstract: A computer assisted sports communication and collaboration transactional platform with client devices engaging a network, and an administrative memory with processor, the memory having individual user information profiles; an authentication component; a tournament database model; a registration and ranking component; a financial component; an automatic team creation component; and an operational management component that automatically; creates a tournament play sequence, tracks and calculate results, and a ranking for each individual user information profile.

Abstract: A talent management portfolio game including a board representing an organization, whereby game pieces representing members of the organization having a potential value to the organization can be managed so as to maximize the value of the organization according to its members. Value pieces representing realized potential can be attached to the game pieces based on played talent action cards, thereby realizing some of the potential of the game piece. Game pieces can be promoted within the organization or exchanged in attempts to maximize the value of the organization.

Abstract: A compute device can receive a signal associated with a quantity of real-world activity (e.g., exercise) performed by a user. The compute device can define a quantity of virtual activity based, at least in part, on the quantity of real-world activity. The quantity of virtual activity can be different from the quantity of real-world activity. The compute device can send an indication of progress in a virtual world to an output device, for example, such that the user's progress is displayed.

Abstract: There is provided a home-use crane game machine whose operation of a rotation transmission mechanism can be restored with ease that includes a plurality of motors 91, 92, 93 having a drive shaft to which a gear is fitted, rotation transmission mechanisms having a plurality of gears which are rotated by the plurality of motors 91, 92, 93, a catcher 65 for grabbing a prize 6 which is moved up and down by the rotation transmission mechanisms, a crane main body 54 having the motors 91, 92, 93 and the rotation transmission mechanisms internally, and rollers 68, 69, 70 connected to the rotation transmission mechanisms via input gear mechanisms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for game incentivized resource utilization optimization in a multiplayer gaming environment. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for game incentivized resource utilization optimization in a multiplayer gaming environment is provided. The method includes hosting a multiplayer gaming environment providing a game amongst a selection of servers in a cluster and detecting overutilization of a resource in one of the servers. A remedial action likely to reduce the overutilization can be identified as can an incentive of the game likely to provoke the identified remedial action. Thereafter, the identified game incentive can be provided to a player in the multiplayer gaming environment.

Abstract: A method of calibration a video game system can include removing an optical filter that filters out visible light from a field of view of a camera to allow the camera to view visible light. The method can also include displaying a calibration image on a display screen located within the field of view of the camera, processing the video output feed from the camera with a computer processor to identify the calibration image, and calculating with the processor coordinates that represent corners of the display screen in the field of view of the camera once the calibration image is identified.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method that includes identifying a plurality of devices associated with a computing device, identifying status information from each device of the plurality of devices, and identifying presentation features for each device of the plurality of devices. The method further includes receiving presentation information indicating a setting to present first status information from a first device of the plurality of devices via a selected device of the plurality of devices, wherein the first status is presented on the selected device by a selected presentation feature of the selected device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for determining a state of a multi-player game and identifying a user communication associated with the multi-player game. Additionally, an outbound communication may be generated based on the user communication and the state of the multi-player game. In one example, generating the outbound communication includes conducting a weighted selection of one or more of a recipient, a content or an audio effect of the outbound communication based on the state.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an accessory having a plurality of tactile-sensitive buttons, a plurality of light sources, wherein each light source emits a controllable spectrum of light through a corresponding one of the plurality of tactile-sensitive buttons, and a controller coupled to the plurality of tactile-sensitive buttons, and the plurality of light sources. The controller can be operable to detect tactile contact of each of the plurality of tactile-sensitive buttons, receive status information associated with a video game, and adjust the spectrum of light emitted by at least a portion of the plurality of light sources according to the status information to indicate one or more aspects of the video game. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern establishing, maintaining, managing, or terminating communications between an access point and a client in a wireless network used by a shared, wireless gaming system. An example apparatus may include a first logic configured to control timing for the protocol and a second logic configured to control message exchange for the protocol. Controlling timing and message exchange facilitates reducing contention in the wireless gaming environment. Contention may lead to latency. A user gaming experience may depend on reducing latency. Therefore, reducing latency may produce an improved gaming experience. Controlling timing and message exchange also facilitates reducing power consumption by clients (e.g., accessories, controllers), which in turn facilitates improving battery life for clients.

Abstract: Shared electronic resources can be allocated for a gaming application on a dynamic basis. A package of game content and configuration can be used to allocate an appropriate amount of resource capacity. Task-based instances can be launched as needed and terminated once a gaming session has completed. In order to account for relatively long load times, a number of pre-warmed task-based instances can be allocated that can load the game server functionality up to a determined state. The number of pre-warmed instances can be based on a number of different factors, such as an amount of unused capacity across a shared resource environment. When a request for a session is received, a pre-warmed instance is selected to be upgraded to a game server instance to serve the game session for the request. Pre-warmed instances can be reclaimed if capacity is needed for other purposes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assigning a data center to service a request from a user account include receiving a login request to a cloud gaming server. The login request is examined to identify a user account. A use history of the cloud gaming server is examined to identify a data center. The user account is assigned to the data center to start a session of streaming game play at a server within the data center. The data center is identified without performing a connection testing operation.

Abstract: In an embodiment there is provided a computer implemented method of providing a game, the method comprising the following implemented by at least one processor and at least one memory of a device retrieving from at least one memory information associated with a plurality of first objects and one or more characteristics of said first objects and causing said objects with said one or more characteristics to be displayed on a display in an arrangement, executing at least one algorithm which: responsive to detected user input rearranges said first objects to provide a sequence of at least three adjacent first objects sharing at least one same characteristic, determines an upgrade level of each of said at least three adjacent first objects, and in response to said determination selecting one of said at least three adjacent first objects for upgrading, and causes an updated arrangement to be displayed with said selected one of the said at least three adjacent first objects being upgraded and having said same charac

Abstract: A sound system presenting audio that supplements multi-player game-play in which multiple views of a 3D game object as seen from different viewpoints are simultaneously displayed. The audio includes audio characteristics responsive to behaviors of the 3D game object and depict a focus direction associated with respective behaviors.

Abstract: In an aspect, fantasy sports data is analyzed to generate and/or manage the delivery of and user experience of fantasy sports games and contests, including timing and payout structure(s) for short-term fantasy contests, such as daily, weekly, etc. fantasy sports contests, that motivate and appeal to contestants and is/are reasonably structured and concisely represented. In yet another aspect, a daily fantasy contest system is provided to automatically adjust to user demand without overshooting profitable levels and offer a variety of different contests, as well as offer contests with guaranteed and non-guaranteed payouts.

Abstract: A system for determining a type of a player associated with an online game, wherein the system includes at least one player device having one or more sensing modules; a server arrangement communicably coupled with the at least one player device, wherein the server arrangement is configured to transmit a first set of information to the at least one player device; receive a second set of information from the at least one player device, wherein the second set of information comprises a game information and a sensor information; analyze the second set of information to calculate a reliability factor of the associated player; and determine the type of the associated player based on the calculated reliability factor.

Abstract: Technologies for web-based game execution include a computing device with a web rendering engine and a native game engine library. The web rendering engine establishes a scripting environment that issues calls to a game engine interface established by the web rendering engine. The scripting environment may be a JavaScript engine. In response to calls to the game engine interface, the game engine interface issues calls to the native game engine library. The native game engine library issues native graphics commands to a graphics bridge of the computing device. The native graphics commands may be OpenGL calls. The graphics bridge translates the native graphics commands to a web graphics context, which renders graphical game content to a web content element of the web rendering engine. The web graphics context may be a WebGL context, and the web content element may be a canvas element. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for collaborative online gaming, including at least one of providing a central repository master browser system; providing an experience calibrated match-making service; providing a dynamic multiplayer server component auto deployment and aggregation system; providing a lobby centric simultaneous and collaborative client game play launching feature; and providing a video game screen over-layer technology giving users access to a control interface while inside a video game being played.

Abstract: A game system and method that uses an instrument as an input encourages a user to play along with the game's soundtrack on an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.). The game cues the player to play notes and/or chords on the instrument at an appropriate time and then data is collected from the instrument via a connection between the instrument and the apparatus running the game. The game then scores the user based on note/chord and timing information it receives.

Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection of people within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from people and/or objects within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector and control various automated amusement park equipment as a result of this evaluation.

Abstract: A toy set is provided including a reconfigurable toy capable of transitioning between a first configuration and a second configuration. The toy set also includes a launch mechanism having an activation means and a toy receiver. A propulsion mechanism transfers movement of the activation means to the reconfigurable toy to propel the reconfigurable toy in a second configuration from the launch mechanism along a propulsion axis.

Abstract: A stage smoke machine with a fast spray gas column includes an oil barrel, an oil pump, a gas tank, a first electromagnetic valve, a heater, a gas-filling device and a controller. In case of gas loss in the gas tank, the gas tank is replenished with the gas by the gas-filling device so that the gas pressure in the gas tank can be maintained at a pressure sufficient to fast spray smoke oil into the heater, thereby ensuring that every time the smoke machine is started, the smoke machine can quickly show a high level stage effect of fast sprayed smoke. Further, an electromagnetic valve module is formed by installing at least two electromagnetic valves integrally on a base.