Abstract: A thermally responsive fluid control valve includes a thermally responsive actuating assembly and a body having an inlet, at least one outlet, and a valve seat formed internally of the inlet. An axially translating sealing assembly is supported in a seated position against the valve seat by the thermally responsive actuating assembly and the sealing assembly has an unseated position upon operation of the actuating assembly. The sealing assembly includes a sealing member having an impact surface for redirecting fluid from the inlet to the at least one outlet and a rod member with an outer surface in a surface engagement with the opening of a cover plate and/or the actuating assembly to orient the sealing member such that the impact surface directs fluid flow to the outlets.

Abstract: A highly portable exercise device utilizing resistance bands is provided. The exercise device includes two ends, each end with a gripping component and latching mechanism. The latching mechanism comprising two magnets, wherein each magnet is secured to opposing ends of the device. A user can thereby hold one end of the exercise device in one hand and secure the other end of the device in either the other hand or against a surface. The user can move his or her body to create tension in the exercise device allowing the user to perform a plurality of different exercises by applying a force to intended muscles.

Abstract: An exercise device for a person exercising on a support surface includes an elongated bar having two opposed ends. A weight has an aperture therethrough and slides along the bar. At least two rigid weight stops are fixed with the bar at selected locations along the bar, the weight free to slide along the bar therebetween. An end caps may be fixed to each end of the cylindrical bar to capture the weight and any weight stops on the cylindrical bar. In use, with the weight slidably captured on the bar, and at least two of the weight stops fixed with the bar on opposing sides of the weight, the person exercises by moving the bar to slide the weight between the at least two weight stops, or by rolling the weight along the support surface while holding on the cylindrical bar in a sit-up style position.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a weight stack, a flexible elongated cable having a downstream portion that is interconnected to a user selectable number of the one or more individual bodies of weight and to a second resistance device, a manually movable actuating device interconnected to a proximal end of the cable, a downstream portion of the cable being interconnected to the one or more individual bodies of weight and to the second resistance device in an arrangement that pulls on both the one or more individual bodies of weight and the second resistance device.

Abstract: An ergonomic yoga device for evenly distributing the weight of a user across a handgrip contoured to relieve stress on the palm and wrist of a yogi comprising: two V-shaped legs interconnected with a bar declined toward a distal end, and a handgrip defining an annual recess and a laterally-cantilevered bulbous rest.

Abstract: An exercise machine carriage system which allows for a wide range of exercises while maintaining improved balance and control for the exerciser. The exercise machine generally includes a stationary frame and a carriage adapted to slide along at least one track on the frame. The carriage may include at least one opening on its upper surface to be used by an exerciser to perform a variety of exercises. The carriage may also include, either in combination with the openings or alternatively, at least one carriage strap extending across its upper surface for use in a variety of exercises. Platforms may also be included on either end of the frame, each of the platforms including its own platform strap. By utilizing such openings and/or straps, a wide variety of exercises may be accomplished that otherwise would be difficult or impossible to perform on conventional exercise machines.

Abstract: For use with a treadmill, a treadmill belt including terrain-simulating protrusions containing hard beads to simulate rocky terrain when walked or run upon by a user. In an embodiment, the hard bead is a glass bead. An embodiment includes layers of a silicone compound on the treadmill belt and covering the hard beads.

Abstract: An adjustment bracket structure for a front upright of an exercise bicycle comprises a bicycle frame and the front upright, wherein a supporting component extending towards the front upright is fixed to the bicycle frame, and the lower end of the front upright is pivoted to the supporting component through a rotary shaft; a bracket component capable of being clamped on the supporting component is arranged on the front upright, and bracket parts matched with the bracket component are arranged on the supporting component in the swinging direction of the front upright. The front upright is angle-adjustable, thereby convenient for users with different heights and arm lengths. The bracket component is of strength-saving structure and utilizes the lever principle, thereby being more convenient to operate. All components are structurally reliable and connected firmly and stably, and thus more convenient to use on the premise of guaranteeing safety and stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elliptical trainer including: a frame having a first end and a second end; a rocker-rod mechanism hingedly connected to the first end of the frame; a pedal mechanism hingedly connected to the second end of the frame through a transmission mechanism; an adjustment mechanism including an adjustment table, one end of the adjustment table being rotatably connected to the frame, the pedal mechanism being slidably connected to the adjustment table, the adjustment mechanism adjusting the position of the pedal mechanism relative to the frame; and a link the two ends of which are connected to the rocker-rod mechanism and the pedal mechanism respectively so that the rocker-rod mechanism is linked with the pedal mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for motion attribute recognition are defined using data stream pre-processing to orient, align and segment motion data before using non-parametric classification recognition to search a motion data exemplar database or using parametric classification recognition to find attributes by comparing pre-processed motion data with support vector machines. Results from the non-parametric classification recognition and the parametric classification recognition may be fused to produce a single result. Active learning and metric learning are used to improve searches of the database and comparisons to the support vector machines.

Abstract: Golf ball with an outer casing has an electronic device housed in a plastic core and includes at least one receiver, a microelectronic device for evaluating and forwarding the received signals and a transmitter and/or receiver. The transmitter or receiver can communicate with a separate electronic device worn by the user. The invention will enable a player to easily find and locate a ball that is not lying on the fairway that cannot be spotted or found with the naked eye.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining when an athlete is in possession of a ball by analyzing image data are provided. A camera is worn by an athlete and is turned on when the athlete is in proximity of a ball. The camera is used to generate an image of a ball. The size of the ball is determined and compared to a threshold. The athlete is considered to be in possession of the ball when the size of the image exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: In a portable exercise tracking system, a method and apparatus for measuring power output of exercise motion by a user. The system includes a wireless motion sensor and a wireless central mass unit. The wireless motion sensor detects, measures and transmits motion data associated with a first motion by the user. The central mass unit detects and measures motion data associated with a second motion by the user. The central mass unit also computes the power output of the first motion and the second motion as a function of the first motion data and the second motion data. The disclosed method and apparatus provides a more effective means of computing total power output of a user performing free body exercises.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for protecting a climbing rope comprising a flexible sheath comprising a first edge, a second edge generally opposing the first edge, a first end, and a second end generally opposing the first end, a sheath connector assembly attached at the second end of the flexible sheath, and a primary rope connector assembly attached to the sheath connector assembly. Methods of making and using the device also are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.

Abstract: A golf ball with an aerodynamic design is disclosed herein. The aerodynamic design has a protrusion at a center of a hex geometry representing an increase in ball radius greater than 0.0005 inches from a minimum ball radius. The minimum ball radius is located between 0.01 and 0.04 inch (11%-46%) from the center of the hex geometry.

Abstract: Multi-layered, golf balls having a core made of a foamed composition are provided. The core preferably has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. The core also includes a structural insert such as, for example, a solid shell, perforated shell, a lattice or mesh, or a central hub with extending arms, and the like. The core layers have different hardness gradients and specific gravity values. The ball further includes a cover having at least one layer. By adjusting the respective specific gravity values of the core layers, the Moment of Inertia (MOI) of the ball can be increased or decreased. In one embodiment, the ball has generally good flight distance and low spin rate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having an excellent initial velocity when being hit at a head speed of 50 m/sec and an improved initial velocity when being hit at a head speed of 40 m/sec. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and a cover covering the spherical core, wherein the golf ball has a rebound equivalence energy ratio (R40) ranging from 65.50% to 99.0% at a deformation amount of 7%, and a rebound equivalence energy ratio (R50) ranging from 20.0% to 70.0% at a deformation amount of 19%, in a compression test (measurement temperature: ?70° C., compression speed: 30 mm/min) applying a load to the golf ball along a radial direction of the golf ball.

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 thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber, and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer. The resulting ball has high resiliency and good spin control.

Abstract: The golf ball retriever is a tool for assisting in the recovery of golf balls from water hazards, weeds, muddy areas, or other difficult to reach areas. A typical golf ball retriever comprises a handle and a ball grabbing head. The handle extends the reach of the golfer to reach a golf ball. The ball grabbing head allows the golfer to grab the ball and retain it until the golfer to bring the ball within reach and remove the ball grabbing head for further play. A ball grabbing head may have an inner surface and a plurality of inwardly protruding fingers on the inner surface. The most inward facing portion of at least a portion of the plurality of inwardly or radially protruding fingers may be coated with a rubber liner to increase the golfer's ability to recover the golf ball efficiently. The rubber liner may be a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A set of racket cross-string guides which are pre-woven over a string guide holder in the same pattern used for inserting the racket cross-strings.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a hollow body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a top portion with a crown portion having an opening, and a cover portion configured to couple to the crown portion to cover the opening. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention provides golf club heads having aerodynamic features that disrupt air flow over the face when the club is swung. The features are milled into the face of the club head, including curved faces found in wood-type club heads. During a swing, the features cause the boundary layer to separate at a point closer to the rear of the club head during a swing, resulting in reduced drag. The invention also provides golf club heads with faces having a central region of symmetrical surface roughness. The symmetrical roughness in the central region of the face of wood-type club heads allows for shots with less spin and greater distance.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body and a plurality of tubes is disclosed herein. The body comprises a face section, a sole section with a protrusion extending upward and a crown section. The body defines a hollow interior. Each of the plurality of tubes extends from the crown section to the protrusion of the sole section.

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

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a conformal weight sized to fit within a recess or channel disposed in a crown or sole is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the crown or sole itself is a conformal weight, and is removably affixed to a base structure comprising a striking face and a skeletal support structure. In other embodiments, the golf club head comprises a conformal weight in the form of a sole cap that is removably affixed to the golf club head and covers small weight ports disposed in the sole.

Abstract: A golf club providing improved golf ball launch conditions is disclosed herein. The golf club includes a face component and a sole comprising an elongated recess disposed proximate the face component. The elongated recess preferably is tube shaped, and preferably has an opening with a smaller width than an innermost surface of the elongated recess. The elongated recess may be a separate piece that is permanently affixed within an opening in the sole. Some embodiments of the golf club also comprise a cover affixed to the sole and at least partially covering the opening of the elongated recess, while other embodiments comprise a filler material disposed within the elongated recess or between the elongated recess and an internal surface of the face.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head with a lid or cover enclosing a recess such as a channel for an adjustable weight. A golf club head can include a multi-position weight track or other channel or concavity to house a feature such as an adjustable weight mechanism. The club head has a lid that covers the channel, which—when closed—provides an outer surface of the golf club head that does not collect dirt or make whistling sounds when used and thus removes distractions and maintains the club head's intended weight distribution.

Abstract: A golf shaft having a butt portion joined to a tip portion by a coupler and possessing unique relationships, including rigidity relationships, which provide beneficial performance characteristics including improved stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a three-wheeled transport carriage, in particular for a golf bag, comprising a first elongated frame part and a second elongated frame part which can be pivoted relative to the first frame part and on the front end of which a front wheel is pivotally attached via a wheel holding bracket. The two rear wheels are hinged to a cross-member in the hinge region between the first and second frame parts in a pivotal manner about approximately 90°.

Abstract: A shaft 6 includes a tip end Tp and a butt end Bt. If a shaft length is defined as Ls, a distance between the butt end Bt of the shaft and a center of gravity G of the shaft is defined as Lg, and a ratio of the distance Lg to the shaft length Ls is defined as a ratio of the center of gravity of the shaft, then the ratio of the center of gravity of the shaft is equal to or less than 47%. The shaft length Ls is equal to or less than 991 mm. If a forward flex is defined as F1 (mm) and a backward flex is defined as F2 (mm), a flex point ratio C1 of the shaft calculated by the following formula (1) is equal to or less than 39%: C1=[F2/(F1+F2)]×100]??(1).

Abstract: A holding device (4) for a net (6) of a table-tennis table with two playing area leaves (1, 2) and an underframe (3), wherein the holding apparatus (4) includes two holding units (5) which can be arranged on opposite sides of the two playing area leaves (1, 2), and wherein each of the holding units (5) can be attached on at least one of the playing area leaves (1, 2) or on the substructure (3) and can hold one end of the net (6) and wherein the holding apparatus (4) includes at least one blocking means (7) which is arranged on one of the holding units (5) and, in the mounted state of the holding device (4), can be transferred into a blocking position in which it abuts against the under surfaces of the two playing area leaves (1, 2).

Abstract: A training apparatus includes a panel that forms an obstruction proximate an entrance plane of a goal. The panel has one or more apertures that permit an object passage through the entrance plane of the goal. The training apparatus also includes a rotary assembly coupled to the panel and one or more doors in operable communication with the rotary assembly. The rotary assembly has an axis of rotation and at least one arm that rotates there-about. Each door is located proximate a respective aperture and movable between a closed position and an open position based on motion by the rotary assembly.

Abstract: A programmable electronic sports target system. The system includes one or more target devices mounted to a goal with a net. Each of the one or more target devices has a programmable module disposed therein for controlling and operating the one or more target devices. A remote control system containing a computer and a database is connected to each programmable module to receive target sensor data from the programmable module of each of the one or more target devices for analyzing the data and for transmitting operational control data to the programmable module for operational control of the target devices having the programmable module disposed therein. Target application software within mobile communications devices receives target sensor data from the remote control device and to transmit operational control data to the remote control device.

Abstract: An electronic punching bag includes an elongate bag formed of resilient material, a microprocessor disposed in an interior of the electronic punching bag or at a periphery of the electronic punching bag, and a display screen that extends around more than half of the periphery of the electronic punching bag. The display screen is configured to receive signals from the microprocessor. The signals cause the display screen to display visual signals.

Abstract: A golf device including an elongated portion. The golf device may include a sub elongated portion recessed in the elongated portion. The golf device may include an arch portion slideably engageable inside the sub elongated portion.

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

Abstract: A golf training aid 20 that provides to the user unmistakable positive feedback how to use the hands, wrists and forearms in the golf swing to affect what has been popularly called ‘Ben Hogan's Secret Move,’ particularly during the transition of the golf swing. Golf training aid 20 also provides the golfer unmistakable feedback as to whether they have executed the correct movement that Hogan explained in his 1955 Life magazine article.

Abstract: A golf training device with audio and visual/touch cues for independent golf swing training in an absence of a golf instructor includes a tube having a first end and a second end and an outer surface. A hand grip is disposed at least in part about the outer surface of the tube. A sliding mass is disposed slidingly within the tube, the sliding mass including a chamfer on at least one end of the sliding mass. A ball holding rod is mechanically coupled to the second end of the tube has a ball hold rod first end and a ball hold rod second end. A ball is mechanically coupled to the second end of the ball holding rod. A club head stem extends into a club head, the club head stem is mechanically coupled to the first end of the tube to rigidly affix the club head to the tube.

Abstract: A mouthguard which has a unique shape and design which not only facilitates air passages so a player can breath while the mouthguard is in the player's mouth and protecting the player's teeth, but also has additionally has a flavoring embedded within the mouthguard, preferably on the base on which the player is placing his upper row of teeth so that in addition to protection, the mouthguard has an attractive flavor which can be tasted by the player as the player bites down on the mouthguard.

Abstract: Detachable propelling apparatus to be fastened to a snowboard in order to propel it uphill. Said apparatus is equipped with foldable or removable tracks, being these tracks powered by either an engine, or a motor or a turbine. The apparatus is integral with an apt adjustable attachment plate, that is directly fastenable to the feet rests (boots attachments) holes of the snowboard. The invention is completed by a rucksack for transporting tracks and batteries, with an opportune frame for protecting the back of the wearer in case of fall and a remote control, in case equipped with movement sensors. The invention is a solution for the technical problem of powering a snowboard limiting the impact of such fixture on the snowboard itself.

Abstract: An indirect fire simulation system includes a plurality of communication devices where each communication device is associated with a separate player. Each communication device includes a location services device for determining a location of the communication device which is communicated to a game server. The locations of all the communication devices are revealed to all the communication devices. Each communication device includes a directional orientation mechanism used when creating a targeting solution of a simulated indirect fire weapon. A processor is used for determining if a simulated targeting of another player by a simulated indirect fire weapon is a hit or miss based on the location indicia of a shooting communication device and the directional orientation of the shooting communication device. The targeting solution may be determined by aligning an aiming vector over the targeted communication device shown on a display of the shooting communication device.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to multi-dimensional puzzles for teaching, entertainment, and construction. One embodiment of the invention comprises two forms, one planar and one non-planar, which comprise a plurality of protrusions and recesses. These forms may be assembled by selectively interconnecting the various protrusions and recesses to create multi-dimensional shapes such as a cube, cylinder, and sphere among many other possibilities.

Abstract: A counting and scoring device has a housing with its interior divided into right and left chambers by a vertical partition. A wheel is vertically mounted and rotatable within each chamber of the housing using a threaded bolt and hexagonal nut. The wheels have a plurality of flat outer surfaces on which to display indicia in the form of the numerals 0 through 9 viewed through a three-sided window on each side of the top portion of the housing. Ball bearings activated by a compression spring within a tapered opening in the partition are in contact with depressions in the inside walls of the wheels below each flat surface so that as each wheel rotates a numeral is centered in a window. A hexagonal cavity within the hub portion enables the left wheel to act as a wrench to tighten the hexagonal nut when assembling the device.

Abstract: A system and method for uniquely identifying physical trading cards and/or incorporating trading card game items in a video game is provided. In certain implementations, a unique code that identifies a trading card may be obtained. A graphical representation of the unique code may be generated based on a graphical coding scheme. The graphical representation of the unique code may comprise at least a part of: (1) a depiction of a game item that is usable in the video game; or (2) a border of the trading card. Content associated with the depiction of the game item may be obtained. The trading card may be generated based on the content associated with the depiction of the game item and the graphical representation of the unique code such that the generated trading card depicts the game item and the graphical representation of the unique code.

Abstract: An example game system includes a main body apparatus and a game controller. The game controller has an analog stick, a memory storing correction parameter information including a first manufacturing process correction parameter value determined in a manufacturing process in connection with the analog stick, a first user correction parameter value determined in accordance with an operation by a user onto the analog stick, and a first model adjustment value corresponding to a model of the game controller, and a first control circuit transmitting the correction parameter information to the main body apparatus. The main body apparatus has a second control circuit which selects any of the first manufacturing process correction parameter value and the first user correction parameter value and performs game processing based on the selected correction parameter value, the first model adjustment value, and input data from the analog stick.

Abstract: A device for generating and automatically controlling a displacement force of a mobile entity located in real time includes elements for generating a force of movement, the elements being controllable so as to generate a force in a plurality of different directions. The device also includes: elements for receiving a radio signal; elements for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, the electromagnetic signal being transmitted in response to an activation signal and allowing a moveable entity including the device to be located in real time; and control elements connected to the reception elements and to the elements for transmitting an electromagnetic signal. The control elements are configured to control the elements for generating at least one force of movement, in response to information for controlling a received electromagnetic signal, and for generating an activation signal, in response to synchronization information of a received radio signal.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling one network to use the functionality of another network is provided. The system comprises a first network system having a first network functionality and a second network system having a second network functionality. A server connected to the second network system passes directions through the first network to enable a component connected to both the first network system and the second network system to perform a second network functionality.