Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face has a thickened portion including an annular tapered area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary and a lower boundary and encloses an elevated area bounded by the upper boundary. The upper and/or lower boundary defines a shape having two lobes, each with an outer edge with a convex profile, and a connecting portion extending between the lobes, such that the connecting portion is defined by two outer edges extending between the outer edges of the lobes, wherein at least one of the outer edges of the connecting portion has a concave outer profile.

Abstract: A multi-material iron type golf club head is disclosed. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention may have a metallic portion and a lightweight portion, wherein the entirety of the striking face is made out of a metallic material while a majority of the chassis is made out of a lightweight material that serves to reduce the overall weight of the golf club head. The lightweight material, in addition to reducing the overall weight of the golf club head, may be comprised of an interior face support to at least partially support the metallic striking face portion to improve the performance and feel of the golf club head.

Abstract: Golf club heads which may include an iron-type golf club head body and an adjustable member configured to be engaged with iron-type golf club head body. The adjustable member may include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the adjustable member may form at least a portion of the sole of the iron-type golf club head and at least a portion of the rear of iron-type golf club head when the adjustable member is engaged with the iron-type golf club head body in a first orientation. Additionally, the second surface of the adjustable member may form at least a portion of the sole of the iron-type golf club head and at least a portion of the rear of iron-type golf club head when the adjustable member is engaged with the iron-type golf club head body in a second orientation, which is different from the first orientation.

Abstract: A portable soccer goal frame with a base to which removable vertical poles having top side bar supports are joined holds a net to create a goal opening. The top side bar supports have a unique shape and extend horizontally from the top of the vertical poles in a manner that reduces the weight placed on the net fabric hung between the vertical poles. The top side bar supports also create a depth of the goal pocket without need for additional vertical posts. Each vertical post creates a pivot point at its bottom end, such that each vertical post is urged apart from the other post to create tension or leverage between the opposite top side bar supports, thus creating a more realistic goal shape and reducing sag at the top edge of the goal opening.

Abstract: A climbing hold assembly is able to greatly reduce the compressive forces experienced in securing a climbing hold to a panel or sheet of polycarbonate or thermoplastic material. A region of a load dissipation element formed in the underside of the load dissipation element is in communication with a region of the climbing hold formed in the underside of the climbing hold via the polycarbonate or thermoplastic material, the regions being of substantially the shape.

Abstract: Gymnastics gear for performance of gymnastic exercises, where the gymnastics gear comprises at least a twisting belt, where the twisting belt comprises a first ring, typically an outer ring, and a second ring, typically an inner ring, where the two said rings are concentrically joined and can rotate in regard to each other about a common axis, where the first ring furthermore comprises at least two connection devices, where said connection devices are preferably arranged symmetrically at the outer periphery of the first ring and adapted for joining to a high-tensile or elastic rope, where the second ring also comprises connection devices at the periphery, where these connection devices are adapted for direct or indirect mounting of connection elements to a somersault belt, where the somersault belt is an inflatable somersault belt comprising at least one chamber and at least one valve, which achieves both a good centering of the somersault belt and a good tightening to the body of the gymnast, and where one a

Abstract: A swim training system, a swim data computation method using the same, and a swim training method using the same are provided. The swim training system includes a training device and a processing device. The training device measures a tension in a connecting component which is fastened to a swimmer. The processing device selects a conversion parameter from a conversion parameter table in the processing device according to a swimmer information. Then the processing device performs a conversion between the tension and a swimming speed with the conversion parameter to obtain the swimming speed of the swimmer.

Abstract: A football training device for replicating a defensive rush includes a base frame, a plurality of obstacles extending upward from the base frame, and one or more wheels supporting the base frame. A method of training an offensive football player using the device includes positioning an offensive football player being trained on front of the training device, initiating a drill where the offensive football player carries out a conventional football play, and while the offensive football player carries out the conventional football play, moving the training device, relative to the offensive football player, such that the obstacles simulate a defensive rush toward the offensive player, thereby creating a visual and physical barrier to the completion of the conventional football play.

Abstract: A swing diagnosis apparatus includes a level calculation section that calculates a level on the basis of a relationship between an incidence angle of a ball hitting portion of an exercise appliance at impact, and an inclination of the ball hitting portion of the exercise appliance at impact.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a communications interface that receives first sensed data from a first sensor attached to a user and second sensed data from a second sensor attached to a user. That apparatus also includes circuitry that analyzes the first sensed data and the second sensed data and provides a display signal that causes a display to produce first visual information regarding a motion of the user and second visual information regarding the motion of the user, the first visual information being different than the second visual information.

Abstract: A mouth guard that can be customized in the field without needing to boil the mouth guard is disclosed. The mouth guard comprises a facial and lingual walls mounted on a thin flexible tray, such as a fabric mesh. Stops are positioned on the tray to space the user's teeth away from the tray. A layer of uncured elastomeric impression material is applied to the tray and the user bites down on the mouth guard to custom fit the mouth guard to the shape of the user's upper and lower teeth. The facial wall can be made of separate spaced-apart walls that can also be filled with impression or impact absorbing material.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for carrying a user including a board for supporting the user, a ground-contacting member coupled with the board, a motorized drive assembly coupled with the ground-contacting member and one or more sensors coupled with the drive assembly. In operation, the drive assembly adjusts the velocity of the ground-contacting member based on one or more distances of the board from a surface below the board as detected by the sensors. As a result, the system is able to maintain a desired velocity when ascending, descending or traversing uneven ground without the need for excessive and sometimes impossible tilting of the board.

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: According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a game board being arranged to accommodate at least one game piece, said game board comprising at least one NFC device and a plurality of NFC antennas which are operatively coupled to said NFC device, wherein said NFC device is arranged to activate a function of said game piece by establishing NFC with the game piece through one of said antennas. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure a corresponding method for activating at least one game piece on a game board is provided. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there a corresponding computer program product is provided.

Abstract: A game system and method utilizing quantum phenomena, such as entanglement, superposition and interference, to modify game play of a conventional game. The game of chess is one such game. As detailed herein, the manner in which quantum phenomena are integrated into the chess game allows players to strategize based on at least entanglement, superposition, measurement and interference. That is, the integration of quantum phenomena is not simply overlaid on the chess game but rather integral to how the chess game is played. The embodiments of the present invention are also predicated on game measurements being non-deterministic.

Abstract: A cue sport soccer game is disclosed including a playing surface, a first goal, a second goal, and playing pieces. The cue sport soccer game includes one or more indicator objects and/or one or more move indicators. The cue sport soccer game is to be played with a cue stick. The playing pieces include field pieces that are configured to slide on the playing surface strategically when struck by the cue stick. The field pieces may be struck strategically lightly or heavily to cause a game ball to be trajected in a grounded fashion or an elevated fashion respectively.

Abstract: A dice rolling table game that comprises of a pair of teams that compete against each other by rolling their dice onto a game-board with multiple holes and flat surfaces that are prescribed a certain amount of points if the dice land onto the said areas, if the dice does not roll onto the board it will not count. If the dice rolls off the board, this may negatively affect the team that threw the dice or positively affect the defense that caught the dice. Games are played to a certain amount of points and the first to reach those points and win by two points, wins the game. Open containers, which are referred to as “post-cups,” are involved in the game, but are not filled with any liquids. The post-cups may be used to toss and catch the dice. There are more than one game modes that will be described in this present invention, but are not limited to in relation to the described invention.

Abstract: A game machine includes an object-capturing unit, a maneuver unit and a display unit. The game machine includes a capture area for containing objects each provided with an RFID tag and a scan area in communication with the capture area. The maneuver unit is operable to control the object-capturing unit to capture one of the objects from the capture area and drop the object into the scan area. A control module includes a processing unit, an initiating unit and a tag scanner. The processing unit is electrically connected to the object-capturing unit, the maneuver unit and the display unit. The initiating unit is electrically connected to the processing unit. The tag scanner is electrically connected to the processing unit, and adapted for scanning the RFID tag of the object so that a code of the RFID tag of the object can be translated and shown on the display unit.

Abstract: A system and method configured to enhance gameplay between users in an online game and to provide enhanced interest in virtual goods associated with collections of virtual goods through the ability to rotate drop rates associated with these virtual goods from time to time. The system and method includes the provision of functionality which allows providers of online games to periodically rotate drop rates associated with mystery boxes in order to maintain and/or generate additional interest in specific mystery boxes. As a result, it is possible for game operators to enhance revenue opportunities associated with these boxes even in the case where such boxes have been available for a relatively lengthy period of time and/or where players would have otherwise lost interest in specific boxes.

Abstract: A hovering remote-control flying craft having a molded frame assembly includes a plurality of arms extending from a center body with an electric motor and corresponding propeller on each arm. In various embodiments, the motor and propeller are mounted downward-facing at a distal portion of each arm with a motor cover over the motor. The center body can be formed of a two-piece molded structure that sandwiches a circuit board to provide structural support for the frame. The circuit board can include a plurality of tabs that facilitate mounting of wire connectors, and can also provide antennas and emitters for both IR and RF communications. In some embodiments, a removable safety ring protects the propellers from lateral contact.

Abstract: Enhancements to existing gaming controllers facilitating expedient response time and fine-tuned accuracy are described. The enhancements comprise the internal modification of the stock resistance force supplied by the analog stick centering spring mechanism. Through modification, the force of resistance supplied may be increased to over 200 grams of force, or down to 40 grams of force, while maintaining full function of the analog stick mechanism. A second primary enhancement replaces the stock triggers, conventionally equipped with progressive resistance sensors, to a momentary ‘snap-action’ two-way switch, minimizing trigger pull distance, and removing the analog nature of the trigger to achieve optimal performance.

Abstract: A controller for an electronic system includes a tracking member fixed to a controller body. The controller body has a head that adjoins a handle at a neck region, and that includes at least one thumb-operated control. The controller includes a hand retainer that in a closed position is configured to physically bias the user's palm against an outer surface of the handle. The hand retainer includes a resilient member that biases the hand retainer towards an open position. The resilient member is attached to an anchor that is attached to the head by an adjustment mechanism that permits the resilient member to be moved towards or away from the user's purlicue. The tracking member includes transducers that are coupled to the electronic system by electromagnetic radiation. Proximity sensors, spatially distributed on the handle, are responsive to a proximity of the user's fingers to the outer surface of the handle.

Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure relates generally to motorcycle simulation video game controllers. A motorcycle simulation controller is disclosed. The controller can be utilized for determining the center of gravity of a player character. A motorcycle simulation controller is disclosed. The controller can be utilized for determining the center of gravity of a player character.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an entertainment system for entertaining one or more guests as part of an interactive game carried out within an entertainment venue. Each guest is provided with a portable token that is used to identify and track the guest throughout the entertainment venue. The token includes a radiofrequency (RF) transponder that transmits a unique identifier to RF transceivers disposed throughout the entertainment venue. A host computer system communicates with each of the RF transceivers and selectively actuates various associated entertainment effects in accordance with the interactive game. The host computer also maintains and updates an overall game progress log for each guest based on the completion status of various game objectives.

Abstract: A distribution system is provided, the distribution system including a mobile communication terminal for detecting a gesture of a user by using a gesture detection device that is wirelessly connected, and a distribution device that can communicate with the mobile communication terminal, the distribution system including an accepting unit configured to accept registration of first acceleration data expressing a variation in acceleration within a predetermined time, and advertisement data indicating an advertisement to be displayed on the mobile communication terminal; a distributing unit configured to distribute the first acceleration data and the advertisement data to the mobile communication terminal; a comparing unit configured to compare the distributed first acceleration data with second acceleration data expressing the gesture of the user sent from the gesture detection device; and a first outputting unit configured to output the advertisement data, when the comparing unit makes the comparison.

Abstract: A network game system includes a server apparatus and a plurality of video game apparatuses connected to the server apparatus. A party includes player characters of a plurality of players. When the party battles with an opponent character, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits movie playback information to each video game apparatus for starting playback of a movie. Each of the players can skip the movie at a desired timing. A screen is displayed on each video game apparatus that has skipped the movie until the battle starts. When information is received from each video game apparatus that indicates playback of the movie has ended, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits battle start information to each video game apparatus.

Abstract: A user-activity video signal can be received. The user-activity video signal can comprise a video capture characterizing a user's interaction with a software application on a client. The software application can have an interface display space on the client and the software application can execute on the client in operation with at least one remote backend computing system. Backend user interaction data corresponding to the user's interaction with the software application as generated by the at least one remote backend computing system can be received. A new video comprising a plurality of divided segments of the user-activity video signal can be generated automatically using the backend user interaction data and a plurality of predefined rules. The new video can be provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a computer, etc., which makes it possible to improve the usability of city building games. The computer is provided with a storage unit configured to store game contents arranged within a game space, positions of the game contents, and a template defining positions of one or more of game contents, and progresses a game by arranging the game contents within the game space based on a command by a player. The method includes when the template is applied to a predetermined area within the game space based on the command by the player, moving, by the computer, the game contents arranged within the game space to the positions of the game contents defined by the template.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a computer, etc., which makes it possible to improve the usability of city building games. The computer is provided with a storage unit configured to store game contents arranged within a game space, positions of the game contents, and a template defining positions of one or more of game contents, and progresses a game by arranging the game contents within the game space based on a command by a player. The method includes when the template is applied to a predetermined area within the game space based on the command by the player, moving, by the computer, the game contents arranged within the game space to the positions of the game contents defined by the template.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a computer, etc., which makes it possible to improve the usability of city building games. The computer is provided with a storage unit configured to store game contents arranged within a game space, positions of the game contents, and a template defining positions of one or more of game contents, and progresses a game by arranging the game contents within the game space based on a command by a player. The method includes when the template is applied to a predetermined area within the game space based on the command by the player, moving, by the computer, the game contents arranged within the game space to the positions of the game contents defined by the template.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a computer, etc., which makes it possible to improve the usability of city building games. The computer is provided with a storage unit configured to store game contents arranged within a game space, positions of the game contents, and a template defining positions of one or more of game contents, and progresses a game by arranging the game contents within the game space based on a command by a player. The method includes when the template is applied to a predetermined area within the game space based on the command by the player, moving, by the computer, the game contents arranged within the game space to the positions of the game contents defined by the template.

Abstract: The present invention causes a computer to function as a virtual space generating unit, a game screen displaying unit and a fluid displaying unit. A fluid displaying unit displays pseudo three-dimensional representation of fluid in virtual space on a game screen. And the fluid displaying includes a model setting unit, a polygon mesh setting unit and a fluid setting unit. The model setting unit sets a predetermined linear model on the virtual space and moves a basis portion of the linear model to a predetermined direction, and moves the linear model to follow virtual points which are shot from the basis portion at intervals and which move to follow a predetermined track including the basis portion as a starting point.

Abstract: A game system for running a game with access to rich media content for at least one player includes one or more gaming consoles that are connected to a network with a content server that is in communication with the gaming console. The content server provides rich media content through a network for use with the user-play game. A content information receiver, disposed in the gaming console and connected to the network, receives the rich media content provided from the content server. A compositor is used to composite the rich media content with the game, and a game executer, that is provided in the gaming console, executes the game while involving the at least one player.

Abstract: An item can be provided to a user by a lottery and the item odds can be changed in accordance with a prescribed condition. A control method, performed by a server device connected via a communication line to a terminal device operated by a user, comprises the step of selecting a lottery mode from among a plurality of lottery modes, the step of following the selection of the lottery mode, holding a drawing from among a plurality of types of items on the basis of the selected lottery mode, and the step of following the holding of the drawing, providing the won item to the terminal device.

Abstract: A system of determining winners of a contest through a progressive cascade of elimination sub-contests is provided. The system comprises means for a user to select a contest from a plurality of contests, means for a user to join a contest room of a contest so as to enable the user to participate the contest and join the contest room, means for the user to vote on other contestants' submitted contestant items, means for determining winners of a contest room, and means for enabling winners to move onto a higher level of the participated contest.

Abstract: A playmate toy or similar children's toy is provided having associated wireless, batteryless ID tag that can be read from and/or written to using a radio-frequency communication protocol. The tag is mounted internally within a cavity of the toy and thereby provides wireless communication of stored information without requiring removal and reinsertion of the tag. In this manner, a stuffed animal or other toy can be quickly and easily identified non-invasively, without damaging the toy. Additional information (e.g., unique personality traits, special powers, skill levels, etc.) can also be stored on the ID tag, thus providing further personality enhancement, input/output programming, simulated intelligence and/or interactive gaming possibilities.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a transformable toy car, the driving of which can be controlled from a remote location and which transforms from a car shape into an arbitrary second shape, thereby exposing the lower surface of an attached card when an arbitrary card is attached to the car while the car is traveling.

Abstract: An assembly-toy chassis building element for a toy vehicle is configured for being non-rotatably connected to another chassis element of the toy vehicle. The chassis element has a top side, two side walls, two end walls and compatible coupling components disposed at opposite ends of the chassis element for enabling the chassis element to be rotatably coupled to another such chassis element. The top side and/or at least one end wall of each chassis element is disposed and configured for connection to an intermediate building element that is adapted, either alone or in combination with at least one other intermediate building element, to effect a non-rotatable end-to-end connection with another such chassis element.

Abstract: An activity gym with an arch that is readily movable between a first position and a second position. The activity gym includes a base sized to support an infant positioned on the base with the base having a perimeter. The nursing cover further includes an arch pivotally connected to the base along the perimeter of the base. The arch movable between a first position in which the arch is substantially perpendicular to the base and a second position in which the arch is adjacent to the base. The activity gym can also include a means for affixing an image capturing device such that the image capturing device is capable of capturing images of an infant positioned on the base of the activity gym.

Abstract: A finger manipulated device that gives the user a unique tactile and audible sensations comprising of two, disc-shaped shells, a first and second set of magnets located on the inside surfaces of each shell, and flat thrust bearing disposed between the shells. The magnets in the first set and second set are aligned in circular arrays. The magnets in each array are aligned in the same direction and evenly space apart. The thrust bearing includes a thin frame with a plurality of rollers radially aligned that fit into two raceways formed on the inside surfaces of the two shells. The thrust bearing supports the two shells and holds them apart. When assembled, the two shells are held together on opposite sides of the thrust bearing by magnetic forces created by the two sets of magnets and produce unique tactile and sound sensations when the shells are rotated back and forth in alternating directions with the user's fingers.

Abstract: Provided herein are integrated distillation apparatuses configured as stand-alone fully integrated systems having a reduced footprint. Integrated distillation apparatuses can have a rotary evaporator, a condenser, and an integrated refrigeration system or chiller, as well as an integrated water bath and vacuum pump, all of which can be integrated into a central frame and/or housing assembly. Integrated distillation apparatuses can be configured such that the rotary evaporator is movably attached to a frame structure and configured to be vertically translatable in position, whereas the condenser can be affixed to the structure by an arm extending from the structure and adjacent to the rotary evaporator, and wherein the refrigeration system can be in fluid communication with the condenser.

Abstract: A liquid separator and concentrator is disclosed. An example liquid separator and concentrator includes a separator column. A spray chamber has a sprayer nozzle to spray an influent within the spray chamber and create a falling film in the separator column. A heating jacket surrounds the separator column, wherein the heating jacket heats the falling film to evaporate at least one portion of the falling film and leaves a concentrate. A concentrate collection vessel receives the concentrate from the separator column.

Abstract: A system and method of extracting essential oils from plant material through the use of a low pressure alcohol-based closed system that includes a solvent chamber connected to a material column that in turn is connected to a recovery chamber. Plant material in the material column and the solvent in the solvent chamber are cooled using a cooling liquid, such as nitrogen. A vacuum pump connected to the recovery chamber creates a vacuum in the recovery chamber to draw the cooled solvent through the cooled plant material and extract essential oils, which are collected in the recovery chamber.

Abstract: A method of liquid chromatography includes providing one or more solvent reservoirs, providing a solvent pump, drawing one or more solvents into the pump in response to a pressure drop that promotes outgassing of the solvents, and dispersing outgassed bubbles into smaller bubbles to promote re-dissolution of the gas. A liquid-chromatography apparatus includes at least two solvent reservoirs, a pump, at least one bubble-dispersing unit that receives a pressurized flow of proportioned solvents from the pump, and a control unit. The control unit includes a processor and a memory that stores instructions; the control unit controls proportioning of solvents to obtain a preselected solvent composition, and pumping at flow rates to support preparative-scale or process-scale liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A chromatography column including: a tubular housing; a first end unit removably connected to a first end of the tubular housing; a second end unit removably connected to a second end of the tubular housing; an adaptor assembly movable within said tubular housing; an adaptor rod connected to said adaptor assembly, which adaptor rod is arranged to extend through an opening in the first end unit; a filter removably connected to the adaptor assembly; and a frame connected to said tubular housing for supporting the column on a floor. At least an actuating means is arranged on the frame, so that the column can be lifted and lowered in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for purifying biological cells. For example, viable tumor, stem, immune and sperm cells can be purified from a complex biological sample using a pipette tip column. Methods of the invention can aid research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A phase splitter for separating a multiphase fluid into a relatively light phase and a relatively heavy phase includes a separator tube which comprises a fluid inlet through which the multiphase fluid enters the apparatus, a heavy phase outlet through which the heavy phase exits the apparatus and an inner diameter surface which defines a flow bore that extends between the fluid inlet and the heavy phase outlet. A swirl element positioned in the flow bore downstream of the fluid inlet causes the multiphase fluid to rotate and separate the heavy phase from the light phase. The light phase forms an elongated core which extends axially through the flow bore radially inwardly of the heavy phase from proximate the swirl element toward the heavy phase outlet. A core stabilizer is positioned in the flow bore between the swirl element and the heavy phase outlet and engages the distal end of the light phase core to thereby inhibit the light phase from exiting the apparatus through the heavy phase outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of a degassing system of the present invention generally include a degassing device having a sintered metal matrix component; and a process vessel having a liquid inlet and liquid outlet through which liquid flows providing a liquid level there within; wherein the degassing device, which is fluidly connected to a pressurized gas source, is disposed within the process vessel beneath the surface of the liquid, wherein pressurized gas is introduced to the degassing device and forced through the sintered metal matrix to create gas micro-bubbles which rise through the liquid to strip volatile compounds therefrom, the gaseous composition above the surface of the liquid being evacuated through the gas outlet. In one embodiment, a degassing tower having multiple degassing chambers and degassing devices is employed. In one embodiment, a metal powder is disposed within the sintered metal matrix. Embodiments of methods of using the degassing device are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention supplies partitioned water treatment systems that possess a plurality of chambers and vertical filtration units, and are operative to control and filter surface runoff water. Such systems are typically placed inline with surface runoff water conveyance system infrastructure, such as pipes, channels, and water storage units.

Abstract: Filters for use in conjunction with valves of the faucet or spigot type, and to filters for use in devices for withdrawing liquids from containers at relatively low pressures, such as gravity feed jugs or other gravity feed reservoirs. A ¼-turn attachment scheme for connecting a filter cartridge to a gravity feed reservoir, such as within a beverage making/dispensing device.