Abstract: A diagnosis server includes a storing section configured to store exercise data of respective users and diagnosis criteria of respective customers and a processing section configured to perform diagnosis on the basis of exercise data of a user designated from a terminal of a customer among the exercise data of the respective users and diagnosis criteria of the customer among the diagnosis criteria of the respective customers and provide the terminal of the customer with a diagnosis result.

Abstract: A portable basketball hoop includes a base; a post comprising a bottom segment, at least one middle segment, and an upper segment. The base has a plurality of openings circumferentially positioned around at least a part the perimeter of the bottom surface. The bottom and at least one middle segment have a body portion with a plurality of locking structure-engaging areas thereby forming pairs of locking structure-engaging areas arranged in at least two rows locking structures engage the locking structure-engaging areas to secure the post segments together. A backboard comprising two outer sections hingedly connected to a middle section which secures to the upper segment of the post.

Abstract: The present invention is a projectile and target lawn game that calls to mind the sport of bowling. The lawn game disclosed herein uses a number of pins that are magnetically attracted to a board as the target. The projectiles are preferably beanbags that a player tosses at the pins.

Abstract: A running training aid for use by a user to provide auditory feedback on arm mechanics is provided. The running training aid includes a body strap disposed around the user's chest and back areas, a reinforcement pad coupled to a portion of the body strap, a pair of clickers detachably coupled to any portion of the body strap coupled to the reinforcement pad, and a pair of arm bands coupled to the body strap and designed to wrap around the user's arms, each arm band coupled to one of the pair of clickers. Motion of any arm of the user in a backswing direction permits the arm band attached thereon to apply a force on the clicker connected thereto, thereby permitting the clicker to generate an audible alert when the arm travels a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A volleyball training device comprises left and right hand grips rotatable about a central hub between a fully open and fully closed position. Upon user grasping, a proper forearm position is established for volleyball play. After extended use the forearm position is maintained when the hand grips are rotated to the closed position placing the hands in a proper position for volleyball play. A locking assembly within the hub maintains the hand grips at user selectable positions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining interest levels for sporting events and notifying users when the sporting events' interest levels reach threshold levels. One embodiment is a system that includes a processing engine that receives data associated with sporting events and, based on this data, determines interest levels associated with the sporting events. The system also includes a notification engine is coupled to the processing engine. When the processing engine determines that the interest level associated with a particular sporting event has reached a threshold, the notification engine provides notifications to users indicating that the threshold level has been reached.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for administering a hole-in-one contest. Upon receiving payment, an identification code is transmitted to the golfer, and a video recording is made of the following events: 1) the player writing the identification code on the ball, 2) the player hitting the ball toward the green, 3) the ball's flight path toward the green, 4) retrieval of the ball from the cup, and 5) a close-up view of the ball showing the same identifying code that was placed on the ball earlier. The video recording is transmitted to a server where it is authenticated and verified. If the hole-in-one is verified, the player is awarded a prize. The system includes a player device, a video recording device (which may be integrated with the player device), a transmitter unit, a receiver unit, and a server.

Abstract: A method (300) for managing time-outs in a game, including: putting a receiver unit (14) in a ready state (205); receiving at the receiver unit (14) a desired time-out signal from a transmitter unit (12); putting the receiver unit in a time-out approval state (210, 215) and indicating to the game official through a receiver user interface (62) that the desired time-out signal has been received; receiving from the game official through the receiver user interface (62) one of an allow command and a deny command. When the allow command is received, the time-out counter (78, 80) is incremented, and, when the deny command is received, the receiver unit (14) is returned to the ready state (205) while keeping constant the time-out counter (78, 90).

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a time of a passing at a reference line of an RFID tag traveling along a route and a time of lapsing of the tracked RFID tag on the route, the system have a plurality of spaced apart tag reader systems for wirelessly obtaining tag reads, wherein at least one of the tag reader systems is space apart from the reference line. The timing system receives a plurality of tag reads and determines the time of passing of the RFID at the reference line responsive to the plurality of received tag read messages received from the plurality of tag reader systems.

Abstract: A collapsible ski, by which the front part and a rear part of the ski, when aligned, in such position fixed by a platform, which is by hinges interconnected with a bearing plate, which is attached onto a top surface of the front part of the ski and is rotatable around geometric axis, which extends perpendicularly with respect to the top surface of the ski.

Abstract: A snow ski has a longitudinal body defining a sole for gliding on the snow. The ski includes: (a) a platform slidably coupled to the body for sliding longitudinally relative to the body; and (b) a gripping element slidably and rotatably coupled to the body and rotatably coupled to the platform. The gripping element extends downward to penetrate the snow in response to the platform being slid rearward relative to the body. The gripping element retracts upward above the sole when the platform is slid forward relative to the body. First and second gripping elements may be disposed on opposing sides of the body. A locking mechanism selectively locks the platform at a forward position, in which the gripping element is retracted, one or more intermediate positions, or a rearward position in which the gripping element extends to penetrate the snow. A ski-traction kit for retrofitting a ski is provided.

Abstract: A machine for setting up bowling pins in predetermined positions. The machine includes: a movable distributing arm, suitable for releasing the pins one by one each at one of the predetermined positions, and a primary system for positioning the distributing arm with respect to the predetermined positions. The primary system is devised for an operating cycle moving the distributing arm according to a fixed sequence. A lifting wheel sweeps away the pins and delivers the pins to the distributing arm. A motor moves the distributing arm, the primary positioning system and the lifting wheel (3). A secondary system interferes with the primary positioning system enabling the user to define a position chosen from the predetermined positions with a view to the set-up, by the machine, of a pin in the chosen position.

Abstract: An improved game surface for a table game system includes a random number generator for identifying one or more numbers relevant to determining an outcome of a game of chance. The table game surface includes a game layout, including a plurality of player positions and a plurality of wagering areas corresponding to different possible outcomes. Each wagering area includes at least one illumination source associated therewith that can be switched between an on condition and an off condition. Each at least one illumination source may be configured to switch to the on condition when the wagering area with which it is associated is a winning outcome.

Abstract: This is an improvement to the tilting projectile game of U.S. Pat. No. 7,543,818 B2, in which the tilting assemblies that connect the paddles to the game's base and allow the paddles to tilt in every direction while preventing the paddles from touching one another, have been strengthened, simplified and made more efficient by replacing relatively complex parts with a single, stronger and simpler piece. By enclosing the space between the paddles and base, this improvement also ensures that players cannot put their fingers between those moving parts when the game is being played, whereas in the game's original design, if a player did not hold the paddles in the proper manner, they could misplace their fingers into that space.

Abstract: A target assembly includes a target post mounted to an underside of a playfield and sized to extend through an opening in the playfield. A centering device is mounted to the target post between a first end of the target post and a second end of the target post and a centering plate secures the target post to the underside of the playfield, wherein the centerplate and the centering device form a fulcrum for the target post to pivot as a lever. Impact of a ball with any portion of the target post, and in any direction, above the playfield causes the target post to pivot about the fulcrum, where a sensing switch senses the target post movement. A biasing element coupled to the centering device biases the target post into a rest position and returns the impacted target lever towards the rest position after impact by the ball.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a gaming content service implemented by a media distribution service. Game content is encoded for concurrent presentation with video content from a media distribution service. Viewers of the video content may interact with the game content using personal client devices. Whether the game content is presented with the video content may be determined according to a number of participating players.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to unlocking game content for users of an online game. In implementations, affiliations between users may be established, and content may be made available to users individually based on the number of users within an affiliation. Content made available to a first user of the affiliation may be made available to the first user individually and independently from other users included in the affiliation.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating user interaction with a virtual environment are discussed herein. In various implementations, the virtual environment may comprise a virtual reality game and a visual depiction of an input device of a user. As the user moves an input device, the visual depiction of the input device may appear to move in the virtual environment to facilitate gameplay. For example, a series of images corresponding to different visual characteristics may appear to travel toward the user. A score for the user may be determined based on the number of the series of images the user is able to intercept by moving the input device such that the position of an image traveling toward the user corresponds to the end of the visual depiction of the input device having the same visual characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game control technology. Particularly, the present invention relates to a game control method using a user input, a game control apparatus, and a recording medium thereof, which variously control the displaying of components of a game screen so as to provide a game that allows various types of game play schemes.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor that performs operations including detecting a first depression range of a button that includes an electro-mechanical sensor for detecting the first depression range, comparing the first depression range to a first actuation threshold, and asserting a first actuation state when the first depression range is at or exceeds the first actuation threshold. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and storage media for creating, discovering, and/or resolving spells using a wand are provided. In embodiments, a computing device or a wand may detect one or more gestures and sensors in the wand may generate sensor data representative of the one or more gestures. The one or more gestures may be movements performed using the wand. The sensor data representative of the one or more gestures may be converted into a spell sequence. The wand may transmit the spell sequence to a computing device, and receive, from the computing device, a spell output based on the spell sequence, a wand position, and a quest. The quest may indicate an order in which one or more second devices are to be activated and one or more spells to activate each of the one or more second devices. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A game apparatus being a non-limiting example information processing apparatus includes a display, and a game screen of a baseball game is displayed on the display. In a defensive (fielding team) side, in the game screen, a batter object and a catcher object are displayed, and an index object is displayed in front of the catcher object. Using the index object, a player designates a target position of a position that a ball object is to be thrown (pitching course) and a pitch type of the ball object, and instructs pitching. Even if the player designates the target position and the pitch type in any order, the target position and the pitch type can be set according to a designated order.

Abstract: Various game controller hardware and user interface configurations are disclosed. Some configurations may comprise two circular trackpads, driven by the player's thumbs, which may be clickable, allowing the entire surface to act as a button. Haptic feedback may be based on dual linear resonant actuators (e.g., by means of strong, weighted electro-magnets attached to each of the dual trackpads), capable of delivering a wide range of force and vibration, allowing control over frequency, amplitude, and direction of movement. The haptics-related components in certain implementations may also play audio waveforms and thereby function as speakers. In the center of the controller according to certain configurations may be another touch-enabled surface, this one backed by a display screen. In some configurations this entire screen itself may also be clickable, like a large single button. A variety of other exemplary implementations and configurations are described.

Abstract: A vibration control system includes a first vibration command generation module that generates first vibration data defined by a combination of a first frequency and a first amplitude, a second vibration command generation module that generates second vibration data defined by a combination of a second frequency and a second amplitude, a vibration data synthesis module that outputs third vibration data defined by a combination of a third frequency and a third amplitude, and a vibration control module that causes a terminal to vibrate based on the third vibration data. The vibration data synthesis module includes a first amplitude determination module that determines the third amplitude by adding the first amplitude and the second amplitude to each other and a frequency determination module that determines a frequency within a range from the first frequency to the second frequency as the third frequency.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable recording medium stores game program code instructions for a game in which a first user and a second user do battle, and when the game program code instructions are executed by a computer, the game program code instructions cause the computer to perform a data storage function of storing a first panel data that includes a plurality of panels associated with the first user to a storage unit; a control function of receiving information regarding a selection by the first user, the selection being for one or more panels indicating characters to be disposed in one or more divisions of a game display screen including a display region formed by the divisions; the data storage function further stores the panel associated with information of motion to the storage unit, and the control function transmits information for displaying the panel as a moving character according to the information of motion associated with the panel when the panel is disposed in a target division.

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: A recording medium that stores a game program processing the progress of a puzzle game and a battle game is provided. When executed on a computer including an input surface capable of detecting a touch operation of a user, the game program executes instructions. The instructions include determining whether or not a puzzle selected by the touch operation satisfies predetermined conditions, determining whether or not puzzles selected by the touch operation by drawing a locus on the input surface have the same attribute as one of the predetermined conditions, and displaying a game content for use in the battle game on a screen of the puzzle game when it is determined that the predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A system for managing game-playing experiences includes one or more game-playing devices provided with communication interfaces for exchanging game-playing experiences therebetween. Each device includes computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting an interactive game thereupon. The computing hardware is operable to execute one or more game software products recorded on machine-readable data storage media for generating the interactive game. The one or more game software products include a game experience software module (GESW) for generating metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface which enables the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing. Optionally, the metadata includes one or more metadata events which are searchable when subsequently viewing the game-playing experience.

Abstract: An example attachment is attachable to a game controller including a controller-side slide portion on which a controller-side operation button is provided. The attachment includes an attachment-side slide portion and an attachment-side operation button. The attachment-side slide portion is provided on a first surface of the attachment, wherein the attachment-side slide portion is configured to slidably engage with the controller-side slide portion in a predetermined slide direction, and wherein the controller-side slide portion is insertable into the attachment-side slide portion from a first side in the slide direction. The attachment-side operation button is capable of protruding from a second surface on a reverse side from the first surface. The attachment-side operation button includes a actuation portion capable of protruding from the first surface, thereby pressing the controller-side operation button, in response to an operation of pressing the attachment-side operation button.

Abstract: A videogame controller adapter allows a user to modify how a videogame controller is grasped to increase comfort, increase reaction time, and reduce the excretion of moisture between the user's hand and the videogame controller. The videogame controller adapter includes a first controller grip mount and a first digit support. The first controller grip mount affixes to a handgrip of the videogame controller to directly support the videogame controller. The first digit support is placed between the user's digits and grasped by the user to support the present invention and the videogame controller. The first digit support is adjacently connected to the first controller grip mount. The first digit support is oriented away from the videogame controller in order to allow the user to grasp the videogame controller to allow for better positioning of the user's fingers over the buttons of the videogame controller, potentially increasing the user's reaction time.

Abstract: A water slide extension system for sliding down and for recreational use includes a slide that has a top surface, a bottom surface, an entrance end and an exit end. The exit end is perpendicular to a ground surface. A water dispenser is included and placed on the slide to dispense water onto the slide. An extension is releasably coupled to the exit end of the slide. The extension catches water from the slide and receives a person from the slide such that the person slides on to the extension. A plurality of coupling units is attached to the extension. Each of the coupling units releasably couples the extension to the ground surface.

Abstract: A self-sealing balloon comprising a tubular balloon neck segment extending from an opening of a balloon gas retaining expansion cavity. A bead of moldable adhesive material is applied in a ring about an interior circumference of a neck portion of the balloon forming a dispensed adhesive roll. The dispensed adhesive roll is at least partially encapsulated within an adhesive staging segment. The adhesive staging segment can be encased within a rolled lip bead by any suitable process. The rolling process aids in forming the ring-shaped adhesive. In use, the balloon would be inflated. The lip bead would be unrolled, exposing the adhesive ring. The moldable adhesive would be compressed forming a seal, entrapping pressurized air within the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity. This provides a low cost, simple self-sealing solution for a balloon.

Abstract: A gift box with a self-inflating balloon is designed to be shipped to a recipient through the mail. A lid of the box is configured to be opened and may display a personalized message relating to a special occasion of the recipient. The box includes the balloon, which may be hidden from view in a compartment of the box. The box includes a switch that is configured to be actuated by the recipient. Upon actuating the switch, an inflation device is activated and begins to inflate the balloon, which emerges from the compartment of the box. A vibrating motor inside the box may synchronously cause the box to vibrate. After a pre-determined amount of time, the inflation device and motor deactivate, and a valve seals the air inside the balloon. Once the balloon is inflated, the gift box and balloon may be displayed for the recipient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to toy construction kits and assemblies and, more particularly, to connectors that are mechanically attached to and extend from the corners of geometric frame-like modules. The connectors are also adapted to interface with and magnetically connect to linear magnetic modules, whereby a user can create multiple construction platforms upon which a number of diverse and interesting structures can be assembled.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding beads in a pattern has a beading board having a base with a bottom side and a top side. A plurality of posts project out from the top side of the base and are configured to extend through holes in beads to hold the beads in lateral position relative to each other. The apparatus has a perforated panel having perforations that are larger in width than the posts, and the perforated panel is configured to be removably placed on the beading board with the posts extending through the perforations. The perforated panel slides along the posts and sliding of the perforated causes beads placed on the posts to slide vertically along the length of the posts.

Abstract: The Disclub Golf is to swivel the disclub to launch the golfdisc to fly. The golfdisc has the nearly right triangle rim with straight bottom edge and triangle flap at the trail edge of the bottom edge. On the surface of rim, there are dimples to extend the flying distance of the golfdisc. There are smart phone, camera and video display, etc. embedded in the rim of golfdisc to be the head wearing discopter. The smart hat iHat headwear discopter takes off from the head of the disc golfer to search the lost golfdisc in the golf course. The wrist-wearing monitor makes the remote surveillance with discopter. The disclub has the versatile combinations of straight pole and golf-style stick to adapt the different situations of disclub golf. The extendable disclub has the pole sliding inside the tube. There are joints for the self-portrait and golf-style disclub.

Abstract: A lift system comprises a drum that rotates about an axis, an elongate member that winds around the drum when the drum rotates in a first direction and that unwinds from the drum when the drum rotates in a second direction, a drive mechanism operable to rotate the drum, and a braking mechanism adapted to inhibit rotation of the drum. The braking mechanism includes a brake disk rotatable with the drum, a movable brake pad, and a ramp that guides movement of the movable brake pad. A method of operating the lift system comprises rotating the drum in a first direction to wind the elongate member onto the drum, rotating the drum in a second direction to unwind the elongate member from the drum, and moving the brake shoe along the ramp to thereby cause the movable brake pad to be compressed against the brake disk.

Abstract: A rotatable reel 100 for an entertainment machine comprises a circumferential lateral surface 101 and an internal frame structure 102. The reel 100 is provided with illumination means 110. The illumination means 110 are provided in a circumferentially mounted row, the row aligned with the direction of rotation about the central axis X. The illumination means 110 are activated by an illumination control unit at frequencies related to the rotation frequency of the rotatable reel 100 about central axis X.

Abstract: A system and method to partially vaporize a process or feed water stream does so in a liquid pool zone of a vessel as the stream comes into contact with a heating medium that is less volatile than the process stream. To keep the pool hot, the heating medium can be recirculated through a heater of a pump-around loop or a heater can be placed in the liquid pool. As the process stream is partially vaporized, any solids present in the process stream together with the unvaporized process or feed water stream move into the heating medium. These solids and unvaporized liquids may be further removed from the heating medium in the pool or in the pump-around loop. The vaporized process stream can be further condensed. Any heat recovered can be used to pre-heat the process stream or in the pump-around loop's heater in case of mechanical vapor recovery.

Abstract: A useful substance is extracted from botanical feedstock by mechanically compressing the feedstock and pumping a solvent through the compressed feedstock at high pressure while applying compressive mechanical force against the feedstock. Movement of pressurized solvent through the compressed feedstock may increase the volume of solvent in contact with the feedstock. Flow of solvent under pressure may also present a shearing force that facilitates dissociation of the useful substance from the feedstock.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing valve may include an inlet to receive carbonated water, a nozzle shell, and an outlet downstream of the nozzle shell configured to dispense a finished beverage. The nozzle shell may include an aperture open to ambient pressure environment. A method for dispensing a beverage may include flowing carbonated water through an inlet of a beverage dispensing valve, lowering the pressure of the carbonated water sufficient to promote carbon dioxide nucleation, flowing the carbonated water through a chamber vented to environment such that a portion of carbon dioxide nucleated is off-gassed, and introducing a beverage ingredient when the carbonated water reaches a sufficiently low carbonation level. A beverage dispensing nozzle may include an inlet configured to receive carbonated water from a beverage dispensing valve, a nozzle shell including an aperture open to ambient pressure environment, and an outlet downstream of the nozzle shell configured to dispense a finished beverage.

Abstract: The present invention is a composting bioreactor system that continually receives biodegradable solid wastes, waste waters and exhaust gases, automatically recycles the biodegradable wastes into nutrients and heat energy, and automatically supplies the nutrients and heat into an integrated hydroponic or aquaponic system. This invention together with integrated food growing system may be installed onsite such as balconies, backyards and premises of restaurants and food factories etc. therefore may lead to zero mileage targets both for recycling wastes and for supplying foods. This invention integrates composting process and aquaponic technology together and may establish a closed-loop recirculation of both water and gases therefore upgrades aquaponics into compoponics.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrocarbons and water from hydrocarbon and/or water containing drilling waste. The process includes introducing hydrocarbon contaminated drill cuttings and a cleaning solvent into a solvent wash tank. Prior to introducing the hydrocarbon contaminated drill cuttings into a solvent wash tank, the hydrocarbon contaminated drill cuttings are treated with a hydrocarbon solvent such as hexane to break the surface tension of the hydrocarbons in a solvent sealed vertical centrifugal separator to remove hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon contaminated drill cuttings, resulting in improved efficiency of the hydrocarbon removal process. Apparatus for performing the process is also described.

Abstract: A system for filtering particles from a fluid includes a strainer. The strainer includes a housing having an inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet. A filter element is positioned in an internal volume of the housing. The filter element defines a bore formed axially-therethrough and openings that are substantially transverse to the bore. A first portion of the fluid that enters the housing through the inlet flows through the openings in the filter element and exits the housing through the first outlet, and a second portion of the fluid that the housing through the inlet bypasses the openings and exits the housing through the second outlet.

Abstract: An inlet filter is disclosed for use with a reductant tank having a fill spout. The inlet filter may have a generally cylindrical base portion with an open top end and an open bottom end and configured for mounting inside the fill spout. The inlet filter may also have a mesh bag with a top connected to the generally cylindrical base portion, a folded bottom, and open side edges. The inlet filter may further have a bag carrier configured to close the open side edges.

Abstract: A water treatment cartridge includes a base having a recess therein. One outlet is located in the recess in the base and at least one further outlet is located away from the recess in the base. The outlet located in the recess in the base may be surrounded by an annular wall which projects away from the base of the water treatment cartridge to cooperate with a hopper in which the cartridge is fitted. The outlets can be designed to restrict the flow of water through the cartridge independently of any hopper in which the cartridge is mounted.

Abstract: In a rotary drum for thickening pulp, the rotary drum may include drainage channels for delivering filtrate from a pulp mat on the rotary drum to a filtrate chamber at an end of the rotary drum, and includes a flat face valve and plenum chamber assembly in the filtrate chamber. The flat face valve can be juxtaposed against drainage outlets of the drainage channels, wherein the flat face valve does not block the drainage outlets during a majority of the rotation of the rotary drum. An opening on the flat face valve may extend through the front surface and be aligned with the drainage outlets to provide a fluid passage through the flat face valve and to a plenum chamber behind the flat face valve such that air in the filtrate is collected in the upper portion of the plenum chamber and removed from the rotary drum.

Abstract: A filter element (10) for a liquid medium, in particular fuel, having a first vent channel (60) connected at the intake end to the pre-filtration side (26) of the filter element (10), a second vent channel (66) connected at the intake end to the post-filtration side (28) of the filter element (10); and a vent tube (32) having has at one end an inlet opening (34) and at the other end an outlet opening for fluidic connection of the vent tube (32) to a vent stub of a filter housing, or a vent tube portion for connection to a vent tube of a filter housing.

Abstract: Provided is a non-woven filtration material including a multilayer structure having a density gradient. The multilayer structure includes a coarse layer disposed at an upstream side of the non-woven filtration material and a dense layer disposed at a downstream side of the non-woven filtration material. The coarse layer and the dense layer are dry layers. The coarse layer contains 30% to 60% by weight of crimped conjugated fibers and contains 30% to 70% by weight of finer fibers. The crimped conjugated fibers have an average fiber diameter in a range from 15 ?m to 45 ?m. The finer fibers have an average fiber diameter that is in a range from 5 ?m to 20 ?m and smaller than the average fiber diameter of the conjugated fibers.