Abstract: A stationary jumping and trick bike is disclosed. An example device includes a frame assembly having a handlebar on a forward portion of the frame assembly and a seat on the frame assembly. A leg member including a leaf spring is connected to the frame assembly by a bracket having a plurality of ports selectable for pivotably attaching the leg member to the frame assembly to adjust pitch and/or angle of attachment of the leg member. A plurality of tensioners are connected between the leg member and the frame assembly. A foot rest is provided on the frame assembly. A standing and/or seated user holding the handlebar on the frame assembly can practice jumps and tricks by lifting and landing a lower portion of the leg member on a solid surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball which comprises spherical-cosine dimples on the surface thereof. The spherical-cosine dimples have a cross-sectional shape defined by the superposition of a spherical function and a cosine function. Each of the spherical-cosine dimples preferably has a dimple diameter of 0.180 inches or greater.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having improved aerodynamic performance due, at least in part, to the selection of the plan shapes of the dimples thereon. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball that includes at least a portion of its dimples having a plan shape defined by low frequency periodic functions along a closed simple path. In addition, the present invention provides methods for designing dimples having a plan shape defined by a low frequency periodic function along a closed simple path.

Abstract: Golf ball comprising cast layer of thermoset polymer mixture having centering time Ct1 and comprising: (i) a polyurethane composition, polyurea composition, and/or polyurethane/polyurea hybrid composition; and (ii) a treated fumed silica compound in an amount such that centering time Ct1 is independent of the thermoset polymer mixture's degree of cure and lower than a centering time Ct2 of the thermoset polymer composition (which is dependent on its gel window Gw). The treated fumed silica compound may be surface treated with at least one of polydimethylsiloxane, hexamethyldisilazane, and dimethyldichlorosilane. In some embodiments, delta time ?t1 between a dispensing time Dt1 of the thermoset polymer mixture and centering time Ct1 is less than a delta time ?t2 between Ct1 and centering time Ct2. Centering time Ct1 and dispensing time Da may differ by less than 10 seconds or even by 5 seconds or less.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core made of a foamed composition and a cover are provided. Preferably, the core is dual-layered having has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. Preferably, a polyurethane foam composition containing mineral filler particulate, for example, nanoclay particles, is used to form the foam center. The concentration of clay particulate is preferably in a range of 0.1 to 60% by weight. The surrounding outer core layer may be made from non-foamed or foamed compositions. For example, polybutadiene rubber or highly neutralized olefin acid copolymers may be used in the outer core layer. The core layers have different hardness gradients and specific gravity values.

Abstract: A ball collection device, including a handle; a first tube segment and a second tube segment coupled substantially perpendicularly to the handle; a multi-directional roller ball coupled to the first and second tube segments; a crossbar coupled to the handle adjacent and substantially parallel to the first and second tube segments; a first arm coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular from the first tube segment; a first wing extending from the first arm that is configured to deflect objects downward; a second arm coupled to and extending substantially perpendicular from the second tube segment; a second wing extending from the second arm that is configured to deflect objects downward; and at least one roller rotatably mounted on each of the first and second tube segments and the crossbar.

Abstract: A ball striking device has a face with a striking surface and a body extending rearwardly from the outer periphery of the face. A channel extends across at least a portion of the sole, and includes a trough defined between front and rear edges and extending in a heel-toe direction. The device further has internal interconnection structure for connection of a shaft to the head. The device may have a hosel connected to the body proximate the heel, with the hosel having the internal interconnection structure adapted for connection of the shaft to the hosel. A bore or access opening may be provided that intersects the channel, to access the interconnecting structure. The device may further include one or more stiffening ribs on the sole.

Abstract: A hollow golf club head includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the golf club head further comprises a strike face operative to impact a golf ball, a body extending rearward from a perimeter of the strike face, and a flexure joint extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. The flexure joint includes a forward impact surface, a reaction surface in contact with the impact surface, and during an impact, the impact surface translates along the reaction surface to permit a controlled deflection of a portion of the strike face.

Abstract: A golf putter is disclosed having a head having a forward face, a back face, a top surface, and a bottom surface, the top surface defining a leading edge of the head and a trailing edge of the head. A back flange extends rearward from the back face of the head. In an example, a plurality of angled alignment lines are formed in the top surface of the head. In an example, a first straight alignment line is formed in the top surface of the head, the straight alignment line is centered between the plurality of angled alignment lines. In an example, a second straight alignment line is aligned with the first straight alignment line. In an example, a plurality of grooves are formed in the forward face of the head.

Abstract: A golf club includes a golf club head, a shaft adapter secured within a hosel of the golf club head, and a shaft secured within the shaft adapter. The golf club shaft is formed from a fiber reinforced polymer and extends along a longitudinal axis between a tip end and a grip end. The golf club shaft includes a tip end section, a grip end section, and a tapered section between the tip end section and the grip end section. The tapered section of the shaft includes a reference portion within the upper half that has a frustoconical shape with a near-constant taper rate, and a narrowed portion within the lower half. The narrowed portion is recessed relative to a reference surface extrapolated from the frustoconical shape.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a top portion, a sole portion opposite the top portion, and a striking face configured to impact a golf ball. The striking face includes a face center and a variable thickness distribution such that the club head exhibits an Expected COR value of not less than 0.810, the Expected COR value being determined based on the following relationship: Expected ? ? COR = ? i = 1 n ? ? j = 1 m ? p ij * c ij The variable cij corresponds to an average COR value associated with bin i, j, and the variable pij corresponds to a bin-specific impact probability value. And the club head exhibits a characteristic time no greater than 257 microseconds.

Abstract: A puck having an outer shell formed using a cylindrical body and a circular cover. The cylindrical cover exhibits a first groove and tongue structure formed in an axial end surface of the cylindrical body, which surrounds a cavity formed in the cylindrical body. The circular cover includes a second groove and tongue structure formed in a surface of the circular cover and fitting to the first groove and tongue structure. The circular cover is attached to the cylindrical body using the first and the second groove and tongue structure.

Abstract: A soccer ball kicking training device (1) having a support base (3) with a column member (5) extending substantially vertically upright therefrom along a first axis (7) and an arm (9) extending outwardly along a second axis (11) between first and second end portions (13,15). The first end portion (13) has a ball (17) attached to it and the second end portion (15) is attached to a hinge mechanism (21) mounted to an upper part (5?) of the upright column (5). The hinge mechanism (21) supports the arm (9) for pivotal movement about a horizontal third axis (23) relative to the upright column (5) and the first axis (7). The hinge mechanism (21) additionally includes an inclination angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the up and down angle range of the arm (9) about the horizontal third axis (23) and the device (1) also provides an anti-pinch arrangement for safety.

Abstract: A cover for a hand-held pad having one or two handles, the cover having interconnected panels that define one or more openings for inserting the pad into the cover and for providing access to the handle(s). In one embodiment, a punch pad has a glove portion, and the cover has a single opening for both inserting the pad into the cover and providing access to the pad glove. In another embodiment, the pad is a kickboxing pad having a hand grip and an arm band, and the pad has three openings: a first for inserting the pad into the cover, a second for accessing the hand grip, and a third for accessing the arm band. The panels are made suitable materials that enable the cover to fit snuggly over the pad where the front panel may be printed or written upon to display an image.

Abstract: Systems and methods to practice putting are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a framework, actuators mounted to the framework, a control system, a computing device, and an artificial green. The control system is coupled to the actuators and controls actuation of the actuators. The computing device includes a display for viewing mapped green profiles and is configured to communicate with the control system. The artificial green includes a putting surface with a cup defined therein, wherein the artificial green is positioned over the actuators. With this arrangement, a user can select a putting region, after which, the computing device can translate and transfer the mapped data of the putting region to the controllers to actuate the actuators to, therefore, adjust the putting surface of the artificial green to correspond to the mapped green profile of an actual green.

Abstract: A system that measures a swing of a bat with one or more sensors and analyzes sensor data to create swing quality metrics. Metrics may include for example rotational acceleration, on-plane efficiency, and body-bat connection. Rotational acceleration measures the centripetal acceleration of the bat along the bat's longitudinal axis at a point early in the rotational part of the swing; it is an indicator of the swing's power. On-plane efficiency measures how much of the bat's angular velocity occurs around the swing plane, the plane spanned by the bat and the bat's sweet spot velocity at impact. Body-bat connection measures the angle between the bat and the body tilt axis, which is estimated from the trajectory of the hand position on the bat through the swing; an ideal bat-body connection is near 90 degrees. These three swing quality metrics provide a simple and useful characterization of the swing mechanics.

Abstract: A variable-color region (106) extends to an exposed surface (102) at a zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. The region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone sufficiently hard at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact signal identifying a criteria-meeting area (1626) where threshold impact criteria are met. Responsive to the impact signal and possibly to supplemental impact criteria being met, a controller (1622) produces a representation of a print area (118) from a representation of the criteria-meeting area by smoothening its perimeter and provides an initiation signal designating a location in the zone for the print area such that it closely matches the object-contact area. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the region responds to the initiation signal and possibly to a tracking condition being met by temporarily appearing along the print area as changed color materially different from the principal color.

Abstract: A mouthguard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pair of spaced lateral bite wings, a conduit defining an air channel extending between forward portions of the lateral bite wings, and a lip shield member and/or a flange disposed around and extending radially outward with respect to a forward end of the conduit. The conduit is tapered inward from its forward end toward its rearward end, and defines an incisor engaging surface proximate the rearward end of the conduit, and a lip engaging surface between the incisor engaging surface and the forward end of the conduit.

Abstract: A protective cap is described. The protective cap includes a protective case having a padded inner surface and a rigid outer cover. The rigid outer cover includes a forward facing portion. The forward facing portion includes an aperture having a width approximately equal to a width of the forward facing portion. The protective cap also includes a pair of side facing portions and an optional head cover fitting. The optional head cover fitting is attached to the protective case, and an optional face shield. The optional face shield is connected to a track located on a pair of side facing portions of the protective case. The outer shell includes variable transparency and/or opaqueness allowing a visualization of information, such as a team logo, on a separately worn traditional baseball/other sports cap. Alternatively a logo/design is applied directly to the outer shell of the protective cap.

Abstract: A personal transport includes a deck configured for supporting a rider in a standing position. At least one wheel assembly is mounted on a bottom surface of the deck, the, or each, wheel assembly having at least one wheel so that the deck can travel over a substrate. An operator handle is substantially rigidly mounted on a rear end of the deck and extends rearwardly from the deck so that an operator, standing on the substrate, can grasp the operator handle and push the apparatus along the substrate, or tilt the apparatus relative to the substrate, while the rider is supported on the deck. A rider handle mounted on one of the deck and the operator handle and positioned so that the rider can grasp the rider handle for balance while supported by the deck.

Abstract: A game platform and process of setting up and scoring individual game pins on the game platform is provided. The platform and process has utility to mitigate the negative impact of recurring manual setup of individual game pins on a game surface prior to beginning or continuing play such as the misalignment of individual game pins potentially creating an unfair advantage or disadvantage to those playing the game. The platform and process also has utility to increase the efficiency and uniformity of game setup and game play. The platform affords automatic identification of a misaligned game pin and notifies a player of the need to realign the game pin. The platform has further utility to automatically score the game and generate additional game information in real-time.

Abstract: A configurable butt for a cue stick comprising a body comprising an elongate chamber having an internal thread and a movable weight coaxially located within the elongate chamber and having an external thread, the movable weight being threadingly coupled to the internal thread of the elongate chamber. An internal shaft extends through the movable weight is adapted to rotate the movable weight within the internally threaded chamber thereby causing the movable weight to move between respective ends of the elongate chamber by virtue of the threaded coupling for adjusting a centre of gravity of the cue stick. An indicator arrangement is coupled to the internal shaft and adapted to provide an indicate of the location of the movable weight within the elongate chamber.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus which provides for a modified roulette wheel apparatus and associated wagering games.

Abstract: The present application discloses a domino structure system comprising a track, a plurality of rods, a plurality of dominoes, a plurality of stoppers and at least one stand. The track comprises a left rail and a right rail. Each of the rods is coupled to the left rail at rate end and to the right ail at another end. The plurality of dominoes is rotatably coupled to the plurality of rods. The plurality of stoppers is capable of stopping the plurality of dominoes when the plurality of dominoes is perpendicular to the track. The at least one stand comprises a base, a column and a supporter, the column is coupled to the base, the supporter is coupled to the column, wherein the supporter is capable of supporting the track. A domino structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gyroscopic exercise apparatus, comprising: at least one control-moment gyroscope; at least one motion sensor for sensing movement of the apparatus; at least one spindle motor for providing rotation to a rotor of the gyroscope; and, at least one reversible motor for providing rotation to at least one gimbal of the gyroscope.

Abstract: An operating device includes a movable part capable of moving between a first position and a second position, with the movable part being capable of operation by the finger of the user gripping the operating device. The operating device includes a regulating part that regulates a range in which the movable part can move, and a control part that determines the amount of regulation in which the movable part can move and provides the regulating part with an instruction to regulate the range in which the movable part can move according to the amount of regulation which has been determined.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for gaming headset with enhanced off-screen awareness. An audio system that is used for outputting audio signals to a user may be configured for identifying in input audio signals, based on parameters or criteria associated with a user of the system, one or more components; and processing the input audio signals based on such identifying, with the processing including adjusting the one or more components and/or one or more other components in the output audio signals; and with the adjusting being based on characteristics of the one or more components as perceived by the user. The audio system may include circuits for handling the required functions. The circuits may include a detection circuit configured for identify the one or more components, and an adjustment circuit for applying the adjustments.

Abstract: A game server switching method, applied to a game server switching system, is provided, the game server switching system including a load balancer, a network-layer access subsystem, a network-layer proxy subsystem, a game logic subsystem, and a role login management server. A communication connection is established between the network-layer access subsystem and the second game server based on the route switching request message. A write-back request is sent by the first game server to the role login management server. User role data are sent by the role login management server to the second game server based on the write-back request. In response to obtaining the user role data from the role login management server, the game data are sent by the second game server to the game client by using the network-layer proxy subsystem, the network-layer access subsystem, and the load balancer.

Abstract: There is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing an image processing program, which when executed causing an image processing device to execute the following steps: receiving an operation for moving a position of a predetermined object in a virtual three-dimensional space; in response to determining that a height of a lowermost part of the predetermined object is less than a height of a surface of a predetermined three-dimensional object, configuring the predetermined object to be movable in a range with a height that is greater than or equal to a predetermined height corresponding to the position on a horizontal plane in the virtual three-dimensional space; and causing the predetermined object to be displayed on or above another object in the virtual three-dimensional space.

Abstract: An image processing method is provided. Information about a current location of a virtual object on an application interface is obtained, and line-of-sight blocking data corresponding to the location information is queried for. A first mask layer is generated based on a current operation status of the virtual object on the application interface by using the line-of-sight blocking data. A second mask layer is replaced with the first mask layer according to a preset unit of time, the second mask layer being one of at least two mask layers that are generated prior to generation of the first mask layer, the second mask layer being generated earliest among the at least two mask layers. A result of mixing the first mask layer and the at least two mask layers, except the second mask layer, to the application interface is output.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to unlocking game content for users of an online game based on amounts of collaborative gameplay. Groups of users interacting with the online game cooperatively are identified and amounts of cooperative gameplay engaged in by the individual groups are quantified. Content in the online game is made available to the groups of users based on the quantified amounts of cooperative gameplay. In implementations, the quantification of the amount of cooperative gameplay engaged in by the groups is made independent from achievement and/or successful accomplishment of any game objective in the online game by the groups.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems directed towards identifying player engagement to generate contextual game play assistance. User gameplay information is monitored so that the user can be provided assistance within the video game where the user may have problems. User gameplay information is monitored in order to identify what type(s) of assistance could be provided to the user. The information can be based on the current level of frustration of the user with the video game.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems directed towards generating and utilizing earned gameplay resources for metagaming. The interconnected gameplay is carried out via a first party platform that tracks and integrates user gameplay information coming from a plurality of different video games. The first party platform gameplay information is used to affect the user's performance and progress within a separate game which in turn can be used to affect the progress and performance of video games associated with the first party platform.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems directed towards utilizing social engagement to generate gameplay resources and subsequently utilizing those gameplay resources for metagaming. The metagaming is carried out via a first party platform that tracks and integrates user gameplay information coming from a plurality of different video games associated with a plurality of users participating within the same video games. The first party platform gameplay information is used to affect the user's performance and progress within a separate game (i.e. Metagame) which in turn can be used to affect the progress and performance of video games associated with the first party platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing a game update effect according to a change in a gamer action sequence, the apparatus including: a gamer action information collector configured to collect action information of a gamer from a game operating server that provides a gamer terminal with a game and stores the action information of the gamer therein; a gamer action information sequence identifier configured to detect an action sequence of the gamer from the collected action information of the gamer; and an update result analyzer configured to analyze an consequence on behavior of the gamer with respect to an update of a game service by comparing action sequences of the gamer detected through the gamer action information sequence identifier on the basis of a time point of the update of the game service.

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

Abstract: A system to create interactive monster images that includes: an interactive science lab, wherein a user enters the interactive science lab through a software application; an assortment of equipment within the interactive science lab such as flasks, beakers, test tubes and DNA research; interactive monster images created by the user using the assortment of equipment by cloning, breeding or genetically altering characteristics; various levels of participation based on player activity; a variety of ingredients for monster image creation such as swamp water, flesh, teeth, tears, human heart, tentacles, eyeballs, scales of the hand, skin, snakeskin, worms, roaches, lizards; a purchasing option available to purchase a selection of the variety of ingredients for creation of the monster images.

Abstract: The present invention is six disk game changer having light indicators alongside CD inserts. The six disk game changer has a connectivity source.

Abstract: An animatronic doll is disclosed. The doll, includes multiple sensors, one or more of which receives input which causes the doll to perform various functions such as moving, vibrating, playing music, eating, interacting with a mobile app or interacting with another doll. The doll also includes various modes which may be effected or selected based on input from one or more sensors. One of the sensors may include an rfid reader which reads cards that instruct the doll to emulate a particula emotion.

Abstract: A selectively removable skin for a doll is provided. The skin may include a plush material which has at least one seam. The shape of the material may be essentially the same shape as the doll and be configured to fit snuggly on the doll so that if the doll moves, the skin does not shift on the doll. There may be an the opening which may be selectively closed by a fastener. There may also be at least one elastic portion coinciding with the neck of the doll. There may also be a locking mechanism that selectively secures the skin to the doll.

Abstract: A plush toy having a spherical fabric shell defining a substantially enclosed cavity with an opening forming a mouth. A normally spherical elastic bladder filled with fluid is located within the enclosed cavity. When the spherical fabric shell is squeezed by a user, the elastic bladder elastically deforms forming a generally spherical bubble projecting out of the mouth opening. When the spherical fabric shell is released the bladder retracts into the fabric shell.

Abstract: An animatronic doll is disclosed. The doll, includes multiple motors, one or more of which controls conjoined movements of various parts of the doll and one or more of which controls individual parts of the doll. The doll may include a speaker for causing the duck to vibrate and/or it may include various sensors for user and environmental interaction.

Abstract: A toy in the form of a horse with removable and interchangeable hair components. The mane hair component can be easily slid into and out of a channel defined along the length of the neck of the horse toy. A tail component is secured within a complementary receptacle in the body of the horse.

Abstract: An action character assembly includes a torso having a first magnet disposed therein, the torso bounding a first passage extending from an exterior surface of the torso toward the first magnet, the first passage having a non-circular transverse cross sectional configuration. A first appendage has a first connector attached thereto, a portion of the first connector being received within first passage so that the first connector is magnetically coupled to the first magnet, the first connector being movably coupled to the first appendage.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: A magnetic construction system comprised of plural multi-shaped structural bodies each containing one or more captured magnets, wherein each magnet is free to rotate within its respective retaining pocket to align in magnetic polarity with rotatable magnets in adjacent structural bodies. Surface geometry around each magnet may include a radial detent feature which provides lateral and rotational stability between magnetically coupled structural bodies, or a radial recess which allows free rotation of respective structural bodies about the polar axis of magnetic coupling.

Abstract: A building system includes a plurality of building tiles and/or connecters that are magnetically and releasably connectable to one another. The magnetic building tiles are comprised of a tile frame and a tile panel. The tile frame, by one approach, is comprised of two connectable frame portions or elements having magnets embedded therein. The first frame element and the second frame element are connectable to one another through a snap, clip, or another similar connection mechanism. The first and second frame elements are connectable around or into the tile panel, which is removable from the magnetic building tile. The tile panel or the tile frame has a channel into which the other of the tile panel or tile frame extends to secure the two pieces together. In another approach, the tile frame is a single element and the tile panel may snap or attach thereto, such as, for example, through fasteners or friction.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a stand-alone pop up assembly and method for making the same is provided comprising a plurality of wall panels connected with an internal base. A roof structure is provided and a roof interface component for attaching the roof to the structure. The assembly is moveable between a first position being substantially flat into a one dimensional structure and a second position enfolded into a three dimensional structure by manipulating the outer structure and the internal base. The roof interface component may swivel into place during the movement to the three dimensional structure, thereby positioning the roof structure over the upper portions of the first and second panel walls or, alternatively, a sliding feature is provided with a tab from the roof inserted into a slot at the top of one of the panel walls, thereby sliding the roof into position.

Abstract: A flying toy that is thrown into flight. The flying toy has a central hub with a central axis. A central opening is formed in the hub. Wings radially extend from the central hub. Each of the wings has a first section that extends from the hub, a second section that extends from the hub, and a curved section that joins the first section to the second section. A shaped opening is defined in each of the wings. The curved section in each of the wings is shaped as an airfoil. The curved sections produce lift as air flows over the curved sections in flight. The openings in the hub and the wings enable air to flow over the air foils regardless to flight speed or rotational speed. The shape of the flying toy also produces an air cushion in flight that supplements lift.

Abstract: A thermal desalination system, comprising a multi-effect evaporator comprising a plurality of effects, configured to produce product water and brine and a fluidized bed crystallizer, configured to remove dissolved minerals and/or solids from the water, wherein the fluidized bed crystallizer is disposed between at least two effects of the multi-effect evaporator.