Abstract: A protective golf bag system includes a golf bag a removable protective cover. The cover is supported by a protector fitted into a top opening of the bag. The protector includes a divider with a plurality of arms spanning across the sides of the bag and adapted to attach to the sides. These arms form areas for inserting of a number of golf clubs. At the bottom of the bag is a plate to which is releasably anchored an extensible tube with a top portion and a bottom portion centrally positioned in the golf bag with a handle extending through a center of the divider. A button on the handle releases a connecting member at each of the top and bottom of the extensible tube that fixes the relative position of the top and bottom portions of the extensible tube.

Abstract: A hockey training apparatus features an elongated track, a practice puck carried atop said elongated track and displaceable back and forth therealong on a longitudinal travel path, and at least one rebound mechanism mounted to the track adjacent a respective end of the longitudinal travel path for rebounding of said practice puck back toward an opposing end of the longitudinal travel path upon impact with said rebound mechanism. Each rebound mechanism comprises a resiliently stretchable member spanning laterally cross-wise to the longitudinal travel path in a taut condition thereacross at a location thereabove for impact by the practice puck.

Abstract: The process enables a time of an athlete in a hurdle race to be measured or predicted with a personalized transponder module positioned on the athlete and a base station. The transponder module comprises a receiver unit, a processing unit, a transmitter unit for data signals and a motion sensor to supply measurement signals to the processing unit. The module is activated by a wake-up signal and a measurement of the movement is conducted by the sensor after the start of the race on passage of each hurdle. The data signals are transmitted to the base station and determination of a passage time over each hurdle is conducted.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for sensor-derived object flight performance tracking are described herein. A set of magnetometer readings may be obtained from a magnetometer included with an object. A local rotation axis of the object may be determined at a time using the set of magnetometer readings. The local rotation axis may describe rotation of the object around a local magnetic target. A global rotation axis may be calculated based on an initial orientation of the object. The global rotation axis may describe a fixed rotation axis of the object during flight in a global coordinate frame, wherein an angle between the global rotation axis and magnetic north remains constant during the flight. An orientation of the object may be determined for the time using the global rotation axis and the local rotation axis of the object at the time.

Abstract: The present invention is a golfer's foot stabilizing device that stabilizes golfer's front foot by arresting foot movement for achieving desired angular position of golfer's body during golf swing and is easily portable. Golfer's foot stabilizing device includes arresting member and securing element. Arresting member includes base member having openings, foot arrestor member and hinge connection that pivotally connects base member and foot arrestor member such that base member is selectively folded and un-folded with respect to foot arrestor member. Securing element includes support element and projections. Projections are introduced in the ground after passing through openings such that support element arrests movement of base member on the ground. Front foot of user is positioned on base member and during swing movement of user front foot is arrested by foot arrestor member thereby achieving desired angular position. Arresting member is provided with handle that facilitates easy lifting and carrying.

Abstract: A device and method for aiding in the practice of basketball and other games that require a ball to be returned to a player in order to perform repetitive practice routines. The device generally includes a ball catching component and a ball ejection component. The ball catching component catches balls thrown by the player and delivers them to the ball ejection component so that the ball ejection component has a continuous supply of balls. The invention includes a means for tracking a predetermined color worn by a player on the court and returning the ball toward the player's current position after a predetermined triggering event has occurred.

Abstract: A system, equipment and process to guide a user in the experience of rhythmic exercise. Playback of an audio file/signal, such as a musical phrase, that has known rhythmic structure (e.g., beat pattern) is accompanied, by non-audio sensory cues such as a light signal or tactical signal (vibration) to mark rhythmic events in the audio playback (such as the beginning and end of playback and/or audio pulses (beats). In addition, equipment is provided to guide the user in performing a GDM (goal directed movement) sequence that is selected to be performed in synch with the rhythm of the audio signal. The user's motion is detected and compared to desired GDM in the selected sequence and also compared to the rhythm of the audio signal. Sensory cues are provided to guide the user in performing the GDM sequence rhythmically. The system may be implemented in cardio fitness equipment including treadmill, AMT, stationary exercise bike and elliptical type exercise equipment.

Abstract: Electronic tracking systems are disclosed for assisting users with locating objects in a sporting environment. One such system includes a ball tracking component that tracks a game ball while moving in the sporting environment, and a heads up display that is worn by the user. This heads up display has an electronic display screen with a transparent display area that dynamically displays images within the user's field of view. A processor, which communicates with the ball tracking component and heads up display, is programmed to detect movement of the game ball, and responsively determine launch characteristics and/or flight characteristics of the moving game ball. The heads up display displays the launch/flight characteristics contemporaneous with an object indication adjacent to or superimposed over the moving game ball as the game ball is visible through the transparent display area of the display screen within the user's field of view.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a binding equipment for binding a hard-shell boot comprising a profiled bottom surface to a ski, the ski comprising a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element and a top surface to be directed towards the boot, wherein the binding equipment is configured to adapt the top surface of the ski to the profiled bottom surface of the boot.

Abstract: A ridable kart having a front portion rotatably coupled to a rear portion. The front portion includes an inner surface that is adjacent to an outer cover portion and the two surfaces move relative to one another. The outer cover portion includes window portions or openings through which a portion of the inner surface is visible. The inner surface includes a visual feature that is visible through the window portions and the visual features moves relative to the window portions when the front portion rotates relative to the rear portion.

Abstract: A self-balancing vehicle includes a vehicle body having a housing with a top cover and a bottom cover. It includes a unitary support bar disposed between the top and bottom covers, about which the top and bottom covers are mounted, and which extends entirely along the top and bottom covers between opposed left and right ends of the unitary support bar. The vehicle further includes a left drive wheel and an opposed right drive wheel, each indirectly coupled to the unitary support bar.

Abstract: An automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting marked cards. One or more light spectrum emitters or variable light spectrum illuminators transmit light at frequencies/wavelengths which is reflected off card backs through one or more spectrum filters causing invisible markings to become visible. A camera may capture images of the now visible markings. A camera and software collaborate to capture images and analyze the same for markings on the card backs such as smudges, nicks and scuffs and edge demarcations. The automatic playing card shufflers are configured to not only detect marked cards but to detect patterns relative to the card markings. The automatic card shufflers are communicatively linked with a casino management system and/or security system such that casino personnel may be alerted in real time to the discovery of marked cards.

Abstract: A puzzle includes a cube-shaped box having a cavity therein, a plurality of rhombus-shaped members detachably engaged to each other, and a plurality of pyramid-shaped members detachably engaged to the rhombus-shaped members. The rhombus-shaped members are intercalated between the pyramid-shaped members such that a combination of the rhombus-shaped members and the pyramid-shaped members collectively have a cube-shaped arrangement removably fitted inside the cavity of the cube-shaped box. At least two of the pyramid-shaped members are situated at a top-most region of the cavity of the cube-shaped box.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to adjusting virtual item bundles made available to users of on online game based on user gameplay information. In implementations, information relating to prospective usage of the online game is used to classify users according by user type. Responsive to the determined user type of a user, customizations of item bundles in the online game made available to individual users for purchase within the online game may be determined.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system of selective advertising includes a gaming server to receive a request to play a game of chance from a gaming device, transmit gaming data to the gaming device, the gaming data associated with the requested game of chance, and receive player data, the player data associated with the player's eye movement, gestures, or change in state. The server may also be configured to analyze the player data, determine a context associated with the player data; and initiate an action based on the determined context.

Abstract: User action data characterizing action by a player in a game environment executing at a user client is received at a server. The game environment is created by the user client separate from the server. Data characterizing a selected viewing position is received. The selected viewing position is different than a player viewing position. The selected viewing position characterizes a viewing location within the game environment. A recreated game environment is generated from the user action data at the server. A video stream of the recreated game environment is generated. The video stream includes video from a perspective of the selected viewing position. The video stream is transmitted to a viewing client. Related apparatus, systems, articles, and techniques are also described.

Abstract: A virtual reality hierarchical tracking system provides real-time response in wide-ranging situations by partitioning the data collection and tracking computation across multiple slave and master servers. Each slave server manages a different subset of the tracking cameras and locates tracking markers within its own tracking camera images. A master server controls the slave servers and uses slave server results to determine the position of tracking markers.

Abstract: The invention includes methods, systems, computer program products and means for providing an intuitive user interface for interacting with a game console that obviates the need for, or use of, a typical game controller. In one embodiment, the user interface comprises an analog-like mechanism for manipulating a menu and icon system. The menu system allows the user to highlight a menu option or icon using movement along one axis and to activate the menu option or icon via movement on a different axis. In one embodiment, highlighting is associated with a vertical motion and activation is associated with a horizontal motion. The vertical motion can be tied to the vertical movement of a particular appendage, e.g., the up and down movement of the user's right arm, and the horizontal motion can be tied to the horizontal movement of that or another appendage, e.g., movement of the right arm or hand across the body from right to left.

Abstract: A storage module is provided for storing game information that is necessary for the progress of the game. A request to allow the game to proceed is acquired from each of a plurality of players, game information is changed according to these requests and stored in the storage module, log information indicating the relation between before and after the game information is changed is stored in the storage means, the log information is used to reproduce game information older than a first point in time until the game information at the first point in time, and the reproduced game information is used to reproduce the progress of the game and provide it to a player.

Abstract: Each client device sends an acquisition request the input of which has been accepted and writes, in a second storage unit, status information and a revision number received from a server device. After restoring the status of a game based on the status information in the second storage unit, the client device advances the game. During the advancement of the game, each client device sends, based on an instruction the input of which has been accepted, sends to the server device an update request including status information indicating the present status of the game as well as account information and the revision number of the second storage unit. The server device, based on account information included in the update request, determines whether the revision number read out from the first storage unit and the revision number in the update request match each other. If the numbers match, the server device updates the status information and the revision number in the first storage unit based on the update request.

Abstract: A game system comprising at least one processor configured to: receive, from a second user identified by second user identification information, an exchange request for exchanging a desired game object for an offered game object, the at least one first desired game object being selected from a first group of game objects associated with the first user identification information of a first user, the at least one first offered game object being selected from a group of second game objects associated with the second user identification information; exchange the first desired game object for the first offered game object based on the exchange request; and receive a selection of any combination of game objects which comprise are at least one of the first desired game object and/or the first offered game object, in one an exchange.

Abstract: Dynamically balancing imbalanced teams in a multiple team game, including: generating at least three teams, each team comprising members belonging to a first type or a second type; applying a first growth pattern to members of the first type and a second growth pattern to members of the second type, converting at least one member of the first type to the second type; and adjusting the first and second growth patterns based on the conversion of the at least one member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing recommendations of online games to friends of social network are described. A method for processing recommendations includes identifying a gaming session of a user on an online game provider network, accessing a use profile of the user for the online games of the online game provider network, and accessing a social graph of the user to identify friends of the user and respective friend profiles from the social network. The method further includes producing a recommendation of an online game. The recommendation includes an identification of a target friend of the user and is being provided by examination of the use profile of the user and friend profiles in the social graph. The method includes providing the recommendation to the user. The recommendation also includes an offer incentive to the user to share the recommendation with the target friend.

Abstract: Players are enabled to participate in competitive challenges within a videogame. The challenges may provide for interactive play between players while the players play the videogame in an asynchronous manner. The challenges may be based on actual performances of one or more tasks by the players within the videogame. The tasks may include, for example, one or more of a race, a battle, a fight, a musical performance (or simulated music performance), a puzzle, and/or other objectives or tasks.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for transmitting participant data relating to one or more participants that are available in a fantasy game, the fantasy game is at least partially related to a players performance in a sporting event; receiving a selected participant data indication from at least one user, the selected participant data indication provides selection of at least one participant from the participant data; generating a participant data update for one or more participants based on the selected participant data indication; the participant data is defined by a time period comprising an event and is calculated based on blink data transmitted from a location tag mounted to the participant; and transmitting the participant data update, the participant data update is viewable via a user interface.

Abstract: A system for providing guidance of a ride vehicle on a track of a park ride, e.g., a vehicle or car of a roller coaster, that is adapted to provide side guide wheel suspension with a design that requires significantly less maintenance than the traditional pin and bushing configuration. The system includes a side guide assembly includes two spring members, which may each take the form of a leaf spring, that are directly mounted to the main support of the bogie assembly (e.g., the load wheel assembly, the up stop assembly, and the support frame of the bogie assembly). The spring members are adapted to provide anchor points for the side guide wheel shafts that each side guide wheel is mounted onto for rotation. When the spring members are leaf springs, the eyes of each leaf spring may form the anchor points or shaft supports for the wheel rotation shafts.

Abstract: A detachable structure includes a toy and a detaching tool. The toy comprises a first part and a second part engaged with the first part. The detaching tool comprises a presser and elastic holders with holding parts that are at any one of a holding position and a holding releasable position. The first part is elastic and comprises an elastic engaging hook that is at any one of an engaged position and an engagement releasing position. The second part engages with the first part when the second part is brought to the first part in a certain direction so that the second part slidably contacts the first part to move the elastic engaging hook to the engagement releasing position and then further to the engaged position.

Abstract: A portable toy carried by a visitor of an amusement facility has a first antenna, a first transceiver that executes near field communication with a communication terminal installed in the amusement facility through the first antenna, a second antenna, a second transceiver that executes far field communication with a mobile terminal carried by the visitor through the second antenna, a memory that is connected to at least one of the first and the second transceivers, and a controller that stores information on the visitor received from the mobile terminal by the second transceiver through the second antenna, in the memory.

Abstract: A plush standing doll having a head and torso joined with arms and hands and legs and feet. Plush standing doll has the ability stand upright without falling over due to the internal frame which supports the doll. Backpack dollhouse is a backpack that converts into a dollhouse play area for plush standing doll, it is made with a detachable pouch that can be used to transport plush standing doll when the whole backpack dollhouse is not needed.

Abstract: In an aspect, a kit of parts is provided for assembling at least a portion of a character figure. The kit includes first and second kit member each having a body having a representation of a body portion of the character figure thereon. The first kit member has a hook extending outwardly from the body, and the second kit member body has a first hook-receiving aperture which has an interior surface that frictionally engages the exterior surface of the first hook, and is free of any bight pass-through members that engage the bight of the first hook to prevent removal of the first kit member from the second kit member. The kit members are joinable together to form at least a portion of a character figure. The bight of the first hook permits the first kit member to be hung on a first storage bar.

Abstract: In an aspect, a toy character assembly is provided, and includes a housing, a toy character inside the housing and a breakout member that is operable to break the housing to expose the toy character. The housing is formed from a composition comprising 15-24 weight-% ethylene-vinyl acetate; 1-5 weight-% zinc stearate; and 75-84 weight-% calcium carbonate.

Abstract: An interactive robotic toy including: a body section and a head section rotatably coupled with the body section. The head section includes a fixed jaw. A motor operates to rotate the head section relative to the body section. At least one touch sensor is provided for detecting touch. A processor is coupled with the motor and the touch sensor. The processor controls the motor to rotate the head section relative to the body section in response to the actuation of the touch sensor. A jaw is pivotally mounted to the head section and moveable between an open position remote from the fixed jaw and a closed position proximate the fixed jaw as the head section is rotated relative the body section by the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transforming toy which enables a toy in a first form to transform into a second form by means of a random lock releasing means and thus discharge an item which is inherently provided, and enables easy restoration from the transformed second form into the first form.

Abstract: A ring for performing magic tricks is provided that has a miniaturized vibration motor, an on/off switch, a power supply element, a metallic contact blade, on which the power supply element is positioned, and a printed circuit board which receives wiring to interconnect the battery and the motor on the other, thereby closing the circuit.

Abstract: The system and methods described are directed to a distillation system and method having an evaporator tank with a wall surrounding an interior evaporator tank area. A non-oxidizing gas line is disposed at least partially outside the evaporator tank in communication with the interior evaporator tank area, wherein the non-oxidizing gas line introduces a non-oxidizing gas into the interior evaporator tank; the interior evaporator tank area is generally at or above an ambient atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A filter device has at least one filter element (17, 19) exchangeably received in a housing (9). The filter element has a filter medium (23) permeable to a flow of the fluid to be purified and has, on at least one end, an end cap (25) that, for the purpose of positioning of the filter element (17, 19) in a functional position, interacts with a fixing body (33) connected to a removable cover (11) of the housing (9). A bypass valve (51) is provided on the fixing body (33). On the fixing body (33), a wall part (57) in the functional position forms a dividing element in the housing separating the housing into a filter element chamber (65) and a bypass chamber (63) situated at the outflow side of the bypass valve (51). The bypass chamber has a protective filter (67) through which the fluid flowing out of the bypass valve (51) can flow.

Abstract: A modular filtration platform having at least one manifold head and at least one respective filter cartridge assembly. Each manifold head is connected to one another to establish a water flow in a series or parallel manner. Each filter cartridge assembly is releasably secured from rotation relative to the manifold head by a locking mechanism. An aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar mates with a protruding resilient extension on either the manifold head or support bracket. Alternatively, an aperture on the filter cartridge assembly annular collar and an aperture on the manifold head annular collar mate with a protruding member from a locking ring extending through both apertures. An integrated sensor package may be integrated with the system for true managed water visible/audible indications and Wi-Fi interface to facilitate virtually instantaneous response times for filtration needs.

Abstract: A nonwoven filtration medium that includes a fibrous base media including synthetic and/or natural fibers and micro fibrillated cellulose fibers.

Abstract: Air filter cartridges are disclosed. Also described are air cleaners including the filter cartridges. Methods of assembly and use are also provided. Also, systems of use are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for performing PCO reaction. The method comprises steps of: guiding an air flow into a PCO reactor, which PCO reactor contains photocatalyst for the PCO reaction; splitting the air flow into a first stream and a second stream, wherein quantity of the first stream being less than quantity of the second stream; obtaining the humidity of the photocatalyst; controlling the humidity of the first stream according to the obtained humidity of the photocatalyst; adjusting the humidity of the photocatalyst by guiding the first stream to the photocatalyst; guiding the second stream through the photocatalyst; and illuminating the photocatalyst with light. By controlling the humidity of air passing through the photocatalyst oxidation based on the obtained humidity of the photocatalyst, PCO reaction can be performed effectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for continuously dehumidifying humid gas. More particularly, this invention relates to a system that continuously dehumidifies gas using a liquid desiccant dehumidifying module, a regeneration modules utilizing a membrane distillation module to regenerate diluted liquid desiccant and means for connecting the two modules together.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions, comprising a solid sorbent, a dispersive agent, and optionally a capture agent for enhanced wet-Flue Gas Desulfurization (wFGD) or wet scrubber unit function in a flue gas pollutant control stream is disclosed. The sorbent composition may include a sorbent with a dispersive agent, designed to enhance the dispersion of the sorbent in an aqueous sorption liquid of a wet scrubber unit, and therefore may be especially useful in EGU or industrial boiler flue gas streams that include one or more wet scrubber units. The sorbent composition may also include a capture agent useful in sequestering mercury and bromine, as well as other contaminants that may include arsenic, selenium and nitrates.

Abstract: A desiccant window screen to lower humidity in a space is disclosed. The desiccant window screen will lower humidity in the air as it passes through the window threshold. The screen will continue to protect from bugs or anything else entering your home, while making the space feel cooler by removing the excess humidity.

Abstract: Techniques for distributing a liquid in a liquid-gas system include flowing a liquid into a system of nozzles and basin of the liquid-gas contacting system; and operating the nozzles and basin system with a distribution sub-assembly configured to operate the nozzles under a plurality of liquid flow rates and maintaining a consistent spatial liquid distribution of the liquid within the distribution sub-assembly at the plurality of liquid flow rates.

Abstract: A desulfurization absorption tower, a method for setting up the same and a method for operating the same. The tower may include an internal anti-corrosion layer that may be used for contacting the flue gas and the desulfurization absorption liquid, may define the tower chamber, and may include stainless steel plate whose thickness is 1.0 mm to 6.0 mm. The tower body may include an external supporting layer that may be used for supporting the anti-corrosion layer and may include carbon steel. The supporting layer and the anti-corrosion layer may be designed to jointly bear a load, wherein the supporting layer may be designed to bear a large part of the load, and the anti-corrosion layer may be designed to bear a small part of the load.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrafiltration unit for continuous buffer or medium exchange, a method for continuous buffer or medium exchange in the ultrafiltration unit, and a plant in particular for (semi)continuous production of biopharmaceutical and biological macromolecular products in particular, such as proteins, e.g. monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, comprising the ultrafiltration unit according to the invention.

Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.

Abstract: The composite anion exchange membrane includes: a surface layer on a single surface or both surfaces of an anion exchange membrane substrate, in which the above-described surface layer contains a copolymer of a monomer A which is a water-soluble polyfunctional monomer and a monomer B which is a cationic monomer, an anion exchange capacity of the above-described surface layer is 0.05 meq/cm3 to 0.50 meq/cm3, and an anion exchange capacity of the above-described anion exchange membrane substrate is 1.0 meq/cm3 to 5.0 meq/cm3.

Abstract: The present invention discloses membrane modules utilizing innovative geometries of net-type feed spacers for improved performance in separations and spacer-fabrication methods therein. Membrane modules include: a central tube having perforations along its length for collecting a permeate; at least two filtration envelopes, each filtration envelope having two membrane sheets and a porous, fabric-type insert in between the two membrane sheets for facilitating the permeate to flow, wherein each envelope is closed along three edges of the two membrane sheets, and wherein each envelope is configured to allow the permeate to exit from a fourth, open edge attached to the central tube; and a respective feed-spacer sheet in planar contact with an outer membrane surface of a respective filtration envelope; wherein the respective feed-spacer sheet is in the form of net having nodes connected by flexible segments such that the net forms a regular planar net.

Abstract: An method of making a porous asymmetric membrane involves dissolving a poly(phenylene ether), poly(phenylene ether) copolymer, polyethersulfone, polysulfone, polyphenylsulfone, polyimide, polyetherimide, polyvinylidene fluoride, or a combination thereof in a water-miscible polar aprotic solvent to provide a membrane-forming composition; and phase-inverting the membrane-forming composition in a first non-solvent composition composed of water, a water-miscible polar aprotic solvent, or a mixture thereof, and a polymer additive dissolved in the first non-solvent composition. The method can be a method of making a hollow fiber by coextrusion through a spinneret having an annulus and a bore, including coextruding the membrane-forming composition through the annulus, and the first non-solvent composition through the bore, into a second non-solvent composition composed of water, a water-miscible polar aprotic solvent, or a mixture thereof to form the hollow fiber.