Abstract: The present invention concerns a hit detection equipment, usable by a fighter and an opponent for martial arts such as taekwondo, karate or boxing, comprising a central device, a valid surface, for example a jersey and/or a helmet, and at least one authorized surface, for example a glove and/or a shoe. Said valid surface comprises at least one conductive surface and said authorized surface comprises two conductive structures insulated from each other, intertwined with each other over the entire said authorized surface, and each connected to an electrical terminal, and configured so that a contact of said authorized surface on a conductive surface creates a short circuit between the two conductive structures. The present invention also concerns a method for detecting a hit struck by a fighter on an opponent, for martial arts such as taekwondo, karate or boxing, each equipped with an equipment according to the invention.

Abstract: A training weight assembly that is structured to be coupled to sport equipment having a shaft and a head. The training weight assembly includes a mass assembly and a multi-function retention assembly. The mass assembly is structured to be disposed about the shaft. The multi-function retention assembly is structured to secure the mass assembly about the shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sandbag, and an operation method and system of the sandbag, relating to the field of exercise and fitness. In the sandbag of the present disclosure, a bracket, a sandbag body provided on the bracket, a display screen provided on an outer surface of the sandbag body, a hitting detector provided on the outer surface of the sandbag body, a processor and a network module are provided, wherein the processor is electrically connected with the hitting detector, the display screen, and the network module respectively; the processor can detect hitting data of the user through the hitting detector, and acquire the network data through the network module, and control displaying of the display screen according to the hitting data and/or the network data, thus, the contents displayed are enriched, and the user experience is improved.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for providing live and/or archived antagonistic sports classes to remote users. The method comprises providing, by means of a processor, a first user interface associated with a first training terminal of a first user at a first remote location and displaying live and/or archived antagonistic sports classes on the first user interface, so that the first user selects classes therefrom; receiving a selection from the first user at the first remote location and sending the content of the selected class to the first training terminal accordingly. The method further comprises transmitting a performance data of the first user from the first training terminal to a second training terminal of a second user at a second remote location, for a second user to view. The performance data of the first user is detected via a corresponding sensing module and received therefrom.

Abstract: A punching bag training comprises a flexible housing adapted to be wrapped around a punching bag. The housing supports a strike pad array. Each strike pad in the array comprises a force sensor to detect strikes, together with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are positioned around the force sensor and that are lit when the user strikes the pad accurately (e.g., within a predetermined strike zone, and within a predetermined time). In addition, each strike pad has associated therewith an extension (or connecting) portion that couples the strike pad to the center portion. The connecting portion advantageously includes a set of LEDs that are selectively lit to telegraph a hit point to the user, namely, the strike pad associated with the connecting portion. The LEDs arranged on the connecting portion serve as a runway with the LEDs being lit progressively from the center portion and outward toward the strike pad to be hit next in a programmed hit sequence.

Abstract: A sports swing training device is attachable to a sports striking-object, such as a golf club, tennis racket, or baseball bat, and uses multiple motion sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers, in conjunction with one or more microprocessors and device displays, to measure and display various swing metrics and to project flight patterns resulting from each swing. Swing data are displayed in graphic and/or indicia format, on the device's displays and are wirelessly transmitted to the displays of one or more external devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers. The projected flight patterns reveal flaws in the swing so as to promote corrective adjustments by the athlete.

Abstract: A device and method for aiding an improvement of a golfer's swing with the goal of teaching the golfer to keep the golfer's head down until a fraction of a second after making contact with the golf ball. The golfer loads a customizable app into a smartphone placed on the ground a short distance from the golf ball which app flashes a symbol or color on the touch screen of the smartphone a preset time after detecting the sound of the club impacting the ball. The eyes of the golfer are trained on the smartphone forcing the head to remain looking down until observing the flashing symbol or color upon which the head is then turned upward to observe the path of the struck golf ball.

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 remote ball launcher designed to allow an individual to practice striking an incoming ball when alone. The remote ball launcher includes a cylindrical launch tube designed to house at least one ball therein, having a first end and a second end. The first end of the launch tube is operably connected to a base and the second end of the launch tube has an aperture designed to expel a ball therefrom. A spring mechanism is disposed at the first end and is designed to propel a ball along the launch tube. A ball track is operably connected to the launch tube such that the ball track feeds balls into the launch tube. A control switch is disposed within a foot pedal, wherein the control switch is operably connected to the spring mechanism such that actuating the foot pedal causes the spring mechanism to launch the ball towards the user.

Abstract: A method and system for improving holographic image simulation and presentation is provided. The method includes receiving and analyzing audio and video data associated with historical tendencies of an opponent sporting team occurring during previous sporting contests involving the opponent sporting team. Predicted tendencies of the opponent sporting team are determined with respect to a future sporting contest scheduled with a first sporting team. In response, a holographic simulation presentation is generated. The holographic simulation presentation is associated with a predicted performance of players of the opponent sporting team with respect to the future sporting contest scheduled with the first sporting team. The holographic simulation presentation is presented such that players of the first sporting team interact with holographic images of the players of the opponent sporting team during a practice session.

Abstract: This patent describes devices and methods to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of protective equipment in providing protection to players of contact sports, and to determine if a given protective product (pad) is compliant with a specified performance standard. To simulate the impacts experienced by these players, a pad-protected specially modified and instrumented manikin is impacted with solid loads of various weights at various speeds. The impacts are designed to model the impact forces and impact times encountered in typical game collisions. For each impact, measurements are made of the force exerted onto the pad, and the parts of this force that are transmitted through the pad onto various locations on the manikin, as a function of time.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet that includes a chin strap system that allows for rapid, one-handed adjustment of a chin strap assembly by the player while he/she is wearing the helmet is provided. The chin strap assembly includes a protective chin cup and a pair of straps extending from opposed sides of the chin cup and having a plurality of securing elements. The assembly also includes a pair of adjustable connectors affixed to the helmet and that include a central opening that receives an extent of the strap and a lever that engages a portion of the securing elements. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in a first direction, and prevents movement of the strap in a second direction when the lever is engaged with at least one of the securing elements. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in both the first and second directions when the lever is not engaged with the securing elements.

Abstract: A guard arrangement includes a sleeve with a pocket defining an adjustable opening that has a nominal width, and a pad element having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be removably positioned inside the pocket, and the first portion has a width at a widest part of the first portion that is greater than the nominal width of the opening.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a ball glove structure that improves glove functionality for a player of baseball or softball even through provided with a box-like protective thumb-slot. The ball glove generally comprises an outer shell where the shell part Is formed by sewing together a ball catching palm surface part (1) and a backing surface part (2) provided with thumb and finger stalls or slots with a lace (3).

Abstract: A telemark ski binding has a toe retainer pivotally coupled to a base. A lock assembly of the binding has an actuator assembly. The lock assembly is adjustable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The binding further has a heel retainer rotatably coupled to the toe retainer. When the lock assembly is in the unlocked configuration, the toe retainer is unlocked, and the toe retainer and heel retainer are both rotatable together substantially inline, relative to the base, around a first center point. When the lock assembly is in the locked configuration, the toe retainer is locked, and the toe retainer is restrained from rotating relative to the base. The heal retainer is rotatable relative to the toe retainer around a second center point. The second center point is at a different location from said first center point.

Abstract: A plate body is configured from a bottom part, a side surface part, and a flange part, and is formed in a concave shape, whereby the thickness of the bottom part of the plate body is reduced and the flexibility of a plate is increased. Reducing the thickness of the bottom part of the plate body reduces the length of screws for attaching a snowboard and prevents the screws from inhibiting the flexibility of the plate.

Abstract: A bowling pin setter mechanism comprising a vertically-arranged lift assembly and a combined spot and re-spotting assembly. The latter includes a top member including a chute, the top member configured to move in a top plane; a bottom member including a bottom opening having an area of a first size and a support plate disposed adjacent the bottom opening, the bottom member disposed in a bottom plane; a middle member including a middle opening and a channel extending from the middle opening at a neck area, the middle member disposed between the top member and the bottom member, the middle member configured to move in a middle plane parallel to the top plane and the bottom plane; and an actuator configured for lowering and raising an aggregate group of said top, middle and bottom members.

Abstract: A rolling bridge is provided that includes a single wheel having a length greater than its diameter. The rolling bridge includes a chassis positioned to cover at least a portion of the single wheel and having at least two forks that extend along opposite ends of the wheel. An axle secures the wheel to the forks of the chassis and allows rotation of the wheel with respect to the chassis. The chassis includes one or more clip extensions that extend upward to define at least a portion of a substantially cylindrical channel having two open ends and an axis that is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the wheel. The cylindrical channel is configured to secure the rolling bridge to a pool cue.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for online and/or electronic card games such as blackjack that allow at least one card to be dealt from a special deck (e.g., a restricted deck) into a hand, while the remainder of the cards for that hand (and, in some embodiments, other hands involved in the game event) are dealt from a main/conventional deck. In accordance with some embodiments, the at least one card dealt from the special deck is dealt into a hand of the player while in other embodiments it is dealt into the hand of a dealer and/or an opponent player. A special deck may be a deck that includes cards configured to provide an advantage to the player (e.g., in a blackjack game, restricted deck may only include high value cards if being used for a player hand or only low value cards if being used for a dealer hand).

Abstract: An improved Backgammon playing board that helps players move their stone to correct position (location) easily and swiftly by assigning a number from zero to 23 to each location on face of stoner holder with 2 different color for each player.

Abstract: Example game systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a sensing device determines an identity of a game piece in a physical space and detects a movement action associated with the game piece. A computing device calculates a distance and direction associated with the movement action and determines a result of the movement action based on the distance, the direction, and the identity of the game piece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for playing a board game which includes at least two distinguishable sets of playing pieces, each set being assigned to one player of the game, a game surface set by the players from assigned surface tiles, and dice, a pair being assigned to each player of the game. Players set up the game surface, and thereafter playing pieces, in an order determined by each player rolling a pair of dice. Setup is thereby varied each game to provide a new challenge. Players, in order, act by moving playing pieces, jumping over opposing playing pieces and removing them, and attacking opposing playing pieces. Winning an attack involves having the highest score on a roll of the dice and the winner's piece remains on the game surface. A player wins if they are the only one with pieces remaining on the game surface.

Abstract: An easily transportable hockey game apparatus in which the components releasably couple and thereby hold together as a single unit; the components include a first goal, a second goal, a plurality of sticks and at least one puck, are provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device including a first external surface, a second external surface facing in a direction different from the first external surface, a first operating pad disposed in the first external surface, and a second operating pad disposed in the second external surface. The first operating pad includes a touch sensor and is movable in response to a pressing operation. The second operating pad includes a touch sensor and is movable in response to a pressing operation.

Abstract: A mechanism for refilling an electronic game board after game elements of different game types, for example those referred to as ‘clickers’ or ‘linkers,’ have been removed through play. In these games, a player must identify a group of matching game elements on a game board, select (or click on) a game element within the group. This causes the group of selecting matching game elements to be removed. A refill process is then executed to replenish the game board with new game elements. When competitors at remote devices are playing the same game board, there is a requirement to keep the game board aligned as play progresses. The present invention addresses the latency problem by enabling independent refill at respective computer devices which are engaged in a competitive game. The refill process may also be utilised on a single computer device where a single player is playing a game.

Abstract: “Feature points” in “point clouds” that are visible to multiple respective cameras (i.e., aspects of objects imaged by the cameras) are reported via wired and/or wireless communication paths to a compositing processor which can determine whether a particular feature point “moved” a certain amount relative to another image. In this way, the compositing processor can determine, e.g., using triangulation and recognition of common features, how much movement occurred and where any particular camera was positioned when a latter image from that camera is captured. Thus, “overlap” of feature points in multiple images is used so that the system can close the loop to generate a SLAM map. The compositing processor, which may be implemented by a server or other device, generates the SLAM map by merging feature point data from multiple imaging devices.

Abstract: An electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a case formed of an ultra-light fabric material; a frame coupled to the case and supporting the case; and a face pad coupled to the frame, wherein ultra-light fabric material comprises an ultra-light material comprising a thermoplastic resin and a core material dispersed in thermoplastic resin; and a fabric thermo-compressed on at least one side of the ultra-light material by thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in an Internet-of-Things (IoT) system are presented. A method performed by a network node in an Internet-of-Things (IoT) system is presenting in an example embodiment. According to this example method, a network node or a plurality of network nodes working collaboratively can obtain data captured by one or more IoT devices and associated with an interactive activity with which different participants interface at different sites. Furthermore, the network node(s) may determine a state of the activity by applying the data to a data model. Moreover, the network node(s) can, in an example method, provide one or more feedback signals to feedback devices associated with one or more of the different sites to actualize the determined state of the activity, where at least two of the different sites have disparate, meaning non-identical, feedback device sets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for online fundraising may include receiving a solicited pledge. The methods and apparatus may also include receiving an indication that the pledge has been triggered. The methods and apparatus may include collecting payment of the pledge and disbursing the collected payment.

Abstract: A device provides audible output pertaining to audio video (AV) content such as a video game based on a section of the AV content that is being presented.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards providing video game gameplay incorporating nuanced character movements and context indicators. In a preferred embodiment, the context indicators include movement indicators programmed into a game world to dynamically interact with characters in order to provide real time information about character movements. The character movements and corresponding movement indicators are important to the combat and landscape navigation aspects of the gameplay design. By providing elements that make gameplay more challenging and engaging, the systems and methods described herein make video games more entertaining for players and profitable for game developers and publishers.

Abstract: The present invention allows organizations to set up, and its users to experience, dynamic, realistic gamified simulations in a cost- and time-efficient manner, as a means of iteratively assessing and developing individuals' work-focused decision making. It also enables measurement of user attributes and the process of decision making involved at work, through the process of experiencing such simulations. By closely mirroring, or realistically simulating the way data changes with users' decisions or with events external or internal to the organization, the invention is able to faithfully reconstruct the work environment of the user, generate true-to-life responses and unobtrusively measure behavior under various simulated situations.

Abstract: A money transfer system is promoted by providing a user access to a game or contest generated by a promotions engine computer. The user is directed to a customer relations portal accessible via an access device to participate in the game or contest. The customer relations portal comprising a server configured to manage the game or contest and associated with the promotions engine computer. A response is received from the user at the server related to the user's participation in the game or contest. The server determines whether the user is to receive a reward or prize based on the response from the user, and an output is provided to the user on the access device indicating whether the user is to receive the reward or prize.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems presented herein may perform automatic granular difficulty adjustment. In some embodiments, the difficulty adjustment is undetectable by a user. Further, embodiments of systems disclosed herein can review historical user activity data with respect to one or more video games to generate a game retention prediction model that predicts an indication of an expected duration of game play. The game retention prediction model may be applied to a user's activity data to determine an indication of the user's expected duration of game play. Based on the determined expected duration of game play, the difficulty level of the video game may be automatically adjusted.

Abstract: A game apparatus is provided which has a convenience where another function, such as photo taken by a camera, can be used while playing a game by causing a game program and another program to work together. The game apparatus increases interest of the game by relating a result of execution of the other program to the contents of the game. For example, when a camera icon displayed on a display is selected by an operation of a touch panel, a program for controlling a camera function launches, and an image can be captured at an arbitrary timing. The captured image is converted according to a predetermined condition. The converted image is displayed on a display screen and image data is stored in a flash memory.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for providing sports performance data and motion data to a user. The system comprises a wireless device with a memory unit, a communication unit, and a data processing unit. The memory unit comprises a database having a plurality of pre-programmed inputs. The communication unit comprises a location identifying device for determining the location of a user. The data processing unit comprises a sensing module with sensors to measure and determine the movement of the users in accordance with sports which is then compared with a competitor over the network. A comparing module, via a processor and communication unit, receives and compares sports performance data of the users. A ranking module, via the processor calculates and ranks a user performance in a single competition or a variety of competition and provides ranking based on the common inputs received and the calculated performance obtained.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure relates to facilitating players joining an ongoing game session depicted in video content for contemporaneous, interactive play with a player. A first user on a first computing platform may present a recording of video content to a second user on a second computing platform. The video content may include a depiction of a game session of a game and a pointer to the game session. The second user may access the pointer. The pointer may enable the second user to participate in the game session depicted in the video content.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of rotatable track members that guide travel of a vehicle. Each rotatable track member of the plurality of rotatable track members is configured to individually rotate between a first orientation along a first direction of vehicle travel and a second orientation along a second direction of vehicle travel.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for adjusting a network-controllable physical resource of a sensory service in response to biometric data for a group of users are disclosed. In one example, a processing system including at least one processor may gather biometric data of each user of a group of users of a sensory service. The sensory service may comprise at least one network-controllable physical resource. The processing system may then aggregate the biometric data for the group of users and tailor the sensory service for the group of users based upon the biometric data for the group of users that is aggregated. In one example, the tailoring of the sensory service may include adjusting the at least one network-controllable physical resource in response to the biometric data that is aggregated for the group of users.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to wheel-based human-powered spinning system comprising: a chassis configured to secure a user; a track surrounding said chassis; and at least one omni wheels attached to said chassis, wherein said chassis spins with unlimited range of motion, along pitch, yaw and roll axes, inside the track while supported by said at least one omni wheels, said track being independent of contact from said chassis.

Abstract: A toy having a housing for use or integration with handheld toy products such as action figures for string generating foam discharge toy elements capable of projecting string webs or other launched foam discharge, and further methods of charging receptacle reservoir cavities from a canister supply, and projecting foam string or web discharge with activating or triggering action of the toy features associated with mechanical manipulations through the use of valve controls, used with a removable canister containing the discharge element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary evaporator having a rotary drive, having an evaporator flask rotatable about an axis of rotation by the rotary drive, having a vapor tube, and having a glass structure adjoining the vapor tube in the direction of vapor flow, wherein a filter connected upstream of the glass structure, in particular upstream of the vapor tube, is provided for filtering solids from a vapor flow.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for hydrocracking a hydrocarbon stream and with heat integration between two stripping columns. Both stripping columns use a reboiler for heat input to avoid steam recovery and dew point issues in the overhead. A hot stripped stream can provide heat to the cold stripping column by heat exchange. Additionally, as few as two heaters that rely on external utilities may be required for reboiling fractionator column bottoms.

Abstract: Provided are a waste gas processing device, a vacuum coating system, and an operation method of the waste gas processing device. The waste gas processing device is configured to remove and recover arsenic in the waste gas, and includes a condensation portion and a scraping portion. The condensation portion is provided with a condensation cavity, and an air inlet, an air outlet and a discharge port communicated with the condensation cavity. A partial surface of the scraping portion abutting against an inner wall surface of the condensation cavity. The present disclosure solves a problem in a conventional art that an economic cost of a waste gas processing device is too high during the removal and recovery of arsenic in waste gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting compounds from raw materials with an extraction column is provided. The control and manipulation of pressure exerted and contained within the extraction vessel or column may be vital in obtaining a certain flavor profile or intensity of the effluent extracted from the raw materials. As such, the method may include directing a flow of pressurized solvent into a base of the extraction column and utilizing the flow of pressurized solvent to create a pressure gradient applied to the raw materials. The method may further include compressing the raw materials with hydraulic compression. As the raw materials become further compressed, frictional heating may result allowing most, if not all, of the volatile aromatic heat sensitive compounds and constituencies to be extracted depending on the pressure strength applied to the raw materials.

Abstract: Method for the simulated moving bed separation of a feedstock (F), in which when a fluid/effluent (feedstock F, desorbent D, extract E, raffinate R) is injected/withdrawn into/from a chosen plate (Pi) using an external bypass line (Li?1/i, Li+1/i) connected to said chosen plate (Pi), the flow rate within the said external bypass line (Li?1/i, Li+1/i) is controlled in such a way that: a major proportion of the fluid/effluent (F, D, E, R) is injected/withdrawn into/from the chosen plate (Pi); and a minor proportion of the fluid/effluent (F, D, E, R) is injected/withdrawn into/from the adjacent plate (Pi?1, Pi+1) connected to the said external bypass line (Li?1/i, Li+1/i).

Abstract: Method for the simulated moving bed (SMB) separation of a feedstock (F), in which: at least one zone (1, 2, 3, 4) contains fewer than three beds, if the stream (D, E, F, R) delimiting said zone and situated upstream of said zone is injected or withdrawn at the plate Pi via the bypass line Li/i+1, then the stream delimiting said zone and situated downstream of said zone is injected/withdrawn at the plate Pj via the bypass line Lj/j+1, and if the stream delimiting said zone and situated downstream of said zone is injected or withdrawn at the plate Pi via the bypass line Li?1/i, then the stream delimiting said zone and situated upstream of said zone is injected/withdrawn at the plate Pj via the bypass line Lj?1/j.

Abstract: A method for packing a media bed in a column (3). According to the invention the method comprises the steps of: providing data to a control unit (15) connected to the column (3), said data comprising at least a measured slurry concentration, a target bed height, a target packing factor or compression factor and minimum and maximum acceptable values for at least one of target bed height and target packing or compression factor; forcing a movable adapter (9) along a longitudinal axis of the column (3) in order to pack the media; detecting when the media bed is consolidated; the control unit (15) processing the provided data and the information about the consolidated bed height in order to present to the user acceptable bed heights, if there are any, giving acceptable packing or compression factors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a relatively simple method to increase the performance of surface localised multi-valent affinity ligands whose target's isoelectric pH differs significantly from the ligand's optimal target-binding pH. This situation can result in ligand binding of target affecting local pH and subsequent binding of more target. Increasing the buffering capacity of the ligand via recombinant or other addition of charge groups to the ligand is expected to partially offset such effects, leading to enhanced binding capacity as well as possible secondary favourable alterations in regard to ligand elution pH, and non-specific surface binding of non-target proteins.

Abstract: A multifunctional phase separation apparatus is provided herein. The multifunctional phase separation apparatus includes a porous tube, a phase separator, and liquid collecting modules. The porous tube includes a first entry port and an exit port. The phase separator includes a second entry port. The multifunctional phase separation apparatus also includes a reservoir. The reservoir is on a first end of the liquid collecting modules.