Abstract: A wet piping system modular valve assembly includes a single piece valve body with a check valve within the valve body. The check valve is movable between a closed position and an open position according to a pressure differential across the check valve. A drain valve is removably mounted to the valve body and fluidly connected with the valve body downstream of the check valve. A mechanically independent flow detection switch is removably mounted to the valve body and fluidly connected with the valve body upstream of the drain valve.

Abstract: Techniques and safety devices are described for extinguishing fires within an inventory management system. A plurality of fire extinguishing devices for a plurality of containers in an inventory management system is monitored. Upon determining that a fire condition is occurring within the inventory management system, a positional information data store is queried to determine a current position of a first container within the inventory management system. Two or more containers within the inventory management system that are in close proximity to the first container are identified and one or more wireless signals are transmitted to two or more fire extinguishing devices of the plurality of fire extinguishing devices that are contained within the two or more containers, to activate the two or more first extinguishing devices. The plurality of containers is scanned using an infrared scanning device to determine whether all fire conditions within the inventory management system are extinguished.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve assembly for a fire suppression system, the valve assembly having: a valve armature having a top portion and a bottom portion spaced from the top portion along a longitudinal axis, the bottom portion including an armature cavity that includes a cavity inlet for receiving fluid and a cavity outlet proximate a bottom portion of the cavity for delivering fluid, a plunger slidable along the longitudinal axis within the armature cavity, between a closed state and an open state, wherein: in the closed state the plunger is at a predetermined bottom position in the armature cavity proximate the cavity outlet for fluidly sealing the cavity outlet; and in the open state the plunger is in a predetermined top position in the cavity distal the cavity outlet, and a monitoring system operatively connected to the valve armature, the monitoring system acoustically sensing whether the plunger is longitudinally misaligned.

Abstract: Example travel exercise equipment includes a barbell including a first end portion and a second end portion and a pair of yokes. Each yoke includes a base and a pair spaced-apart yoke arms extending from the base. The bases being adapted to be coupled to a corresponding end portion of the barbell. The travel exercise equipment includes a pair of containers having handles adapted to be carried by a corresponding yoke.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.

Abstract: A head includes a head body including a sole and a face plate fixed to the head body. The face plate includes a plate front surface that forms a part of a hitting face, a plate rear surface, and a plate side surface. The head body includes an opening at which the face plate is disposed, and a back support portion that supports the face plate from a back side. The back support portion includes a back receiving surface forming an abutting region by abutting on an outer peripheral edge portion of the place rear surface, and a rear surface that is a surface opposite to the back receiving surface. A face-peripheral-side end of the rear surface is located on a face peripheral side relative to a face-center-side end of the abutting region.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body and a plurality of stiffening members, the tension or compression of which can be adjusted, is disclosed herein. The body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown section or a return section, and also defines a hollow interior. Each of the plurality of stiffening members is at least partially disposed within the hollow interior, and extends from the crown section or return section to the sole section to reduce stresses placed on the face during impact with a golf ball. The compression or tension of the stiffening members may be adjusted to affect the stresses experienced by the golf club head upon impact with a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf tee box marker device includes a base having a planar front surface, a steel plate secured to the planar front surface and having a first polarity, and an advertising panel comprised of a flexible material and having a second polarity. The advertising panel is removably secured to the steel plate using magnetic forces. At least one support extends from a lower portion of the base and is threaded into a lower portion of the base and configured to be pushed into a ground surface using a sharpened edge until the lower portion of the base is substantially flush to the ground surface. The base may be at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the pair of supports causing the advertising panel to be tilted upwards.

Abstract: The present invention is a mono-manual golf swing apparatus. More particularly, the apparatus is an accessory for a golf club which facilitates singular manual dexterous handling of a golf club and eliminates unintended slipping while swinging. Of further advantage, this apparatus may be easily removed, attached and detached single-handedly.

Abstract: A golf grip having a weighted rear, longitudinal underside section providing a high Moment of Inertia to increase resistance to twisting and turning when the grip is connected to a golf club during the execution of a golf shot.

Abstract: A roller skating rink for players to play a skating game utilizes one or more game implements. A skating track includes a peripheral edge and a center area. The roller skating rink includes a concave peripheral wall that encloses the skating track and has a lower end and an upper end that are substantially vertically aligned. The concave peripheral wall may include one or more doorways through which the players and the game implements may traverse. One or more propelling devices are each adapted to propel one of the game implements into the roller skating rink. One or more scoring receptacles are situated for receiving one or more of the game implements therein proximate the upper end of the concave peripheral wall. A method of game play is further disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, media and methods for an interactive speed ladder are provided. A system includes a speed ladder that has parallel side members and parallel cross members each connecting each of the side members. The system may further include a receiving module configured to receive light path sequence data and foot movement data of a user relative to the speed ladder, wherein the light path sequence data and the foot movement data are received from different sources. The system may also further include lights, located within the cross members, configured to display a light path sequence based upon sequence data received prior to a start of the sequence and an output module configured to output user foot movement data.

Abstract: In one aspect, a swim system may include a reverse thrust system worn by a swimmer proximate the frontal upper torso. The system provides a variable amount of reverse thrust such that the user can swim-in-place or make gradual forward progress. Importantly, this may enable a user to effectively “extend” a small residential pool to serve the same function as a twenty-five meter pool typically found at commercial or government facilities. The system also provides laminar current under the user while swimming, which solves the problems of “leg drop,” the need to “out-kick” the arm stroke, and turbulence and wave action around the head associated with conventional swim-in-place devices. Still further, in certain embodiments the system provides a relatively strong current in the region of the arm stroke moving away from the swimmer which provides enhanced “resistance” for proficient swimmers.

Abstract: Bag for punches, kicks and boxing, provided with spine, for suspension, consisting of a part of containment, preferably cylindrical, provided throughout its central vertical axis, of a cylinders assembly, made of concrete, having also different dimensions and specific weights, separated from each other, by expanded polyurethane agglomerated disks, wherein, both of said cylinders and disks, are also centrally perforated, to allow the passage inside them, of a chain or of a cable, both of metal, in order to assemble said cylinders and disks, in a vertically layered manner, as a spine, coated by a layer of expanded polyurethane agglomerate foam, obtained by means of a hollow cylinder and, alternatively, by a sheet layer wrapped around the said spine, in the manner of the spine of a human being, wrapped in connective tissue and muscles, to simulate the areas of the head, neck, chest and abdomen of the opponent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a golf swing training aid useful for training swing speed and swing efficiency. The inventive swing training aid includes a golf club shaft that has open proximal and distal ends and a grip. The interior of the shaft is a hollow chamber and the diameter decreases gradually from the proximal end to the distal end. A cable is captured within the hollow chamber and extends from the distal end of the shaft, terminating in an integrally formed attachment loop. A weighted ball is removably linked to the attachment loop by a connector.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for teaching a player the proper alignment when addressing a golf ball. In one aspect, such tools and techniques provide an alignment aid that allows the player to visualize both the intended target line of the shot as well as the position of the ball relative to the player's stance, allowing the player to easily modify his stance to obtain the proper alignment.

Abstract: Provided is a tennis playing robotic device including: a chassis; a set of wheels; one or more motors to drive the wheels; one or more processors; one or more sensors; one or more arms pivotally coupled to the chassis; and one or more tennis rackets, each of the one or more tennis rackets being coupled to a terminal end of a corresponding arm of the one or more arms.

Abstract: An exercise machine rail system for improved exerciser mounting and dismounting, improved functional ergonomics, and reduced risk of exerciser injury when using an exercise machine. The exercise machine rail system generally includes either two rails in close relationship which are linked together via connectors or a singular rail. Bias members are disclosed as either extending along either outer side of the rails, internally to the rail, or underneath the rail. Due to the narrow nature of the rails used by the present invention, an exerciser is able to mount and dismount the exercise machine easily and efficiently.

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: A slat-belt treadmill is provided. The slat-belt treadmill includes a treadmill frame, a front shaft pivotally coupled to the treadmill frame, and a rear shaft pivotally coupled to the treadmill frame; a plurality of slats constituting a slat-belt, collaboratively rotating about the front and rear shafts, and forming an exercise surface on which a user of the treadmill may walk or run; a driving apparatus coupling to the slats and driving the slats to rotate about the front and rear shafts; and a light-emitting unit disposed under the exercise surface to provide a light source. When the slats are rotating, light from the light-emitting unit is intermittently visible as the slats intermittently block and reveal the light.

Abstract: Laces and tying mechanisms can be used with boxing gloves and shoes to allow a user to secure the laces without a second person and/or without tying a knot. A tying mechanism can include a back-to-back hook and loop fastener element or can be a separate hook element and a loop element. Lace overhang sections of a lace can connect to the tying mechanism to enable a person to lace up his or her gloves, or shoes, while having two hands inside the gloves without the aid of another person.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a support apparatus. The support apparatus might comprise a body configured to support an entity. The body might comprise a material that has a physical property. The support apparatus might further comprise a coupler system configured to couple electric current from a power source to the material. The material is arranged such that coupling an electric current to the material changes the physical property of the material. Embodiments are further directed to a method. The method might comprise forming one or more cavities in a support apparatus. The method might further comprise providing one or more couplers in electrical contact with each of the one or more channels. The method further comprises filling each of the one or more cavities with a fluid that has electrically changeable rigidity. Finally, the method might comprise connecting a power source to each of the one or more couplers.

Abstract: A roulette game enables single-spin formation of meaningful character strings, which character strings may be coupled to tones for enhancing the gaming experience. The meaningful character strings may be defined by solfege-enabling letter groups, which letter groups may prompt underlying tones in solmization. The syllabic roulette game comprises a roulette wheel, a wager-enabling layout, and a plurality of balls. The wheel comprises alphabetic characters against a rainbow colored backdrop for enabling various payout schemes. A color-coordinated wager support surface is preferably disposed adjacent the roulette wheel for facilitating wager placement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and preventing cheating in a location-based game are provided. In particular, a server-side statistical cheat detection algorithm can be implemented upon receiving a player request to perform a game action. A given dataset describing the respective times and locations of previous game events performed by the player can be analyzed to determine a probability that such game events represent legitimate gameplay. The determined probability can affect whether the player-requested game action is effectuated or can influence a number of points awarded for completion of the game action. An example system includes a host server and a client device in communication over a network.

Abstract: A hand-held controller includes a handle extending in a longitudinal direction. The handle is shaped and dimensioned to be grasped by a hand of a user. A ring is attached to an end of the handle and surrounds a thumb of the user when the handle is grasped by the hand of the user. The ring has an annular surface defining a plane that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction. The ring also has a curved outer surface. A sensor is embedded within the ring or mounted on a side surface of the handle to detect whether the hand of the user grasping the handle is a right hand of the user or a left hand of the user.

Abstract: A player of a video game, whether a freestanding system or an online gaming platform, is able to customize game controller behavior based on his/her preference, regardless of the particular game controller he/she is using. A game controller settings store is provided for storing customized game controller mappings. The game controller settings store is separate from the game controller and is accessible using different game controllers, so that a player can leave his/her game controller at one location and use a different game controller, at a different location, while still having access to the his/preferred customized mappings.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a conically-shaped, handheld device that can be used as a computer system input/output device, a gaming system controller, a remote control for various household electronic devices, an interface to a home network, etc. Inputs through the device can be received from various buttons, switches, panels, etc. disposed along a surface of the device as well as sensors embedded within the device. Outputs can be made through speakers, displays, and other transducers also disposed along the surface of the device or embedded with therein. Furthermore, the overall shape and size of the device can be adapted to an individual user through pneumatic bladders disposed within the device.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a game controller may be provided. The game controller may include: a controller input; a receiving portion configured to alternatively receive a first ring or a second ring, wherein the first ring allows a first range of motion of the controller input, and wherein the second ring allows a second range of motion of the controller input; a mechanical switch configured to receive mechanical input from at least one of the first ring or the second ring.

Abstract: A non-limiting example game apparatus functions as a vibration control apparatus. When vibration data are simultaneously input from a plurality of programs during execution of the plurality of programs, the game apparatus drives a vibration motor incorporated in the game apparatus by preferentially using the vibration data from the program that is granted with a vibration control right. The vibration control right is authority of performing vibration control preferentially, and is basically granted to a program corresponding to an image being displayed forefront; however, when a plurality of images are displayed, the vibration control right is granted to a program having authority of acquiring an input from an input device (controller).

Abstract: A gaming system including a computing arrangement that is connected, when in operation, via a data communication network arrangement to an environmental unit and at least one gaming device that is spatially local to the environmental unit, characterized in that the gaming system is implemented in an environment to emulate an electronic game to play in a physical gaming environment by its one or more users, wherein the gaming system is arranged such that: (i) the at least one gaming device includes a first sensing arrangement for sensing a first information comprising inputs from at least user while playing the electronic game and generating at least one first event by processing the first information, (ii) the environmental unit includes a second sensing arrangement for sensing a second information associated with the at least one gaming device while playing the electronic game and generating at least one second event by processing the second information associated with the at least one gaming device, wherein

Abstract: A server includes drawing means for drawing an item by lottery from among an item group including a plurality of types of items with different scarcity values and providing the item to a user, and additional item providing means for providing an additional item to the user in accordance with a provision count of the number of times an item is provided by the drawing means.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cloud gaming. One system includes a plurality of computing resources in one or more data centers. The plurality of computing resources is configured to execute instances of games for client devices that are remote from the one or more data centers. Each instance for an executable game is associated with a processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), and memory. Memory is used for storing video frames generated for the executable game. The video frames are compressed for video game streaming to one or more client devices. The executable game is associated with video, audio and input channels for said one or more client devices to control interactivity of operation of the executable game during said video game streaming. The cloud gaming system implements at least one channel driver to facilitate I/O processing for the one or more client devices when executed by the computing resources of the one or more data centers.

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

Abstract: A system, machine-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing reciprocation of game asset gifts from a player is provided. A notification of a game asset of a first player that is available to a plurality of players is sent from a game server to the plurality of players. The notification is sent through a web feed in a game user interface of each player of the plurality of players. A first response requesting the game asset of the first player is received from a second web feed in a second game user interface of a second player in response to the notification. The game asset is provided to a second account of the second player in response to the first response.

Abstract: Provided is a server device including: target control means for controlling movement of an operation target in a game space in accordance with operation input of a player; object giving means for giving, when the player has established a given positional condition, the player a collection item or a chance to acquire the collection item; search information generation means for generating, as search information supplied to the player, information on the presence/absence or a position of the collection item in a search area that moves in the game space in accordance with the movement of the operation target; search information control means for controlling accuracy of the search information in accordance with a collection result of the collection item by the player; and provision control means for controlling the provision of an event in accordance with the collection result of the collection item by the player.

Abstract: Gamer friend devices can be detected by a gaming console and the gaming console user can be prompted to add the friend devices to a friend list, which automatically logs the friends on its the console without requiring them to manually log in. The gaming console may also be automatically configured with profile information of the friends.

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 method for sharing a gameplay experience is provided, including: executing a video game by a cloud gaming system, wherein executing the video game includes processing a game state of the video game to provide gameplay of the video game; streaming the gameplay of the video game over a network, the gameplay of the video game being defined for a first user; receiving a command to share an interactive playable portion from the gameplay of the video game; responsive to the command, sharing the interactive playable portion of the video game through a social interface, the social interface enabling access for gameplay of the interactive playable portion by a second user.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a method for providing games in a chat interface. A conversation interface is presented in a messaging application to enable a plurality of participants in a conversation to exchange messages with each other. A request from a first participant of the plurality of participants is received to launch a gaming application. In response to receiving the request from the first participant, a first message is transmitted to a second participant of the plurality of participants that indicates the first participant has launched the gaming application. In response to receiving the first message, an option is presented to the second participant in the conversation interface, the option associated with the gaming application to enable the second participant to join the first participant in the gaming application.

Abstract: A system may include a housing that may hold a body of water, an inflatable assembly disposed within the body of water, and a processor. The processor may receive an indication related to a speed of a flow of the body of water and send a signal to at least one valve coupled between the inflatable assembly and a fluid source in response to the indication. The signal may cause the at least one valve to fluidly couple the inflatable assembly to the fluid source to cause the inflatable assembly to expand to an inflated configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mini-figure that may be used with existing and standard toy block systems and also have the appearance of a sports figure. Improvements over traditional mini-figures include additional separate components in the arms and feet, an optional variation in torso shape, accessories which create visual impression of sports figures in natural use, unique markings identifiable by specific player or production, and a unique method of marketing and distribution.

Abstract: An invertible interactive toy house comprising a series of adjacent foldable segments that can be assembled by folding in either of two different directions and joined at its outer edges to form a self-standing toy house. When folded in one direction, the assemble house displays its outside features. When folded in the opposite direction, the assembled house displays its inside features. Figures which correspond to the indicia on the walls of the house are provided. The figures are removably affixed to corresponding indicia on the walls of the toy house. Playing with this toy house has been found to teach children with learning difficulties to improve various skills, including non-verbal skills of focus and attention, social skills, visual attention and processing skills, and ability to recognize different sizes and shapes, as well as general language skills.

Abstract: A manipulative device may include a revolving body, having a first perimeter, and a housing. The housing may comprise a retaining body, having a second perimeter, and the revolving body may be removably coupled to the housing via a magnetic attraction between the revolving body and the retaining body. A channel may be formed into the housing. The first perimeter may be movably received in the channel, and the first perimeter may be retained in the channel via the magnetic attraction between the revolving body and the retaining body. Optionally, the housing may comprise a receptacle which may be shaped to receive portions of the revolving body. A user may manipulate the revolving body and housing in one hand, experiencing both the attraction forces and the repelling forces of magnetically attracted objects thus achieving relief from boredom and anxiety or more focused thought and calm in meditation.

Abstract: A hollow rigidly deformable geometric toy with a flat side and a mating joint construction. The toy has a plurality of faces which form a geometric cage and a plurality of apertures, and can contain an interior toy. The geometric toy is stably constructed such that it is safe for babies and children and suitable for teething and play.

Abstract: In an improved method of distilling fluids, some or all of the fluid is recovered as distillate and the fluid is situated in the shell side of a first shell and tube heat exchanger. The fluid to be recovered as distillate is successively boiled, demisted, compressed and then introduced into upper ends of the tubes. A second shell and tube heat exchanger is located below the first heat exchanger, and distillate from upper ends of the tubes in the second heat exchanger are arranged to receive distillate liquid and/or vapor from the lower ends of tubes of the first heat exchanger. The fluid is located in the shell of the second heat exchanger and that fluid is heated but is not boiled. A mechanism is provided to supply at least some of the heated fluid to the shell of the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system for monitoring phase separation is disclosed. The system includes a temperature control housing having an inlet and an outlet connection for a circulator; a bottle holder positioned inside the housing, the bottle holder having a body with a plurality of recesses for receiving test bottles, each recess having a back surface, a front opening, and a first light scanning component mounted on the back surface of the recess; a sleeve having a plurality of second light scanning components mounted thereon, the sleeve being disposed between the housing and the bottle holder, and each second light scanning component being aligned with one of the first light scanning components; and a lid latched onto the housing to hold the test bottles in place during testing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separation of hydrocarbon containing fluids are provided. More particularly, the disclosure is relevant to separating fluids having a gas phase, a hydrocarbon liquid phase, and an aqueous liquid phase using indirect heating. In general, the system uses a first gas separation followed by pressure reduction and then a second gas separation. Indirect follows the second gas separation and then three-phase separation.

Abstract: A system and method for processing interface emulsion, water, and solids contained within a separator vessel that comprises the steps of continually extracting those components from the vessel and then passing them through a gas flotation cell. The cell, which is preferably a vertical induced gas flotation cell, separates the oil and water contained in the interface emulsion and discharges recovered oil from an upper portion of the cell and treated water from a bottom portion of the cell. The recovered oil and treated water may be further processed and recycled to the vessel or sent elsewhere. The treated water may also be recycled to the cell or sent to a process sewer. Fuel gas residing in an upper portion of the cell may be cooled and passed through a splitter. All the steps of occur in a closed system with no air emissions.

Abstract: A filtration system has at least one underdrain lateral, a flume, and at least one metering plate. The metering plate includes a plate member with at least one opening configured to receive liquid or gas therethrough at a first flow rate during a backwash function and is configured to receive liquid or gas therethrough at a second, lower flow rate during filtration. A method of metering gas into a filtration system with a metering plate is also disclosed. The metering plate allows gas to flow into each underdrain lateral at two very different flow rates.

Abstract: A screen assembly including at least upper and lower portions each with screen elements having different orientations. The upper portion includes a first plurality of screen elements and the lower portion includes a second plurality of screen elements. The upper and lower portions are coupled together to form a truncated conical arrangement. At least one screen element of the first plurality of screen elements has a different angular orientation relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis than at least one screen element of the second plurality of screen elements has relative to the plane. In some such embodiments, the screen elements of the second plurality of screen elements are each oriented to be in a respective plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The screen assembly may be configured to separate a liquid component and a solid component from a slurry.