Abstract: A footwear system that includes a left having a left toe region, left forefoot region, a left arch region and a left heel region, a left outsole, a left upper secured to the left outsole, and a left sensor system that includes at least a first left heel pressure sensor positioned in the left heel region, and at least a first left forefoot pressure sensor positioned in the left forefoot region. The footwear system also includes a right shoe that includes a right toe region, a right forefoot region, a right arch region and a right heel region, a right outsole, a right upper secured to the right outsole, and a right sensor system that includes at least a first right heel pressure sensor positioned in the right heel region, and at least a first right forefoot pressure sensor positioned in the right forefoot region.

Abstract: A digital-optical tracking device and methods for tracking and timing swimmers are disclosed. The digital-optical tracking device is waterproof and submersible, and includes a stereo optical system that takes digital stereo images of an underwater region. The stereo optical system includes at least two optical elements, each of which forms an image in the stereo image. The tracking methods involve repeatedly determining distances to swimmers by measuring distances between stereo copies of the swimmers in successive, time-stamped stereo images. The methods may use predictive algorithms to determine regions of interest within the stereo images in which the swimmers are likely to be found. Once tracking data is established, it is displayed to the swimmers during their workouts and may be shared among multiple trackers in a peer-to-peer configuration, saved for later reference, and sent to a coach station or stations for real-time analysis.

Abstract: A force measurement system is disclosed herein. The force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly configured to receive a subject thereon, and one or more data processing devices operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly. In one or more embodiments, the one or more data processing devices are operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly, the one or more data processing devices configured to receive one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to a top surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject, and to convert the one or more signals into output forces and/or moments, the one or more data processing devices further configured to predict one or more balance parameters of the subject using a trained neural network.

Abstract: A swim cap for persons having long hair includes a shell preferably having at least two interconnected compartments for receiving and encapsulating the hair of a user. The swim cap is secured around the head of a user by at least one draw string or adjustable band positioned within a channel near the open end of the swim cap as well as a chin strap extending downwardly from the cap. The interconnected compartments can be inflated to provide buoyancy. The shell further includes an outer layer and an inner layer defining a space therebetween that can also be inflated, or comprised of buoyant material, to provide buoyancy. A pump, compressed air canister or manual filler tube in communication with the interconnected compartments or space within the shell can be used to provide inflation. A pair of ear flaps extends downwardly from the swim cap around a user's head.

Abstract: A golf ball has a plurality of minute projections 20 on a surface thereof. An average value Hav of heights H of these minute projections 20 is not less than 0.5 ?m and not greater than 50 ?m. The surface of the golf ball has one or more first zones and one or more second zones. An average value Hav1 of the heights H of the minute projections 20 on these first zones is higher than an average value Hav2 of the heights H of the minute projections 20 on these second zones. Preferably, the average value Hav1 and the average value Hav2 satisfy the following mathematical formula.

Abstract: The golf ball 1 includes a surface having multiple dimples thereon. When a lift coefficient measured under conditions with a Reynolds number of 80000 and a spin rate of 2000 rpm is CL1, and when a lift coefficient measured under conditions with a Reynolds number of 70000 and a spin rate of 1900 rpm is CL2, CL1 and CL2 satisfy 0.990?CL2/CL1.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf clubs with adjustable lie and loft and methods of manufacturing golf clubs with adjustable lie and loft are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf club head with plate-like, heel and toe side internal stiffeners is disclosed herein. Each stiffener has a planar portion extending approximately parallel with a portion of the striking face, and is entirely disposed within an interior cavity of the golf club head. The heel side stiffener is connected to top, sole, and heel walls of the club head, with a toe-side edge unconnected to any other portion of the head, and the toe side stiffener is connected to the top, sole, and toe walls of the club head, with a heel-side edge unconnected to any other portion of the head. The toe and heel side edges may have large concavities that distribute mass away from the geometric face center and toward the heel and toe sides of the golf club head.

Abstract: A golf club having a head with a series of tracks forming a three-dimensional pattern; weights for positioning along channels; and a mechanism for securing the weights at positions along the channels so as to customize center of gravity and moment of inertia. The channels can all interconnect to allow a weight to be moved from one to another. The club can include a removable cover for at least a portion of the surface to cover the channels and the weights. The weights can comprise a spherical member disposed in a channel; a member external to a surface of the head; and a coupling between the spherical member and the external member to allow the spherical member and the external member to capture between them a wall in which a track is formed. The channels may be in the removable cover, or below the removable cover, in the head.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a main body having a topline and an opposing sole. The main body includes a striking face extending between the topline and sole, and a rear face in opposed relation to the striking face. A sole body is proximate the rear face and extends at least partially along the sole. A peripheral flange extends at least partially about the rear face and is of a flange height, HF, relative to the rear face. A truss protrudes from the rear face and includes a at least a first truss arm which is of a first truss arm height, HT1, relative to the rear face, wherein the difference between HF and HT1 is less than about 0.25 mm.

Abstract: A gymnasium or playing field game apparatus provides one or more movable target components in the shape of a mascot mounted on swivel casters which roll on the gym floor or other playing field. Each component serves as a movable target for projectiles thrown by two teams from geometrically opposite sides. Each mascot is moved incrementally upon being impacted by a projectile to move the mascot on the gym floor until it “breaks through” a designated goal finish line of traffic cones protecting one team or the other.

Abstract: A sports practice apparatus includes one or more target areas, one or more tunneling sections, and mounting apparatus. A first tunneling section is operably associated with a first target area. The first tunneling section has a receiving end and a target end and narrows from the receiving end towards the target end. The narrowing of the first tunneling section follows a trajectory that conforms to desired trajectory of a sports ball set into motion during practice. The first tunneling section is constructed of a material that prevents the sports ball from existing the first tunneling section other than at the target end.

Abstract: A golf ball position gauging assembly allows for a method of improving results based on a user's existing swing without modifying the existing swing. The assembly includes a pair of feet. Each foot has an associated aperture extending therethrough. Each of the feet has a bottom edge downwardly spaced from the associated aperture. A beam is insertable into or through each of the apertures such that the beam extends between the feet in an upwardly spaced position relative to the bottom edges of the feet. Each of a plurality of markings is incrementally spaced along the beam between the feet. The beam is insertable through a guide wherein the guide is slidable along the beam to be positioned adjacent to a selectable one of the markings.

Abstract: A golf putter that enables dual configuration, namely sighting & play modes whereby the golfer can view both the ball and the hole by means of a mirrored surface, but which is reversible so that the golfer can play within tournament rules. A removable mirrored training aid has a reflective side and can be removed, flipped to a non-reflective side, or simply replaced with a same-weighted non-reflective plate, for use in actual (non-practice) golf play. The golfer can practice his or her stroke while observing the image of the ball and hole in the mirror, and thereby imprinting the correct stroke mechanics into muscle memory. Then, after the golfer has reversed the re-attachable mirrored surface plate to present its non-reflective side, the golfer can use the putter in a round of golf.

Abstract: A flying disc launcher includes a frame body including a loading seat and a side wall. The loading seat includes a carrying portion and a receiving portion. A flying disc inlet and a flying disc outlet are respectively defined in both ends of the carrying portion. The side wall includes a guiding wall opposed to the receiving portion. A turntable is installed in the receiving portion and protrudes from an upper surface of the carrying portion. The power component is connected with the turntable to drive the turntable to rotate. When the turntable rotates and a flying disc is placed on the carrying portion from the flying disc inlet, the guiding wall and the turntable can contact the flying disc to drive and guide the flying disc to fly out toward the flying disc outlet.

Abstract: A shoulder-pad system includes various components, including an impact-plate assembly and one or more sub-layers. The shoulder-pad system may be substantially retained in an arrangement or configuration using one or more securing garments. An exemplary securing garment includes an upper-body garment that at least partially wraps over, and attaches to, the impact-plate assembly.

Abstract: The leg guard for protecting at least a shin of a wearer includes a shin guard body and a strap. A peripheral edge of the shin guard body defines part of a perimeter of the shin guard body. The shin guard body includes a first coupling base and a second coupling base disposed on one of the interior and exterior surfaces. A first coupler is disposed at a first end of the strap and is releasably attachable to the first coupling base at a plurality of first attachment points, and a second coupler is disposed at the second end of the strap and is releasably attachable to the second coupling base at one of a plurality of second attachment points. A length of a wrappable segment is adjustable by releasably attaching the second coupler to the second coupling base at another one of the plurality of second attachment points.

Abstract: There is provided a guard for an in-line roller skate, which includes an elongated member defining a wheel receiving channel. The channel has a bottom and a pair of opposed sidewalls, which extend upwardly from the bottom terminating in a remote edge. The remote edge of the sidewalls define a wheel insertion opening to receive wheels of an in-line roller skate. At least one transverse roller is positioned across the channel near the remote edge of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A system that manages a package of shuffled playing cards and gaming chips includes a storage box and a control apparatus. The storage box is provided in association with a game table and stores a plurality of shuffled playing cards and a plurality of chip cases and also includes a card reader that reads playing card ID codes of the shuffled playing cards and a chip reader that reads case ID codes of the chip cases. The control apparatus outputs total numbers of the shuffled playing cards and the chip cases stored in the storage box and the playing card ID codes and case ID codes stored in the storage box by monitoring read playing card ID codes and case ID codes.

Abstract: A curling game apparatus including a main body, a curling table provided on the upper end of the body, and a curling ball formed in the perfect spherical shape as a rigid body and moved on the curling table. The curling table includes an upper plate provided along a bottom surface and a periphery of an upper end of the main body, a plurality of cushion bars provided inside the upper plate, and an upper plate surface portion horizontally provided on a surface of the upper plate. The upper plate surface portion is provided with at least one hit line for hitting the curling ball and at least one target to which the curling ball starts from the hit line by hitting to reach. The curling ball is reflected by the cushion bars to move to the target while the curling ball rotates with the hitting point thereof.

Abstract: The wisdom ring puzzle includes a first member and a second member being an annular member, the first member including a connection post, a first small ring, a second small ring, and a first large ring, and a disconnection prevention part, a first post, and a second post sequentially provided to extend from the connection post toward a substantially same direction, the first post including a first ring catching part, the second post including a second ring catching part, the first small ring swingably caught in the first post by the first ring catching part, the second small ring and the first large ring swingably caught in the second post by the second ring catching part, the disconnection prevention part passing through the first small ring and the first large ring, the first post passing through the second small ring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for controlling the movement of a virtual object performed by an electronic device. A first button is displayed at a first position of a screen. A second button is displayed at a second position of the screen when a first touch operation is detected. When a second touch operation on the second button is detected, a virtual object is controlled to move automatically, and the two buttons are highlighted. The automatic movement of the virtual object and the linkage between the two buttons are implemented through simple operations, thereby improving the convenience and flexibility of operations.

Abstract: An object control system in a location-based game, in which a character in a virtual world is linked with and moved along with a movement of a user in a real world, is provided with: a location information acquiring unit which detects a current location and displacement in the real world of the user; a virtual display data generating unit which selects a boundary line on real map information so as to be an area and a shape according to the current location of the user in the real world and information density on the real map information corresponding to the current location, and generates a virtual fantasy block that partially covers the real map; and a synthesis processing unit which superimposes and displays the fantasy block generated by the virtual display data generating unit on the real map information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests.

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

Abstract: A trained machine learning model(s) is used to determine scores (e.g., trust scores) for user accounts registered with a video game service, and the scores are used to match players together in multiplayer video game settings. For example, sensor data received from client machines can be provided as input to the trained machine learning model(s), and the trained machine learning model(s) generates scores as output, which relate to probabilities that the game control data received from those client machines was generated by handheld devices, as opposed to having been synthesized and/or modified using software. In this manner, subsets of logged-in user accounts executing a video game can be assigned to different matches (e.g., by isolating non-human players from human players) based at least in part on the scores determined for those logged-in user accounts, and the video game is executed in the assigned match for each logged-in user account.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium including program instructions, a method of controlling a game, and an information processing device make a game more amusing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assigning a data center to service a request from a user account include receiving a login request to a cloud gaming server. The login request is examined to identify a user account. A use history of the cloud gaming server is examined to identify a data center. The user account is assigned to the data center to start a session of streaming game play at a server within the data center. The data center is identified without performing a connection testing operation.

Abstract: A game system, on detecting in a first mode that is a mode set at the start of a game that an activation condition of a second mode has been satisfied, changes the first mode to the second mode. After activating the second mode, the game system decreases the number of times that a progress of the game can be reset. When detecting that the number of times has expired, the game system ends the game.

Abstract: Image generation system which provides, to a plurality of players through individual terminals, image of a game which progresses through cooperation of plurality of individually manipulated characters, image generation system including: game image generating means that generates image of game space in which the plurality of manipulated characters act, as game screen directed at the plurality of players; and determining means that determines if a game event that occurs based on manipulation information input by the plurality of players or the manipulation information fulfills given conditions, game image generating means including insert image generating means that generates, when the given conditions are fulfilled, two or more images related to manipulated characters of cooperating players having cooperated with the fulfillment, insert images to be inserted into game screens of cooperating players, and the insert image generating means generating the insert images respectively directed at cooperating players

Abstract: A method for generating an image parameter for a reproducible virtual character includes: receiving a trigger signal for generating a virtual character; acquiring a generation rule of an image parameter of the virtual character, the image parameter comprising n characteristic parameters configured to indicate an image of the virtual character; and generating a gene sequence of an ith characteristic parameter in the n characteristic parameters according to the generation rule.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to generating a character with a stretchable body part in a computer game. A pose of a body part of the character is received. The body part includes at least one base joint, bones connected via the at least one base joint, and an end effector coupled to one of the bones. An end effector position is received. The end effector position is where an end effector of the body part is to be placed in an updated pose. Inverse kinematics operations are performed to determine the updated pose of the body part by at least changing a length of one of the bones to place the end effector at the end effector position responsive to receiving the pose of the body part and the end effector position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and methodology for dynamically adjusting a game based on predictions made during game account creation in accordance with one or more implementations. The system may be configured to receive user information included in platform level accounts which were previously created by users on an online platform and assign one or more user types to the user based on that user information. The system may be configured such that game adjustments associated with one or more user types for future play by users associated with that user type may be modified over time based on historical and ongoing game activities undertaken by users associated with one or more user types.

Abstract: A guest management method and system for an online multi-player virtual reality environment or social networking site. A network interface receives guest access requests from guest clients and input data from a plurality of remotely-located clients. The input data is operative to control avatars associated with the clients in a modeled virtual reality environment. A memory holds program instructions for determining whether the guest access is associated with a member client. If the guest access request is associated with the member client, then the guest client is allowed to access the virtual reality environment via a guest avatar. The guest avatar's movements in the virtual reality environment are restricted based on a location of a member avatar controlled by the associated member client. For example, the guest avatar may only be permitted to move within an area that is bounded by a perimeter about the member avatar.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to virtual reality simulation, and more specifically, in some implementations, to devices, systems, and methods for use in a virtual reality sports simulation. A system for virtual reality simulation may include an accessory (e.g., one or more of a bat, a glove, or a helmet) for interacting with a virtual reality environment. The accessory may provide the user with haptic feedback that emulates sensations that the user would experience when playing a live-action sport to provide the user with a more meaningful and realistic experience when playing a virtual reality game. Further, virtual reality simulations disclosed herein may include incorporating data from a live-action event (e.g., a live-action sporting event) into a virtual reality environment to provide a user with a realistic experience.

Abstract: A system that collects, analyzes, and applies physical metrics from participants in game environments. Participants (players and/or spectators) in a game may wear or hold devices that collect physical data from the participants via sensors, generate metrics data from the sensor data, and provide the metrics data to a participant metrics module. The module may receive the metrics data from the devices, analyze the metrics data to generate game inputs based on the participants' physical metrics, and provide the game inputs to the game system to affect game play. The module may also receive alerts or other information from the game system or from players, determine feedback for participants according to the received information, and signal the devices to provide feedback or alerts to the participants in the game. The devices may include indicators that are activated by the signals to provide visual, audio, and/or haptic indications to respective participants.

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 an in-game status bar. A gaming application is launched from a messaging application. A state in the messaging application from which the gaming application was launched is determined. A communication interface that is associated with the messaging application is generated for display, concurrently with a display of the gaming application. Functionality of the communication interface is modified based on the state in the messaging application from which the gaming application was launched.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for building a junk model, comprising an elongate member (118) attachable to a junk model body (106) and having a first end region and a second end region; a first attachment portion (130) for attaching a first surface engaging element (114) to the first end region; and a second attachment portion (132) for attaching a second surface engaging element (116) to the second end region; wherein the elongate member is selectively adjustable in length to set a distance between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. A kit of parts and method of building a junk model are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving process control of separation systems that include one or more dividing walls within a single column. It has been discovered that improved process control can be achieved by controlling the dividing wall columns based on energy balance instead of mass balance. The energy balancing can be performed in part based on controlling temperature at a plurality of locations on the feed side within a first divided portion of the column. Using energy balancing based on temperature control at a plurality of locations on the feed side can facilitate maintaining the operation of the dividing wall columns within a single region of phase space that can be suitably approximated by linear models. This can allow conventional process controllers to manage the manipulated and controlled variables. In addition to controlling the temperature at a plurality of locations on the feed side, a plurality of other characteristics can be used as manipulated or controlled variables.

Abstract: Provided are a mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) recovery apparatus and a MEG recovery method. The MEG recovery apparatus includes a pretreater receiving the raw material from a raw material supplier to remove the low soluble salts, a first distiller connected to the pretreater to receive the raw material from which the low soluble salts are removed, and to form a first treated solution by vaporizing a certain amount of the water, a high soluble salt remover connected to the first distiller to remove the high soluble salts from the first treated solution, a second distiller connected to the high soluble salt remover to form a second treated solution by vaporizing the water from the first treated solution from which the high soluble salts are removed, and a recovery unit connected to the second distiller to recover the second treated solution.

Abstract: A counter-flow simultaneous heat and mass exchange device is operated by directing flows of two fluids into a heat and mass exchange device at initial mass flow rates where ideal changes in total enthalpy rates of the two fluids are unequal. At least one of the following state variables in the fluids is measured: temperature, pressure and concentration, which together define the thermodynamic state of the two fluid streams at the points of entry to and exit from the device. The mass flow rate of at least one of the two fluids is changed such that the ideal change in total enthalpy rates of the two fluids through the device are brought closer to being equal.

Abstract: A continuous centrifugal separator (CCS) system provides a laminar, annular, velocity distribution (LAVD) throughout, using axially staged and radially staged distribution of incoming flows. Diffuser plates help establish the LAVD at comparatively low (stably laminar) Reynolds numbers in axial flow through a trapezoidal (trapezoid of rotation) rotor shell. Dynamic cleaning (during uninterrupted operation) by feedback control of fluid and system conditions (e.g., turbidity, vibration) may be set and reset by feedback control. Static cleaning removes deposits not flushed by dynamic cleaning. A coalescence plate encourages collapse of the dispersion band to a thin boundary between separated species at a central radius optimized by operating parameters, such as mass flow rate and rotational velocity.

Abstract: A fuel stabilization system for removing oxygen from fuel includes an accumulator disposed along a fuel line, the accumulator includes a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet and a heat source disposed in thermal communication with the fuel in or upstream of the fuel inlet of the accumulator to increase the temperature of the fuel within the accumulator. The accumulator is configured to allow oxygen deposits to form therein as a result of the temperature increase of the fuel.

Abstract: A launder cover system for reducing or eliminating sunlight exposure so as to prevent algae growth in a tank such as a clarifier tank. The launder cover system generally includes a plurality of support members and a plurality of launder covers which are each independently pivotably connected to a tank wall of a tank, such as by using a mount. The support members are each pivotably connected to the tank wall by a pivot connector and the launder covers are each pivotably connected to the tank wall by a hinge connector. Each support member is positioned between a pair of launder covers, and each launder cover is positioned between a pair of support members. The support members function to support the launder covers in a raised or lowered position. A launder support may be connected to the channel wall to support the launder covers in their lowered positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for testing a material for the presence of DNA. The system includes a centrifuge, a microchip performing cell lysis and an enclosure that contains an isothermal ballast material and chromogenic agent that melts at a specific temperature and displays a color change, respectively.

Abstract: A diffusiophoretic water filtration device has a pressurizable gas chamber for receiving a pressurized gas; an inlet manifold for receiving a colloidal suspension including colloidal particles in water; a flow chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the flow chamber for receiving the colloidal suspension at the inlet from the inlet manifold, the colloidal suspension flowing between the inlet and at least one outlet in a flow direction; and a gas membrane separating the gas chamber and the flow chamber, the sheet being made of a gas permeable membrane, the pressurized gas capable of permeating the membrane, the membrane being water impermeable, the gas membrane having a first side facing the pressurized gas chamber, and a second side facing the flow chamber, the flow chamber having a plurality of channels, each channel contacting the second side of the membrane; and an outlet splitter separating a first outlet from a second outlet and splitting the plurality of channels, the first outlet for receiving water hav

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filter includes providing a computer-readable three-dimensional model of the filter, the three-dimensional model being configured to be converted into a plurality of slices that each define a cross-sectional layer of the filter, and successively forming each layer of the filter by additive manufacturing.

Abstract: A filtration system interconnection structure having manifold with a rotatable manifold magnet of correlated magnets, a shroud with alignment tracks, an actuating valve for water ingress, and a filter cartridge having a rotatable filter magnet of correlated magnets, where the manifold magnet and the filter magnet are in magnetic communication with one another when the filter cartridge is inserted with the shroud, and are at least partially rotatably compatible, where the manifold magnet rotates with the filter magnet until the manifold magnet experiences a rotational stop beyond a predetermined rotation of the filter magnet, thus allowing the filter magnet to shift polarity with respect to the manifold magnet and present a repulsion force for removal of the filter cartridge from the shroud.

Abstract: A water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a housing accommodating components for generating cold water and/or hot water; a water cock which protrudes from a front surface of the housing, the water cock being configured to discharge the cold water or the hot water; a control panel which is provided so as to input a command for discharging the cold water or the hot water; a sterilization module which is detachably mounted on the water cock, the sterilization module being configured to emit ultraviolet rays for sterilizing the inside of the water cock; and a fastening part which is formed on the water cock and the sterilization module, respectively, so that the sterilization module can be attached to and detached from the water cock.

Abstract: An oil filter adapter device may be used to enable an engine or other machine that was manufactured for using cartridge oil filters to use spin-on oil filters. In some examples, the oil filter adapter may have a docking collar for coupling with an engine, a cylindrical base for coupling with an oil filter housing, and an attachment piece for coupling with a spin-on oil filter. The oil filter adapter may also have a spring disposed between the docking collar and the cylindrical base such that the docking collar is compressible relative to the cylindrical base to allow the oil filter adapter is able to couple to a variety of oil filter housings ranging in size and shape.