Abstract: The ball of the present invention is characterized by including at least one skin layer having water absorbability. The at least one skin layer may be formed of a water absorbent material, or may be formed so as to include a surface portion and a water absorbent outer skin adhered to at least a part of the surface portion. According to the ball of the present invention, a ball for competitions that can easily maintain water absorbency is provided while remaining durable even when used for a long time and not requiring man-hours during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A smart ball (100) comprising: an inner sphere portion (12) consisting of a cork like material and an outer sphere (19) that ensconces said inner sphere, said inner sphere further comprising: a cylindrical cavity (14), located substantially at the core of said ball, said cavity formed by drilling into said cork from an operative top side; a sensor assembly (16) placed in the centre of said cylindrical cavity along a reference plane defined by a locus of points wherein said points being collinear points running from a first end of said seam (18) to a second end of said seam, thereby ensuring that orthogonal measurements of said sensor assembly being aligned with orthogonal axes of said ball; and a charging port on said seam, said charging port connected to a battery placed in said cylindrical cavity and said battery connected to said sensor assembly.

Abstract: A golf club head comprises a body including a top and a bottom and a hosel connected to the body. The body comprises a forward face defining a leading edge and an opposing rearward facing surface defining a trailing edge. At least one weight shifting element is positioned on the rearward facing surface. A sole extends between the leading edge and the trailing edge and defines a center portion, a first end surface and a second end surface. A static bounce angle is equal to an effective bounce angle when the center portion is square with the ground, and the effective bounce angle is greater than the static bounce angle when the center portion is not square with the ground and the second end surface is positioned away from the ground.

Abstract: Presented herein are embodiments of golf club heads comprising a head interior and a hosel structure, the head interior bounded by a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head top portion, and a head sole portion. The golf club heads further comprising various optimized characteristics, including optimizing the head center of gravity height and depth in relation to the head volume and mass.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf club head that comprises a body. The body comprises a sole portion, a crown portion, a skirt portion, and a face portion, positioned at a forward region of the golf club head, opposite a rearward region of the golf club head, and extending from a toe region to a heel region of the golf club head. At least a portion of the body is made of a titanium alloy. The golf club head also comprises a large weight, coupled to the sole portion of the body and made of a steel alloy. A mass of the large weight is at least 40% of a mass of the portion of the body made of the titanium alloy. A total mass of the large weight and the portion of the body made of the titanium alloy is at least 210 grams.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a front portion, and a rear portion. The front portion may include an exterior surface and an interior surface. A wall structure may be located inside the body portion and may be spaced apart from the interior surface of the front portion to form a channel therebetween. A filler material may be disposed inside the channel and may compress against the wall structure when the face portion strikes a golf ball. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A ball striking device includes a ball striking plate having a front surface configured to strike a ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The ball striking plate has a desired-contact region and a perimeter. One or more spoke-like reinforcement ribs may be located on the rear surface and may radiate away from the desired-contact region toward the perimeter. At least one of the spoke-like reinforcement ribs may be located in an upper-toe quadrant or in an upper-heel quadrant of the rear surface. One or more encircling reinforcement ribs may be located on the rear surface. The one or more encircling reinforcement ribs may be at least partially encircling the desired-contact region. A thickened portion of the ball striking plate may be positioned behind the desired-contact region of the ball striking plate. The ball striking device may be a golf club head.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads may include a golf club head having a body portion, a first mass portion, a face portion coupled to the front portion of the body portion to close the interior cavity of the body portion, a second mass portion coupled to a back wall portion below a horizontal midplane of the body portion, a port at or proximate to a horizontal midplane of the body portion and connected to the interior cavity, and a polymer material injected in the interior cavity from the port. The first mass portion may be made from a material having a greater density than the polymer material, the second mass portion may be made from a material having a greater density than a material of the body portion, and a total mass of the second mass portion may be greater than or equal to three times a total mass of the first mass portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf pin ball tray comprising a support surface having an inner aperture having a diameter of size to receive a shaft of a golf pin, the diameter being less than a diameter of a ferrule on an end of the shaft that is inserted in a golf cup, the support surface having a maximum diameter of about 55% to about 80% of an inner diameter of the golf cup.

Abstract: A static targeting apparatus for basketball, comprising; a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting bracket has a plurality of connection means to secure to a backboard, a vertical member having a first end and a second end, wherein the vertical member is attached to the mounting bracket, and a direction marker, wherein the direction marker is attached to the backboard, wherein, the direction marker is positioned relative to the hoop.

Abstract: A multifunctional self-contained system that wirelessly integrates actual sports equipment with a computer providing critical feedback to improve all aspects of a player's game, and also allows players to play an actual competitive real or visually simulated game or sports with one or more players. Therefore, an individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic golfing skills and techniques. The system includes sport implements that include, but are not limited to, smart golf clubs, a golf ball receptacle and a golf club motion sensing device, all containing circuits with contact sensors and or motion sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry to wirelessly communicate game status and performance parameters to a remote receiver and computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for connecting shaft portions of sports equipment comprising a first shaft portion of sports equipment; a second shaft portion of sports equipment; a locking means for mounting the first and second shaft portions; the locking means comprising a locking ring, an extending member and a first receiver means; the extending member mounted to the second shaft portion; the first receiver means comprising a hollow portion adapted for receiving the first portion of the extending member; the first receiver means mounted to the first shaft portion; the locking ring rotatable mounted on the extending member; the extending member comprising a first portion which is removable mounted to the first receiver means; and the first portion adapted for restricting the rotational movement of the extending member inside the first shaft portion.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a system and method providing vision algorithms for identifying objects traveling in space and identifying the configuration of one or more targets of the objects. The system is suitably programmed to record data related to movement of objects in relation to one or more targets.

Abstract: A training apparatus for use in tackle training, comprises an elongate contact pad having a front surface; and at least two laterally extending elongate members disposed in general longitudinal alignment with the elongate contact pad, wherein the laterally extending elongate members are disposed to the rear of the elongate contact pad, which provides an effective training apparatus for improvements in collisions, tackles and especially the ‘grapple’ tackle in rugby, thereby improving point of contact, height of approach and arm grip strength.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a course difficulty rating method using a mechanical method to obtain an energy differential for obtaining a difficulty rating. More specifically, the present disclosure describes a difficulty rating method used to determine a relative difficulty of a cross country running course or a road racing course using energy information of a self-propelled vehicle. The method includes: obtaining an energy reading of a self-propelled vehicle as it is propelled on a first course; obtaining an energy reading of the self-propelled vehicle at is it propelled over a second course; and comparing the energy readings collected by the self-propelled vehicle over the first course and the second course to determine an energy factor course for the first course.

Abstract: A smart mirror can show live or recorded streaming video of an instructor performing a workout in a package that is attractive and unobtrusive enough to hang in a living room. The smart mirror includes a mirror surface with a fully reflecting section and a partially reflecting section. A display behind the partially reflecting section shows the video when the smart mirror is on and is almost invisible when the smart mirror is off. The smart mirror also has a speaker, a microphone, and a camera to enable a user to view the video content and interact with the instructor. The smart mirror may connect to the user's smart phone, a peripheral device (e.g., a Bluetooth speaker) to augment user experience, a biometric sensor to provide biometric data to assess user performance, and/or a network router to connect the smart mirror to a content provider, an instructor, and/or other users.

Abstract: A smart mirror can show live or recorded streaming video of an instructor performing a workout in a package that is attractive and unobtrusive enough to hang in a living room. The smart mirror includes a mirror surface with a fully reflecting section and a partially reflecting section. A display behind the partially reflecting section shows the video when the smart mirror is on and is almost invisible when the smart mirror is off. The smart mirror also has a speaker, a microphone, and a camera to enable a user to view the video content and interact with the instructor. The smart mirror may connect to the user's smart phone, a peripheral device (e.g., a Bluetooth speaker) to augment user experience, a biometric sensor to provide biometric data to assess user performance, and/or a network router to connect the smart mirror to a content provider, an instructor, and/or other users.

Abstract: A batting pad comprising a body made from a cushioning material and having a ring portion adapted to fit over a batter's thumb and an appendage to cushion the palm area between a batter's thumb and index finger. The appendage has a thickness T at its thickest point located between the first end and the distant end, and the thickness T of the appendage is selected to optimize an angle of a bat in the batter's hand relative to a line parallel to the batter's forearm, the angle being determined by the thickness T of the appendage displacing the bat toward the tip of the batter's index finger and causing the bat to contact the palm of the batter's hand near the batter's little finger.

Abstract: In various aspects, the catcher's mitt disclosed herein may include a catching side defining a thumb edge and a finger edge and a rear side opposed in spaced relation to the catching side with opposing edges of the catching side and rear side interconnected to form a thumb edge, a finger edge, a heel, and a tip. A hand cavity is formed within that comprises a palm cavity, a thumb cavity, and a finger cavity, with the thumb cavity extends generally along the thumb edge and the finger cavity extends along the finger edge, in various aspects. The hand cavity opens at the heel for insertion of at least portions of a hand therein, in various aspects. In various aspects, webbing extends between portions of the thumb edge and the finger edge proximate the tip, and a pocket is formed in the catching side and extending from adjacent the heel toward the tip and overlying at least portions of the palm cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to splitboard bindings. The splitboard bindings can be used to change a splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The bindings can have a first interface and a second interface configured to engage and disengage. The interfaces can be configured such that a binding has large clearances for easy transitions. The first interface can be configured with a locking mechanism. The second interface can be configured to remove large clearances between the first interface and second interface, when the locking mechanism of the first interface is engaged with the second interface, allowing the first interface to attach tightly to the second interface and splitboard to improve the ride of the splitboard.

Abstract: A truck includes a base plate, a hanger, a kingpin, and a bushing assembly. The base plate includes a coupling portion and a contact portion. The kingpin is disposed within a portion of the hanger to rotatably couple the hanger to the base plate. The bushing assembly includes at least one bushing disposed in a recess of the contact portion and in contact with the hanger. The bushing assembly including a bushing adjustment coupled to at least one of the base plate or the hanger and configured to selectively engage the at least one bushing to transition the bushing assembly between a first configuration in which the at least one bushing exerts a first force in response to rotation of the hanger and a second configuration in which the at least one bushing exerts a second force different from the first force in response to rotation of the hanger.

Abstract: A ramp system includes a ramp unit, a sliding rod, and a connecting unit. The ramp unit includes a first ramp having an upper edge and a lower edge spaced from the upper edge in a vertical direction. The sliding rod includes a sliding portion, a first leg, and a second leg. The sliding portion extends from an end of the sliding rod to another end of the sliding rod. The first leg and the second leg are connected to two different locations of the sliding portion. The connecting unit includes a column and a connecting member. The column is connected to the lower edge of the first ramp. The connecting member is connected to the upper edge of the first ramp. The connecting member includes a coupling ring mounted around the first leg.

Abstract: A method for playing a hold 'em card game with two hands provides a variant to a standard hold 'em card game by dealing four hole cards to a player, and splitting the hole cards into two sets of hole cards, with each set of hole cards being independently played, bet, raised, or folded in relation to the same community cards. An initial round of wagering occurs, followed by dealing four hole cards to each player. The hole cards are split into two sets of hole cards that are played independently of each other. There is another round of betting, before a turn and a river are also dealt. If the dealer's best of five hands exceeds a poker hand ranking of the player's, the player forfeits the wager. If the player's best of five hands exceeds the dealer's, the player receives an equal amount of units to the wager.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method for activities that can comprise and/or relate to, a board game system that can include a first game board that defines a plurality of playing surfaces for use with game pieces.

Abstract: A VR gaming operational stage includes a display device, a standing platform, a limb movement detector, an eye-gaze analyzer, an adjustment device, and a micro controller. The standing platform is configured to detect the center of gravity of a user. The limb movement detector is configured to detect the limb movement of the user. The eye-gaze analyzer is configured to determine the body orientation of the user. According to the data acquired by the standing platform, the limb movement detector and the eye-gaze analyzer, the micro controller is configured to instruct the display device to present corresponding VR contents and instruct the adjustment device to provide corresponding force feedback.

Abstract: An example of an information processing apparatus repeatedly acquires input positions detected by a pointing device. The information processing apparatus executes a first process on a first object in a virtual game space in response to a second input which is performed after end of a first input to the pointing device and within a first time period from the first input. The information processing apparatus sets a reference position, based on an input position at which the second input to the pointing device is started. The information processing apparatus executes a first movement process for causing the first object to move in the virtual game space, based on the reference position and on the input position of the second input which is continuously performed from start of the second input to the pointing device.

Abstract: A computer cockpit for interacting with a user includes a front camera, a back camera, a display device, a microprocessor, a chair, and a controller. The front camera or the back camera captures an image of the user. The display device generates a display image according to the image. The microprocessor analyzes the display image on the display device, so as to obtain height information of the user. The microprocessor generates a first control signal according to the height information. The chair includes a cushion and a backrest connected to the cushion. The controller adjusts a first tilt angle of the backrest according to the first control signal.

Abstract: A non-transitory storage medium according to the present disclosure is a storage medium storing therein a program that is readable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, the program that is configured to cause the computer to function as: a first object display unit configured to display a player object in a first display mode in a first game space; a first object control unit configured to perform three-dimensional control for causing the player object displayed in the first display mode to perform three-dimensional movement in the first game space based on an operation performed by a user; an option generation unit configured to generate an image for allowing the user to, from among options respectively corresponding to a plurality of second game spaces, select one of the second game spaces as a selected game space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video game program for causing a computer to realize an acquisition function of acquiring replay data for reproducing play contents already ended of a user in a game space in which a plurality of characters including a player character of the user appear, an image generation function of generating a replay image to be displayed on a display based on the acquired replay data, and a selection function of selecting one or more characters from among the plurality of characters as a focus character based on a selection operation on an operator by the user. In the image generation function, the replay image is generated in a display format for the focus character.

Abstract: In a case where operations to a player character are restricted and a virtual camera is controlled according to event data, motion of the user's head, which is detected by an HMD 300, is reflected on the direction of the virtual camera that is set based on the event data. As a result, even in a situation where the user cannot operate the player character as he/she wants, images displayed on the HMD 300 move together with motion of the head. Therefore, it is possible to reduce occurrence of simulator sickness.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing assistance for an online game executed by a cloud gaming system includes receiving a game objective of a user playing the online game. A current location of the user in the online game is identified. A map of vector points defined for the online game is traversed in a backward direction from a vector point corresponding to location of the game objective to the current location, to identify vector points corresponding to activities performed by a plurality of prior players to achieve the game objective for the online game. A predicate list of the activities identified from the traversing is generated for presenting to the user. The predicate list specifies a sequence in which the activities need to be performed to achieve the game objective. The activities presented in the predicate list are dynamically adjusted based on changes to the current location of the user detected in the online game.

Abstract: A method for controlling a character in a virtual environment of an interactive gaming application. The method including receiving characteristics of a virtual environment. The method including receiving a weight distribution profile for virtual objects carried by the character, the weight distribution profile causing an offset in a center of gravity of the character. The method including receiving input to move the character about the virtual environment, the input including a first component for moving the character along a path in the virtual environment, and a second component for providing a counter-force to reduce the offset to the center of gravity. The second component is applied when the character graphically appears to be out-of-balance while moving along the path in the virtual environment responsive to the first component.

Abstract: The present specification describes systems and methods for filtering a video game user's match performance data or loadout data through validation mechanisms. For the performance data, the validated, signed performance data are written to a leaderboard service of the video gaming system. For the loadout data, the validated, signed performance loadout data are transmitted back to the client device and used when playing a game. Free computing and/or networking resources of the client game device are used as an intermediate between the client devices, validation services, and/or leaderboard services.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating content of a mobile video game allow for mobile communication devices to receive updated content for video games that operate on the devices. The updates may be promotional in nature, and may be pre-selected based on the device type, service, or service provider. The game may contain instructions that cause the mobile communication device to contact an interface and/or server to receive updated content. After the updated content is received by the mobile communication device, the content may be displayed in-game. The user of the mobile communication device may be provided with one or more options that affect the frequency or ability to receive or display updated content. In addition, the server may track what content has already been received by the mobile communication device.

Abstract: Techniques for improving a user video game experience are described. In an example, a computer system receives event data from a plurality of user devices. Each event data includes an identifier of an activity in a video game and data and an identifier of a mechanic used to complete the activity. The identifiers can be predefined in program code of the video game. The identifiers data can be received based on an execution of the program code. The event data is processed to determine, for a user that has not completed the activity, a readiness of the user to perform the activity. Depending on the readiness, the activity can be suggested in a user interface element.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically valuating players during a fantasy draft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises storing, in an electronic device, a list of players, each player associated with a base value, receiving one or more player sections, and determining one or more adjusted values for a respective one or more particular players based at least in part on the base values of the particular players and the player selections.

Abstract: The program stored in the non-transitory computer readable media causes the information processing device to execute a setting processing in which one or more parameters are set with respect to game content appearing in a game, and execute a simulation processing related to a predetermined battle game part using the game content, for which the one or more parameters are set by the setting processing, and user data that includes information on one of more of the game content set by the user playing the game, wherein optimal solutions for the one or more parameters are derived by repeatedly executing the simulation processing while changing (adjusting) the one or more parameters by the setting processing by way of an optimization problem that minimizes the difference between evaluation information retrieved based on the execution of the simulation process and target evaluation information.

Abstract: A water ride includes a ride surface defining a ride path. Users of the water ride travel in ride vehicles along the ride surface with the ride vehicles traveling upon a layer of water introduced into or onto the ride surface. To induce the ride vehicles to change orientation at desired locations along the ride surface, the ride vehicles each include one or more ride vehicle components located on or near a bottom surface of the ride vehicle. One or more ride surface components are positioned at desired locations along the ride path in position to make contact with the ride vehicle component(s). This contact or interaction between the ride vehicle component(s) and the ride surface component(s) causes a change in orientation, such as a spin, to the ride vehicle.

Abstract: A sleeping bag system has the appearance of a stuffed character when not in use as a sleeping bag and includes a torso including a torso compartment therein, a first limb having a first arm compartment therein which is in connection with the torso compartment, a second limb having a second arm compartment therein which is in connection with the torso compartment, at least a third limb having at least a first leg compartment therein which is in connection with the torso compartment. The sleeping bag system further includes an opening in the torso providing access to the torso compartment from outside of the sleeping bag system and an item removably storable in the torso compartment which is adapted to provide stability to the sleeping bag system such that the sleeping bag system can sit upright without support when not in use as a sleeping bag.

Abstract: A playset having a battery housing and a receiving member is disclosed. The battery housing contains a battery and has at least one pair of recessed electrical contacts electrically connected to the battery. The receiving member has a chamber configured to receive the battery housing and an energizable element electrically connected to at least one pair of protruding electrical contacts protruding into the chamber. The battery housing is receivable by the receiving member such that the pair of recessed electrical contacts respectively electrically connect with the pair of protruding electrical contacts to supply power from the battery to the energizable element.

Abstract: A toy capable of implementing second coin clamping (100) includes a fixing member (1) and a first unfolding assembly (4). The first unfolding assembly (4) is foldably provided on the fixing member (1). The first unfolding assembly (4) includes a first triggering member (41) and a first elastic member that makes the first unfolding assembly (4) be in an unfolded state. When the first triggering member (41) is triggered, the first unfolding assembly (4) is unfolded so that a second triggering member (11) on the fixing member (1) can be triggered.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a driving toy and a playing device using same, the driving toy being provided with auxiliary wheels for guiding the driving toy to travel along a track, and capable of travelling on various tracks by allowing the auxiliary wheels to be installed by changing the positions thereof according to the type of tracks.

Abstract: A Lynchpin structure may be combined with one or more additional Lynchpin structures to form a compound Lynchpin propulsion structure. Each Lynchpin structure may include six pentangular areas, and one or more of the pentangular areas may include a propulsion device. The propulsion may be used to propel the compound Lynchpin propulsion structure through or over various media, such as through air, across ground, on or underwater, or through or over other media. The propulsion may include avionic propulsion, ground propulsion, hydrodynamic propulsion, or other types of propulsion. A single type of propulsion device may be used within one or more of the pentangular areas, or diverse types of propulsion may be used to provide various navigational performance or multi-mode operation. Each propulsion device may also include a device to direct the propulsion, such as a single or multi-axis gimble or adjustable aerodynamic control surface.

Abstract: A fusible toy bead creating apparatus includes: a table including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface and a receiver. The table has a plurality of penetration holes penetrating from the first surface to the second surface to allow fusible toy beads to be placed on the first surface. The receiver includes a receiving surface arranged to face the first surface of the table and configured to receive the fusible toy beads.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a plurality of interconnectable modular members that may create a pathway system with multiple entrances into the upper portion of each member and at least one exit from the lower portion of each member, thereby providing for a variety of convergence and divergence possibilities. The pathway system is suitable for receiving and transporting marbles and other spherical objects from one member to another. The modular members may be interlinked via male/female connectors to create a variety of configurations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vaporizing liquid from a liquid source into the surrounding environment, are disclosed, where the apparatus comprises at least one manifold comprising at least one liquid port formed by a through-hole and at least one ridge structure, wherein the liquid port is in fluid communication with the liquid source and the one ridge structure. At least one vaporization port is included in a planar structure connecting a first side of the structure to a second side, in fluid communication with the at least one ridge structure and the surrounding environment, wherein fluid flow through the liquid and vaporization ports is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the structure, and the ridge structures are substantially parallel to the plane of the structure. At least one heating element is present that is in thermal communication to the at least one vaporization port and at least one ridge structure.

Abstract: A cooling pond system and related methods of improving cooling performance in a cooling pond system using one or more submerged dams to increase cooling performance within the cooling pond system, and increase salt precipitation or recovery. The inclusion of one or more submerged dams within an existing cooling pond system can reduce an outflow temperature by 1-5° F. as compared to the same cooling pond system without any submerged dams. In addition or alternatively, pond depth can be controlled to enhance flow mixing and convection cooling. As the temperature is reduced throughout the cooling pond system, more potassium containing salts are precipitated form the brine solution resulting in increased production or recovery within the same cooling footprint.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vapor recovery system. The vapor recovery system includes a vapor recovery tower and a vapor recovery unit. The vapor recovery tower includes an internal heat exchanger suitable for heating crude oil processed by the vapor recovery tower. The vapor recovery unit includes a compressor suitable for compressing and thereby heating vapors and gases separated from crude oil by the vapor recovery tower. The gases heated by compression within the vapor recovery unit subsequently pass through the jacket or shell of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system and method for expanding the production capacity of an existing ethanol production facility including: a source of fermented mash (beer); a first beer column configured for receiving beer input from the source and for producing overhead comprising alcohol vapor and water vapor; and a first rectifier receiving an alcohol and water mixture from said first beer column. The system includes a second beer column, first and second condensers receiving overhead from the beer columns and a second rectifier receiving condensed overhead from the second condenser and bottoms from the first rectifier. A processing component receives bottoms from the first and second beer columns and steam condensate. The method includes the steps of retrofitting an existing ethanol production facility with a second beer column, first and second condensers and a second rectifier.

Abstract: Methods for breaking polymer-containing treatment fluids for use in subterranean formations are provided. In one or more embodiments, the methods comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a polymer, wherein the treatment fluid was used to treat at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and sonicating at least a portion of the treatment fluid to at least partially reduce the viscosity of the treatment fluid.