Abstract: The exercise tool includes a rigid base with a torso support extending up from a central portion of the base, and with a pair of handles extending up from lateral portions of the base. The torso support includes padding on at least an upper portion thereof. The padding is contoured to have a non-planar upper surface. The handles can be gripped by fingers of a user while the user rests a backside of a torso of the user upon the torso support, and leg and hip lifting and lowering exercises can be performed. In one embodiment, the handles include multiple separate bars in different orientations to facilitate optimal hand gripping. The exercise tool can be utilized for a large number of exercises with then tool supporting hands, feet, and/or torso or other body portions which benefit from being supported above ground while performing various exercises.

Abstract: The oral training device for muscles of the throat and/or face includes a panel which is receivable in the oral cavity formed between the lips and teeth. The panel has a first face adjacent to the lip area and an opposite second face being adjacent to the teeth and/or gums when in use. The device includes a handle which projects outwardly from the first face for applying an outward pulling force to the panel generally away from the oral cavity. The device also includes an elongate platform extending laterally across the first face onto which the upper and lower lips are placeable when in use.

Abstract: An ankle exerciser for exercising a user's ankles and includes a base, two pedals and two rotary units. The pedals and the rotary units are installed to the base. The rotary units are located between the base and the pedals so as to allow the pedals to be pivoted in multiple directions so as to stretch the ankles, and to keep ankles healthy.

Abstract: A collapsible and portable dip apparatus may be structurally configured for use with one or more resistance bands for adjusting the intensity of exercises. Specifically, a dip apparatus according to the present teachings may include side structures that are pivotable towards a central support structure to reduce a footprint of the dip apparatus, e.g., for storage. Further, the side structures may include support bars that are structurally configured for engagement with a resistance band, where the support bars are located below gripping bars of the dip apparatus. To this end, the present teachings include an exercise system featuring the aforementioned dip apparatus and resistance bands, where a user can engage a resistance band with each of the side structures of the dip apparatus such that a user can place his/her knees on the resistance band for support when performing a dip exercise.

Abstract: A video acoustical method determines an impact point of a thrown body on a landing area, in particular for athletics throws disciplines, the body describing a trajectory in the air from a take-off area towards the landing area, the impact point being defined by the body hitting on the landing area. The method includes acquiring video exposures of the body impact on the landing area to a frame rate, each exposure showing one position of the body; calculating the body trajectory during at least the body impact on the landing area with the video exposures analysis; detecting an acoustical impact time due to the body hitting on the landing area; and determining the body impact point on the calculated trajectory with the detected acoustical impact time. A video acoustical system can determine an impact point of a thrown body on a landing area.

Abstract: An exercise rating and improvement system comprising: a feature amount extraction unit for extracting, from information obtained from a subject, a feature amount about exercise efficiency; an rating unit for rating exercise efficiency of the subject by comparing the extracted feature amount and a feature amount to be compared; and an improvement information providing unit for providing, on the basis of the rating result, information such that the feature amount of the subject approaches the feature amount to be compared.

Abstract: A modular and dynamic force apparatus for adjusting standard and dynamic torque-to-linear forces during physical activity in real-time, the apparatus including a force module, a user device and an apparatus tracking processing unit. The force module includes an open hub attachment point, wherein the open hub attaches the apparatus to an external source, one or more sensors measuring data for physical activity efficiency, an internal processor, wireless radio and force sensor module, a variable length cable, a force generating component, and motor controls. The internal processor, wireless radio and force sensor module includes an apparatus tracking measurement unit (“ATMU”) adapted to measure data, a first electronic communications channel for transmitting the measured data to an apparatus tracking processing unit (“ATPU”), and a second electronic communications channel for transmitting one or more apparatus conditions data to adjust dynamic forces.

Abstract: An object is to provide an iron golf club head that has high drainage performance and facilitates application of backspin also in a wet state. In an iron golf club head including a plurality of scorelines in a face surface, a microgroove including at least an inclined groove is included between the scorelines, the microgroove extending in a heel leading edge-toe top edge direction to be connected to an upper scoreline.

Abstract: A golf club head, preferably a putter head, comprising at least one structural support member is disclosed herein. The structural support member has a smooth, organic-looking aesthetic, with a continuously changing curvature along its spline and at least one surface, and preferably connects one portion of the golf club head to another portion. Where the support member connects to other portions of the golf club head, the surfaces of the member have a curvature that changes smoothly and continuously, lacking any sharp corners. The support member may be part of a lattice structure formed via binder jetting.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Embodiments include club heads for a fairway wood that at least one of a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity, a thin crown and a high coefficient of restitution. A sleeve for easily disconnecting a shaft to the club head allows for selective adjustment of the head's loft and lie angle.

Abstract: A golf-tee mount is an apparatus that easily and effectively secures a golf-tee body into the ground. The apparatus includes golf-tee body, a mountable base, and a plurality of spikes. The golf-tee body upholds a golf ball that is about to be hit and is preferably made of a flexible material. The mountable base stabilizes and attaches the golf-tee body into the ground and allows the golf-tee body to be interchangeable as needed and is preferably made of a rigid material. Furthermore, the mountable base may remain connected with the ground while interchanging the golf-tee body. The plurality of spikes penetrates the ground and allows a user to easily fasten the mountable base, and consequently the golf-tee body, into the ground. The golf-tee body further includes a plurality of finger-receiving grooves that allows the user to better grip the golf-tee body while connecting the golf-tee body with the mountable base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for sensing multi-sports, and includes a central column, a sliding column provided to be able to enter and exit the longitudinal valley, and a first bracket provided with a first sensing camera unit connected to an upper end of the sliding column. The present invention may be used for simulation of several ball games.

Abstract: A tethered ring toss game apparatus is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a target device having a target body, a first bar target, a second bar target, a first hook target, and a second hook target. The first bar target and second bar target may be positioned on opposite sides of the target body, and the first hook target and second hook target may be positioned on opposite sides of the target body. A ring having a ring aperture may be coupled to a first end of a flexible tether, and a second end of the flexible tether may be positioned between 28 and 38 degrees above the target device. The flexible tether may have a length that enables the ring aperture of the ring to be alternatively positioned around each of the first bar target, second bar target, first hook target, and second hook target.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to foldable roping dummy assemblies and systems. In a first illustrative embodiment, a central support portion may have right and left leg assemblies and an upper body chamber generally formed as tube. A body cylinder slidable in the upper body chamber may be connected to a head assembly via a linkage at a front end. In a folded position, the head assembly resides between the leg assemblies. As the head assembly is lifted into position, the body cylinder slides rearward and the linkage rotates the head assembly into position at the front of the upper body chamber. In a second illustrative embodiment, the central support portion may be formed as a set of stairs which includes a central cavity open on at least one side, such that in a folded position, the head assembly resides in the central cavity.

Abstract: A device including a golf ball that is configured to be operable for golf hitting practice. A cable assembly retains the golf ball during the golf hitting practice. A golf ball attachment eye segment engages the golf ball. A first compression sleeve is configured to join a portion of said cable assembly that is forming the golf ball attachment eye engaged with the golf ball. A cable eye segment is configured to be operable for engaging a stationary object. And a second compression sleeve is configured to join a portion of said cable assembly that is forming said cable eye.

Abstract: A variable hardness punching bag is disclosed herein. The punching bag comprises a core having a first hardness profile; and at least one auxiliary shell attachable to the core, wherein the at least one auxiliary shell has a second hardness profile different to the first hardness profile. The auxiliary shells include a punching shell and a kicking shell, wherein the punching shell is denser and harder relative to the kicking shell. The punching and kicking shells include attachment straps for facilitating attachment to the core.

Abstract: A golf putter grip includes a main body with a generally rounded diamond cross sectional shape and having and integrated green reading and alignment system, wherein the integrated green reading and alignment system includes two break measurement lines, each break measurement line on one side of the grip and configured to assist the golfer in gauging the angle of the flag, and wherein the integrated green reading and alignment system includes at least two alignment lines on a top of the grip and associated with the two break measurement lines and configured to assist in adjusting a club head face of an associated putter based upon the gauged angle of the flag. A golf putter implementing the golf putter grip with a conventional shaft and head with club face is disclosed.

Abstract: A safety signal is sent to a relay coupled to a plurality of power leads of a motor wherein a default state of the relay is to short the plurality of power leads together and wherein the safety signal maintains the relay in an open state. The safety signal to the relay is deasserted in response to a determination that an unsafe condition has occurred.

Abstract: A sports and performance media positional detection system, comprising: at least two elements, with at least one element involved in the sporting activity; a power source; and machine-to-machine communication, which are collectively arranged such that if any two or more elements interact, their electromagnetic properties can be detected thus allowing the position of the interacting elements to be communicated to a decision maker. The system can be applied to at least one stationary element, which can be the playing surface, lines defining the boundaries, or a set of goalposts; and at least one moving element, which could be a ball, footwear, or the participants themselves. The system can also be applied to performance media capture.

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: An Internet of Thing (IoT) device includes a camera coupled to a processor; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor. Blockchain smart contracts can be used with the device to facilitate secure operation.

Abstract: A controller device comprises a controller body that includes one or more interface ports, at least which is a control information output port. A joystick coupled to the controller body has an axis control orientation that is configurable relative to the controller body.

Abstract: A game controller has first and second controllers detachably coupled to a bridge or an information handling system housing to provide inputs to a gaming application executing on the information handling system, such as from a joystick input device integrated in each controller. Logic stored in non-transitory memory of the information handling system executes to track game controllers based upon unique identifiers retrieved from each controller to the information handling system, such as through a direct coupling of the controllers to the information handling system or indirect communication by the information handling system with a bridge directly coupled to the controllers. The information handling system sets priority for inputs from game controllers based upon controller unique identifiers and also tracks composite game controller assemblies that include controllers and a bridge.

Abstract: A gaming controller includes a pedal system, and a communications interface. The pedal system is disposed on a rear facing portion of the gaming controller. The pedal system includes a pedal disposed along the rear facing surface of outer portions or wings of the gaming controller. The pedal has a first end proximate the elongated portion and an opposing second end spaced from the elongated portion. The pedal is coupled to a pivot point within the controller such that the pedal is selectively pivotable between a nominal position, a first position, and a second position. The communications interface is configured to facilitate transmitting inputs to the portable gaming device based on a current position of the pedal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing processing resources of an online game include executing the online game for one or more users. Each user is provided access to virtual locations in a gaming world of the online game. A compute is assigned for processing gaming interactivity of the one or more users in the gaming world. A number of users accessing a region within a virtual location are determined. When the number of users exceeds a predefined limit for the compute assigned to the users in the region, the region is divided into a plurality of sub-regions and additional compute is assigned for the region so that the compute and the additional compute can process gaming interactivity for the users in each of the sub-regions defined in the gaming world.

Abstract: It is determined whether execution is to be carried out in a first mode or in a second mode, according to a user's selection operation. In the first mode, a movement of a player object is controlled according to the user's movement operation, and a movement of a non-player object is automatically controlled. Positions of the player object and the non-player object are changed according to the user's position changing operation such that a relative positional relationship between the player object and the non-player object for use in the second mode is a first positional relationship. In the second mode, movements of the player object and the non-player object are automatically controlled while maintaining the first positional relationship.

Abstract: Provided is a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium having an information processing program stored therein that, in a game in which a predetermined condition is set as an achievement goal, makes it unnecessary to start the game over again even if the predetermined condition is not achieved. At least one game object selected from among game objects possessed by a user is arranged within a game space, and a score is calculated on the basis of the game object. If the score satisfies an achievement condition, an in-game effect corresponding to the achievement condition is caused. If the score does not satisfy the achievement condition but satisfies a sub-achievement condition that is not satisfied simultaneously with the achievement condition, change of a game state is performed so as to cause the in-game effect corresponding to the achievement condition in exchange for change of an exchange parameter.

Abstract: A game management system that retrieves a delay time of each of a plurality of user devices playing a game; stores the delay times retrieved from each of the plurality of user devices; and transmits an instruction to synchronize game progress to each of the user devices, the instruction including an offset time determined based on a maximum value of the stored delay times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling game applications are provided. In the method, when an operating system receives a game starting command, the operating system determines a manner to start a corresponding game application according to whether the game application has resided in a memory, and when a cold boot manner is used, the operating system triggers the game application to report an amount of memory required currently by the game application, and determines whether a requirement of running the game application is met according to the amount of memory required and an amount of memory currently used, or the operating system ensures to meet the requirement of running the game application through background application freezing and clearing.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a computer, etc., which makes it possible to improve the usability of city building games. The computer is provided with a storage unit configured to store game contents arranged within a game space, positions of the game contents, and a template defining positions of one or more of game contents, and progresses a game by arranging the game contents within the game space based on a command by a player. The method includes when the template is applied to a predetermined area within the game space based on the command by the player, moving, by the computer, the game contents arranged within the game space to the positions of the game contents defined by the template.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus, which may include a display unit that displays a game content positioned in a virtual space, a storage unit that stores information related to a predetermined position in the virtual space, a retrieving unit that retrieves instructions for moving including a moving direction given by a player, a calculating unit that calculates a route from a position of the game content in the virtual space to the predetermined position, a determining unit that determines whether or not the calculated route satisfies a predetermined condition related to the moving direction, and a display control unit that controls display of the game content such that the game content moves to the predetermined position along the route when it is determined that the route satisfies the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A game processing method executed by an information processing device includes moving an ally character on a field in accordance with a player's operation, executing a fight with an enemy character on the field in accordance with the player's operation when the ally character encounters the enemy character, and adding a second motion for vibrating the enemy character to a first motion being executed by the enemy character, when an attack of the ally character hits the enemy character.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner creates an optimal game model based on game-related data of a plurality of players. The optimal game model corresponds to a player segment in the plurality of players. The System Tuner generates one or more rules for building a game variant based on the optimal game model. The System Tuner detects a first player accessing the game. The System Tuner determines a particular player segment to which the player belongs. The System Tuner generates a game variant based on an optimal game model for the particular player segment and sends the game variant to a client device.

Abstract: A game apparatus functioning as a non-limiting example information processing apparatus includes a CPU that executes virtual game processing. A player makes a PC act in a place provided in a virtual space, and clears a quest issued by an NPC that the PC encountered. Then, a reward is given to the PC or player. Moreover, by displaying one or more quests issued by one or more NPCs by list, it is possible to clear a quest selected from the list. In this case, a reward is also given to the PC or player.

Abstract: Techniques including data collection, organization and usage are provided, including in connection with computer-based gaming. Methods and systems are provided for establishing a set of data chronicling at least a portion of a duration of a computer-based gaming event that includes at least one user engaging in gaming using a computer or a computer-based device. Event data is obtained for chronicling chronologically ordered in-game events. Hardware and software related data is obtained that relates to the computer or the computer-based device and is relevant to the chronicling of the portion of the gaming event. Utilizing a distributed ledger technology or blockchain, the event data and the hardware and software related data are recorded in establishing the set of data chronicling at least a portion of the duration of the gaming event.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, by a client system of a first user, receiving a request from a second user to initiate a first game within a first layer of a communication interface, wherein the communication interface includes several layers, wherein a first layer includes a video communication of the second user, and wherein a second layer of the communication interface includes a thumbnail view of a video communication of the first user; generating a first game container in a third layer of the communication interface, wherein the third layer contains the first game in an augmented reality overlay; expanding the second layer into a full-screen view within the communication interface; and displaying the third layer as the augmented reality overlay over the second layer, wherein the first layer is closed responsive to the overlaying of the augmented reality overlay onto the second layer.

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 to the console without requiring them to manually log in. The gaming console may also be automatically configured with profile information of the friends.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising computer software implemented system for establishing and operating a fantasy sports betting contest application platform designed to provide to a plurality of contestants an ability to participate in a multi-round betting contest, to provide to one or more contestants of the plurality of contestants an ability to collectively agree to split a first wager pot, upon the remaining number of contestants falling below a set threshold, and to provide to one or more contestants of the plurality of contestants comprising round winners an ability to participate in round-payouts from a second wager pot, where the computer software is executed on a plurality of computers, including a user interface, in conjunction with processors, memory, bus elements and a network connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combat game providing device comprising: a receiving unit for receiving input information from a player; a player vs environment (PvE) game providing unit, which primarily requests a PvE player to arrange one or more player characters (PCs) among a plurality of PCs possessing preset actions in a plurality of preset cells when input information corresponding to a PvE game is received, and secondarily requests the order, in which actions possessed by the arranged PCs are executed, to be set, thereby providing, to the PvE player, a PvE game for fighting with one or more non-player characters (NPCs) among a plurality of preset NPCs; and a player vs player (PvP) game providing unit, which requests a PvP player to arrange PCs one by one, among the plurality of PCs in the plurality of cells, according to the order determined by preset rules, and provides, to the PvP player, a PvP game for fighting by executing actions possessed by the arranged PCs according to the arranged order th

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method, a device, and storage medium for transferring a virtual item. The method includes receiving, by a first electronic device, a transfer request from a second electronic device, the transfer request comprising at least one physical item identifier and a quantity corresponding to each physical item identifier that are recognized by the second electronic device. The method also includes determining, by the first electronic device, at least one target virtual item according to the at least one physical item identifier and the quantity corresponding to each physical item identifier, the at least one target virtual item being associated with the at least one physical item identifier and the quantity corresponding to each physical item identifier; and transferring, by the first electronic device, the at least one target virtual item from a first position to a second position in a target virtual environment.

Abstract: Techniques for providing information and functionalities based on a video game lifecycle are described. In an example, a computer system presents a page as a single user interface to information and functionalities associated with a video game. The page is generated based on a layout that is specific to a phase of the lifecycle of the video game. The page is accessible to the user across the different phases of the video game's lifecycle. The computer system updates the phase through the different phases, such that the page presents the most relevant and needed information and functionalities at any point in time.

Abstract: Described herein is an assembly and methods of use thereof for controlling or governing the relative speed of motion between the assembly parts via eddy current formation. The assembly and methods also may minimize the number of parts required and may minimize the number of moving parts thereby increasing the mechanical durability of the assembly compared to art designs that may have more moving parts and greater part complexity.

Abstract: A virtual puppeteering system includes a portable device including a camera, a display, a hardware processor, and a system memory storing an object animation software code. The hardware processor is configured to execute the object animation software code to, using the camera, generate an image in response to receiving an activation input, using the display, display the image, and receive a selection input selecting an object shown in the image. The hardware processor is further configured to execute the object animation software code to determine a distance separating the selected object from the portable device, receive an animation input, identify, based on the selected object and the received animation input, a movement for animating the selected object, generate an animation of the selected object using the determined distance and the identified movement, and render the animation of the selected object.

Abstract: In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided, and includes a housing, an inner object (which may, in some embodiments, be a toy character) inside the housing, a tether, and a breakout motor. The breakout motor is operatively connected to the tether such that operation of the breakout motor drives the tether to rip a hole in the housing to open the housing.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a first toy body comprises a first level oriented in a first direction, and a second level oriented in a second direction. A second toy body comprises a third level oriented in the first direction, and a fourth level oriented in the second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a bubble, fog, haze, and fog-filled bubble machine. In particular, the present invention is directed to a single unit machine that can produce bubbles, fog, fog-filled bubbles or haze. The machine preferably comprises a housing having a front portal, a bubble section, a fog section, and a control interface, where the housing is connected to a power source. The bubble section is located behind the front portal and has a bubble wand motor attached to a rotatable wheel with a number of bubble wands. The bubble wands pass through a bubble fluid reservoir. The fog section is located behind the bubble section and comprises a fog outlet in front of a fan, where the fog outlet is connected to a fog heater core and a fog pump is in turn connected to a fog fluid reservoir. The control interface controls the selection of effects.

Abstract: This disclosure describes energy efficient process to distill a process stream in a production facility. A process uses multiple effect evaporators, ranging from one evaporator to eight evaporators in each effect. The process arrangement shows an example of four effect evaporators, with a zero-effect evaporator having a single evaporator, a first-effect evaporator having a set of three evaporators, a second-effect evaporator having a set of three evaporators, and a third-effect evaporator having a set of evaporators to create condensed distillers solubles.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of reducing contamination from plastics. The resulting purer plastic can be used in demanding applications.

Abstract: Some variations provide a system for extracting a product from biomass, comprising: a process chamber having an internal volume; one or more mechanical elements configured to controllably and reversibly mechanically seal the process chamber and reduce the internal volume to mechanically compress the biomass; a fluid port in flow communication with the process chamber; and a collection sub-system in flow communication with the fluid port. Other variations provide a method of extracting a product from biomass, the method comprising: introducing biomass into a process chamber; mechanically sealing the process chamber; mechanically compressing the biomass to release a first fluid material; mechanically decompressing the biomass; introducing an extraction solvent into the process chamber; maintaining process-chamber pressure from about 1 bar to about 1000 bar, wherein the extraction solvent extracts a second fluid material; and recovering the second fluid material from the process chamber.

Abstract: Chromatography devices contain chromatography media and methods of making and methods of using chromatography devices. Chromatography devices enable a more efficient, productive and/or environmentally friendly chromatographic operation due to one or more of the following advantages over conventional chromatographic operations: elimination of a device packing step by the user; elimination of clean-in-place (CIP) steps; elimination of clean-in-place (CIP) steps utilizing sodium hydroxide solution; elimination of any validation steps by the user; and use of a chromatography device comprising biodegradable material. The chromatography media includes porous inorganic particles having a functionalized surface and having a median pore size of at least about 300 Angstroms (A), or at least about 300 A up to about 3000 A. The inorganic particles may have a BET surface area of at least about 20 m2/g, or at least about 25 m2/g, or about 30 m2/g, up to about 2000 m2/g.