Abstract: An impact tool includes a core and a plurality of projections. The core is formed of a first material that has a first specific gravity and each projection is formed of a second material that has a second specific gravity. The plurality of projections is configured on the core such that at least two projections intersect a first hypothetical plane disposed on the first side of the core and at least two projections intersect a second hypothetical plane disposed on the second side of the core and that is opposably facing the first side. Each of the first and second hypothetical planes is disposed a distance from the central lengthwise axis of the core that is greater than the radius of the core and less than the sum of the radius of the core and the length of a projection.

Abstract: A top bracket for supporting a safety cable of a vertical climbing fall protection system, the bracket including a base plate and a pivotally deflectable plate that is integrally and pivotally connected to the base plate by a neck. The top bracket may also include an abutment plate with a forward abutment surface that is separated from a rearward abutment surface of the pivotally deflectable plate by an elongate gap.

Abstract: A modular, low profile PAPR system includes a blower, a filter rail chassis removably attachable to an inlet of the blower, a hose system removably attachable to the outlet of the blower, and a removable battery pack. The hose system comprises an ovular outer tube that maintains a generally flat profile for the hose as it extends across or along the operator's body. Two circular air carrying conduits are sealed within such ovular outer tube against outside contamination and provide a flat, small profile tube system that resists hoop stress applied to the outside of the hose, provides low resistance against bending, that will not inadvertently kink or seal in low radius turns, and that results in a low profile, non-collapsing hose system for delivering air from a remotely carried blower and filter assembly to the operator's protective mask.

Abstract: A personal breathing system incorporating a phased-dilution demand oxygen regulator (PDDOR) includes a pressurized oxygen source and oronasal mask, a dilution valve for supplying ambient air and a demand valve for supplying pure oxygen. The PDDOR senses the mask pressure associated with the start of an inhalation cycle, maintaining pressure to the demand valve through an initial demand phase during which 100% pure oxygen is supplied through the demand valve. Control pressure within the PDDOR drops throughout the initial demand phase; when the pressure drops below a lower threshold the PDDOR main valve is closed, blocking the demand valve and cutting off the oxygen supply. Ambient air is provided to the mask via a dilution valve to preserve flow to the user.

Abstract: A respirator mask for automatically activating an air-saver switch within a regulator by rotation of the regular as the regulator is mounted and dismounted from a facepiece of the mask. The mask includes a facepiece including a regulator engagement region having an aperture and a protrusion proximate the aperture, and a regulator including a regulator body having a facepiece engagement region mateably engageable with the regulator engagement region, a fluid flow path within the regulator body, and a latch within the regulator body, the latch causing obstruction of the fluid flow path when actuated. The latch is engageable with the protrusion, the regulator being rotatable within the facepiece aperture between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, rotation of the regulator within the facepiece aperture from the second to the first rotational position engaging and actuating the latch to obstruct the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A housing (10) for a closed-circuit breathing apparatus (100) is provided for mounting respirator components (110) in an interior (40) thereof. The housing (10) includes a housing mount (20) and a housing cover (30) for covering the interior (40). The housing mount (20) has a first partial section (52) of at least one passage opening (50) for passage of a breathing tube (120) into the interior (40). The housing cover (30) has a second partial section (54) of this passage opening (50). The housing mount (20) and/or the housing cover (30) further have/has a fastening section (60) for the mechanical fastening to a counter-fastening section (122) of the breathing tube (120), which breathing tube (120) is guided through the passage opening (50).

Abstract: A transport refrigeration unit (TRU) fire detection and mitigation system is provided for use with a TRU that includes a housing and components supportively disposed within the housing that are configured to condition an interior of a container. The TRU fire detection and mitigation system includes a fire detection sub-system and a mitigation sub-system. The fire detection sub-system is partially disposable within the housing and configured to detect a thermal event therein. The mitigation sub-system is coupled to the fire detection sub-system and configured to take a mitigation action responsive to the thermal event being sensed by the fire detection sub-system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-guiding component (1) for a pipe system, in particular for a pipe system for gaseous media preferably used in an aspirating fire detection and/or air-monitoring system. The air-guiding component (1) comprises a housing (7) having a gas inlet (12a) and a gas outlet (12b), wherein the gas inlet (12a) and the gas outlet (12b) are fluidically connected or connectable to the pipe system in order to form a flow path from the gas inlet (12a) to the gas outlet (12b) in the interior of the housing. A connection region with a port (6) is also provided for fluidically connecting, as needed or optionally, the housing interior to a maintenance/cleaning device.

Abstract: A fire suppression system that includes a non-rigid pouch, a quantity of suppressant, a quantity of gas, and a pressurized gas source. The non-rigid pouch that includes an exterior surface and an interior space. The quantity of suppressant, the quantity of gas, and the pressurized gas source is contained within said interior space. The pressurize gas source is configured to increase the internal pressure of the non-rigid pouch by injecting gas into the interior space. The non-rigid pouch is configured to rupture when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.

Abstract: The present system provides an integrated fire suppression system that includes all components in a single integrated panel, other than system piping to nozzles or emitters. The system enables the entire panel to be inspected and analyzed, and installed, repaired, or maintained in a single operation, dramatically reducing time spent on site and reducing the qualifying process as well. The assembly of the panel is off-site, typically under the inspection of any qualifying agencies. Once assembled, the system can remain qualified for rapid installation at any future time, allowing easy replacement of faulty panels or consumables.

Abstract: Disclosed are an extinguishing capsule and a capsule type fire extinguisher including the same, the capsule type fire extinguisher including at least one extinguishing module including a housing configured to receive an extinguishing capsule therein, the extinguishing capsule including an extinguishing material that expands when heat is applied thereto, the at least one extinguishing module configured to release the extinguishing material from the housing to suppress fire, and a main module configured to control the at least one extinguishing module and bidirectionally communicate a fire situation to a fire station or a user terminal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foam fire extinguishing agent that can fulfill predetermined performances without containing any fluorine-based compounds. The foam fire extinguishing agent of die present invention is characterized by containing 0.2 to 3.0% by mass of cationic surfactant, 0.2 to 5.0 by mass of anionic surfactant and water for a total of 100% by mass.

Abstract: A forest fire retardant composition contains a retardant compound that includes a halide salt, a non-halide salt, a metal oxide, a metal hydroxide, a sulfate salt, or combinations thereof. The forest fire retardant composition may include at least one anhydrous salt and at least one hydrate salt. The sulfate salt may be magnesium sulfate. The magnesium sulfate hydrate has a formula MgSO4(H2O)x, where x is about 1 to about 11. For example, x may be equal to at least one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 or 11. The composition may be in the form of a dry concentrate, a liquid concentrate, or a final diluted product. The final diluted product is effective in suppressing, retarding, and controlling forest fires while exhibiting corrosion resistance and low toxicity.

Abstract: An aqueous concentrate, which can be diluted with an aqueous diluent to form a foam precursor composition, is provided. The foam precursor composition may be aerated to form a firefighting foam. The present aqueous firefighting concentrates include a surfactant component, which includes one or more of an anionic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant and an aliphatic alcohol-based component. The aliphatic alcohol-based component typically includes at least two alcohols and/or alcohol ethoxylates. The aqueous concentrates contain a substantial amount of water and typically are substantially free of any fluorinated compound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a foaming agent by preparing a liquid maltodextrin solution by dissolving maltodextrin in a solvent; combining the liquid maltodextrin solution with an octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) solution to form a biphasic maltodextrin-OSA mixture; agitating the biphasic maltodextrin-OSA mixture until homogenous creating a homogenous solution; adjusting the pH of the homogenous solution to a predetermined threshold to yield the foaming agent; and adding glycerol to the foaming agent to form a shelf stable foaming agent.

Abstract: A fire suppression blends of CF3I and 2-BTP with mol ratios from 1:5 and 5:1 are capable of passing peak inerting and sub-inerting tests. The CF3I:2-BTP fire suppression blends can also include carbon dioxide of up to 80% of the fire suppression blend to provide additional cooling.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of sports equipment, in particular to a weight-adjustable dumbbell and a dumbbell assembly. The weight-adjustable dumbbell comprises a dumbbell grip bar assembly and dumbbell plate groups connected to two ends of the dumbbell grip bar assembly; each dumbbell plate group comprises at least two dumbbell plates; the dumbbell grip bar assembly comprises a rotary plate selecting mechanism used for loosening or selecting at least one dumbbell plate. The present application has the effect of conveniently adjusting the weight of the dumbbell.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a rope wrapped around a spindle having a one-way clutch rotatably mounted on a driveshaft. The driveshaft is driven by a motor controlled by a motor controller. The controller is capable of driving and braking the motor such that the driving torque and the braking torque can be set at different values to ensure the safety of the apparatus and user.

Abstract: An adjustable exercise machine for performing resistance exercises comprises a base and an upper frame including front and back end stationary exercise platforms, and a movable exercise platform that reciprocates between the stationary platforms. A plurality of biasing members is selectable by an exerciser via selector knobs to generate a bias force against the movable platform. A plurality of pivotable lift supports are connected between the base and the upper frame. Front and back actuators are connected between the base and the lift supports by lifting yokes to selectively raise and lower the front and back ends of the machine. The movable platform may be connected to move along the exercise machine by trolley wheel assemblies. A plurality of travel limit decelerators mounted on the rails engage and rapidly decelerates the movable platform as it reaches its limits of travel on the rails.

Abstract: A hand weight includes a chassis including a handle portion configured to be grasped by a user such that a forearm of the user extends along an axis, and a flexible element attached to the chassis. The hand weight can be configured to receive a movable mass, and the flexible element can be configured to at least partially support the movable mass such that the movable mass forms at least part of a sprung mass of a hand weight assembly including the hand weight and the movable mass, the sprung mass configured to move relative to the chassis of the hand weight and deform the flexible element in response to a force in a direction along the axis applied to the handle portion by the user while grasping the handle portion.

Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a barbell spotting apparatus having all the benefits of a free-floating, unconstrained barbell in both the horizontal and vertical axes with the safety of a dedicated spotting mechanism, while addressing safety, noise, and space concerns raised by typical barbell apparatus. The embodiments herein permit a loaded barbell to be positioned in line with the axis of motion of the lift to be performed at both the beginning and end of the lift.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a pedal main part on which a user U in a sitting posture places his/her foot, a pedal support part configured to support the pedal main part so that the pedal main part is movable within a predetermined range along a foot-length direction, and a guiding mechanism configured to guide the pedal support part so that the pedal support part moves along a predetermined rotational trajectory in a cyclic manner. According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent each of joints such as a hip joint, a knee joint, and an ankle joint from moving outside the range of movement of the joint. The exercise apparatus may also include a rubber tube that resists the movement of the pedal main part relative to the pedal support part.

Abstract: A method for controlling a DAP system is provided that includes calculating a user seal interface height based on an estimated user height, and based thereon determining an attachment carriage height and a usage carriage height different than the user seal interface height. The method also includes driving powered vertical lifts to raise each carriage to an attachment position at the attachment carriage height while the user is in the DAP system through the top opening including raising about the user the seal frame attached to the carriages and thereby raising the top opening attached to the seal frame, and also controlling the lifts to retain the attachment position during user seal attachment and confirming the attachment. Responsive to confirming, the method includes driving the lifts to move each carriage to a usage position at the usage carriage height and inflating the enclosure to an unweighting.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate a to natural gait upper body ergometer and gait therapy (UBEGT) device having a support frame within which is suspended rotationally coordinated left and right natural gait modules (NGMs). A position of each NGM may be defined by corresponding left and right pivot arms which are rotatably coupled to a left and right side of the support frame, respectively, and wherein each gait training module is provided with a corresponding foot support and knee support. The UBEGT may be provided with an upper body ergometer (UBE) rotatably coupled to a front of the support frame and configured to rotate a shaft rotatably connected to the left and right pivot arms when a hand crank is rotated.

Abstract: An exercise assembly for assisting a user in performing squats and other exercise maneuvers is presented herein. The exercise assembly includes a substantially planar base platform, at least one riser bracket fixed to a top surface of the base platform, and a plurality of risers each selectively and removably disposable in a vertically stacked orientation within a channel of the at least one riser bracket to define a height-adjustable support block. Selective removal of one or more of the risers from the vertically stacked orientation within the channel will serve to lower the height-adjustable support block for the performance of more challenging squat exercises.

Abstract: Methods and systems include, in at least one aspect: determining an optical model of an object in flight using two dimensional image data obtained from a camera, determining a radar model of the object in flight using radar data obtained from a radar device, combining the radar model with the optical model to produce three dimensional location information of the object in flight in three dimensional space, comparing the three dimensional location information of the object in flight with data representing an expected ball launch, and rejecting (or verifying) the object as an actual ball launch in response to the three dimensional location information of the object in flight differing (or not differing) from the data representing the expected ball launch by a threshold amount.

Abstract: A weightlifting machine includes a frame assembly having a plurality of pulleys that are connected to a user grip and plurality of weighted panels. A plurality of proximity sensors are positioned along the frame assembly and function to identify a specific number of weighed panels being lifted during an exercise routine. A location sensor is provided along the frame assembly and functions to identify the speed and distance at which the weighted panels move. A system controller is communicatively linked to each of the sensors, and a motor is connected to the cable and pulley assembly. The system controller includes functionality for selectively activating the motor to aid or resist the user in moving the weighted panels based upon the sensor information. The system controller further including a memory and communication unit for storing exercise information of the user.

Abstract: A magnetic control device for directly sensing the motion load value especially the one that has a magnetic resistance mechanism which is “floating” and pivoted on the inner edge of the outer ring body of a flywheel; an acting rod, one end of is locked on the outside of the magnetic resistance mechanism and synchronized with it, and the other end has a pressure applied member connected to the beam load cell; a torque value conversion unit for converting the load value of the beam load cell into a torque value; so as to achieve directly measuring the motion load value, which has the effect of improving the detection accuracy.

Abstract: A tree stick mount attachment assembly includes a tree stick body. A panel has a front side, a back side, and a perimeter edge extending between the front and back sides. The backs side faces and is attached to the tree stick body. The perimeter edge has a plurality of slots therein and each of the slots extends through the front and back sides. The slots removably receive a tether extending around the tree to retain the tree stick body on the tree. The tether is attached to the tree stick body and extended around the tree. Thereafter, the tether is then extended into the slots to secure the tree stick body to the tree.

Abstract: A golf ball composed of a core and a cover has a spin rate and a launch angle on approach shots at a head speed (HS) of 20 m/s or 10 m/s that satisfy formulas (1) and (2) below: Spin W/Spin D?0.70??(1) Ang W/Ang D<1.20??(2). Here, Spin D is the spin rate (rpm) under dry conditions, Spin W is the spin rate (rpm) under wet conditions, Ang W is the launch angle (°) under wet conditions and Ang D is the launch angle (°) under dry conditions. The golf ball suppresses a decrease in the spin rate on approach shots in rainy weather and thus has an improved controllability, making it especially useful to professional golfers and skilled amateurs who desire a high spin performance around the green.

Abstract: A golf club head includes: a sole; a crown; a toe; a heel opposite the toe; a strike face generally bounded by a face perimeter edge, the strike face comprising a geometric center; a rear portion; and a substantially enclosed interior cavity at least partially delimited by the sole, the crown, the strike face, and the rear portion. The golf club head also includes at least one rib having a first portion secured to the strike face, having a second portion secured to the crown, and being positioned such that a location on the strike face laterally spaced toe-ward from the geometric center by no less than 0.4 in is associated with a COR value no less than 0.825.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a forward section and a body section to define a closed internal volume. The forward section has a strike face, a frame that surrounds the strike face, and a flange extending from the frame. The body section is formed from a molded polymeric material, and includes a forward edge that defines a receiving portion adapted to receive the flange and a weight receiving feature spaced apart from the forward edge. The body section further includes a reinforcing structure protruding into the internal volume and extending between the weight receiving feature and the forward edge. The reinforcing structure is operative to transfer impact loads between the weight receiving feature and the metallic forward section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a set of golf clubs comprising long irons, mid irons and short irons. Preferably, the long and mid irons have a face stabilizing bar and back panel that have a plurality of apertures in the face stabilizing bar and/or the back wall.

Abstract: A shim or badge is affixed to a golf cub body to produce a cap-back iron, giving the appearance of a hollow-body iron. In this way, the golf club can be manufactured with the performance benefits of a game improvement iron, while providing the appearance of a blade, player's iron, and/or a hollow-body iron. For example, by using a lightweight and rigid shim or badge to close a cavity opening in the golf club body, the golf club head can provide increased stiffness in the topline, while maintaining a low CG. Various shim or badge arrangements and materials can be used, and a filler material and/or damper can be included within the cavity to improve sound and feel, while minimizing loss in COR.

Abstract: A ball game encouraging team sports on a circular field with concentric rings with a suspended goal positioned in the center of the field. The ball game is played so that points are scored when a ball successfully goes through the goal. The field is generally circular. The position and suspension of the goal is 360 degrees accessible.

Abstract: A device and methods for training a person for face-offs in athletic activities and games. The device includes a base connector, a main resilient member, and a stick wrap. The stick wrap is connected to the heel of the stick and to the main resilient member. The base connector is connected to the main resilient member and serves to connect the training device to a stationary structure. The main resilient member is configured to provide a desired level of resistance to a face-off motion of the stick by the user. An auxiliary resilient member is provided for connection in parallel to the main resilient member to enable the device to provide increased resistance to the face-off motion of the stick by the user.

Abstract: The portable and adjustable training apparatus (also labelled as portable hangboard) is portable and can be attached to a fixed point of stabilization via the cord as desired for training purposes. It is freely moveable in that it can be transported to various locations or orientations for use. It is made up of a cylindrical shape in which a hollow core has a cord tied in a loop through the core. The cord is designed to travel through grooves/channels on the apparatus endcap resulting in the body to rotate to desired angle or position for training purposes. Attaching the cord to a fixed point allows the user to apply resistance on the body of the apparatus through the user's fingers resulting in the required resistance to train finger strength. The apparatus is used in training finger strength for sport and recreation.

Abstract: A sport carrying bag has a rotatable disc which is configured with a plurality of circumferentially spaced ball-receiving regions including one through-hole region, a mounting plate located below the disc, a chute downwardly extending to a loading section of launching apparatus, a fixed bi-directional ball feeding motor for rotatably driving the disc, and a controller in data communication with the ball feeding motor. Upon rotation of the disc in a first direction, a ball received in the through-hole region ceases to be contacted by the mounting plate and gravitates through the chute to the loading section of the launching apparatus. In response to a detected jammed condition, the controller commands the ball feeding motor to reverse its operating direction such that the disc will rotate in a second direction to cause one or more jammed balls to become dislodged.

Abstract: A protective cover and system for detecting objects within or near an entrapment area on a treadmill or devices that incorporate a conveyor belt. A controller enables the treadmill to operate normally when no objects are detected within or near an entrapment area and is designed to stop the conveyor when an object is detected within or near the entrapment area.

Abstract: This document presents devices, systems, and their methods of use for content generation, engagement, and distribution by which a user can interact with collected content in a variety of different manners. Generally, a content engagement platform is provided, where the platform may be implemented on one or more computing devices, such as one or more of: a remote server, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld mobile computing device, for instance, a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, a smart accessory, such as a watch or eyeglasses, and the like. The platform allows a user to annotate and distribute video content.

Abstract: A martial arts training device with scoring system, device comprising a padded device designed to be struck by a participant; and a scoring system attached to padded device, scoring system comprising: an impedance-based impact sensing mechanism that detects a source of impact comprising at least one impedance changing mechanism that changes impedance as each of conductive material is moved towards and away from impedance changing mechanism as the first participant delivers the impact; an impact sensing mechanism for which mechanically detects the force of impact creating electrical charges; at least one impedance-based impact measuring scoring system determining the source of the impact that occurred based on a change in impedance electromagnetically in said impedance changing mechanism; and at least one impedance changing rate determination engine configured to determine a rate at which the impedance changes in impedance changing mechanism; and at least one impact force determination engine configured to det

Abstract: A method includes capturing, using an Internet of Things (IoT) device, real-time video of a user performing an exercise associated with a first exercise class. Real-time video of the user is displayed, via a display, concurrently with video of an instructor, to provide a visual comparison of the user to the instructor. Image analysis of the real-time video of the user is performed to determine a performance of the user, and a representation thereof is displayed. Biometric data associated with the user is received at the IoT device from a wearable device at multiple points in time. Heart rates are identified based on the biometric data, and scores based on the heart rates are displayed via the display. A recommendation for a second exercise class different from the first exercise class is determined based on a profile of the user, and displayed via the display.

Abstract: A protective non-helmeted single molded facemask for sports includes a frame structure formed of a polycarbonate polymer that is structured and configured to engage a user's forehead, side and cheek facial structure and chin. An arrangement of vertical and horizontal bars in the central and lower portion of the face area of the facemask protect the users nose and mouth from direct contact with external objects, and particularly softballs, soccer balls, floor hockey sticks and pucks and field hockey sticks and balls. Upper and lower straps extend from slotted openings on the sides of the facemask and are positioned and arranged to extend around the lower back of the wearer's head to secure the facemask on the wearer's head. The facemask is designed to also significantly reduce the effective impact forces to the wearer's brain.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a snowboard deck. The snowboard deck includes a board-shaped deck body on which both boots worn by a snowboard user desiring to enjoy riding in a snowfield are positioned and fixed; a binder hole formed in a hole shape in the deck body and provided with a magnet to fasten and fix the boots worn by the snowboard user with a magnetic force; and the boots provided with metal protrusions connected through the magnetic force from the magnet inserted and fastened into the binder hole.

Abstract: A skateboard device may include a frame, a set of wheels, and a deck. A user or rider may stand on the deck. The deck may be divided into a front panel and a rear panel, on which the user may rest a front foot and a rear foot, respectively. The rear panel may be fixed relative to the frame. The front panel, in turn, may pivot sideways relative to the frame and, in pivoting sideways, may drive a front wheel fork for rotation in order to steer one or more front wheels of the set of wheels left or right. In some embodiments, the skateboard device may include relatively wide, convex, single front and rear wheels facilitating riding the skateboard device not only on hard, flat surfaces but also on other terrains such as, but not limited to, dirt, gravel, etc.

Abstract: A snow and water sport sliding device with a pneumatic core and method of manufacturing the device. The device includes a top layer comprising a front tip, a middle segment with a binding plate, and a back segment with an adjustable air valve. Top layer may also include a blade spring system. The device also includes a main core component layer under the top layer that comprises of a hollow air chamber, and a base layer. Base layer may include embedded metal edge.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for game-state sensitive network interface selection. An example method that may be performed by a user equipment (UE) includes determining a game state based on game state information; determining a suitable network interface based on the determined game state; and switching to the determined suitable network interface if the determined suitable network interface is different from a current network interface.

Abstract: A card shuffler system includes an automatic card shuffler for shuffling playing cards and a shuffler transport device coupled to the automatic card shuffler to move and support the automatic card shuffler. The shuffler transport device includes a base assembly for moving along a ground surface, a vertical support, and an adjustment assembly coupled to the vertical support. The vertical support extends from the base assembly and is coupled to the automatic card shuffler to cantilever the automatic card shuffler over the base assembly. The adjustment assembly adjusts the height of the automatic card shuffler between at least a first height and a second height along a vertical axis. The vertical adjustment of the shuffler may facilitate installation of the shuffler at an installation point.

Abstract: A convenient system with replacement hardware is provided for rendering scents within a computing environment. In some implementations, a scent cartridge unit is provided that is replaceable within a scent-rendering hardware unit that is computer-controlled to render one or more scents to be experienced by a user. The scent-rendering hardware unit includes one or more aerosol generators that are adapted to release individual scents. In some implementations, more than one scent may be released at the same time, rendering a complex scent. In some implementations, base scent material may be provided within multiple aerosol generators within an array, and the base scent material may be released in predetermined amounts, durations, and intensities depending on the desired scent. The array may be electronically driven by signals provided by driver circuitry.

Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which computer game graphics for a casual, social game are shown on a display of a computing device, where the casual, social game is downloaded as an app to a smartphone and/or tablet computer and can be accessed or played using a social network application or environment; and in which one or more of the processors are programmed such that: a notification is automatically generated if a player is stuck at a level for more than a defined time or after more than a defined number of attempts to pass that level, the notification alerting friends of the player so that they can assist him or her.