Abstract: A device and method for protecting and installing a fire protection sprinkler. The protective and installation device has two discrete protective members coupled to one another about the sprinkler by a releasable locking arrangement defined by a connection between the two discrete protective members. At least one of the members includes a torque assist portion for applying torque to the fire protection sprinkler and each of the members includes a deflector protection portion.

Abstract: A cartridge replacement aid and a fire suppression system for incorporating the same are provided. The cartridge replacement aid helps to ensure that a disposable cartridge is removed and replaced after actuation. The cartridge replacement aid includes an aperture configured to allow a cartridge to pass through the cartridge replacement aid and connect to a valve, and a protrusion configured to perpendicularly extend from the cartridge replacement aid. The protrusion of the cartridge replacement aid, in certain instances, is configured to break when the fire suppression system is actuated. The protrusion of the cartridge replacement aid, in certain instances, is configured to prevent the cam of the fire suppression system from being reset without removing the cartridge replacement aid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sprinkler system, and more specifically, to a sprinkler system which can be assembled without welding. To this end, the sprinkler system according to the present invention comprises: a main pipe through which fluid is supplied from an externa source; a first branch pipe for branching the fluid supplied through the main pipe; a second branch pipe for branching the fluid supplied through the first branch pipe so that said fluid is supplied to a sprinkler; and a detachable first coupler for interconnecting the main pipe, the first branch pipe, and the second branch pipe.

Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler system and method includes a sprinkler which, in use, is operatively connected to a supply pipe. The sprinkler includes a nipple. A frame extends from the nipple. A duct passes through the nipple and frame creating a flow path for a water jet exiting the supply pipe. A deflector is mounted to the frame at a location spaced from the nipple. A splitter is disposed in the water flow path between the supply pipe and the deflector. The splitter separates the water jet into two distinct sub-jets before the water contacts the deflector. The splitter directs the two separate water streams onto the deflector so that less pressure is required resulting in more economical system smaller pipe size, less labor, etc.

Abstract: Installation and protective devices for a fire protection sprinkler assembly having a support cup disposed about the sprinkler assembly. A protective cap engages the support cup to protect the sprinkler and facilitate its installation. The protective cap has an insertion wall that defines a cup chamber to house the sprinkler therein and protect operational components of the sprinkler during storage, transport, installation and when awaiting to be placed into service. The protective cap includes a plurality of slots formed externally and peripherally to the insertion wall to provide tool access to a tool path between the insertion wall and the inner surface of the support cup. The protective cap includes a shielding wall axially adjacent the insertion wall that circumscribes the central cap axis to shield the slots of the protective cap and the tool path.

Abstract: A fire protection system includes a fire extinguisher including a housing. The housing includes an extinguisher outlet and a burst disk. The burst disk configured to retain a volume of fire suppressant material in the housing. A firing cartridge is operably connected to the housing. The firing cartridge includes an output charge, and an ignition charge that, when detonated, causes release of the output charge to rupture the burst disk and release the volume of fire suppressant material through the extinguisher outlet. An optical fiber is configured to transmit a light signal toward the ignition charge to heat and detonate the ignition charge. A light source is operably connected to the optical fiber to transmit the light signal along the optical fiber.

Abstract: A protective housing in explosion-protection-type pressure-proof encapsulation. At least one device for reducing explosive pressure is associated with the housing. The housing includes a first housing part having a first sealing surface and a second housing part having a second sealing surface, wherein, when the housing is in the closed pressure-proof state, a resilient seal is held between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface so as to be elastically deformed, and, as a result, closes the space between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface in a flame-proof manner in the event of an explosion inside the housing. The flame-proof arrangement can replace a planar gap between, for example, a surface of a cover and a surface of a housing part, which gap requires conformity to relatively narrow manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a process apparatus performs processing on a byproduct generated in a reaction of a raw material including silicon and a halogen element or in a reaction between a raw material including silicon and a raw material including a halogen element. The apparatus includes a process liquid tank, a processing tank, a supplier and an exhauster. A process target member including the byproduct is introduced into the processing tank. The supplier supplies the process liquid from the process liquid tank to the processing tank and performs processing on the byproduct with the supplied process liquid. The exhauster exhausts a gas generated by reaction between the process liquid and the byproduct from the processing tank.

Abstract: A pivoting dumbbell is an exercise device which allows use of exercise resistance bands with dumbbells. The exterior ends of a dumbbell rod are provided with a latching swivel hook. The swivel hook allows for unlimited three-hundred-sixty degree (360°) along the axis of the dumbbell using bearings. Each hook allows a user to attach one of a plurality of resistance exercise bands. The user may easily switch out the bands for bands of different resistance or even attach multiple bands at once.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill is disclosed. The treadmill can include one or more sensors to acquire input data. A computer system can trigger one or more actions based on the input data. The input data can correspond to a lengthwise position of the user along a length of a usable surface of the platform and/or a lateral position of the user on the belt. The action(s) can include providing feedback to the user and/or adjusting rotation of the belt and/or a resistance of rotation of the belt. The adjustment can be performed in response to input from a user control requesting the adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treadmill belt having an artificial grass, turf, and/or rocky surface. In some embodiments, the belt may have rocky terrain. The belt is configured to be removably attached to existing treadmill machines or can be integrated to specifically designed machines. A treadmill with attached tread belt features a screen that enables users to choose a specific type of running surface available on the belt. In some embodiments, the screen displays a representation or imitation of the specific surface disposed on the belt. The turf can be raised or lowered to simulate different terrain and grass heights to practice running on hiking trails and other elevated outdoor areas. The treadmills come in different sizes, configurations, and sizes and can be used in athletic training and simulation. The treadmill helps prevent injuries to users when transitioning from running on a treadmill to outdoor terrain surfaces.

Abstract: The mouthpiece includes an enhanced mouthpiece, a data sensor, and a personal data device. The data sensor collects data regarding the bite force, the number of bites and the duration of each bite. The data sensor wirelessly transfers the collected data to a personal data device.

Abstract: The invention of the present disclosure may be lower extremity training system comprising a plate comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, a hook orthogonal to the upper surface, a strap reversibly coupled to the hook, and a belt reversibly coupled to the strap, wherein the strap includes a fixed length, and wherein a pull force, originating at the belt, exerted away from the upper surface induces one or more push forces towards the upper surface. A lower extremity testing system may further comprise one or more force sensors configured to capture and determine the magnitude of the one or more push forces.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring performance of a physical exercise routine. The system comprises a plurality of motion and position sensors configured to generate sensory information including at least a rate of movements of a user performing the physical exercise routine; a database containing routine information representing at least an optimal execution of the physical exercise routine; a training module configured to: compare the generated sensory information to the routine information to detect at least dissimilarities respective thereof, wherein the dissimilarities indicate if the pace of performing the physical exercise routine is incorrect; provide feedback to the user with at least instructions related to correcting the pace of performing the physical exercise routine; and a display for displaying the feedback.

Abstract: Casing compositions including carboxylic acid groups, cover compositions including an adhesion promoter with functional groups that crosslink with carboxylic acid groups, and golf balls made from such compositions that have crosslinks between functional groups of the cover compositions and the carboxylic acid groups. The type and concentration of the components in the casing and cover compositions, including the adhesion promoter, affect the adhesion between golf balls having components made from such compositions and, thus, can be used to produce a golf ball having increased durability. Additionally, methods of crosslinking casing and cover layers made from such casing and cover compositions to increase interlayer adhesion are disclosed.

Abstract: In an aspect, an apparatus is provided and includes an air-tight object having an outer layer, an inner layer, and a cover, and a light module. The opacity of the outer layer is greater than the opacity of the inner layer. The outer layer defines a first aperture and a second aperture. The inner layer and the cover define a first interior region. The inner layer defines a second interior region. The light module is encapsulated within the first interior region and is configured to send light through the inner layer, through the second interior region of the air-tight object, and through the second aperture of the outer layer, wherein the cover is disposed between the light module and the outer layer.

Abstract: A golf club head with a mitered joint for joining components of dissimilar materials is disclosed herein. The golf club head has a body with an internal edge defining a recess, and a face component having an internal edge. The face component is disposed over the recess. The internal edge of the body and the internal edge of the face have an angle ranging from 10 degrees to 45 degrees.

Abstract: A golf club head with a mitered joint for joining components of dissimilar materials is disclosed herein. The golf club head has a body with an internal edge defining a recess, and a face component having an internal edge. The face component is disposed over the recess. The internal edge of the body and the internal edge of the face have an angle ranging from 10 degrees to 45 degrees.

Abstract: A correlated set of golf club heads comprises a first and second golf club head. Each club head has a striking face, a rear surface, a top portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, and a loft. The striking face has a first plurality of scorelines defining a scoreline heel-ward extent and a scoreline toe-ward extent. The plurality of scorelines comprises a scoreline length LS1 being the lateral distance between the heel-ward extent and the toe-ward extent. The loft of the second golf club head is greater than that of the first golf club head. The scoreline length LS2 of the second golf club head differs from that of the first scoreline length LS1.

Abstract: A golf club head having an adjustable weight system. The golf club head having a single, relatively compact slot for receiving a weight assembly. The weight assembly comprising a relatively high mass. Wherein small lateral movements of the heavy weight assembly are sufficient to shape a golfer's shot. Wherein the small movements also prevents the reduction of the total golf club head moment of inertia, thus preserving the forgiveness of the golf club when the ball is miss-hit.

Abstract: Provided is a putter cradle including: a base plate 10 that attaches firmly to a ground surface, on a top side of which a putter head 7a of a putter 7 is placed; an upward extension 20, one end of which is connected to one side of the base plate, and the other end of which extends at an angle toward the base plate; and a shaft holder 30, one end of which is connected to an upper end of the upward extension, and which has a mounting groove at the other end where a putter shaft of the putter is mounted.

Abstract: A divot repair tool has a handle that extends along a plane and a prong portion having a first prong and second prong configured along a prong axis that is substantially orthogonal to the handle, or plane of the handle. This configuration enables easier manipulation of the divot repair tool to twist the ground around the divot inwards into the divot to better repair of the divot. A divot repair tool may be a monolithic part, such as a molded material or sheet of planar material that is cut and further manipulated to create the divot repair. A piece of metal may be stamped to form the general planar shape of the divot repair tool and then this stamped piece may be twisted to configure the prong axis substantially orthogonal from the handle plane and thereby form the twisted portion between the prong portion and handle.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel wall with a composite laminate structure that includes an outwardly facing skin, an inwardly facing skin, a stack of composite laminate plies positioned between the outwardly facing skin and the inwardly facing skin, and a discontinuity in the stack forming a gap along a longitudinal axis of the bat. A rigid or semi-rigid appliance may be positioned in the gap. The appliance may be a ring element, which may have a cross-section that traverses the composite laminate plies in the stack in a direction that is perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis of the bat. The cross-section of the ring element may be triangular. A second ring element may be positioned in the barrel wall. The second ring element may be connected to the other ring element with an adhesive bond or a connecting element.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel portion and a tapered transition portion. An elastomeric coupler is positioned around a distal portion of a handle. A rigid sleeve is positioned around the elastomeric coupler and the handle is passed through the barrel and transition portion until the distal portion, elastomeric coupler, and rigid sleeve are positioned within the transition portion. The elastomeric coupler may be compressed by the rigid sleeve and may be stretched to be positioned around the distal portion. The distal portion may be flared. Adhesive may be used to secure the distal portion, elastomeric coupler, rigid sleeve, and transition portion to one another. Ridges on the elastomeric coupler may engage grooves in the rigid sleeve to resist rotation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a basketball backboard. The basketball backboard includes a display screen, a plurality of sensors configured to generate sensor data regarding a shot attempt of a user, imaging devices configured to generate image data of the shot attempt, a speaker, and a control unit. The control unit can receive (i) the sensor data from the plurality of sensors and (ii) the image data from the imaging devices. Based on the received sensor data, the control unit can determine whether the shot attempt was successful. Based on the received image data and whether the shot attempt was successful, the control unit can generate analytics that indicate characteristics of the user and the shot attempt and recommendations for improving the shot attempt for subsequent shot attempts. The control unit can provide output data representing the analytics.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to evaluating the performance of a person playing basketball are described. The systems and methods can be used to provide an evaluation sequence that can determine and evaluate the performance level of a person at one or more basketball skills. The evaluation sequence for the person can include a first sequence of actions that are the same each person being evaluated for a particular skill and a second sequence of actions that is based on the results of the first sequence and may be different for each person. Once the first and second sequences have been completed by the person, the system can determine a performance level for the person for the skills being evaluated.

Abstract: The baseball or softball glove includes a thumb part, an index finger pan, and a web. The web includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion has a first through hole. The second protrusion has a second through hole. At least either the first through hole or the second through hole has an inclined edge that extends obliquely upward from a base of the thumb part or the index finger part on a peripheral edge forming the through hole. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are engaged with each other in a state where the first through hole and the second through hole are connected to each other in a chain shape.

Abstract: An accessory mounting system to mount accessories onto recreational vehicles. The accessory mounting system can include an accessory mounting frame with an elongated seat, left and right attachment wings extending perpendicularly away from a first side of the seat and an accessory post extending in parallel between the left and right attachment wings to receive an accessory rack thereon. The accessory mounting system can also include an accessory rack with a sleeve to receive the accessory post therethrough and a flexible accessory clip to clip onto the accessory post when the accessory post is inserted through the sleeve, the accessory rack can also include at least two fastening devices to fasten an accessory bag thereto.

Abstract: Sports field marking equipment includes a) a paint applying means adapted for marking a sports field on a surface; b) a position determining device configured for determining the position of the sports field marking equipment; c) a distance sensor configured for detecting a goal and/or corner post and the distance thereto; d) a first processor; and e) a first memory coupled to the first processor. The first memory includes program instructions executable by the first processor for receiving a goal and/or corner post detection signal and the measured distance from the distance sensor to the goal and/or corner post; receiving the position and direction of the sports field marking equipment from the position determining device at the time of receiving the detection signal; computing waypoint coordinates of the goal and/or corner post based on the received data; and storing the computed waypoint coordinates of the goal and/or corner post.

Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure, there are provided methods and apparatus for providing a user characteristics determination module for use with a head-mountable display device, comprising: a biological characteristics handler to determine whether biological sensor data is indicative of a predefined biological characteristic of the user; and determination logic to determine and output a predefined response to the determined biological characteristic of the user.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for capturing data from a plurality of users for providing online gameplay based on captured user sensor data. User sensor data is captured from a plurality of sensor capture devices relative to an associated user so as to be transmitted to a gameplay server. The gameplay server executes instructions to generate a user interface on a user's client computing device for providing gameplay on each user client portable computing device utilizing, and pertinent to, the captured sensor data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating streaming interfaces for games are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: obtain first view information based on an instance of a game for a first presentation of the game to a first user on a first client computing platform; effectuate a first presentation of the game to the first user via the first client computing platform; obtain second view information that includes a second graphical user interface; and effectuate a second presentation of the first user playing the game to a second user.

Abstract: A method is disclosed including setting, at a plurality of devices, a plurality of VSYNC signals to a plurality of VSYNC frequencies, wherein a corresponding device VSYNC signal of a corresponding device is set to a corresponding device VSYNC frequency. The method including sending a plurality of signals between the plurality of devices, which are analyzed and used to adjust the relative timing between corresponding device VSYNC signals of at least two devices.

Abstract: An example of an information processing system sets a room in a virtual space based on an operation input provided by a player and places an item object in the room. If an item object is placed in a room by the player, the information processing system increases the appearance rate of a character of a type relating to the placed item object in accordance with the type of the placed item object and causes a character to appear in the virtual space based on the increased appearance rate.

Abstract: A virtual environment display method and apparatus, for human-machine interaction, which displays a first interface including object display pages of virtual objects belonging to a first group and object display pages of virtual objects in a second group, at least one virtual object having a skin on a corresponding object display page; switches, in response to skins that are owned by the virtual objects in the same group and that belong to the same skin series meeting a trigger condition, a specified environment element in a virtual environment to a virtual environment element corresponding to the skin series, the virtual environment for the virtual objects belonging to the first group and the virtual objects belonging to the second group to perform a movement; and displays a second interface including a picture acquired from the virtual environment, the virtual environment including the virtual environment element corresponding to the skin series.

Abstract: A method for correcting a position of a target object is provided. In the method, a position correction process for the target object is determined according to at least one of an update time window of a server, a motion state of the target object, or a position deviation of the target object, the position deviation being a difference between a first position of the target object in the server and a second position of the target object in a client, and the position correction process moving the target object from the second position to the first position. The position correction process is executed during the update time window to move the target object from the second position to the first position. Apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium counterpart embodiments are also contemplated.

Abstract: An interaction information processing method includes: displaying a battle interface of a multiplayer online game, the battle interface including a target virtual object (201); displaying an interaction icon presentation region in response to an icon presentation operation on the target virtual object, the interaction icon presentation region including at least one candidate interaction icon (202); receiving a selection confirmation operation on a target interaction icon in the at least one candidate interaction icon (203); and displaying, in the battle interface, interaction information corresponding to the target interaction icon at an interaction presentation position corresponding to the target virtual object (204).

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a controller to modify sound produced by a gaming application according to an otological profile of a user. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for transition between three dimensional computer-generated environments comprises generating a first three dimensional computer-generated environment including a player avatar controllable by a user within the first three dimensional computer-generated environment, displaying, within the first three dimensional computer-generated environment, a portion of a second three dimensional computer-generated environment at a location visible to the player avatar, accepting interaction by the player avatar with the portion of the second three dimensional computer-generated environment indicating that the player avatar wishes to join the second three dimensional computer-generated environment, and causing the player avatar to transition from the first three dimensional computer-generated environment to the second three dimensional computer-generated environment in response to the interaction.

Abstract: An electronic device 10 includes: a setting unit 231 that sets an association between a first game medium that is selected by a player and that serves as an operation target in the game and a second game medium that is selected by the player; a skip-processing-procedure deciding unit 232 that decides, on the basis of priorities respectively associated with skill-related processing procedures of the first game medium and the second game medium, the skill-related processing procedure that becomes a skip target; and a skill-processing-procedure executing unit 233 that executes skill processing procedures respectively associated with the first game medium and the second game medium on the basis of a player input, wherein the skill-processing-procedure executing unit 233 skips the decided skill-related processing procedure when the skill processing procedures associated with the first game medium and the second game medium are executed.

Abstract: A method and system for assisting a play is disclosed. A gameplay of a user of media content that is associated with a game type is received. A skill involved in the gameplay of the user is determined based on the gameplay of the user and the game type. A skill level of the user is determined based on the gameplay of the user. A training curriculum is provided to the user based on the skill and the skill level of the user upon detecting a triggering event.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for training a first reinforcement-learning (RL) agent and a second RL agent coupled to a computer game environment using RL techniques. The first RL agent iteratively generates a sub-goal sequence in relation to an overall goal within the computer game environment, where the first RL agent generates a new sub-goal for the sub-goal sequence after a second RL agent, interacting with the computer game environment, successfully achieves a current sub-goal in the sub-goal sequence. The second RL agent iteratively interacts with the computer game environment to achieve the current sub-goal in which each iterative interaction includes an attempt by the second RL agent for interacting with the computer game environment to achieve the current sub-goal. The first RL agent is updated using a first reward issued when the second RL agent successfully achieves the current sub-goal.

Abstract: A physical-virtual gaming platform comprising a game board overlay including logical locations for the placement of game pieces, where the overlay is placed in relationship to the combination of a game board and game pieces. The combination of the game board and game pieces include electronic means that are in communication with a computing device. The computing device processes the information provided by the electronic means to determine the logical location of a game piece with respect to the game overlay and then provides a sensory output to gamers based at least upon the determined locations. The game overlay can be active and in communication with the computing device such that the overlay is operated to alter one or more logical locations thereby changing game play in response to determined game piece movements. The platform includes visualization and audio devices for providing customized visual and audio experiences.

Abstract: A target assembly for an amusement device includes a switch stack comprising a target leaf spring, a contact leaf spring, and a spacer electrically isolating the target leaf spring from the contact leaf spring. An anti-rotation shell is mounted to the switch stack and at least partially surrounds one end of the target leaf spring and the contact leaf spring. The anti-rotation shell is sized and configured to substantially prevent relative movement between the target leaf spring and the contact leaf spring. In some examples, a switch mount bracket includes slot to receive side walls of the anti-rotation shell.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a modular toy vehicle that includes a vehicle body defining a seat space that is at least partially enclosed and defines an interior volume to contain one or more character figures, a first character seat assembly removably mountable to the vehicle body within the seat space as a first simulated seat, and a second character seat assembly removably mountable to the vehicle body within the seat space as a second simulated seat that is sized differently from the first simulated seat such that the second character seat assembly is prevented from removably mounting to the vehicle body within the seat space when the first character seat assembly is removably mounted to the vehicle body within the seat space.

Abstract: A replica eye with programmable iris illumination and a method of making the same is provided. The replica eye includes a programmable lighting element having a planar base with electrical pins outward of a centrally disposed light source is electrically coupled via the pins to one or more electrical connections. One end of a transparent cylinder approximately coextensively abuts the light source. The outer portions of the planar base and its electrical connections are folded into a folded assembly that is received into and adhered along an inner circumferential wall of a ring. The electrical connections are further adhered along a rear portion of the ring and planar base. A semi-spherical dome sandwiches an opaque body to an opposing end of the transparent cylinder, thereby defining an illuminable iris and pupil, respectively.

Abstract: A brick (2) for the plug connection in a plug connection system in a space spanned by a longitudinal direction (4), a transverse direction (6) transverse to the longitudinal direction (4) and a height direction (8) transverse to the longitudinal direction (4) and transverse to the transverse direction (6), including: a first brick part (10) having an interior space (14) which is bounded by a wall (16) in the longitudinal direction (4) and the transverse direction (6) on both sides and in the height direction (8) on the top side (17), the first brick part (10) having a first plug connection element (18) on the top side (17). a second brick part (12) having an interior space (26) which is bounded by a wall (28) in the longitudinal direction (4).

Abstract: A toy that simulates a stand mixer provides users, for example, children with the experience of preparing foods. The mixer includes a base shaped to sit on a horizontal surface. A vertical member extends from the base and holds an extension that extends over a portion of the base. A bowl is sized to fit on the base below the extension. The extension includes a semicircular clip aligned with a semicircular slot on the extension. The mixer includes interchangeable tools, such as a whisk, a dough hook, or a paddle blade. The clip and the extension define a circular space to hold a handle of the tool and allow the tool to spin, simulating the mixing action of a stand mixer. The clip flexes away from the extension to allow one tool to be removed and another tool to be connected.

Abstract: In a separation instrument configured to separate a gaseous substance from a solution contained in a container, the separation instrument includes: a first end; a second end; and a side surface provided between the first end and the second end, wherein a plurality of gas introduction grooves configured to swirl a gas and introduce the gas into the container are formed on the side surface between the first end and the second end, and a discharge hole configured to discharge the gaseous substance separated from the solution together with the gas is formed between a center portion of the second end and a center portion of the first end.

Abstract: Mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) liquid purification system includes a pressure-tight enclosure having a circular cylindrical elongated shape along a longitudinal axis A, and evaporation compartments E1-E3 arranged within the enclosure. Each compartment has a plurality of longitudinal pipes running from one sidewall to another sidewall, and circular sidewalls having openings for the plurality of pipes. A central tube runs along the axis A through the centers of the compartments E1-E3, and allows steam to flow from the second end to the first end. The number of pipes is highest in the first compartment E1, then gradually fewer in the second E2 and third E3. The pipes allow steam to flow from the first end to the second end. A compressor assembly includes a compressor provided with compressor vane members structured to provide steam flow along the longitudinal axis and a motor for rotating the compressor at a variable rotational speed.