Abstract: Slot machines for enabling team play by a plurality of slot machine players are disclosed. The game results of each team player are combined in a predefined manner to obtain a team game result. The game results of each player may be combined on a "per-spin" basis, or collected for each team player over an entire play session, with the net result of each team player combined on a "per-session" basis. In a "per-spin" embodiment, each team player initiates play, and the individual game results of each team player are combined in a predefined manner to obtain the best team game result, with the highest resulting payout, for each spin. In a "per-session" embodiment each team player continues play for an entire play session, and the net result of each team player is analyzed in a predefined manner on a "per-session" basis to obtain the team session result.

Abstract: A sensor and a method for determining the state of conductive ink patterns applied to scratchable latex layers of instant-win tickets and other documents having scratchable latex layers affixed thereon. The device and method are based upon the generation of a radio frequency field across the conductive ink patterns on the document, using an array of miniature transmission RF antennas and reception antennas, and the detection of the induced radio frequency signal. The presence, absence or state of the conductive ink patterns subjected to the RF field affects and changes the signal received on the receiving antennas. The signal received on the receiving antennas is conditioned and processed, so as to extract therefrom information relative to the state of the conductive ink patterns. This non-contact method does not damage the latex layer when the ticket or document is advanced at high speed through the sensor and is suitable for integration into high-speed optical scanners.

Abstract: An athletic training device includes a main control unit coupled to one or more finish line units via a communication link. The main control unit arranged to provide a pre-race start signal and a race start signal simulating an actual race event starting condition. The main control unit further arranged to time the race events, to determine reaction times and to measure weather and/or atmospheric conditions and to store all these as training statistics.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating a referee signal is provided. The system includes a signaling device and a signal receiving device. The signaling device has a handle portion, a light source in physical communication with the handle portion and for generating visible light, a power source in circuit communication with the light source, a flag portion in physical communication with the handle portion, and a radio-frequency signal source for generating a radio-frequency signal having a pre-determined code. The light generating portion of the signaling device includes, for example, a plurality of light emitting devices. The signal receiving device includes a radio-frequency receiver and an actuator device. Upon proper receipt of the radio-frequency signal, the actuator device is activated to provide an indication thereof.

Abstract: A golf scoring system is provided in which one or more sensors are positioned in close proximity to the location where a golf club strikes a golf ball in connection with a golf shot. Additionally, a receiver/display device is provided so as to be in periodic communication with the one or more sensors. Thus, when a player makes a shot, and thus contacts the golf ball with a golf club, the aforementioned sensors detect the shot and relay information pertaining to that shot to the receiver/display. The receiver/display, upon receiving the information, processes the information and displays it for view by the one or more golfers playing the round. The same information may also be transmitted to a central location or to other specific locations for centralized, real-time display of golf score, pace and current hole information.

Abstract: An auto race monitoring system provides a race track with a ground positioning system which includes at least three transmitters, transmitting signals to be received by at least a pair of receivers in each of the race cars. Those receivers instantaneously determine their position and, accordingly, exact position and attitude of the race car upon the race track. This information, along with data respecting race car parameters such as vehicle speed, engine temperature and oil pressure, are sent by means of a transmitter to a receiver interconnected with a main frame computer which uses such information to replicate each of the vehicles in the race in real time. The replicated information is made available to the internet and the audio/video receivers connected thereto.

Abstract: An automated scorekeeping device for racket and paddle sports. The device includes a voice recorder that is used to announce the score before each serve of the game. The device further includes optional visual displays. Actuating devices adapted to the equipment of the particular games are provided so that the players can easily operate the scorekeeper while participating in the game. The scorekeeper can be adjusted manually to correct mistakes, and can be used in multiple modes.

Abstract: A monitoring system is provided for detecting and identifying weight lifting implements placed on a weight lifting storage device, such as a rack. In the event the implements are placed in improper locations on the storage device, the monitoring system is operative to generate an error signal, which may be in the form of an audible or visual signal to signal the person replacing the implement that he or she is returning the implement to an improper location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reaction time measurement system that includes a hard-wired or battery-powered accelerometer module attached to a starting block or platform to detect acceleration when a contestant moves. Although the block is grossly stationary, it undergoes slight movement and mechanical vibration, so the accelerometer produces an output signal. A filter or a processing unit in the module processes the output signal to define the reaction time or moment when the athlete starts to leave the block. Preferably the module removably attaches to the starting block by a rigid coupling, and its processor stores and annotates the accelerometer signal. A link or connector signals the reaction time, or the stored signal on request, to a central monitor at which false start detection determination are made and records created.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for determining whether a ball in a sport has contacted the ground in or out of bounds as well as where along the boundary the impact occurred. A pair of conductors run adjacent to and beneath the boundary lines of the sport court or field. The two conductors are electrically separated by an insulator, but will contact each other at the point of impact and thereby create an electrical short when a force, such as is caused by the impact of a ball, is applied to the boundary line. The short causes two counter-propagating voltage pulses to travel out from the location of the short towards a detector which detects the pulses and the time delay between receipt of the pulses. The fact of whether pulses were detected is indicative of whether the ball was in or out of bounds, while the time delay between the pulses is indicative of the location along the boundary line where the ball struck the ground.

Abstract: A shoe has an activity level meter that displays, in a highly noticeable fashion, such as by lighting bright LEDs, the highest level of activity reached by a wearer of the shoe. In one embodiment, the display is a three-element LED display in which zero to three LEDs flash briefly, but brightly each time the weight of the wearer is fully pressed against the inner sole of the shoe during a period of activity. A period of time after the activity ends, the LEDs light again for a longer period of time to indicate the highest level of activity reached during the activity period.

Abstract: A game can be played using pagers and a paging system. Game participants receive information and clues from the paging system directing them to a particular landmark or location. Once there, the participants signal the system with a response which is dependent on their being at the correct location. The paging system then additionally determines that the participant is transmitting from roughly the correct location. When the participant is thus verified as being at the correct location, the next clue is transmitted to the participant. This continues until a participant correctly deciphers all the clues and arrives at the end of the game.

Abstract: A tournament system for electronic games in which scores achieved on the games are transmitted to one or a hierarchy of computers in which a winner is determined. At least one computer stores a player code associated with player credits. The players insert credit cards into the games which read the player codes, send the codes to a computer, obtain verification signals from the computer and are thereby enabled. The computer also stores handicap values associated with players and/or the games, and modifies the scores by the handicap values. The computer can also download advertising, winner or other messages to specific ones or all the games for display, and can cause the games played to be modified or changed.

Abstract: An image display processor displays a real-time three-dimensional image including a player's automobile, a plurality of general automobiles, and a course established in a game space on a display monitor. A driving control assembly is operated by a player to instruct the player's automobile to run on the course. A player's automobile control unit controls the player's automobile to run on the course in response to instructions from the driving control assembly. A rank decision unit ranks the player's automobile using a parameter relative to a skill of the player while the player's automobile is running on the course. The rank decision unit detects whether the player's automobile passes or is passed by one of the general automobiles, and varies the value of the parameter based on the detection of the player's automobile passing or being passed by one of the general automobiles.

Abstract: A game data and arena display control apparatus includes a game control keyboard which includes a plurality of keys for generating respective keying signals in accordance with progress of play of a game. A processor is responsive to the keying signals for controlling the starting and stopping of a game clock, and for determining and storing a plurality of game data. The processor is further responsive to the keying signals to generate a first output signal indicative of game data, and a second output signal indicative of user selected data. A monitor is responsive to the processor for displaying information concerning operation of the apparatus during play of the game. A first output port is connected to the processor for outputting the first output signal to an arena scoreboard. Finally, a second output port is connected to the processor for outputting the second output signal to an arena display board.

Abstract: A score keeping display apparatus includes a three-sided, generally triangular scoring display tier, each side of the display tier including two sets of dual character displays and two sets of LED indicators associated with each of the displays. The scoring display tier is supported on the upper end of a vertical post which is anchored at an opposite end to a base control unit. The base control unit is connectable to a power supply and contains a battery, battery charger, control circuit board, mini displays replicating the display tier, and control switches for operating the scoring display.

Abstract: A golf tee shot-green placement monitoring system for monitoring golf tee shots to a designated green of a three-par golf course hole for determining the placement of such tee shots upon the green in connection with hole-in-one and closest-to-the-pin contests or challenges. The system comprises a club house base unit, a tee unit, and a green unit. Upon payment of a specified nominal fee, the participating golfer is issued a game card at the club house terminal. Upon reaching the designate three-par hole tee, the golfer inserts the card, or inputs encoded data, into the tee unit which then activates the green unit. Upon driving the tee shot, the green unit, comprising photodetectors and ultrasonic ranging devices, determines the achievement of a hole-in-one or the placement of the tee shot within specified distances from the cup or hole. If the golfer achieves a hole-in-one or places his tee shot within the specified distances from the hole or cup, prize money is awarded.

Abstract: A display device specially used with a dart target for the game of cricket, which has a simplified structure, a reduced volume and a low power consumption, is disclosed. The display device used with a dart target for cricket includes a personal qualification display composed of a plurality sets of luminous elements for illustrating qualification states of scores of respective one of the players, and a prompting display composed of a plurality of luminous elements each of which relates to a corresponding set of the luminous elements of the personal qualification display and a corresponding score for showing the present player that other players have been qualified for specific scores.

Abstract: A spread spectrum rf communication system relays mission signals from a base computer to each of a plurality of vehicle controllers (VCONs) that are positioned in the passenger compartments of respective vehicles on a test track. The VCONs are coupled to the operating controls of the vehicles for moving the controls in response to mission signals from the base station. Also, the VCONs communicate status reports via the communication system to the base station, so that the base station coordinates the control of the vehicles.

Abstract: The electronic chronometry device (D) comprises an acquisition cell (2) arranged to receive time data (6) coming from at least one time events measurement sensor (8), a storing unit (9) for storing said time data (6), and a processing unit (4) of said time data (6) and associated with said acquisition cell (2). This device is characterized in that said storing unit (9) is associated with an interface (1) which is arranged so as to allow said processing unit (4) to access said storing unit (9) and to read certain of said time data (6) stored in said storing unit (9) without allowing modification of said storing unit (9) by said processing unit (4).

Abstract: A solo electronic starter and timer system for runners that includes a starter position unit, a finish position unit, and an athlete body unit; the body unit radio transmitter circuit transmitting a stop pulse to the finish position unit in response to the triggering of the body unit radio transmitter control circuit triggered by an optical body unit photo detector circuit; the finish position unit having a micro-controller programmed to time and display the elapsed time between receipt of start pulse by a radio receiver circuit of the finish position unit and receipt of the stop pulse that is generated by the body unit radio transmitter circuit of the athlete body unit.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a housing having a front panel with first, second, third, and fourth illuminatable indicia thereon. The first and fourth indicia are located at opposing ends of the panel and are identical, the second and third indicia located inwardly of the first and fourth indicia respectfully and are also identical. First and second operable switches are mounted on the housing, with the first switch connected to the first and second indicia for selectively illuminating either the first indicia, the second indicia, or neither indicia. The second switch is connected to the third and fourth indicia and operable to selectively illuminate the third indicia, the fourth indicia, or neither indicia. The first and second switches are operable independently of one another.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the time and location of a participant in a competitive activity, which includes memory apparatus for storing event performance parameters and the identity of the participant; clock apparatus, for determining event times of the participant; control apparatus, associated with the clock apparatus and the memory apparatus, for receiving as input data the event times of the participant, and for determining event performance parameters in accordance therewith, and for storing the parameters in the memory apparatus; and event duration measuring apparatus associated with the control apparatus; the event duration apparatus including first tactile apparatus associated with the clock apparatus, for automatically starting the clock apparatus in response to a first predetermined tactile input, and second tactile apparatus for providing an output signal to the clock apparatus in response to each of one or more second predetermined tactile inputs, wherein the clock apparatus is operative to provide

Abstract: The invention relates to a golf course guidance device and the like to be used for giving guidance information about the holes and greens on a golf course. The holes and the greens on a golf course are respectively divided into small cells. For each hole, the location of a golf course guidance device is detected by a sub unit location detection means. By comparing the data from the cell corresponding to the location of the golf course guidance device the data from with each cell, which is read from a hole cell data table of a hole cell data storage means, the location and other data is displayed on a liquid crystal display, together with the distance and the direction to the center of the green. Further, the aforementioned distance is adjusted with the direction and speed of wind being taken into consideration.

Abstract: An electronic system for incorporation in a racquet that monitors a player's ability to hit balls within a specific region on the string bed. A plurality of sensors are positioned around the periphery of the racquet string bed for detecting the relative time-of-arrival of transverse waves produced by impacts of balls on the string bed. A circuit incorporated within the racquet receive the signals from the sensors and provide a plurality of signals from which the position of impact on the string bed may be calculated. The system incorporates a low power microprocessor that is programmed to compute the ball impact location from the signals produced by the sensors. A display device on the racquet displays information derived from the calculated impact location to permit players to assess their performance as related to hitting a predetermined region.

Abstract: A new electronic goal detector for accurately detects and signals when a hockey puck passes through the goal line between the goal posts of a hockey goal. The inventive device includes a set of goal sensors for mounting on the goal posts and cross bar of a hockey goal to act as a goal sensing means for detecting a puck passing through the goal line. A goal sensor is also embedded within the hockey playing surface along the goal line. At the bottom end of one of the goal posts is a two-part connector that separates when the hockey goal is moved off of the goal line to deactivate the goal sensors. A sound generating device and a light source provide an indicating means for indicating when a puck passes into the hockey goal.

Abstract: A refereeing aid system for ball games in which refereeing is performed by a referee in charge together with at least one auxiliary judge, both present on the playing field, includes a communications device held by the referee enabling refereeing data to be input and communicated to a management device disposed in the vicinity of the playing field and connected to a central computer which centralizes data from a plurality of management devices present at different playing fields. The management device also include an input for confidential personal data relating to each participant in the game.

Abstract: A training system for monitoring kinetic activities of an individual uses one or more transducers that are highly directionally sensitive to detect certain characteristics of a user's activity, such as motion, direction of motion, distance, velocity, and the like. The sensors have a housing which includes an acceleration-responsive transducer and circuitry responsive to output signals from the transducer to provide an indication to the user of certain characteristics of the activity. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor has a pointer indicating the direction of maximum sensitivity of the transducer, so that the user can orient it to preferentially detect motion in certain directions. The output signal supplied to the user preferably comprises a tone having one of several discrete frequencies corresponding to discrete range intervals of the transducer output.

Abstract: A paintball game scorekeeper and an associated paintball game playing system. The paintball game scorekeeper includes a switch member having plural control buttons insertably mounted in a recess formed in a front side surface of a housing. A printed circuit board to which the control buttons are electrically connected is inserted in a recess formed in a rear side surface of the housing. Provided on the printed circuit board is a memory subsystem for holding a countdown time and at least one interim time, a processor subsystem for counting down, from the countdown time, time remaining in the on-going game of paintball until time expires and for determining first and second elimination counts, and an LCD display, electrically coupled to the processor subsystem, for displaying the time remaining in the on-going game of paintball, the first elimination count and the second elimination count.

Abstract: A clocking system for measuring running speeds such as split time or lap time for a plural number of track runners like racehorses at each one of a plural number of clocking positions provided at predetermined intervals along a running course or track toward a goal position. The clocking system fundamentally includes: a trigger signal transmission means provided at each one of the clocking positions and adapted to release a trigger signal toward a narrow signal receiving zone; a passing signal generating means carried by each runner and adapted to produce a passing signal specific to a particular runner at each clocking position upon reception of the trigger signal; and a measuring means provided either at each clocking position or on each runner and adapted to register a time reading for each runner upon reception of the trigger signal or passing signal.

Abstract: A track alert system for automobile racing employs a transmitter for transmitting a selected one of a plurality of channel signals, each of which is indicative of a particular race track flag condition, a receiver capable of receiving each of the transmitted channel signals, and a priority/tone generator coupled to the receiver for prioritizing two or more simultaneously received channel signals and for generating a particular tone corresponding to a received, prioritized channel signal. The transmitter is fixedly positioned at a chosen location on a race track and is controlled by a track flag operator. A receiver and priority/tone generator are mounted in each of the race cars participating in a race. The generated tone corresponding to a track flag condition is received through an ear piece worn by each race car driver. A reset switch mounted in each race car enables the driver to turn off a generated tone once it has been recognized.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning control and management of racing sailboat positions and velocities includes the strategic placement of global positioning receivers and transmitters at a buoy and committee boat marking the sail race start line, as well as radio and global positioning receivers on the sailboat. Global positioning system (GPS) and radio transmitter units are mounted on a race start buoy and committee boat and another GPS and radio transceiver unit receives GPS signals from positioning satellites and radio signals from the race start buoy and committee boat. The information received by the racing sailboat is processed to determine relative and absolute positions and velocities, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the intercept between current sailboat course and the race start line for display in user-friendly race management.

Abstract: A gaming device is shown having one printed circuit board that includes a game control processor; at least one memory storing game operation information; and a light transmitter for transmitting encoded information representing selected game operation information that is stored in the memory. The gaming device also includes a communication printed circuit board that has a light receiver for receiving light encoded information from the light transmitter; at least one memory for storing game operation information as represented by the light encoded information received by the light receiver; and a communication controller that allows communication between the gaming device and a remote station. Because the light transmitter can transmit information to the communication board but cannot receive information therefrom, communications between the gaming device and a remote station is allowed without compromising the integrity or security of the operations of the gaming device.

Abstract: A device that measures the distance traveled, speed, and height jumped of a person while running or walking. Accelerometers and rotational sensors are placed in the sole of one shoe along with an electronic circuit that performs mathematical calculations to determine the distance and height of each step. A radio frequency transmitter sends the distance and height information to a wristwatch or other central receiving unit. A radio frequency receiver in the wristwatch or other unit is coupled to a microprocessor that calculates an output speed based upon step-distance and elapsed time, and the distance traveled of the runner from the sum of all previous step distances. The output of the microprocessor is coupled to a display that shows the distance traveled, speed, or height jumped of the runner or walker.

Abstract: A scoring system for a bowling center having a plurality of lanes includes scoring consoles equal in number to the number of lanes in the bowling center. Each scoring console includes a housing and an input system in the housing for receiving user input data related to the associated lane. The console includes a display device having a surface for displaying video images and a housing for the display device. The housing supports the display device and includes a flange surrounding an open area defining a quadrilateral opening in the housing for viewing the display surface. The display device attaches to the mounting portion. In this manner, the mounting assembly draws the flange toward the display surface to conform the flange to the three-dimensional surface configuration of the display surface.

Abstract: A hand-held and operated, instantaneous readout, portable electronic instrument is disclosed, which may be used by an observer from the grandstands to determine the speed of racers such as racing cars, horses, athletes, etc. over a lap of a race-track and to comparatively display the speeds of one racer over different laps and the speeds of different racers.

Abstract: To record times and intermediate times at sporting events, especially large and multi-discipline events, a method is proposed for immediately establishing the result, by which a large number of recording stations are positioned along the competition track which are connected to a central station, which evaluates the arriving information in a wireless or wire-bound manner, that every recording station has a frame antenna to absorb energy in the high-frequency range as well as to receive high-frequency signals and each athlete is handed a passive high-frequency transmitter with a personal code, which he holds in the recording station when the respective station is reached, whereby the recording station first re-charges the high-frequency transmitter via an antenna, afterwards the high-frequency transmitter passes the code to the recording station, the code is received by the recording station and is immediately passed with a further code from the recording station to the central station, where evaluation is car

Abstract: Method and assembly for measuring the speed of or distance covered by a runner. According to the invention, the angular displacement of the foot is measured, and the distance of the trunk from a reference, such as the foot or the ground, is determined. On the basis of these data it is possible to calculate the speed or distance.

Abstract: A golf information system and method which provides yardage and other information to a golfer relative to landmarks on a golf course operating in a "hands-free" or passive manner. In one embodiment, a differential global positioning satellite receiver (DGPS) is utilized to calculate a golf cart position and each time the cart stops, the detected position is compared with positions of landmarks mapped to zones on holes of the course. A location of each landmark is predetermined and stored in a look-up table, afterwhich the golf cart position is compared with the pre-stored positions to obtain a distance between the golf cart and each landmark. The calculated distance is subsequently outputted, preferably on a visual display where it is observed by a golfer. The system can also be used to send speed-of-play messages to a golfer from a clubhouse in order to speed up play, and can also be used to send emergency signals, and advertisements to the golfer.

Abstract: An electronic golf scorecard has a casing which can be opened to expose a keypad and a display. The keypad can be used to enter players' initials, handicap data and each player's score on individual holes during a game of golf. Circuitry within the scorecard, processes and stores the entered data and displays appropriate information so that each player's score can be visually determined. The scorecard keeps a cumulative total of the players' scores after each score entry. When the game of golf has been completed, the net scores for all players are automatically calculated and are displayed by selecting the appropriate key on the keypad. Unused memory locations can be used to keep track of other golfing data such as for example, the number of putts per hole, the holes won or lost during the match or the stroke holes in the match, to name but a few. This other golfing data can be displayed by selecting appropriate keys on the keypad.

Abstract: An electronic basketball training apparatus that instructs a player to move to a sequence of zones and allows the player a limited amount of time to make a basket in each zone. The apparatus computes results and statistics which can be printed out or viewed from a computer screen. The invention can have the computer automatically communicate or allow a coach to communicate the next zone to the player. The invention uses a switch sensor in the basketball net to sense when a basket is made, laser beam sensors on the floor to locate the position of the player, a controller, memory, software, a visual display terminal, a printer, and a speaker to perform the training routine.

Abstract: A high-efficiency apparatus for real time measuring of parameters and operational times of vehicles running around a racetrack. At least one detecting station is arranged at a location along the racetrack and is set up to both receive and transmit radio frequency (RF) signals both from/to a transceiver unit installed on each vehicle, the transmitting from the transceiver unit being in response to the transmitting from the detecting station, the station being provided with an electronic radio frequency-converter for transmitting and modulating the received signals over a wide band coaxial cable.

Abstract: A communications system (100) for transmission of a plurality of messages over a communications channel includes a terminal (105) for selectively transmitting each of the plurality of message, and data communication receivers (110) for receiving first and second messages about the same event. The first and second messages are compared in order to determine the status change of the event, and an alert priority is issued indicating that the event is at a critical stage, based on such comparison.

Abstract: A carrier pigeon receives a ring with an electronic transponder which for competition timekeeping can be interrogated when the pigeon arrives at the pigeon loft, by means of a high-frequency field, in order to be able to store the arrival time, associated with that individual pigeon, and later evaluate it for lists of winners. In addition the pigeon carries a conventional ring (which therefore cannot be in any case automatically read off), with the registration number of its organization. There is no relationship between those two sets of data (electronic identity number and conventional organization number), which can confuse and irritate the breeder when associating his pigeons. Therefore, a table is additionally fed into the operating device for contact-less high-frequency interrogation of the identity carrier, in which table the identity numbers and the organization numbers of the pigeons are associated with each other.

Abstract: A dart game electronic scorekeeping device including a case. The case has an upper surface and a periphery formed of a pair of opposed side edges, an upper edge, and a lower edge. A game switch selection mechanism is extended through the case for allowing selection of a particular dart game by a player. A keypad switching matrix extends from the upper surface of the case and is formed with plurality of keys arranged in a configuration to resemble a dart board and with each of the keys sized to represent a specific scoring space on the dart board. Each key of the keypad switching matrix is actuateable by the player for transmitting a point value indicative of the scoring space on the dart board where a dart of the player impinged during the particular dart game. A computation mechanism is coupled to the game switch selection mechanism and the keypad switching matrix and with the computation mechanism receiving the point values attained during play to generate a score value.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a signal generator for sending an electrical signal upon receipt of an input force, the signal generator having a first outside layer of flexible, resilient plastic with a periphery and an inner surface, a second outside layer of flexible, resilient plastic having a periphery and an inner surface, the first and second layers joined at least at their periphery to form walls defining primary chamber. The primary chamber also has at least one inside layer of flexible, resilient plastic having a periphery and a first and second surface, the inside layer also being joined at its periphery, to the walls of the primary chamber to sub-divide the primary chamber into a plurality of adjacent sub-chambers. A pressurized fluid may be disposed in each of the sub-chambers and an electrical circuit may be arranged in at least one of the sub-chambers, to effectuate the transmission of an electrical signal from the primary chamber upon receipt of an input force within the primary chamber.

Abstract: A safety device is used to protect golfers located in blind areas of a golf course from balls being driven, for example, off the tee. The safety device is manually activated by a push-button switch once the golfers enter the blind area. The switch initiates a low current drain, high-intensity, strobe light blinking at a 1 Hz rate that is visible from both the tee and blind areas even in bright sunshine. An electronic timer deactivates the strobe after N minutes. A wireless transmitter link located outside the blind area can be used to recycle the timer prior to the elapsed time (minutes) for those golfers who play more quickly.

Abstract: A video game cartridge that can be plugged into a video game machine to enable a user to request and play a video game for a predetermined number of video frames. The cartridge has a receiver for receiving the video game program and the predetermined frame count in response to a request from the user. The program and frame count is then stored in a memory of the cartridge. Finally, the cartridge has a counter which changes its value when the user is actively playing the video game program. The counter ceases to change its value when the user is not playing the video game program. When the counter reaches a predetermined limit, the user is no longer authorized to play the video game program.

Abstract: A device positions the butt end of a firearm. The device functions to assist the user in properly positioning and aiming the firearm. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a cushioning member adapted to be worn approximate the shoulder of the user and a positioning device. This positioning device includes a pressure sensor, a microprocessor and a sounding element. The sounding element gives the user an audible signal when a predetermined amount and distribution of pressure have been applied to the sensor.

Abstract: A pulsed-tone timing method. Pulsed audible guide tones are activated at an initial pulsing rate. The pulsing rate is manipulated so as to repeatable (i) increase the pulsing rate over a time span to an intermediate pulsing rate and (ii) abruptly drop the pulsing rate to a decreased rate between the intermediate pulsing rate and a previous rate, until a predetermined final pulsing rate is reached. The pulsing rate can be manipulated such that each subsequent intermediate pulsing rate pulses at a faster rate than previous intermediate pulsing rates. The method can be used in many activities. For example, a reader can read a line of text per each guide tone while keeping pace with the specifically timed rate increases, thereby increasing reading effort and reading speed.