Abstract: A system of interconnected flexible supports are adapted for use with a mobile device operative by a mobile computing device such as a smart phone and/or tablet for controlled movement of the mobile device in a plurality of directions. The system includes a plurality of flexible supports which may be magnetically coupled together to form a flexible layout having infinite configurations. The supports are configured to be self-aligned when coupled by the magnetic attraction between adjacent supports.

Abstract: A system of interconnected flexible supports are adapted for use with a mobile device operative by a mobile computing device such as a smart phone and/or tablet for controlled movement of the mobile device in a plurality of directions. The system includes a plurality of flexible supports which may be magnetically coupled together to form a flexible layout having infinite configurations. The supports are configured to be self-aligned when coupled by the magnetic attraction between adjacent supports.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for operating a gaming wheel system including a steering wheel which may be a single-turn wheel (at most 360° lock-to-lock) or a multi-turn wheel (more than 360° lock-to-lock) to play a game which may be designed for a single-turn wheel (a legacy game) or a multi-turn wheel (a native game, irrespective of whether it takes advantage of the multi-turn capability or not). The system is configured to operate the gaming wheel system in one of four states. The first state is the single-turn, legacy mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a legacy game. The second state is the multi-turn, legacy mode state for operating a multi-turn wheel in the multi-turn mode to play a legacy game. The third state is the single-turn, native mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a native game.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for operating a gaming wheel system including a steering wheel which may be a single-turn wheel (at most 360° lock-to-lock) or a multi-turn wheel (more than 360° lock-to-lock) to play a game which may be designed for a single-turn wheel (a legacy game) or a multi-turn wheel (a native game, irrespective of whether it takes advantage of the multi-turn capability or not). The system is configured to operate the gaming wheel system in one of four states. The first state is the single-turn, legacy mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a legacy game. The second state is the multi-turn, legacy mode state for operating a multi-turn wheel in the multi-turn mode to play a legacy game. The third state is the single-turn, native mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a native game.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for operating a gaming wheel system including a steering wheel which may be a single-turn wheel (at most 360° lock-to-lock) or a multi-turn wheel (more than 360° lock-to-lock) to play a game which may be designed for a single-turn wheel (a legacy game) or a multi-turn wheel (a native game, irrespective of whether it takes advantage of the multi-turn capability or not). The system is configured to operate the gaming wheel system in one of four states. The first state is the single-turn, legacy mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a legacy game. The second state is the multi-turn, legacy mode state for operating a multi-turn wheel in the multi-turn mode to play a legacy game. The third state is the single-turn, native mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a native game.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a control device for a steering wheel. In one embodiment, a control device for a steering wheel comprises a frame including a left frame stop and a right frame stop. A rotational shaft includes a timing member, a counterclockwise rotational stop and a clockwise rotational stop. The rotational shaft is rotatable relative to the frame in clockwise and counterclockwise directions from a neutral position. A multi-turn slider includes a timing rack configured to engage the timing member of the rotational shaft and to slide in opposite directions relative to the frame with the timing member rotating in counterclockwise and clockwise directions. The multi-turn slider includes a left multi-turn stop disposed on a left side of the timing rack and a right multi-turn stop disposed on a right side of the timing rack to move with the timing rack.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device and a method of supporting a game controller such as a steering wheel on different surfaces including a stable physical structure such as a desk or a table and the lap of the user. The game controller includes a convertible support mechanism that converts the game controller from a retracted, desktop position to an extended, sitting/lap position. In specific embodiments, the support mechanism includes left and right support members that are movable outwardly to the extended position for providing support on the user's lap and retractable inwardly into the retracted position for providing support on a desk or table top. The support members each include a support surface at a bottom thereof. The left and right support members in the extended position are configured to rest on the lap of a user in a lap mode by contacting legs of the user with the left support surface of the left support member and the right support surface of the right support member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing secure retention of the variable sensor and the rotational object to which it is attached for measuring rotation thereof. In one embodiment, a sensor retention apparatus comprises a rotational sensor including a sensor shaft which has a direction of insertion. The sensor shaft includes a retainer slot oriented nonparallel to the direction of insertion and extending from a first surface of the body through the sensor shaft to a second surface of the sensor shaft. A rotational member has a cavity shaped to receive the sensor shaft along the direction of insertion. The rotational member includes an interference slot disposed adjacent the cavity. A retainer member is configured to be inserted into the retainer slot of the sensor shaft of the rotational sensor and to include a protruded portion protruding from the second surface of the retainer slot into the interference slot of the rotational member.

Abstract: A directional pointing device produces cardinal and intercardinal directional output reliably by providing more stable axes of rotation. In some cases, the rotation is made more stable by guiding the activation of the pad in a generally perpendicular manner. In one embodiment, a directional pointing device comprises a substrate; a plurality of switches disposed on the substrate; and a cap movably coupled with the substrate to activate the switches for directional selection. The cap includes a plurality of activation features each disposed above a corresponding one of the switches to activate the corresponding switches by moving with respect to the substrate. The activation features are arranged in different radial directions with respect to a center position of the cap. Each activation feature has a width oriented generally perpendicular to the radial direction from the center position of the cap to the activation feature and a thickness oriented generally along the radial direction.