Abstract: The specification discloses a multiple game-of-chance. The game occupies the same floor space as a traditional slot machine but has a spinning reel game mounted below a spinning wheel game. The game also an outcome bank for storing outcomes from the spinning wheel game. The spinning reel game may provide an outcome that activates the upper spinning wheel game, and the outcomes in the spinning wheel game can alter the outcome of the lower spinning reel game and also provide a bank of outcomes in the outcome bank, which can also be utilized to alter the outcome, or likely future outcomes, in the spinning reel game. The game also utilizes a flexible, resilient, Z-shaped radial drive gear to drive each of the three wheels in the upper wheel game independently.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises a gaming environment that enables players to wager on the final disposition of a random chance event. For instance, the invention provides players with a way to wager on the outcome of a simulated coin flip, the roll of a dice, or any other random chance event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method, and article of manufacture for providing a progressive prize awarding and redeeming scheme in an intermittently accessed network gaming system. A host server of a network system transmits a beginning prize credit value and an increment rate which are received by a game apparatus connected to the network system. Periodically, a current progressive prize credit value is calculated based on the beginning prize credit value and the increment rate and is displayed to the user. At the end of the game, the current progressive prize credit value is transmitted from the game apparatus of the user to the host server for redemption purposes.

Abstract: A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a display, one or more illumination devices adjacent to the display and a logic device designed to control illumination of the illumination devices in a manner that visually conveys gaming information to an individual viewing the devices. A speaker may be also provided on the player tracking unit to aurally convey gaming information such as voice messages designed to inform or instruct the player in some manner. The player tracking unit may include a wireless interface device designed or configured to allow player tracking information to be automatically downloaded from a portable wireless device carried by the player or player status information to be communicated to a casino service representative carrying a portable wireless device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: A wireless interface and dedicated digital video disc (DVD) controller for video game consoles capable of playing DVDs. An adapter is inserted into one of the game controller ports of the game console and provides a wireless communication receiver for receiving and inputting control commands into the game console. A dedicated DVD remote control device includes a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting DVD player control functions to the game console via the adapter and thereby enables wireless control of the DVD functions of the game console. The control buttons on the dedicated DVD remote control correspond in function to the wired game controller buttons that would otherwise control the DVD functions of the game console, but have an appearance to the user that corresponds to a standard DVD player remote control.

Abstract: A portable wireless transceiver device (22) is carried by an individual (24) during the normal course of daily activities. The device (22) receives and records load instructions (84) from other transmitter devices (22, 26) at difference locations and at different instants in time through the day. Later, the device (22) interfaces a fixed-location platform (58) and the load instructions (84) are downloaded from the device (22) to the platform (58). A game application (64), executable from the fixed-location platform (58), is updated in response to the downloaded load instructions (84) to affect an outcome of the game application (64).

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining a recipient of an offer; and for determining an offer which includes an activity and a benefit. The system and method further provide for transmitting, to a representative, instructions to provide the offer to the recipient. The system and method further include determining whether the recipient has performed the activity, and if so providing the benefit to the recipient.

Abstract: A system, method and computer software product for controlling the operation of a device in accordance with a user's personal profile or local environment. The device is designed for interaction with a user based on the personal or an environment profile and includes a wireless communication device for communicating with a computer. The computer providing instructions to the device for controlling the operation of the device based on gathered data and in response to a stored user's personal profile.

Abstract: Game scenes are flexibly switched to different points of view selected according to character status and game progress, thereby preventing a loss of interest in the game. A specified hit count HPX and threshold value T1 are compared, and if HPX>T1, control data is generated to display image X1 from a particular perspective. If (HPX>T1) is not true, HPX is compared with threshold value T2 (T1>T2>0). If HPX>T2, control data is generated to display image X2 from a particular perspective. If (HPX>T2) is not true, the maximum decrease D possible in the next attack is subtracted from HPX to calculate inferred value HP′, which is then compared with 0. If (HP′≦0) is not true, control data is generated to display image X3 from a particular perspective, but if HP′≦0, control data is generated to display image X4 from a particular perspective.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a time-based bonus system that can be pre-configured to award a certain amount of money to players of networked gaming devices over a certain time period. The amount of bonus money in a bonus pool is predetermined by a casino or other gaming network operator. Additionally, the total amount of bonus money in a particular bonus pool can be divided into multiple smaller bonuses, which can be distributed to many players over the time period in which the bonus pool is operating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for playing a game of skill in a networked environment. A host server transmits a game data packet to each participant after receiving a request from the participant. Upon initiation of game play, the participants are shown identical game messages so that each participant is playing the same game. After a participant believes they have won the game, a message is sent to the server. The server then evaluates the performance of all the participants and determines a skill level for each participant.

Abstract: An electronic toy gun for a toy shooting game includes an infrared beam emitter, a trigger, a game data input device, and an internal processor. The infrared beam emitter is configured to emit an encoded infrared beam. The trigger is configured to activate a state of emission of the infrared beam by the infrared beam emitter so as to indicate that a weapon is being fired. The game data input device is configured to receive game data input from a user. The internal processor is configured to receive the game data input from the game data input device and to cause the infrared beam emitter to emit an infrared beam that is coded with one of a plurality of codes based on the game data input.

Abstract: A universal joint and coupling assembly is disclosed which is utilized to connect and transfer power or movement between at least two movable or moving members which respectively have different positional planes, orientations or movement axes. The invention is provided with a novel channeled spherical or ball-like guide connection member for greater angle positioning along less wearable surfacing. This guide connection member functions both to secure support attachment components which are a part of or connect to one or more moving members, and to securely allow movement through secure channeling and tracking of each of the support attachment components onto the guide connection member.

Abstract: An installation for moving a person along a pat such that the body of said person is subjected to certain speeds and/or accelerations comprises a frame, at least one arm movably joined to said frame, drive means for driving the am, as well as at least one accommodating means tat is constructed to hold a person securely in place. The accommodating means comprise a saddle-shaped part on which the person can sit astride.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating light effects comprising a liquid container having transparent top and bottom walls and filled partly with a transparent liquid, at least one light source mounted so that an emitted light beam will payy through the liquid container at the top and bottom walls thereof for imaging on a desired projection surface, and an actuator (16) including a control unit (26) and effectively coupled directly or through a transmission medium with said liquid container (12) and the movements of which, generated in a prescribable pattern, impart vibrations to liquid (18) in liquid container (18).

Abstract: A skate park system comprises interlocking pieces enabling quick assembly and disassembly. The disassembled pieces can lay flat, enabling storage in minimal space. Ramp, funbox and grindrail portions may be used separately or combined in varying manners to provide a variety of configurations.

Abstract: A water play structure which includes an inflatable wedge which is used with a water slide. The inflatable wedge is positioned at one end of the water slide and connected to a garden hose to run lubricating water down the wedge and along the water slide. Children and adults run and dive onto the inflatable wedge which cushions their transition from a vertical running position to a horizontal sliding position down the wedge and along the water slide. An inflatable sled with gripping handles can be used to slide on for added cushioning.

Abstract: An amusement ride with cable-launched carrier having one or more towers with the upper portion of at least one such tower being flexible. Each tower supports a cable. Attached to the first end of such cable is a means for propelling a carrier that is attached to the second end of each cable. The means for propelling is a high-speed winch, a fluid-powered cylinder having a continuous cable, or a fluid-powered cylinder having a non-continuous cable. Optionally, a controllably rotatable seat can be attached to the carrier; a harness connected to a serrated rod that slides into a biased block holds each participant to the seat; and a spring, weight, or pressurizable cylinder prevents each cable from becoming slack.

Abstract: A restorable sand or pellet pile is provided for use as an amusement or exercise device. A sand or pellet collection chamber has inclined side walls that converge toward each other in a downward direction and having a bottom surface connected to the side walls. A support deck is positioned above the side walls of the collection chamber and is adapted to support sand or pellets on its upper surface. A safety grating is formed around the perimeter of the support deck to allow sand or pellets to flow downwardly therethrough into the collection chamber as children or adults play or exercise on the pile. A diaphragm pump is positioned in the collection chamber and pumps sand upwardly through a vertically extending conduit to restore the pile. The pump may be operated intermittently or continuously. Other pumping mechanisms may be used. The preferred embodiment utilizes resilient inclined side walls in the collection chamber and a vibrator connected to the side walls to cause the side walls to vibrate.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved water flume ride having one or more reversing slide effects for producing surprising path reversals. In one embodiment, a water flume comprises a primary flume portion, an uphill embankment, and an adjoining secondary flume portion. The secondary flume portion provides a reverse flume path from the primary flume portion to create surprising directional changes in the ride.

Abstract: An inflatable rocking recreational device includes an inflatable main body having a generally arc-shaped bottom surface for resting in water or on a surface such as the ground or a floor, and on which the device can be rocked. The device can include a plurality of connected bodies such as a main body with stabilizing bodies secured thereto or two or more main bodies secured side-by-side or at angles to one another to stabilize the body. Handles are provided to allow the users to grip and hold on to the body. The device is usually mounted by a plurality of users who rock the device back and forth along the arced bottom surface.

Abstract: An accuracy development device is disclosed, including a simulated projectile coupled to a feedback mechanism. The feedback mechanism provides feedback indicating whether a desired impact point on the simulated projectile has been hit by a free projectile propelled toward it. In one embodiment, the desired impact point may be a sensor that is coupled to the feedback mechanism. The simulated projectile may be fixed to a contact location on a base such that the simulated projectile may not be moved in a translational sense but so that it may be rotated about an axis that extends through the contact location and the simulated projectile and is substantially perpendicular to the base. The desired impact point may thus be moved to a variety of different positions with respect to the free projectile, allowing the invention to be used for accuracy development from setups having a wide variety of initial conditions.

Abstract: An improved means for dispensing powder and shaping/scuffing the tip of a billiard cue, for use during a game of billiards, is herein disclosed. The design of the compact, substantially cylindrical device incorporates the combination of portability, functionality, user discretion, and neatness/convenience of use lacking in the prior art. The device provides a simple, yet reliable means of dispensing small, easily controlled amounts of powder onto the hands of billiard players via the use of a ball and spring assembly. The device allows the user to dispense/apply the powder by (1) compressing the assembly and “rolling” the powder, or (2) “tapping” the ball and spring assembly on the appropriate area of the hand(s).

Abstract: The portable balloon launcher system consists of a case that is equipped with a set of legs that fold out from the back of the case. The case is then opened and folding panels located therein extended to create a substantially rectangular launch platform, oriented in a substantially horizontal plane. An integral launch bag is connected to the resultant portable and stable launch platform. The uninflated balloon is inserted into this launch bag, attached to a tank of helium, and inflated. Once the instrumentation is attached to the balloon and the balloon is ready to launch, the launch bag is opened and the balloon released.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing device comprises a base member and a hopper. A golf ball delivery track is substantially straight between its proximal end and its distal end, and is mounted adjacent the proximal end on the base member for substantially vertical travel between a lowered rest position and a raised ball teeing position. A golf ball placement aperture is disposed adjacent the distal end. A support receives the golf balls in seriatim from the hopper and presents each received golf ball for subsequent delivery to the track. An actuation mechanism moves the golf ball delivery track from the lowered rest position to the raised ball teeing position and subsequently back to the lowered rest position, and permits selective delivery of the golf balls presented by the support sequentially onto the golf ball delivery track for subsequent placement on the tee.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing device comprises a base member, a hopper, and a golf ball delivery track mounted on the base member for pivotal movement between a vertical rest position and a horizontal ball teeing position. A support receives the golf balls from the hopper and presents each golf ball for delivery to the track. A vertical motion transfer member moves with the proximal end of the golf ball delivery track. An actuation mechanism comprising a paddle mounted for pivotal movement in a rotational direction opposite to the golf ball delivery track. The actuation mechanism moves the vertical motion transfer member, to thereby move the golf ball delivery track from the vertical rest position to the horizontal ball teeing position and back again, and permits selective delivery of the golf balls onto the golf ball delivery track for subsequent placement on the tee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods and apparatus for monitoring objects, such as golf balls, in flight. The methods include providing a plurality of cameras with different orientations with respect to the object's flight path. For example, two cameras can be located downstream of the object's initial position on either side of the flight path and a plurality of other cameras can be located upstream of the object's initial position on one side of the flight path. With such an arrangement, data in three-dimensions can be obtained on the object. Furthermore, the methods can include providing an object with a material for emitting light when excited. For example, a phosphorescent material can be used to provide an object with high contrast as compared to a background that the object is imaged against. With such materials, the methods can include filtering so that the cameras use only light emitted by the object to form images of the object that will be analyzed.

Abstract: A sports swing training device comprising a grip, a shaft and a head used in practice of swing form of golf club or baseball or softball bat, wherein a hollow space is formed in the head and is partially filled with a liquid such as water or a solid material such as sand or small pellets.

Abstract: The training device is comprised of two vertically mounted separated rods, which are connected by two strings. The vertically erected rods have two component structures, namely a base rod subsection and a height adjustable rod subsection. Each rod comes with a rotatable hook that can be mounted in slits to hook to the two strings. The rods are equipped with a bubble level on their top to adjust for a perpendicular mounting position. The ball is placed on the ground immediately under the lower one of two strings which serve as a sightline by which the direction of the swing of the putter is defined and to which the striking face of the putter is perpendicularly maintained.

Abstract: A golf shaft having adjustable stiffness and frequency. A hollow golf shaft has a compression assembly disposed along and within the hollow shaft between the butt end and the bend point of the shaft. The compression assembly places the corresponding end of the shaft in compression and permits rapid and easy adjustment of the shaft stiffness and frequency.

Abstract: An improved golf putter head having a striking surface comprised of multiple strings, each string having separate and variable tension capabilities, and a multiple position shaft with adjustable shaft angle capabilities on the back portion of the putter head. The striking surface is comprised of individual, parallel, equidistant adjustable strings across a recessed area between the lined striking face and the front of the putter head to allow for full flexing of the lines without interference from the head structure. This flexible striking surface has more surface area in contact with the ball then most other putters and thus, provides greater accuracy and control for precision placement. The putter head has curved ends with grooves to accommodate and align the strings. The putter head has holes with setscrews at each end of the string groove ends to lock the strings in place once the desired tension has been achieved.

Abstract: A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft is disclosed, including a shell defining a body and further including a face. The face of the club head has exterior and interior surfaces disposed such that the exterior surface has a vertical roll radius that is less than the vertical roll radius of the interior surface. The face may also have a horizontal bulge radius of the exterior surface that is less than the horizontal bulge radius of the interior surface. A central thickened region may be provided on the interior surface.

Abstract: A golf club whose ball-striking portion realizes an improved repulsive force against balls and improved durability of as face member against repeated strikes of balls. The face member 16 is made up of a plurality of metallic plates 20, 21 which are superimposed over an entire surface thereof. Each of the metallic plates has an outer peripheral edge extended rearwardly to form an extended portion 22. The extended portion 22 has a rear end portion 23 joined to a body member 17 and a crown member 18 which construct a rear part of the head 1. A repulsive force of the ball-striking portion against balls can be improved by making the metallic plates 20, 21 thinner and more flexible. The durability of the face member 16 can be improved by transmitting the impacts caused by the repeated strikes of balls to the body member 17 and the crown member 18.

Abstract: A golf club head is composed of elastic substructures having moderate elasticity and consisting of a face, outer shell, and inner structure in which said elastic substructures that cooperate so as to provide larger impulses to the ball at impact, due to combined elastic properties of the club face for hits at all locations on the face. This allows better distance of shots when loft angle and other design details are appropriately chosen. The structure also minimizes variations of angular orientation of the face surface at the point of impact for all such hits. The elastic substructures can take several forms such as an internal elastic support around the periphery of the face structure, an internal support for the central part of the face structure, and an elastic structure attached to the front side of the face structure, an elastic outer shell, and their combinations.

Abstract: A golf ball 1 has a core 2, a cover 3, a mark layer 4, and a finishing coat layer 5. An ink used for the mark layer 4 includes an isocyanate curing agent that contains a diisocyanate trimer, a base material, and a colorant. Preferred curing agent contains an isophorone diisocyanate trimer. The ink includes a diisocyanate curing agent at equal to or greater than 1% by weight and equal to or less than 20% by weight, calculated on the basis of the solid content. The base material includes a polymer having a hydroxyl group as a principal component. The “NCO/OH” value, which is a ratio of isocyanate groups of the isocyanate curing agent and hydroxyl groups of the base material, is equal to or greater than 0.5 and equal to or less than 2.0. The mark layer 4 may be printed on a base coat layer, alternatively, may be printed on a crosslinked rubber. This ink has excellent adhesiveness to a base.

Abstract: A thread wound golf ball having improved characteristics of moment of inertia, spin, and total flight distance, comprising a center, a thread winding layer disposed over the center forming a core, and a cover disposed over the core. The improved characteristics are achieved by shifting the weight of the golf ball from the center towards the periphery by use of heavy thread. This could be achieved by adding a high specific gravity filler material, such as tungsten, to the conventional thread compound and/or using polymer materials in the thread that are inherently heavier. By using a high specific gravity filler material, other desirable characteristics inherent in a wound ball such as resilience, controllability and feel, are not affected.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball that has a coefficient of restitution at 143 feet per second that is greater than 0.8015, and an USGA initial velocity less than 255.0 feet per second. The golf ball is preferably a solid three-piece golf ball with a thermosetting polyurethane cover, an ionomer blend intermediate layer and a polybutadiene core.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-piece solid golf ball satisfying the following conditions (1) to (4):

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball wherein at least one portion of the golf ball is formed from a staged resin film that may contain fillers or additives to alter the physical or chemical characteristics of the ball, such as its weight distribution, its moment of inertia, and its moisture transmission properties. The invention also relates to methods of forming a golf ball having a portion formed from a staged resin film.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball having a core, a cover and a lattice structure aerodynamic pattern. The core has a diameter of 1.53 inches to 1.55 inches, and a PGA compression of 60 to 75 points. The cover has a thickness of 0.060 inch to 0.090 inch. The cover has a Shore D hardness less than 58 as measured on the golf ball. The golf ball has a COR that is greater than 0.782 points at 143 feet per second.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball wherein at least one portion of the golf ball is formed from a staged resin film that may contain fillers or additives to alter the physical or chemical characteristics of the ball, such as its weight distribution, its moment of inertia, and its moisture transmission properties. The invention also relates to methods of forming a golf ball having a portion formed from a staged resin film.

Abstract: A string tensioning force controlling apparatus for a racket stringer includes a string pulling mechanism having a support housing, a string pulling head movably supported by the support housing for engaging a string, and a drive arrangement drivingly coupled to the string pulling head. The apparatus also includes an encoder disposed adjacent to the string pulling mechanism for sensing displacement of the string pulling head relative to the support housing and generating a digital output signal representative thereof, and a central processing unit for receiving the digital output signal and in response thereto controlling operation of the drive arrangement to move the string pulling head such that a desired tensioning force is accurately applied to the string so as to produce a tensioned string.

Abstract: A baseball pitching training device providing students of pitching with one or more tactile surfaces, preferably on the seam, thus providing the with tactile input for development of the students proprioceptive senses. In addition, finger placement indicia may be provided, preferably on the cover of the baseball, to indicate a proper finger placement orientation for one or more baseball pitches. The tactile surface(s) and finger placement indicia provide tactile stimuli and instruction for several different types of pitches for either right handed or left handed students.

Abstract: A throwing device having a body, and a tail portion which extends away from one end of the body. The tail portion generally includes at least one fin, and the tail portion is configured such that the fin may be selectively oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the body so that the fin will tend to impart either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation to the device during flight, as selected by the user.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus has an actuator for controlling an automatic transmission. A case for receiving the actuator is constituted by an upper case, a lower case and a plate interposed between them. The plate is provided with a filter. The filter protects the actuator from foreign matters. The actuator is inserted into the case along the axial direction. The actuator is locked by a rotating operation or fixed by a snap fit. An electric control unit is laminated in parallel to the case regulating an oil passage. The electric control unit is cooled by fluid. The electric control unit has a liquid level sensor in its connector part.

Abstract: Front bicycle derailleur comprising an electrical motor controlling an actuating arm, consisting of an extension of an articulated arm of the derailleur, by means of a geared reduction transmission, comprising a worm screw and a sector gear, or a bevel pair.

Abstract: In a silent chain transmission, sprocket teeth have different forms, depending on the number of teeth on each sprocket. The engagement level of a chain advancing onto each sprocket matches the radius of the chain's pitch circle when seated on the sprocket. The teeth of all the sprockets are produced by a hob cutter having tooth forms substantially similar to the shapes of the inside flanks of the chain's link plates. The profiles of the outside flanks of the link plates of the chain are composed of a linear tooth head line for contacting a sprocket having a minimum number of teeth, and an arc-shaped tooth bottom line for contacting a sprocket having a maximum number of teeth, connected by an arc-shaped intermediate line. Chordal action is avoided in all the sprockets, and vibration and noise are reduced, suppressing changes in tension in the chain and resulting in improved durability.

Abstract: An axle assembly has a housing. A hydrostatic transmission separate from the housing is mounted therein. Horizontal axle shafts are rotatably supported in the housing. The hydrostatic transmission includes a center section separate from the housing with fluid conduits connected to hydrostatic rotatable cylinder blocks. A drive shaft extends from one of the blocks and is operatively connected to the axle shafts. Check valves are associated with the conduits to affect fluid flow and are positioned to move in a vertical path at right angles to the axle shafts.

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus comprising a housing being defined by two separable elements joined together along a parting plane; the housing rotatably supporting a pair of axle shafts, each of the axle shafts having a longitudinal axis; the parting plane of the housing being parallel to the longitudinal axes of the axle shafts; and a hydrostatic transmission disposed in the housing and including a pump, a motor, and a member having pump and motor mounting surfaces thereon.