Abstract: A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer. The casino creates a player account accessible by the host computer. The account can accrue both player-tracking points and account credits. Account credits are applied to a player's account as sign-up incentive, bonus award or other player incentive. When the player inserts his or her card in a card reader at one of the gaming devices, the player has access to the account points and credits. When playing with account credits, the account is debited in the amount of the wager responsive to each game played. The credit meter is simultaneously credited, also in the amount of the wager, thereby effectively providing the player with a free game. In a related implementation, the player can convert account points to account credits thereby redeeming player-tracking points at the machine.

Abstract: A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a touch screen display with a touch screen controller integrated into the touch screen sensor assembly. Game service interfaces may be presented on the touch screen display that allow a user to obtain one or more game services. The game service interfaces may include buttons with alpha-numeric symbols, function keys and hand-writing recognition capabilities that are recognized using input data from the touch screen sensor. Thus, with the touch screen sensor, a user may navigate through the game service interface and supply gaming information required to obtain a game service. In one embodiment, a registration game service interface is provided that allows a player to join a player tracking program at the gaming machine. In another embodiment, a metering game service interface with a calculator is provided that allows a casino operator to obtain and operate on metering information at a gaming machine.

Abstract: A method for team play of slot machines, including determining a first result corresponding to a first player on a team, determining a second result corresponding to a second player, determining whether the second player is on the team, and determining a result based on the first result and the second result if the second player is on the team.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to form a non-photorealistic game image in real time by using a computer graphics technology. In order to form an image in a cel animation tone having a contour line as an example of the non-photorealistic game image, there is acquired data of a contour drawing model and a stereo model expressing a character (step S2). Next, a player of a game operates a button or the like of an input apparatus (step S3). How the game is progressed in accordance with operation of the player is determined and a game progress situation of a position, a direction or the like of the character is set (steps S4-5). In accordance with the setting, the stereo model and the contour drawing model arranged to include the stereo model are drawn (steps S6-7). A portion of the contour drawing model extruded from the stereo model actually constitutes the contour line.

Abstract: An interactive wagering system is provided in which users may download electronic racing forms to electronic books. The content of the racing form may be directed toward horse racing. The racing form may be interactive. When a user selects an item from a racing form displayed on the electronic book, the user may be presented with additional information or interactive screens that provide racing-related services such as interactive wagering opportunities. The electronic book may be provided with updated racing data. The user may adjust delivery settings for the racing data. News flashes and other real-time reports may be provided to the electronic book. Such reports may be based on the user's preferences and the user's monitored interests. The electronic racing form may include racing data, racing articles, and advertisements.

Abstract: The present invention is a game playing method and apparatus for automating games such as blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat and pai gow, wherein players may play continuously and asynchronously, and information related to advertised items can be exchanged between players and advertisers. In one embodiment, each instance of a game is likely unique from all other current game instances. The games do not require a manual dealer and in one embodiment, played in a gaming establishment using low cost gaming stations. The present invention may also, be used to play such games on the Internet or an interactive cable television network wherein a game controller communicates with players at network nodes in their homes and at their leisure since there is no game tempo requirement. During a game, advertising is selectively provided by comparing player personal information with a desired demographic profile. Player responses to advertising are used for evaluating advertising effectiveness.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU that detects a program control code included in a land object in the vicinity of a player object, and the CPU determines a kind of the land object. If the land object is “hole,” the CPU executes a “hole operation” subroutine. Similarly, if the land object is “wall,” “door” or “ladder,” the CPU performs “wall operation,” “door operation” or “ladder” subroutine, respectively.

Abstract: An existing video game system is modified to include additional communication and storage capability via a modem and hard disk drive. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the primary system security features are incorporated into a video game system expansion device having a hard disk drive. The security system does not rely on the relatively insecure video game system. The present exemplary embodiment focuses security control in a disk drive/mass media controlling engine which is physically disposed within the expansion device housing as close as possible to the hard disk drive and the downloaded video games and other data it is designed to protect. Security features are incorporated into, for example, a disk drive controlling processing engine to provide security features which extend far beyond simplistic password systems which have heretofore been utilized in conjunction with disk drive controllers.

Abstract: A damper mechanism that has a simplified structure and maintains torsional characteristics of a conventional damper mechanism is provided. The damper mechanism is equipped with an input rotating body 2, an output rotating body 3, and two or more coil spring assemblies 9. The two or more coil spring assemblies 9 elastically couple the input rotating body 2 and the output rotating body 3 together in a rotational direction and serve to absorb twisting torque. Each coil spring assembly 9 has at least one coil spring 41 whose center axis is roughly linear. At least one of coil spring assemblies 9 absorbs 35% to 50% of the twisting torque.

Abstract: The coaxial first and second flywheels of a torsional vibration damper, e.g., in the power train of a motor vehicle, are rotatable relative to each other against the opposition of one or more arcuate coil springs which is or are confined in an annular chamber defined by at least one of the flywheels. One end of the coil spring or each coil spring bears, directly, or indirectly, against a single retainer or against one of several discrete retainers on one of the flywheels, and the other end of the coil spring or each coil spring bears, directly or indirectly, against a single retainer or against one of several discrete retainers of the other flywheel. At least one slide is interposed between the radially outermost portions of discrete convolutions provided between an internal surface of the at least one flywheel and one or more discrete coil springs, one for each slide.

Abstract: A driving wheel bearing device has an outer member on an inner peripheral surface forming double row raceways, an inner member on an outer peripheral surface of which raceways opposing to raceways of the outer member and a wheel mounting flange are formed, double row rolling elements between each raceway of the outer and inner members, and a constant velocity universal joint having a joint outer ring of which a shaft portion is inserted into the inner member such that torque is transmittable, the bearing device rotatably supporting a wheel on an automobile body, wherein a pilot portion is provided between a base part of the shaft portion of the joint outer ring and an end portion of the inner member.

Abstract: A headed multi-lobed blank, method of manufacturing a self-tapping screw from the blank, and resulting multi-lobed self-tapping screw for joining thin workpieces provides desirable thread-forming characteristics at the conical tip and body portions, and improved resistance to vibrational loosening near the head. The resulting screw, obtained from the blank and method, incorporates a threaded tapered root portion between the screw head and body portion having a cross section that varies from nearly circular in the area adjacent to the underside of the head to a maximum out-of-round (or lobular) cross section at the intersection of the tapered root portion and the screw body.

Abstract: A playground apparatus having at least one support base for stabilizing the apparatus. A plurality of pockets are formed within the support base. The playground apparatus also includes at least one side member disposed within the pockets. A plurality of fasteners secure the side members disposed within the pocket to the support base to form the playground apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-level pool game apparatus having two or more generally horizontal ball-supporting playing surfaces supported in stacked relation, spaced sufficiently apart from one another to allow player access to the lower surfaces to strike balls with a cue or the like. Each surface may have one or more ball-receiving pockets. Conduits extend between pockets at adjacent surfaces to provide pathways between such adjacent surfaces. In one form of the game, each player has a set of visually distinguishable balls, and the objective is for each player to advance his/her balls along a predetermined route from surface to surface, while impeding the advance of the other players' balls along the route. In the preferred embodiment there are three or more playing surfaces and at least one set of conduits are aligned with a pocket at an intermediate playing surface to provide both upward and downward pathways from that surface.

Abstract: A entertaining system for entertaining guests. The entertaining system includes a buffet assembly comprising a main member and a plurality of drawers. Each of the drawers is extendable into the main member whereby each of the drawers is designed for storing items. The main member of the buffet assembly is designed for supporting food items to be served to the guests. A cabinet member comprises a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall defines an interior space. The cabinet member comprises at least one shelf portion. The shelf portion is designed for supporting tableware whereby the tableware is stored in the interior space of the cabinet member. A table assembly comprises a top member and a plurality of leg members. Each of the leg members downwardly extends from the top member whereby the leg members are designed for engaging a support surface for supporting the top member above the support surface.

Abstract: The butt end of a standard pool cue is modified by boring a threaded receiving female hole through the center of the butt cushion. A male threaded stub of an extender is sized to fit the butt end of a pool cue, which extender has, at its forward end, a cavity to receive the butt cushion and a center-located threaded bolt that is sized to mate with a threaded bore in the center of the cue cushion. One or more butt extenders are adapted at the butt end to receive other extender sections.

Abstract: In the form of a cover for the edge of an approach at a bowling center with a fascia or shoe molding composition in the form of a synthetic polymer, preferably black in color, suitable for use in a bowling center, a glow rod or a glow dowel may be set in the synthetic polymer, in order to permit bowling under a black system.

Abstract: A method of using a golf cup advertising device includes providing a golf course hole cup advertising device including a removable annular advertising member having viewable advertising; and inserting the removable annular advertising member into a golf course hole cup. The golf course hole cup includes a central cylinder with a central hole to receive a pin and an inner ring and an outer ring separated by multiple holes having a substantially arcuate outer portion. The removable annular advertising member is sized so that the entire substantially arcuate outer portion of all the holes is exposed when the golf course hole cup advertising device is within the golf course hole cup.

Abstract: A golf ball includes, as a composing element, a hot-molded product obtained from a rubber composition which includes a main rubber containing 10 to 90 mass % of a polybutadiene, an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and an organic peroxide. The polybutadiene has 60% or more of cis-1,4-bonds. Further, letting a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4(100° C.)) of the polybutadiene be ML and a viscosity of a toluene solution containing 5 mass % of the polybutadiene at 25° C. be &eegr;(mPa·s), ML and &eegr; satisfy a relationship of &eegr;≧20×ML−600.

Abstract: The present invention describes a golf ball with a center, at least one wound layer, optionally, at least one intermediate layer, and at least one cover layer. The center is at least about 1 inch in diameter and includes polybutadiene, natural rubber, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene, or styrene-propylene-diene rubber. The at least one wound layer includes one or more of polyether urea, polyester urea, polyester block copolymers, polyethylene, polyamide, polyketon, poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide), or polyisoprene. The at least one intermediate layer includes polybutadiene, natural rubber, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene, or styrene-propylene-diene rubber. The at least one cover layer includes a thermoplastic resin or a thermoset material. This unique construction gives the ball characteristics both of a wound and a solid construction.

Abstract: In a solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover, provided that a coefficient of restitution at a firing velocity of v m/s is designated by CORv, a ball structure prior to formation of the cover satisfies COR25-COR50≧0.100, and the ball satisfies COR50≧0.740 and COR25-COR50≧0.09. The golf ball's performance depends little on the head speed so that the flight performance of the ball when hit at a low head speed is improved while the flight performance when hit at a high head speed is little deteriorated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-piece solid golf ball, of which flight distance is improved by accomplishing high launch angle and low spin amount in initial flight performance, while maintaining good shot feel such that the rebound characteristics are good, when hit at low head speed. The present invention relates to a three-piece solid golf ball comprising a center, an intermediate layer and a cover having many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein hardness distribution of the center; hardness distribution between each layer and the contiguous layer in the golf ball; and a ratio of the golf ball surface area occupied by the dimple to the total surface area of the golf ball and the total of a periphery length of the dimple; are adjusted to specified ranges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having soft and good shot feel, high rebound characteristics and excellent abrasion resistance when hit by an iron club. The present invention related to a golf ball comprising a core and at least one layer of cover covering the core, wherein the outmost layer of the cover is formed from a base resin mainly containing the mixture of (i) ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid-acrylic ester terpolymer ionomer resin obtained by neutralizing with magnesium ion, (ii) ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer ionomer resin obtained by neutralizing with sodium ion, and (iii) ethylene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer ionomer resin obtained by neutralizing with zinc ion, and the outmost layer of the cover has a Shore D hardness of 45 to 60.

Abstract: A method of practicing a golf shots includes using a practice golf club which has a backward bent shaft. By having the shaft bent backward, the player's hands are located in front of the ball both at address and impact. This ensures that the club face will provide the proper ball lift.

Abstract: Chemoluminescent illuminators are used in night visible game equipment, notably, croquet and bocce. Game balls overcome rotational wobble tendencies resulting from perturbations in the rotational moments of inertia. The balls are at least partially transparent or translucent and include a receptacle for receiving a chemoluminescent illuminator. Different colored illuminators are provided to mark different balls as relating to different players. In one embodiment the balls have relatively thin outer walls and internal metallic rings to contribute a majority of the necessary weight and to add differential weighting to equalize the moments of inertia around all three axes. Wickets comprise chemoluminescent illuminators held in proximity to conventional wickets. Wicket holders may assist with supporting the illuminators. Stakes and mallets accept chemoluminescent illuminators to illuminate the stakes.

Abstract: A basketball shot training device including a platform having a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface is positionable on a flat recipient surface. The upper surface receives a practicing player's feet thereon in a standing orientation. A tether is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is adjustably secured to the platform. A glove is coupled with the second end of the tether. The glove has an opening therein for receiving a hand of the practicing player therein. The device is capable of detecting the angle and position of the glove following a shot to ascertain whether a shot was properly executed with the requisite “follow-through”.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tennis racket stringing machine. The machine comprises racket fastening means including a lower supporting plate on which a head frame of a tennis racket is seated to be securely maintained in a lengthwise direction of the lower supporting plate, a fixed section which is projectedly disposed adjacent to one end of the lower supporting plate and functions to fasten one end of the head frame, a movable section which is disposed adjacent to the other end of the lower supporting plate to be capable of being moved along the lengthwise direction and functions to fasten the other end of the head frame, and a clamp which is located below the lower supporting plate to rotatably support the lower supporting plate; and tensioning force adjusting means separately located from the racket fastening means, for adjusting tensioning force of string installed through the head frame.

Abstract: A belt-type CVT is comprised of a driving pulley and a driven pulley each of which has having a transmission piston chamber and a clamp piston chamber. An effective cross sectional area of the driving-side clamp piston chamber is equal to an effective cross sectional area of the driven-side clamp piston chamber. The driving-side clamp piston chamber is fluidly communicated with the driven-side clamp piston chamber through a common passage.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic transmission having a plurality of transmission gear trains. The hydraulic control apparatus performs a gear shift operation by a select actuator and a shift actuator. When the shift actuator is actuated to a neutral position, an oil pressure is supplied from a shift position detection valve toward the select actuator which selects a gear shift stage switching mechanism. When the oil pressure is supplied by a normally open solenoid valve, and also a reverse gear stage switching mechanism is selected, a pilot pressure is supplied from a select position detection valve to a forcible reverse shift valve. Thus, one oil pressure supplied to the shift actuator is shut off. When the shift actuator actuates the reverse gear stage switching mechanism, the shift position detection valve is actuated so that the oil pressure from the select position detection valve is supplied to an input clutch.

Abstract: A Lube Regulated Pressure Regulator Valve including an internal check valve that passes transmission fluid from the hydraulic pump in an amount sufficient to fill the torque converter in the Park gear range and at low engine speeds is disclosed. The internal check valve opens at a substantially lower line pressure than is required to open the original equipment manufacture pressure regulator valve to ensure the torque converter is operational at engine startup. As engine speed increases and sufficient line pressure builds up within the torque converter charge circuit, the internal check valve is closed and the pressure regulator valve opens as it would normally to feed line pressure to the torque converter directly. When the engine is shut off, the internal check valve is biased to a closed position preventing automatic transmission fluid from draining back from the torque converter through the pressure regulator valve to the fluid sump.

Abstract: The motor actuator includes a driving motor, and a motor gear formed on a rotary shaft of the driving motor. The motor actuator further includes an input gear which meshes with the motor gear, and a planet gear revolving around a rotation axis of the input gear when the input gear is rotated. It further includes a stationary gear which is fixed in a coaxial relation with the input gear, and meshes with the planet gear. It further includes an output gear which is disposed rotatably in a coaxial relation with the input gear, has an output shaft and teeth whose number is different from that of the stationary gear, and meshes with the planet gear. With this configuration, the motor actuator is preferably small and reliable, and provides preferable output characteristics in torque and rotational speed.

Abstract: A transfer case, which may be used to distribute the torque selectively between the primary and secondary driving wheels of an automotive vehicle, includes an input element and two output elements located along a common axis. It also includes a magnetic particle clutch and a planetary gear set which are both organized by about the same axis. The clutch and planetary set are connected together such that they provide a direct path through which torque is transferred from the input element to one of the output elements without slippage. The arrangement further provides a slip path through which torque is transferred from the input element to the other output element with slippage, and this path has two segments, one through the planetary set and the other through the clutch and planetary set. The clutch path accommodates slippage and the proportion of torque transferred through the slip path depends solely on the electric current conducted through the clutch.

Abstract: A three-speed transfer case for providing a direct drive connection between the input shaft and the output shafts, a low-range drive connection and an ultra low-range drive connection. The ability to choose between the distinct speed ratio drive connections permits the vehicle operator to best match the road conditions or off-road terrain to the tractive requirements of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A torque coupling connects the secondary driving wheels of an automotive vehicle indirectly to the power unit of the vehicle through a variable torque coupling, while the primary driving wheels on the vehicle are connected directly to the power unit. The coupling compensates for variations in the angular velocity of the primary and secondary wheels while still transferring torque to the secondary wheels. The coupling includes a magnetic particle clutch organized about an axis and a planetary gear set organized about the same axis. The coupling has two paths through which the torque is transferred, one a mechanical path and the other a clutch path. Most of the torque is transferred through the mechanical path, while the clutch path accommodates for slippage and controls the proportion of torque delivered to the secondary wheels, with the control being solely dependent on the magnitude of the current directed through the clutch.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A family of transmissions employing three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms provides at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio when the torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of three. Three interconnecting members continuously interconnect six members of the planetary gear sets. The output shaft is continuously interconnected with at least one member of the planetary gear sets, and the input shaft is not continuously interconnected with any member of the planetary gear sets. The torque-transmitting mechanisms consist of both selectively engageable rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms and selectively engageable stationary type torque-transmitting mechanisms.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, first and second interconnecting members, and four clutches. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the third planetary gear set and an output member that is continuously connected with another member of the third planetary gear set. The second interconnecting member continuously connects members of the first and second planetary gear sets with the transmission housing. The four clutches provide interconnections between various gear members, the first interconnecting member, and with the input and the output shaft, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least five forward speed ratios.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has two input shafts and one output shaft, each connected to a clutch and disconnectable by the clutch from the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle, and one or two electric machines are associated with the two input shafts and connected to them by nonpositive engagement; the electric machines being located on the side of the clutches remote from the engine, so that it is possible to dispense with a starter and a generator for the engine.

Abstract: The invention eliminates the feeling of two-phase speed-change operations by causing a speed-change operation to proceed continuously when the speed-change operation is performed through two-phase control of engagement and release of four engagement elements. An automatic transmission is such that a predetermined speed-change operation is achieved through a pre-phase speed-change operation in which a first engagement element and a third engagement element are released and engaged respectively and through a post-phase speed-change operation in which a second engagement element and a fourth engagement element are released and engaged respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle start system including a gear selector moveable to change from one of a plurality of drive conditions to a Start condition, for effecting Start-up of the vehicle engine. The system unifies the functions of a conventional gear shifter and an ignition switch assembly, A method of starting a vehicle utilizing the system is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for synchronizing the movement of a stationary bicycle with video effects produced on a video display of a computer, wherein the bicycle has a rear wheel, handlebars, and a pair of front wheel forks operatively engaged with the handlebars. The apparatus includes a motion sensor configured to produce a rear wheel rotation signal which corresponds to the rotation of the rear wheel. The apparatus also includes a handlebar rotation sensor assembly that is configured to produce a handlebar rotation signal which corresponds to the rotation of the handlebars about an axis. A digital signal processor is configured to receive the rear wheel rotation signal and the handlebar rotation signal and transmit output signals to the computer so that a user of the bicycle may interact with the video effects by rotating the rear wheel and the handlebars.

Abstract: A readily applicable exercise device is provided constructed of four hinge-like or living hinge devices and four generally shaped blocks. Each said block has a rounded groove in the center for finger placement and grip. This design allows the fingers, placed on opposite sides of the machine, to be stretched equally on both sides and in a number of different variations to focus on specific muscles or tendons within the fingers and hand.

Abstract: A stair climbing exerciser includes a frame with two links pivotably connected between two lugs on two rails of the frame and two cylinders are respectively connected to the two links and the frame. Each frame is connected to a pedal. An adjusting member is rotatably connected to two bolts extending from the two links so that the two links are pulled toward each other or pushed away from each other by rotating the adjusting member. By this way, the height of the two links and the pedals can be adjusted simultaneously.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed including a base structure having a central support member with a first end and a second end to which a vertically oriented resistance assembly is secured. The apparatus also includes a cable having a first strand and a second strand. The cable links a user to the resistance assembly for the application of resistance as the user moves through an exercise routine. The first and second strands exit the resistance assembly at a position adjacent an upper end of the resistance assembly for engagement by the user at a position above the shoulders of the user. The apparatus further includes a user support structure having an upwardly extending support post. The support post includes a first end secured to the central support member and a second end.

Abstract: An exercise device for use in water is made of a buoyant material and can support a user positioned in a body of water. Two opposed end portions are connected by a narrowed central portion that is dimensioned to fit between the upper leg portions of the user. In use, the user places the central portion between the legs, causing the end portions to be buoyed upward and enveloping the user's trunk. Positioned thus, the user is supported in an upright position with the limbs free to move, which is suitable for performing an exercise.

Abstract: A compact portable abdominal exercise apparatus comprising a first member that concentrically slides in a second member, and resistance is provided by elastic attached between the distal end of the first member and the distal end of the second member. Handles position the user in an ergonomically neutral position that requires a user to crunch straight downward for the first member to slide properly within the second member. The straight downward crunching motion requires flexion of the user's lower vertebra column, thereby isolating the abdominal muscles from the hip flexors and back muscles. Molded covers protect the user from moving parts associated with the connector assembly. The elastic members can be quickly changed by the user.

Abstract: An exerciser has a base, a rocking frame and a back pad. The rocking frame is pivotally attached to the top of the base and adapted for a user rocking the rocking frame relative to the base. The back pad is mounted on the rocking frame and adapted for the user to lay on the back pad. With such an exerciser, the user not only can train the abdominal muscles of user, but also can swing, twist or expand his or her body.

Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus for rehabilitation and fitness training comprising horizontal side members attached to a horizontal cross bar. Vertical members extend upward and rearward from a mounting bracket attached to the middle of the cross bar where each vertical member contains a telescoping member for adjusting the height of the apparatus. A U-shaped handle is disposed on top of the telescoping members with a gripping section at each distal end. Each of the vertical and telescoping members have a plurality of apertures for inserting for inserting a locking device therethrough that secures the handle at the desired height. Wheels are attached along one face of the cross bar for ease of movement while a plurality of feet are disposed on the bottom face of the side members for stability and resistance to rolling while the apparatus is in use.

Abstract: The present invention is a cover device for covering an exercise fitness ball. The cover device comprises a fabric cover having a perimeter. The fabric cover is positionable over at least one-half of the exercise fitness ball. A fastening mechanism is positioned about the perimeter of the fabric cover for releasably securing the fabric cover to the exercise fitness ball.

Abstract: A discharge and transfer system for receiving interfolded sheets from a folding mechanism. The system includes a guide arrangement for receiving the interfolded sheets in a vertical direction from the discharge of the folding mechanism, and for guiding the interfolded sheets to a substantially horizontal direction of movement onto a discharge table. The sheets are moved along the discharge table by a belt arrangement. When the endmost group of sheets attains a predetermined position on the discharge table, a clamping mechanism engages the endmost group of sheets toward an end of the endmost group of sheets. The clamping mechanism includes a first clamping member which moves into the endmost group of sheets at a location outwardly of the separation between the endmost group of sheets and the next adjacent group of sheets, and further includes a second clamping member which moves toward the first clamping member to clamp a portion of the endmost group of sheets therebetween.