Abstract: In order to provide a gaming machine which enables selective clear display of patterns of reels and performance images displayed on front side display means arranged in front of the reels as needed, a gaming machine comprises: variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of patterns; front side display means, which is arranged in front of said variable display means, and through which the patterns of the variable display means can be seen; internal prize-winning-combination determination means for determining an internal-win-combination; a plurality of operation means for stopping the variable display of said variable display means; stop control means for stopping and controlling a variable display operation of said variable display means based or the result of determination of said internal-win-combination determination means and an operation of said operation means; and game media disbursement means for disbursing game media when a stop mode of the variable display means stopped by said stop c

Abstract: Both a computer based means and method for achieving a random ordering of objects by emulating a mechanical air blower device and an electronic device that accurately emulates a mechanical device used to mix light-weight balls are shown. In the preferred embodiment, the device is used to select winning numbers for games such as Bingo or KENO.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a wagering gaming device that enables a player to accept a discounted game element when a triggering event occurs during a primary wagering game. The discounted game element includes may be a discounted reinitiation of the primary wagering game or a discounted component or function of the primary wagering game.

Abstract: A gaming device and method having a multi-game bonus scheme. The gaming device includes a controller, a device for providing a plurality of bonus games related by a plurality of bonus picks and a display device adapted to exhibit at least the bonus games and the bonus picks. Preferably the bonus picks are used in each bonus game. The gaming device includes an advancement ladder exhibited by the display device, wherein the advancement ladder includes at least start, ready and go blocks which must be reached before the player is awarded bonus values.

Abstract: Methods for distributing, activating, and using prepaid gaming cards are presented. The prepaid gaming cards are made available to consumers in various locations including retail outlets, department stores, financial institutions, and other convenient places. Consumers purchase a prepaid gaming card in a desired denomination and then activate the card. The card can be activated over the phone, at a special kiosk, or via the web. Once the card has been activated, the consumer can use the card to access gaming web sites and pay for gaming entertainment provided by private companies and state or federal gaming authorities. The amount available on the card may increase or decrease depending on the success of the consumer, and the value of the card may be distributed back to the consumer via an electronic transfer or a cash distribution at a retail location. When the value of the card is depleted, the card can be refilled with additional funds.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus is provided comprising a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to said display unit and said value input device The controller comprises a processor, a random access memory and a read only memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller is programmed to detect, in a computer software instruction, a name of a computer program to be executed, and to access memory to retrieve a memory address corresponding to the name of the computer program to be executed. The controller is also programmed to cause the computer program to be retrieved from the memory utilizing the memory address, and to execute the computer program retrieved from the memory.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking customer activity without need for an extensive interconnecting network. The system includes a plurality of gaming devices that are communicatively isolated from one another. Information, including tracked customer activity, bonus requirements, and in one embodiment, personal information, is stored on a memory device communicable with the gaming devices. This allows implementation of an incentive program at reduced cost because the service devices themselves need not be networked together.

Abstract: The present invention teaches methods and systems for providing a gaming server system (Gaming System) for enabling a quality-of-service on-demand (QoS) broadcast system to provide a gaming computer or game console with premium levels of quality-of-service. The gaming server provides premium network connection service levels based upon customer profile, current activity, account status or other criteria.

Abstract: A system and method for flexibly implementing a wireless gaming network of compatible portable units may include individual game applications that allow each respective portable unit to function in either a server mode as a server unit that manages a particular gaming event, or in a client mode as a client unit that participates in the gaming event. The compatible portable units may include one or more client units configured to utilize corresponding game applications in the client mode to participate in the gaming event. The compatible portable units may also include a selectable server unit configured to utilize a game application in the server mode for managing the gaming event. The server unit may also include a security module that separately controls access by the various client units for participating in the gaming event.

Abstract: A method for awarding a bonus to a player of an electronic gaming device at one of a plurality of casino properties is implemented with a slave server networked with gaming devices at each property. The slave servers are networked with a master server that accumulates a pool comprising a percentage of play on the gaming devices. The pool is initiated with a starting value, which defines the lower end of a range having a predetermined maximum number at the upper end. A number is randomly selected from within the range. As play progresses, the pool increases until it hits the random number. As a result, a slave server is randomly selected. The randomly selected slave server then awards the bonus to a randomly selected one of its associated gaming devices.

Abstract: A communication network for gaming devices includes a host and communication links leading from the host to each gaming device and back to the host, thus defining a network loop topography. Each communication link comprises an optical communication link permitting bi-directional communications. The host is adapted to detect a break in the network loop and re-route information over the appropriate portion of the link to communicate with each gaming device. In one embodiment, the network includes a security monitoring system which includes at least one sensor for detecting the position of a gaming device cabinet access door. The security monitoring system and a communication interface for the gaming device are provided with an independent or backup power supply so that they remain operational when power is shut off or lost to the remainder of the gaming device.

Abstract: The present invention is an image processing method for moving a virtual camera located in a three-dimensional virtual space at a predetermined speed, and changing a distance between the virtual camera and a character defined in the virtual space, wherein a moving speed of the virtual camera changes based on the distance between the virtual camera and the character.

Abstract: A computer game controller with integrated LED display to indicate when special features or modes are in use at a given time. A communication cable establishes a communication link to facilitate the transmission of command signals. When a user selects button "A" and activates the "turbo"or program option, a LED light located proximate button "A"is lit to indicate that "turbo" or program mode is engaged. Likewise all buttons, pads, keys and knobs are associated with a LED light somewhere within the controller. A plug is affixed to the end of the communication cable. When the cable is inserted into a receptacle on a computer gaming device and a connection is properly formed, a LED light formed on the plug will light in response to a voltage across a voltage supply line.

Abstract: Two-step protruding portions are provided in a cover of a pulley for hooking the cover on the pulley. When a bridging part is broken, a driving-unit-side portion of the bridging part is outwardly displaced in a rotation axis direction of the pulley. The first-step protruding portion of the cover thereby slips out from a hooking state. However, after the driving-unit-side portion mounts on the driven-unit-side portion, no further force acts outwardly in the rotation axis direction. As a result, the second-step protruding portion of the cover is hooked on the pulley, so that the cover can be fixed to the pulley. This results in inhibiting broken bridging parts or dampers from dispersing.

Abstract: The tension decoupler devices comprises:

Abstract: A welding bellows capable of absorbing torsion is equipped with a plurality of bellows cores made from thin metal plates wherein the centers of the inner diameter and the outer diameter are made eccentric to each other, and the metal cores are combined so as to make it possible to absorb torsion with respect to the center axis.

Abstract: A shaft has a shank with a splined portion and a large diameter portion formed in an outer peripheral surface of the shank, the large diameter portion having a diameter that is larger than a diameter of an external periphery of the splined portion. A tapered portion is provided at a side surface of the large diameter portion on the splined portion side. This tapered portion stops a fitting member that is fitted onto the splined portion. In addition, a cut back portion formed at an end portion of the splined portion at the large diameter portion side and the tapered portion are interposed by and continuously connected by a first curved portion, a flat portion and a second curved portion.

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 gripper kit for a vertical-type bowling ball lift and return mechanism that is suited for the lifting and handling of bowling balls covered with various amounts and types of oil. The kit comprises a combination of an endless belt, a tension bracket, a pair of track rail covers, and tapered and specially designed thimbles to guide and facilitate delivery of the ball into the channel between the endless belt and the outer surface of the track rails. The thimbles are tapered so as to ensure consistent and smooth entry of the bowling ball into the conveying belt area. During operation the bowling ball is conveyed along the channel with minimal slippage irrespective of the amount of oil that accumulates on the bowling ball.

Abstract: A golf practice and exercise device having a frame with a horizontally projecting arm spaced from a base or from the ground and from which is suspended a member such as a resilient flat strip. The suspended member is positioned with a clubhead impact surface in position for striking by the clubhead of a golf club. The impact surface is sufficiently large that a golfer need not concentrate on striking a small target as is required when swinging at a golf ball. The member is formed to provide substantial resistance to the impact of a golf club to impose muscle strain on the golfer for muscle development, while being limited in resistance to allow the head of the golf club to move the member sufficiently for the golf clubhead to ultimately pass under the member and allow the golfer to complete the follow-through of the golf swing.

Abstract: A golf driving range target (112) comprises pockets (150, 183) suspended for cables (146, 176), the pockets feeding received golf balls to a common receptacle. Between the exits (166) of the pockets and the common receptacle, the balls, which are coded, pass code-reading devices for identification. The pockets have walls (162, 165) which are shaped to direct received balls quickly to the exit (166) and may have internal ball-directing baffle members (163, 167). The pockets may be arranged concentrically or in an array.

Abstract: There is disclosed a golf club such as a putter and in one embodiment an attachment for the same. The club head has at least one striking face, a rear face and side faces or edges defining a body of a predetermined thickness to which a shaft is attached. Within the body of the head there is provided a recess in a form which opens into the rear face of the head or as a closed aperture completely defined within the body which is of marginally greater dimensions than, and adapted to receive an object such as a conventionally sized golf ball. The recess or aperture can be disposed of substantially centrally of the head behind the striking face of the club head so that the “sweet spot” on the striking face can be substantially centrally disposed of said recess or aperture. Ideal toe-heel weight distribution can be achieved in this manner.

Abstract: A training device is provided for teaching the proper technique for the putting of a golf ball. The training device includes a putting surface having contours therein and a cup for receiving a golf ball. A tee box is provided on the putting surface. The tee box has ball placement indicia for placing a golf ball thereon, a length generally equal to a desired length of a stroke of the putter necessary to putt the golf ball from the ball placement indicia into the cup in the putting surface, and a width generally equal to the width of the putter. Roll path indicia on the putting surface identifies a roll path for the golf ball as it travels between the ball placement indicia and the cup in the putting surface.

Abstract: A new golf swing and hip rotation connector, comprising a combination of:

Abstract: A golf putter and a method for using the same is disclosed. The golf putter includes a putter head with an insert and a radial bottom, a shaft attached to the putter head, and a grip having a gap and a weight attached to the shaft, wherein the gap includes a cutout for attaching a clip. When the clip is connected to a golfer's body, the golf putter is effectively anchored to the golfer. The method includes providing a golf club having a putter head with a putting face, approaching a golf ball such that the big toe of the foot furthest from the target is placed adjacent to the golf ball and the golfer's dominant eye is directly over the golf ball, positioning the golfer erect at forty-five degrees to the target, gripping the putter with the golfer's dominant arm, and putting the golf ball by moving the dominant arm and putter along the target line such that the face of the putter head engages the golf ball with appropriate force to drive the golf ball to the target.

Abstract: A shot control hosel is disclosed for customizing golf clubs. The disclosed embodiments of the invention provide a set of hosels, each hosel having a conical body. The body has a central axis, a top portion and a bottom portion. A cylindrical opening extends from the top portion to the bottom portion and is adapted to accommodate a golf club shaft. A flange may be provided on the body and may be adapted to engage a notch within a bore of a golf club head. A resilient barb on the smaller of the top portion and the bottom portion is provided to secure the hosel within the bore.

Abstract: A golf putter head adapted for attachment to a club shaft is provided with a face member having a strike face and a cylindrical back cavity, and a body member configured to fit and rotate within the back cavity is disclosed. Selective rotation of the body member within the back cavity sets a loft of the putter head. The weighting of the putter is adjusted by securing a weight member to the body member. A golf putter head having an increased moments of inertia is also disclosed. The putter head includes a face member, a body member, and a weight member. Placement of the weight member is such that the moments of inertia are increased and the putter head is stable.

Abstract: A golf ball is described that includes a spherical core, an inner cover or mantle layer, and an outer cover layer. A wide array of ionomeric materials are noted for use in the various cover layers. The mantle and the outer cover layers exhibit different Shore D hardness values and at least one of the layers includes a heavy weight filler material to enhance the interior perimeter weight of the ball. In several particular versions of the golf balls, the filler material is present in an amount of at least 10% by weight based upon the weight of the layer or layers within which the filler material is incorporated.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, at least one layer of the cover is composed mainly of a mixture of an amino-terminated block polymer and an ionomer resin in a weight ratio between 3/97 and 60/40. The mixture is effectively moldable, and the golf ball is improved in rebound, durability, and scuff resistance.

Abstract: A weighting device for use on an athletic ball striker as during swinging of the striker, the striker having a handle, comprising in combination: a receptacle having an opening via which the striker ball striking portion is receivable into the receptacle, with the handle projecting from the receptacle; a retainer positioned for retaining the receptacle to the striker ball striking portion; and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the striker, for use as in striker practice swinging, the retainer including a holder that is applied in a retaining position proximate a local portion of the receptacle, to effect retention of the receptacle to the striker during practice swinging.

Abstract: A training bat includes a handle having proximal and distal ends, an elongate ball-striking element having proximal and distal ends, and a connecting rod connected at the distal end of the handle for receiving the proximal end of the ball-striking element and detachably connecting thereto. The ball-striking element has a diameter no greater than one-half the diameter of a conventional baseball bat to provide a training effect as the bat is used to swing at a ball pitched to a batter. Weights may be removed and added as desired to change the weight of the bat by removing the ball-striking element from the connecting rod, placing the desired number of weights on the connecting rod and reconnecting the ball-striking element to the connecting rod. The training bat has the length and weight of a conventional bat to maximize the training bat's effectiveness in developing hitting ability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sport training device that has a surface and at least one target. The present invention further includes a ball detecting and/or tracking device to provide information about the projected ball to assist in training.

Abstract: A push button mechanism for a lacrosse head is used to attach a head securely to the lacrosse handle. The mechanism comprises a button and a spring clip. The mechanism is placed into the shaft of the lacrosse handle and the push button locks in the corresponding hole. By pressing the button down, a lacrosse head can be slid over the hole and the push button can secure the head to the handle by locking into the corresponding hole of the lacrosse head. Using a push button attachment mechanism allows the user to easily change heads without the worry of damaging or stripping the holes of the head or handle and without the worry of carrying tools.

Abstract: In a system for controlling an automatic transmission, at the time of ultra-low temperature start with the oil temperature of −20° C. or less, control is carried out such that when the state that the actual line pressure is equal to or greater than an ultra-low set value continues for a period longer than a line-pressure low-pressure control command set time, it is determined that the line pressure is under regulation, maximizing an indicated value of the line pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt-driven clutch system having a driven clutch with a particular arrangement of cam followers and cam slots. One embodiment of the invention is a clutch having a fixed sheave, a movable sheave and a housing mounted to the movable sheave. The housing has a cam slot with first and second cam surfaces. The clutch also includes a pair of cam followers that is secured to the fixed sheave for acting upon the cam surfaces of the cam slot. A first cam follower of the pair of cam followers acts upon a first cam surface of the cam slot and a second cam follower of the pair of cam followers acts upon the second cam surface of the cam slot to reduce backlash and provide more responsive operation. The invention also provides adjustment of spring tension and belt width without requiring removal or disassembly of the clutch.

Abstract: Hydraulic control system and method for a belt-drive continuously variable transmission (CVT). The system includes an oil pump operative to produce an oil pressure and an oil flow amount which are supplied to the CVT, a pressure regulator valve operative to regulate the oil pressure, an oil supply passage for supplying oil to the belt on a downstream side of the pressure regulator valve, means for detecting an engine operating condition and generating a signal indicative of the engine operating condition detected, and a controller programmed to calculate a CVT input torque based on the signal, calculate a required belt lubricating oil flow amount to be supplied to the belt on the basis of the signal and the CVT input torque, determine a minimum speed of the oil pump based on the required belt lubricating oil flow amount, and control the oil pump at the minimum speed.

Abstract: Hydraulic control apparatus includes a belt-drive CVT, a pressure regulator valve (P.REG.V) regulating the oil pressure produced by an oil pressure source, a controller programmed to develop a transmission control signal, a transmission actuator driven based on the signal, and a transmission control valve actuated by the actuator. There are provided a first oil passage for supplying an oil pressure regulated by the P.REG.V, a second oil passage for supplying the oil pressure regulated to a primary pulley cylinder chamber of the CVT and draining the oil pressure therefrom, a third oil passage for draining the oil pressure within the cylinder chamber, and a fourth oil passage downstream of the P.REG.V. The third and fourth oil passages are connected to supply an oil pressure to the cylinder chamber and establish a minimum oil pressure required for clamping the belt depending on reduction of the oil pressure within the cylinder chamber.

Abstract: The invention features a three piece variable pitch sheave. In one embodiment, a pair of flanges are positioned on a rotatable central member. One of the flanges is secured in a fixed position, and may contact an abutment surface to locate it on the rotatable central member. The other flange is adjustably positionable on the rotatable central member, such as by engagement of complementary threads on the flange and the rotatable central member. Torque is transmitted between the first flange and the rotatable central member, such as via cooperating flat surfaces. The flanges may be made as identical elements, such as by a powdered metallurgy process.

Abstract: A motorized bicycle gear shift device comprising a derailleur and an electric motor, associated directly with the derailleur, for controlling the derailleur and an electric transducer of absolute type, also associated with the derailleur for producing an electric signal indicative of the absolute position of the movable body of the derailleur.

Abstract: The invention provides for a guide system (10) for tensioning a belt. The guide system (10) comprises an endless belt (12); at least two guides (14, 16) for guiding the belt (12); and tensioning means (18) for tensioning the belt (12) between the guides (14, 16), the tensioning means (18) being movable between a tensioned and a substantially non-tensioned position such that in the tensioned position it is biased to the non-tensioned position to compensate for a loss in belt tension. The guide system (10) also comprises self-adjusting regulating means that is operatively associated with the tensioning means (18) and that is adapted for moving the tensioning means (18) towards its tensioned position upon occurrence of belt slacking for effecting substantially immediate tensioning of the belt (12) while the belt (12) is running and without the necessity of manual intervention.

Abstract: The invention comprises a belt installation tool comprising a substantially planar body. A belt engaging surface extends substantially normally from a portion of the planar body. A pulley engaging portion extends from the planar body approximately opposite the belt engaging surface. A central bore allows a tool to engage a pulley shaft. In use, the pulley engaging surface engages a pulley whereby the tool is rotated by a pulley rotation about a pulley axis, thereby causing the belt engaging surface to automatically urge a belt onto a pulley. The planar body stabilizes the tool against the pulley as a belt is installed. The molded body may be fabricated by injection molding.

Abstract: An assembly for maintaining tension in a drive belt features a housing mounted on a base. The housing contains a biasing element that exerts torque on the housing to bias the housing in a radial direction. A lever arm is connected to the housing and rotates with the housing in response to the bias of the biasing element. A pulley is connected to the lever arm and engages a drive belt in response to the bias force of the biasing element on the lever arm. The pulley deflects the shape of the belt to provide tension in the belt. In one embodiment, the apparatus allows the user to switch the position of the biasing element and alter the direction of torque on the lever arm. In another embodiment, the lever arm and pulley are removable from the housing and replaceable with other arms and pulleys having different configurations.

Abstract: A power transmission belt is formed so that the back face side of a belt body is covered with a reinforced fabric woven with warps and wefts. In the reinforced fabric, the direction of warps and the direction of wefts make equal angles with the belt widthwise direction, and each of two directions of consecutive yarn intersections of the warps and wefts formed to stand out from the belt surface makes a certain angle with the belt widthwise direction.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle where an engine is shut down during vehicle stops to improve fuel economy. The automatic transmission includes a main pump that is driven off of a transmission input shaft, and an electronically driven auxiliary pump. A shut down shuttle valve switches a hydraulic circuit connection from the main pump to the auxiliary pump for a low-reverse clutch and a forward clutch when the vehicle stops in drive or low gear. A pressure transducer, controller and steady state relay allow for closed loop feedback to control the auxiliary pump in order to assure sufficient hydraulic pressure while minimizing power consumption.

Abstract: In an oil pressure control device, a clutch apply control valve is provided in an oil passage between a control valve and a linear solenoid valve. The clutch apply control valve is changed between a first position where an input port and an output port are connected so as to supply a control pressure to a control oil chamber, and a second position where another input port and the output port are connected so as to supply the control oil chamber with a D range pressure, instead of the control pressure. Therefore, the clutch apply control valve makes it possible to reliably supply an engaging pressure to a clutch even in the case of a failure of the control valve or the like to ensure good responsiveness of the clutch.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle system (9) for recovering a heat energy of an exhaust gas is mounted on a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine (1) as a drive source for traveling of the vehicle and an electric generator motor (2). An output from the Rankine cycle system (9) is input to a transmission (4) and used to assist in a driving force from the internal combustion engine (1), or converted into an electric power and used to charge a battery (8). During acceleration and cruising of the vehicle, the heat energy of the exhaust gas is recovered by the Rankine cycle system (9), and during deceleration of the vehicle, a kinetic energy of a vehicle body is recovered as a regenerative electric power for the electric generator motor (2), thereby reducing the amount of fuel consumed in the internal combustion engine (1). Thus, even when the vehicle is in any operational state, the energy recovery efficiency can be enhanced to the maximum to reduce the amount of fuel consumed in the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A motor for a hybrid vehicle is provided in which miniaturization of the drive system and transmission system can be achieved while maintaining driving performance. A drive plate 23 which connects a crank shaft 2 of an engine 1 to a transmission 3, is provided with a rotor base section 3 orthogonal to an axis C of the crank shaft 2, and a plurality of magnets 21 having pole faces facing in a direction along the axis C, are mounted on the rotor base section 3 to form a rotor 30, and there is provided a stator 32 with a plurality of conductive coils 22 arranged so as to face the magnets 21 of the rotor 30 in a direction along the axis C.

Abstract: In control apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, the vehicle having a continuously variable transmission associated with a vehicular engine and including a belt that transmits a revolution of a primary pulley to a secondary pulley that is enabled to make a gear shift by modifying a pulley ratio between the primary and secondary pulleys with a hydraulic, a determination is made as to whether a belt slip between at least one of the primary and the secondary pulleys occurs and an output section outputs a signal to command an engine control unit to increase an engine speed by a predetermined engine speed when the belt slip is determined to occur.

Abstract: A belt type continuously variable transmission (CVT) (10) for a vehicle varies the speed ratio in accordance with the hydraulic pressure that is regulated via a hydraulic pressure regulating unit (30). A sensor (27) detects a vehicle speed. A CVT controller (20) calculates a target hydraulic pressure that is supplied to the CVT (10) on the basis of a predetermined speed change schedule so that the speed ratio varies in the direction of up-shifting as the vehicle speed increases (S15). The CVT controller (20) also determines whether or not a specified condition holds (S16, S160), and controls the hydraulic pressure regulating unit according to a target start-up hydraulic pressure which is larger than a target hydraulic pressure for normal running (S11, S13), thereby preventing a speed change lag when the vehicle starts to move.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for a vehicle including an electric oil pump, a pump control portion which controls the electric oil pump, a hydraulic circuit portion which supplies a hydraulic pressure from the electric oil pump to an actuator of a transaxle of the vehicle, a hydraulic circuit control portion which outputs a control signal to the hydraulic circuit portion, and an oil pump rotation control portion which is provided in the pump control portion and which controls a rotational state of the electric oil pump according to a change in a control status of the hydraulic circuit control portion.