Abstract: A roof vent suitable for a conservatory roof of the type comprising glazing bars supporting glazing panels therebetween, the roof vent comprises a surround mountable between a pair of glazing bars and a cover for the surround and hingedly connected thereto.

Abstract: An auxiliary rotary drive for at least one auger that in normal operation is rotatable to transport grain from a grain tank of a harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive is configured to rotate the at least one auger during cleanout to assist air nozzles or other means to remove residual grain or residue from the harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive can be arranged to transfer power to the auger via a clutch arrangement arranged between the auxiliary rotary drive and the auger. The auxiliary rotary drive turns the auger at a speed slower than a normal operating speed of the auger.

Abstract: A game and gaming device for playing a game by a game player. The game includes a table having a card betting layout located on a surface of the table. A roulette like betting layout is also located on the surface of the table. A roulette wheel is mounted to above the table facing the game player. The game allows wagering on and playing a card game and a roulette like game at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention is an intelligent metering system for currency-activated devices having an electromechanical meter. The intelligent metering system includes an inductive pickup winding associated with the electromechanical meter. An amplifier is coupled to the inductive pickup winding to boost a signal detected from the inductive pickup winding when electromechanical meter is actuated. A pulse detector, coupled to the amplifier, detects pulses, false triggerings and filters out EMF spikes. A microprocessor is coupled to the pulse detector for counting the pulses detected by the pulse detector and for storing meter data related to the counted pulses in a memory device. An interface is coupled to the microprocessor for transmitting the meter data from the memory device.

Abstract: A method and device for gaming, in which a primary game is played toward a winning outcome, but including a bonus event triggered by a particular outcome or outcomes. The bonus event is characterized by allowance of play against the device to earn awards, the magnitude of such awards to be determined by the relative final successes based on simulated competition between the player and the device.

Abstract: A gaming device, such as a slot machine, determines a balance and a “dispensed amount” that is less than the balance. The dispensed amount may be determined by, for example, receiving signals from one or more key presses that specify the dispensed amount. Alternatively, the dispensed amount may be determined in accordance with one or more “balance management rules”. The gaming device in turn dispenses the dispensed amount, for example, by dispensing an amount of currency, transferring the dispensed amount to an account or adjusting a balance of a remote gaming device. The balance is adjusted by the dispensed amount, and this adjusted balance is available for initiating a subsequent play of the gaming device.

Abstract: A system for tracking game play frequency in a casino game, said system including a central server networked to a game unit, and a kiosk associated with the game unit. The central server stores personal information and registration biometric data of a player, wherein the personal information includes accrued comp point information. The kiosk includes a biometric reader for receiving a biometric identifier of a player, at least one of the central server and the kiosk compares the registration biometric data with game unit biometric data extracted from the biometric identifier to determine comp points based on game play on the game unit.

Abstract: A plurality of player characters are displayed simultaneously. Switches including at least one of a plurality of orientation input means are assigned to the respective player characters. At least one of the plurality of player characters has a first mode in which the player character operates in accordance with inputs made by the switches assigned to the player character, and a second mode in which the player character operates in accordance with a predetermined sub-program. Switching between the first and second modes is effected when there is performed input operation by any one of switches assigned to the player characters.

Abstract: A game controller having user pivotal grips for adjusting the size, and thereby the ergonomics of the game controller to accommodate the size of a specific user's hands. The grips are connected to the body of the game controller at a pivot point, and an indexing or positioning system retains the position of the grips once adjusted to the specific user's hands.

Abstract: A wireless control unit includes a controller having wireless transmitter circuitry for transmitting game information, and a console interface/adapter for converting one of the communication ports of the game console into a wireless receiver/transmitter. The console interface/adapter also includes an additional communication port so as to provide the user with access to the used communication port while the interface/adapter is operably disposed within the communication port of the game console.

Abstract: An interactive electronic game system is provided. The game system comprises two or more gaming machines each having display means for displaying images thereon and interaction means for an individual player to interact with the game system. A central server unit comprising a game system control means and a communication control means for controlling communications between the central server unit and the gaming machines is provided. A network connects the gaming machines to the central server unit. A random number generating means connects to the central server unit. The central server unit is arranged to play a game in which two or more players select one or more sub sets of indicia from a set of indicia. The selected sub-set is displayed on the display means of each player's respective gaming machine. The random number generating means generates a sequence of random indicia selected from the set of indicia.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, a video game apparatus has a base unit and an auxiliary memory unit connectable thereto. The base unit executes an application program to provide a video game and downloads a first application program and attribute data for executing the first application program to the auxiliary memory unit. The auxiliary memory unit executes the first application program downloaded from the base unit to provide a video game independently of the base unit. The auxiliary memory can also change attribute data, and the changed attribute data can then be received therefrom by the base unit and used to execute a second application program for providing a video game at the base unit.

Abstract: A game cartridge is provided for use with a portable game machine having a processing system to execute a video game program and player controls operable by a player to generate video game control signals. The game cartridge includes a housing, a game memory for storing a video game program executable by the processing system, and electrical contacts that, in use, electrically connect the game cartridge to the processing system. The game cartridge also includes a vibration source for vibrating the housing and a driving circuit responsive to instructions from the processing system for controlling the vibration source.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes a driving member, a coil spring, a driven member drivable by the driving member via the coil spring, and dividers by which the coil spring is divided into a number of spring sections. The relative rotation between the driving member and the driven member via the coil spring is limited by the engagement between one or more engageable portions arranged on the driving member at predetermined locations and the corresponding engageable portions arranged on the driven member at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint including an outer joint member formed with three track grooves having roller guide surfaces arranged in circumferentially opposed relation to each other; a tripod member having three radially projecting leg shafts; a plurality of rollers inserted in the track grooves; and a ring fitted directly on each of the leg shafts to support the rollers for rotation, the rollers being movable along the roller guide surfaces axially of the outer joint member, wherein each roller includes a set of annular roller portions and a plurality of balls interposed between outer raceway surfaces formed in rows in an inner periphery of the annular roller portions and two rows of inner raceway surfaces formed in an outer periphery of the ring, and wherein the inner peripheral surface of the ring is cylindrical and the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft is spherical.

Abstract: Slide apparatus includes a first slide, which may have a somewhat parabolic configuration having a trough and/or a switchback. The switchback is oriented and configured for changing the direction of travel of a user. Multiple troughs and switchback elements may be provided so as to maximize the length of time during which a user slides, yet without increasing water usage, energy requirements, and space requirements. A switchback element may be configured for reversing the direction of travel of the user from more than 0° to 180° or more. The switchback element may be configured for directing passengers in different directions along different paths, and yet, without a dividing wall therebetween, thanks to the configuration of the switchback elements. One or more partially or completely spiral slides may precede or follow the first slide.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved water flume ride having one or more slide effects for presenting multiple random flume paths to riders. In one embodiment, a water flume comprises a primary flume portion, an uphill embankment culminating in a crest, and two or more adjoining secondary flume portions. The secondary flume portions provide mutually exclusive ride paths which are selected according to the particular kinetic energy and/or momentum possessed by a rider ascending toward the crest of the uphill embankment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transferring a decorative image to a bowling ball by sublimation from a transfer sheet. The method includes applying at least one transfer sheet containing sublimation inks representing a decoration, such as an image or graphic, to the outer surface of the bowling ball and transferring the decoration from the transfer sheet to the bowling ball by applying sufficient heat and pressure to sublimate the inks. A heat press apparatus is one exemplary apparatus that is contemplated for providing the heat and pressure. The heat and pressure may be maintained after sublimation to allow the inks to penetrate beneath the outer surface of the bowling ball. This allows decorating the bowling ball with a durable image or graphic that does not does not affect the performance of the bowling ball. The decoration may cover the entire bowling ball, or any portion thereof.

Abstract: A golf course is laid out for play in a front round and a back round, with each round being played on a sequence of eleven holes spaced apart along a course that traverses natural rough environs. The holes are integrated into the existing natural rough environs thereby forming playable green areas adjoining out-of-play rough areas. Each hole includes a green located within an out-of-play boundary line, and the distance between the approximate center of the green and its out-of-play boundary line is fractionally proportional to the spacing distance that separates the green in play from the preceding green. All play is single stroke from green-to-green (hole-to-hole). The spacing distance from one green playing area to the next is limited to a predetermined distance that is calculated to allow it to be spanned in a single stroke by a beginning player.

Abstract: A golf instructional device is provided for designating proper setup positioning for swinging a golf club and for monitoring the location of a user's eyes while swinging the club, such a mat being customized for an individual golfer. The device comprises a mat for providing a playing surface upon which foot positioning markers and a club positioning marker are placed. A mirror is coupled to the mat and is preferably located adjacent to the mat surface. The markers are designed to be removably attached to the mat surface. The markers are adjustable to allow a golf instructor to indicate proper location and angle for the user to position themselves and the club which they are swinging. The mirror is of a chosen size such that when properly angled by the instructor, the user can essentially only observe his or her eyes while swinging the golf club.

Abstract: A golf putter head having a visual alignment aid includes a face member and a back body both of which may be selected from a plurality of differently configured face members and back bodies. The face member has a front surface, a top ledge, a rear surface, and a visual alignment aid comprising a rear edge parallel to the front surface. The rear edge is defined by the intersection of the rear surface and the top ledge. The back body comprises a flange portion that extends rearwardly and has an upper surface that is displaced below the top ledge. The face member and back body are selected from materials having contrasting colors so that the rear edge of the face member is contrasted against the background of the back body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a golf ball retriever for engaging and retrieving a golf ball from a cup. The golf ball retriever includes a fitting having an inner bore being affixed to an end of a golf club shaft, a plug sized to be received within the golf club shaft, a plurality of wires secured to the plug and extending through the fitting inner bore, and a plurality of contact elements each being attached to one of the wires. A user extends the wires from the golf club shaft to a position retained by engagement of the plug and fitting, wherein the wires diverge in order to receive the golf ball upon being urged therein for retrieving the golf ball from the cup.

Abstract: A set of golf club irons with improved vibration damping and weight distribution, each golf club comprising a shaft and a head comprising a body portion having a front portion and a back portion, wherein the body portion defines an upper aperture and a lower aperture extending through the body portion communicating with the front portion and the back portion.

Abstract: A golf club having a novel golf club grip assembly is described. The grip assembly includes an elongated forearm stabilizer blade mounted directly on the upper end of the golf club shaft and extending upwardly in line with the golf club shaft. A connector rod formed integrally with the stabilizer blade extends from the golf club shaft end of the stabilizer blade and is inserted into the upper end of the golf club shaft. In use, the stabilizer blade is pressed against the inside of the forearm of the golf player to provide a steady and accurate pendulum effect when swinging the club to hit a golf ball. In a second embodiment, the stabilizer blade is fabricated separately and is slipped over an elongated rod having an exposed end which is inserted into the upper end of the golf club shaft.

Abstract: A golf club includes first and a second shaft members that are releasably connected by a connector that is preferably substantially hollow. The connector has a male connector that has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is threaded on an exterior surface. The first portion of the male connector is coupled to one of the connecting ends of the shaft members. The connector also has a substantially hollow female connector that is coupled to the other shaft member. The threads on the exterior of the male connector are releaseably mated with interior threads on the female connector to provide an assembled golf club that may be disassembled for travel, but has characteristics that do not substantially vary from a similar conventional club. The mass of one connector is concentrated on its periphery.

Abstract: An iron style golf club head comprising a substantially perimeter weighted club head, including the interposing of three inserts, a striking face insert, a dampening insert and a back insert. The dampening insert, preferably made of a lead alloy, is interposed between the other inserts, and provides for changes in club swing weight while also providing relief for vibration and acoustical variations. The striking face insert is preferably made from a stainless steel alloy and the back inset is preferably made from a carbon graphite. The dampening insert is maneuvered into varied positions to effect a change in the specific gravity of each club head of a golf club set.

Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a frame member (60) and a body (61) is disclosed herein. The front member (60) has a front portion (72) and a return portion (74). The body (61) has a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64), a front wall (87) and optionally a ribbon section (90). A transition from the front wall to the crown portion (62) has a radius of curvature of at least 0.250 inch. The softer radius of the transition allows for a more durable and better performing club head. The frame member (60) may also be weighted to move the center of gravity of the club head forward toward the front wall (87).

Abstract: A reinforced golf club head includes a reinforcing plate, a curved sole plate, a striking plate and a crown plate. The reinforcing plate is welded to the sole plate in a lip area adjacent to the striking plate before the sole plate, striking plate and crown plate are joined together, so as to strengthen the sole plate and hence allow the lip area to withstand a relative large stress resulted from impact produced during striking a ball.

Abstract: An iron golf club head includes a first head member and a second head member. The first head member is structurally integrally formed of a neck, a heel, and a face which includes an annular first convexity at a rear side thereof. The second head member is structurally integrally formed of a toe, a top, and a sole, and includes a second convexity corresponding in location to the first convexity. The second convexity has a recess for disposing solder. Accordingly, the first convexity and the second convexity are fastened securely to each other by soldering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball, which is superior in flight distance, spin performance, shot feel and scuff resistance. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core consisting of a center and an intermediate layer, and a cover covering the core, wherein the center has a diameter of 37 to 41 mm, the intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and a hardness in Shore D hardness of 55 to 70, the hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of the center and a hardness in Shore D hardness of the cover, and a specific gravity of the intermediate layer is lower than that of the center and cover, the cover comprises polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer as a main component, and has a thickness of 0.3 to 1.0 mm.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an enclosure layer, an intermediate layer, and a cover, the enclosure layer and the intermediate layer each have a Shore D hardness of 10-50, the enclosure layer's Shore D hardness≦the intermediate layer's Shore D hardness≦the cover's Shore D hardness, and the deflections under a load of 100 kg of the solid core, a first spherical body consisting of the solid core and the enclosure layer, a second spherical body consisting of the solid core, the enclosure layer and the intermediate layer, and the ball are controlled to fall in specific ranges. The cover is formed of a cover stock comprising an ionomer resin and an inorganic filler.

Abstract: A progressive performance golf ball is disclosed. The progressive performance golf ball includes a low spin, high moment of inertia core assembly, which may comprise a low specific gravity core and/or non-continuous high specific gravity intermediate layer. This sub-assembly is encased within a soft cover with Shore D hardness less than 65. The low specific gravity core is preferably made from a foamed polymer, and the non-continuous high specific gravity core is preferably a geodesic or polyhedron screen or a perforated shell. The ball may comprise a non-continuous intermediate layer and a second intermediate layer, wherein one or both of the intermediate layers comprise high specific gravity materials. The cover is preferably made from thermoset polyurethane. Advantageously, the non-continuous screen or shell have a spring-like property, which allows the ball to readily regain its spherical shape after impact with a golf club.

Abstract: There is provided a golf ball with a low spin rate, a high launch angle and an increased flight distance, characterized in a ratio of a primary natural frequency of the golf ball in a direction in which the ball deforms (in a longitudinal direction) (fn) and a primary natural frequency of the ball in a vibration mode in a direction of torsion, i.e., a ratio fc/fn provided in a range: 2.22≦(fc/fn)≦2.45. This relationship is satisfied by a golf ball for example having a core formed of a plurality of layers and having a center smaller in complex modulus than the core's outermost layer or having a cover with a complex modulus adjusted to have a large value.

Abstract: A transportable basketball system having a wind-transmissive backboard structure and sand-anchorable post assembly with threads and handles for safe, simple and quick installation along beaches, shorelines and other sand-covered outdoor environments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing a blade from a hockey stick. The strap includes first and second loops each having an anchored end connected to a respective slide aperture and a constricting end slidably received through the respective slide aperture for constricting the loop when pulled. The constricting end of the first loop is anchored to the second loop and the slide apertures are fixed relative to one another whereby pulling the constricting end of the second loop constricts the second loop thereby pulling on the constricting end of the first loop to simultaneously constrict the first loop. The method includes inserting the blade through the first and second loops respectively, heating the glue between the blade and the shaft and pulling the constricting end of the second loop away from the shaft so as to constrict the loops about the blade and pull the blade from the shaft.

Abstract: A bat has an elongate tubular striking member of a first material, and an elongate handle member of a second material. The handle may be of composite material laid up in selected layers and orientation to produce selected weight distribution, strength, and stiffness and improved batting capabilities. The striking member and handle member may have juncture sections which are substantially rigidly interconnected through mating configurations.

Abstract: Arrowhead cutting blades having a sharper cutting edge, wherein the angle between opposing grind bevels on either side of a corresponding cutting edge is narrower than that which an arrowhead cutting blade of the same thickness would of normally had. Such an arrowhead blade cutting edge is ground on a necked down thinner edge portion of the precursor blade article (blade form or blade shape) during a strip grinding process (but not limited thereto), wherein the blade has a pair of opposing side faces, an inside corner and a step disposed between each side face and the cutting edge, so as to define the narrower cutting edge angle thereof.

Abstract: A driven element (100) has a first sheave (13) and a second moveable sheave (9). The sheaves (9 and 13) are rotatably tied together so that there is no relative motion between the two sheaves (9 and 13).

Abstract: A movable lever for a transmission chain, which is able to pivot smoothly, and avoid seizing on its supporting shaft, comprises a unitary, molded resin lever body composed of a chain-engaging shoe and a plate-receiving portion, and a reinforcing plate in a slot in the plate-receiving portion. The plate and the plate-receiving portion have coaxial, cofastening mounting holes which receive the mounting shaft. Reinforcing ribs are provided on a side of the plate-receiving portion and their ends are notched to provide grooves which promote the flow of oil, which accumulates on the lever, toward the mounting holes so that adequate lubrication of the mounting hole in the plate is achieved.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a drive system having a flexible drive element mounted on at least one driven member, the tensioning device including a first tensioning member having a first side, a second side, and a first contact surface for contacting the drive element and a second tensioning member having a first side, a second side, and a second contact surface for contacting the drive element. The tensioning members are secured to the first and second ends of an elongated connecting member, positioning the members in a spaced relationship to one another so that the contact surfaces of the tensioning members are in opposing disposition facing one another. The tensioning members are spaced apart so as to permit the first and second runs of the drive element to pass between the tensioning member contact surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is an improved tensioner for tensioning a power transmission belt. The tensioner is of the type having a track, a carrier mounted in sliding relation with the track with two degrees freedom of movement, a pulley rotatably mounted upon the carrier and for engaging the power transmission belt, a spring biasing the carrier in longitudinal relation to the track, and a damping mechanism that modifies the biasing of the spring based upon movement of the carrier in relation to the track. It is improved by the damping mechanism having a shoe placed in asymmetrical damping relation to the carrier and the track. Further, the shoe includes a first friction bearing surface in mating relationship with a second friction bearing surface of the track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain drive, in particular camshaft/camshaft drive for an automotive engine, the chain drive comprising at least two chain gears and a drive chain. Such a chain drive shall be made more compact without excessively great losses in its low-noise characteristics. To this end at least two chain gears are arranged in laterally offset relationship with one another in axial direction. The drive chain is a multiple-track chain. Each of the offset chain gears has assigned thereto a separate track of the multiple-track chain due to the lateral offset. The tip diameters of the offset chain gears are overlapping.

Abstract: In a silent chain, wear of the connecting pins and bushings, and wear elongation of the chain itself, are suppressed by the formation of through holes in the approximate centers of the teeth of toothed link elements for relieving strains in the inner peripheries of the bushings due to press-fitting of the bushings into the toothed link elements. The shortest distances between the bushing hole on the one hand, and the through-hole, the outside tooth surface and the inside tooth surface, on the other hand, are made substantially equal to one another. The through holes also reduce the weights of the individual link elements and contribute to a reduction in overall weight of the chain.

Abstract: A procedure to assemble a vehicular transmission from modular components. One determines the type of transmission to be assembled within a prefabricated housing sub-assembly, and then selects a central shaft sub-assembly from a family of modular shaft assemblies. A modular shaft sub-assembly appropriate to the transmission to be assembled is selected and then operatively connected to the housing sub-assembly to provide a housing assembly. An input sub-assembly is selected and operatively connected to the housing assembly. An output sub-assembly is selected from a family of modular output sub-assemblies, the selected output sub-assembly to be appropriate to the transmission to be assembled. The selected output subassembly is operatively connected to the housing assembly to provide a transmission of the type desired.

Abstract: A differential assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a differential case rotatably supported in an axle housing and forming an inner cavity housing a differential gear mechanism. The differential gear mechanism includes at least one pinion mate gear rotatably supported by a pinion shaft extending through radial bores in the differential case. The pinion mate gear has a back face adapted to cooperate with a complementary pinion seat surface through a thrust washer disposed therebetween. The differential case further includes at least one lubrication passage formed within the differential case adjacent to the radial bore receiving the pinion shaft. The lubrication passage provides fluid communication path for the lubricating oil from an oil reservoir in an axle housing to a space between the pinion seat surface of the differential case and the thrust washer of the pinion mate gear.

Abstract: An eccentric gear for providing a speed difference between two machine elements which are rotatably journalled in relation to a reference member and individually rotatable around a symmetry axis. The gear includes two pairs of co-operating gear rims, one of which in each pair is eccentric in relation to the axis and one of which is in the form of a male gear rim with out-turned teeth, and the other one is a female gear rim with in-turned teeth. One of the gear rims in each pair is rigidly connected to a homologous gear rim in the other pair of gear rims and situated along a common axis that is eccentric and oblique in relation to the axis while the other gear rims are rotatable in relation to each other.

Abstract: A differential axle assembly includes an axle housing having a pair of opposed openings. A differential gear set includes a pair of side gears. Each of the side gears are supported within one of the opposed openings. A plurality of pinion gears engage the side gears. A hypoid ring gear is rotatably supported within the axle housing and a pinion shaft is supported by the hypoid ring gear. The pinion shaft supports the pinion gears in engagement with the side gears. The hypoid ring gear includes a cylindrical inner diameter having a pair of axially spaced inwardly facing annular surfaces and the axle housing includes a pair of axially spaced outwardly facing annular surfaces. The hypoid ring gear is rotatably supported within the axle housing by a pair of roller bearings positioned between the annular surfaces.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, seven, eight or nine torque transmitting mechanisms and three fixed interconnections. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even speed ratio changes. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and two grounded planetary gear members. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least two to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

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 three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected to any of the planetary gear members. An output shaft is continuously connected with a member of the first or second planetary gear set or continuously connected with a member of the third planetary gear set and selectively connectable with at least one member of the first or second planetary gear set. 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.