Abstract: A method of loosening crop material jammed between a cylinder and concave grate of an agricultural combine includes attaching a winch to a portion of the combine such that the winch location is fixed relative to the cylinder. An arm member is engaged with the cylinder, and a free end of the winch cable is attached to the arm member. The winch pulls the arm member toward the winch and rotates the cylinder in a reverse direction through a portion of a revolution, and then the winch is reversed to provide slack to allow disengaging the arm member from the cylinder, and reengaging the arm member at a different location to attain a suitable orientation. The winch is then again operated to rotate the cylinder in reverse through a further portion of a revolution, and steps are repeated as required to loosen the crop material.

Abstract: Methods of playing a video game on a video game console by a user including: furnishing a first media to the console, the first media including instructions executable according to a video game having at least one game environment; furnishing a second media to the console, the second media including data defining a character including at least one attribute that can be modified; furnishing a third media to the console, the third media including data defining a modification to the at least one attribute of the character; and manipulating the character within the at least one game environment.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a card game are disclosed. The card game may be played with a real deck of cards and an associated playing surface or with a virtual deck of cards as part of a virtual card game on a processor-based platform.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a card game are disclosed. The card game may be played with a real deck of cards and an associated playing surface or with a virtual deck of cards as part of a virtual card game on a processor-based platform.

Abstract: A card game system in which a game progresses based on game information recorded in a card in each of a plurality of game apparatuses. The game apparatus set as a master apparatus includes a master reception device that receives the game information transmitted from each of the game apparatuses, a permission device that rejects the reception of game information until a start determination device determines to start a specific time and that permits the reception of game information when the start determination device determines to start the specific time, and a rejection device that rejects the reception when an elapse time determination device determines that the set time as the specific time in advance elapses after permitting the reception. Each game apparatus includes a terminal transmission device that transmits the game information to the master reception device.

Abstract: The device for allocating a scoring event in a sporting game to one of a plurality of players of an interactive game depending on specific circumstances during play of the sporting game which result in scoring of one adversary in the sporting game over at least one of the other adversaries in the sporting game, the device including a set of discrete game members having depicted thereon a corresponding set of unique scoring event descriptors so that each game member has thereon a single unique scoring event descriptor from the set of unique scoring event descriptors.

Abstract: A gaming device operable upon a wager by at least one player includes: (i) a display device; (ii) first and second entities displayed on the display device, the first entity representing the player; (iii) at least one input device configured to enable the player to choose an offensive play and a defensive play fore the first entity; (iv) wherein the display device is countered to display the offensive and defensive plays being countered by a defensive and offensive play, respectively, for the second entity; and (v) a processor configured to determine an outcome for the player based on at least one of (a) a comparison of the offensive play for the first entity to the defensive play for the second player, and (b) a comparison of the defensive play for the first entity to the offensive play for the second entity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for monitoring bingo cards using a computer and a keyboard communicating via a wireless communication link. Stored in computer memory are data representing a number of bingo cards and a set of games and winning patterns. Stored in keyboard memory is an identifier of the number of cards in play. The keyboard may be powered by a battery and may have a reduced power operating mode to which it switches itself. The keyboard may charge its batteries to full charge individually. The keyboard may have an external power jack to which an external power supply can be connected without interrupting a game in progress. The keyboard may receive data from an external device via its wireless communication link and load that data into its memory. The keyboard may have in its memory a unique identifier that it transmits to the computer.

Abstract: According to a gaming machine of the present invention, when a specified internal win is determined based on a predetermined internal lottery table, an internal win is determined based on a specified internal lottery table having larger range of the random number determining the internal win of a replay than that of the predetermined internal lottery table. In addition, the internal win of the replay has higher priority than that of the specified internal win when the rotation of reel makes a stop.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine game includes a display 102 including a first plurality of tokens 104, the game including the random or pseudo-random selection of a second plurality of tokens 108 from within the first plurality of tokens. Preferably, the tokens represent dominos and are programmed to change appearance during play to reveal a winning combination.

Abstract: The present invention senses a player's coordination and reaction time levels while operating a video game, or a video game of chance, and automatically adjusts various parameters affecting the game play, to minimize or eliminate the effect that said player's skill has on a game outcome. In certain circumstances, the present invention may actually provide an element of control over the game outcome, but the intent of the invention is to bridge the entertainment gap that currently exists between skill based video game entertainment and the traditional formats of video games of chance—resulting in a much broader demographic appeal for video games of chance.

Abstract: A method and device are provided that allow a wagering consumer to place wagers on pari-mutuel events without being at the originating facility or at another licensed pari-mutuel betting facility. A betting kiosk is placed in a location open to the public with a high speed communication link to the betting kiosk. Instructions for setting up and maintaining an advance deposit wagering account are provided at the wagering consumer's kiosk. A wagering consumer deposits funds into the advance deposit wagering account and then places bets and has his account credited or debited depending on the success of the bets placed. The betting kiosk sends the wagering consumer's information securely to an advance deposit wagering company, and receives information from the advance wagering company regarding authorization to make a bet.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes: a first game unit that performs a first game process for providing a first game to a first group of players; and a second game unit that performs a second game process for providing a second game to a second player. The second game process includes: allowing the second player to bet on any one of players from among the first group of players; and paying out a first part of a second award to the second player based on the bet amount in accordance with a result of the first game, the second award being divided into the first part and a second part. The first game process further includes paying out the second part of the second award to the players of the first game on which the second player bet.

Abstract: A method of joining a first device to a radio communications network controlled by a second device without contemporaneous user input of a secret at the second device, comprising: storing in the second device a secret generated at the second device; making the stored secret available in the first device; and creating in the first device and in the second device, using the secret, a secret key for use in securing communication between the first and second devices.

Abstract: A system for conducting events is based on the use of a secured contactless data interchange between secured ID cards and read/write stations. Each card is associated with an individual attendant and contains an electronic chip, which is comprised of an EEPROM for storing information relating to a card owner, at least one event, at least one sub-event in the framework of the event, an entrance password, an exit password, etc. Each card contains an RF antenna for contactless interaction with the RF antennas of read/write stations that are installed at the entrance, exit gates and on the event territory. The system and method of the invention are aimed at strengthening security measures at such events as conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, etc., and make it possible to trace attendants when they are located on the territory of the event.

Abstract: An exemplary method of utilizing a universal casino cash card by a consumer at member casinos that includes purchasing a casino cash card by a consumer at a member office using a credit card or cash. The deducting of service charges from the casino cash card by the member office and forwarding the remaining consumer funds to a central casino office for crediting the account of the user's casino cash card to be used at a member casino. The using of the casino cash card at the member casino by a consumer to play, gamble, or purchase goods or services at the member casino. The reviewing of status of the casino cash card at a gaming terminal to obtain the status or history of transactions made, winnings, losses, and purchases of goods and services The securing of the casino cash card by placing a security device on the casino cash card.

Abstract: The present gearshift addresses these problems. The shifter has a ball and socket joint; an upper elongated post and pin extending from the ball; and a switchplate that carries several switches. The switches communicate with a central processing unit that receives a signal upon activation of said switches. Movement of the elongated post causes movement of the ball within the socket, which in turn causes movement of the pin, and further, the pin contacts the switches to send the signal to the central processing unit that corresponds to a gearshift in the video game.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal including an electronic compass module and a method for playing a stand-alone mobile game by using the electronic compass module.

Abstract: An embedded user interface system 10 includes a web page display screen 20 and an embedded processor 30, and is incorporated into a gaming machine 40 that in turn includes a gaming presentation 50 and a gaming processor 60. The embedded processor 30 employs an internal operating system and communicates with the gaming processor 60. The display screen 20 presents information to a user via the display screen. The dictionary extension 100 receives an incoming text string, parses the text string to identify a navigation command and pull a uniform resource locator from the text string, loads the uniform resource locator pulled from the text string into a variable, and indirectly navigates the web content capable display screen to the uniform resource locator in the variable. This provides a dramatic improvement over traditional system components 70 (input/output peripherals) that have been used in the past to access service and system information, such as a 2-line, 20-character VF display and a 12-digit keypad.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for creating a system of self-organizing colonies of players engaged in turn based games and other social activities performed within a web browser is provided. The approach described here partitions the game site population into distinct colonies with the appropriate activities and design such that the players create a community environment. Playing online games and chatting are examples of social networking activities; therefore, an invention that combines self-organizing capabilities to these activities will enhance the social experience. Essentially, the notion becomes a game within a game where the players change aspects of the rules governing the site and the games themselves. In particular, tests have demonstrated that game players create their own distinct communities just as thermodynamic theory predicts.

Abstract: A game apparatus recognizes a user based on a user ID set to user by user, and issues a character card. To start a game, the user sets the character card in the game apparatus. After the game is ended, a save data representing a game result is associated with the user ID and stored in a server. At the start of the next game, the character card is set in the game apparatus and the save data is read from the server to the game apparatus based on the user ID, so that the game is continued from the previous game according to the save data.

Abstract: A sports gaming and entertainment system has a plurality of kiosks to allow customers to access legal sports gaming opportunities, obtain sports information, view different sporting events, and make sports related purchases. A secure server is coupled to the plurality of kiosks. The secure server sends selected information from an internet system to the plurality of kiosks to allow the plurality of kiosks to offer legal sports gaming opportunities, obtain sports information, view different sporting events, and make sports related purchases.

Abstract: Scheme for use in testing software for computer entertainment systems allows the operations that are entered by the user into the system's manual controller (or “game pad”) to be recorded. A test version of a software title includes code that initializes a library that is configured to record controller data for testing purposes. The controller data from the manual controller is received in a host and is then stored. The captured controller data can then be used to reproduce the bug or other flaw. The library may also be configured to retrieve controller data from storage for testing purposes to implement a playback function. The retrieved controller data is sent to an operating system for the entertainment system to emulate controller input data when running the game or other software.

Abstract: When a movement of a sight point of a virtual camera along a line of sight thereof in a virtual game space is completed, an image representing the virtual game space is taken by the virtual camera and the image is used as a reference image. At the same time, started is a measurement of elapsed time since the generation of the reference image. Next, shifted images are generated based on the reference image, and a shift width representing a space on a screen between the reference image and each of the shifted images is determined in accordance with the elapsed time. An image is generated such that each of the shifted images is displaced from a position of the reference image on the screen by the shift width in a predetermined direction and the generated image is displayed on the screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slip joint including a shaft having a plurality of shaft grooves formed on an outer peripheral surface in the longitudinal direction; a pipe having pipe grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface, the pipe grooves facing the shaft grooves so as to define cylindrical spaces, an end of the shaft being inserted into the pipe; a pin inserted into one of the cylindrical spaces; a first spring pin inserted into a different one of the cylindrical spaces, the first spring pin being made of a cylindrical elastic body having a longitudinal seam; a second spring pin inserted into the first spring pin, the second spring pin being made of an elastic body; and a connector for integrally connecting the first spring pin to the pin so as to constitute a slipper.

Abstract: A disc pack coupling for transmitting torque between two shafts approximately aligned on a shaft axis a hub assembly including an end adapter adjacent to a hub flange. A center member is fixed to the end adapter and is encircled by a disc pack. The disc pack resiliently couples the end adapter and the hub flange.

Abstract: A stroking constant velocity universal joint assembly includes a housing, a retainer, and a drive unit. The housing includes an open end and defines a bore extending from the open end. The retainer is coupled to the housing and defines a proximal end adjacent the open end and a through-hole aligned with the bore. The drive unit includes a drive spider disposed in the bore and a drive shaft extending from the drive spider through the through-hole. The drive shaft is capable of angulating relative to the housing. The retainer retains the drive spider in the bore and includes a plurality of tabs partially defining the through-hole. Each tab includes an inner surface extending from the proximal end to a distal end. The inner surface angles outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis for increasing a range of angulation of the drive shaft in a direction toward one of the tabs.

Abstract: A threaded die holder apparatus includes an internally threaded die unit and a hollow die-support socket which receives the internally threaded die unit. The hollow die-support socket includes an open slot channel. Die-to-socket attachment means are connected between the internally threaded die unit and the hollow die-support socket. Preferably, the hollow die-support socket includes a plurality of open slot channels. The internally threaded die unit and the hollow die-support socket are arrayed along a central longitudinal axis, and the open slot channel is arrayed in the hollow die-support socket in a direction that is transverse to the central longitudinal axis. The transversely arrayed open slot channels permit application of a lubricant from outside the hollow die-support socket to inside the hollow die-support socket to allow lubrication of a thread-forming operation by the internally threaded die unit.

Abstract: A passenger restraint system for a vehicle having a plurality of seats, each seat having a seatbelt, a retractor from which the seatbelt is extendable, and a receiver used to latch the seatbelt. Each retractor includes a first pneumatic locking element and a second pneumatic locking element for limiting movement of the seatbelt and each receiver includes a receiver pneumatic locking element for locking the seatbelt within the receiver. A controller controls the operation of a plurality of first valves for supplying air to the first pneumatic locking element of a corresponding one of the plurality of retractors, a second valve for supplying air to each of the second pneumatic locking element of the plurality of retractors, and a plurality of third valves for supplying air to the receiver pneumatic locking element of a corresponding one of the plurality of receivers.

Abstract: A micropattern grip surface for use on a grip, and particularly a grip for a golf club, wherein the pattern includes alternating upstanding ridges and grooves between the ridges. In a preferred embodiment, the ridges extend with a generally longitudinal direction of extension component on the grip with a generally circumferential direction of extension component and also may be parallel. The ridges in an embodiment zigzag along the longitudinal direction. In an embodiment, at intersections or bends between the zig and the zag line elements, additional free end barbs extend from the intersections. The density, width and height of the line elements of the ridges are selected to provide drag on the hand or object gripping the grip, preferably in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions, and to give the grip a velvety feel. Alternatively, each of the ridges is comprised of some line elements.

Abstract: A protection device for the golf club grips includes a compartment adapted to slideably receive the grip and protect the grip from moisture, precipitation and debris. In one embodiment, multiple compartments are combined to create a useful club tote having a strap for carrying and a clip for attaching to a golf-bag. The device advantageously enables the golfer to carry a partial set of clubs on the fairway or green, or during practice at a driving range, protecting the clubs from moisture, precipitation and debris when the unused clubs rest on the ground or lean against an object when not being used.

Abstract: A web micropattern grip surface for use on a grip, and particularly a grip for a golf club, wherein the pattern is defined by upstanding ridges. The ridges have components of extension that extend both longitudinally on the grip and circumferentially around the grip. In one embodiment, neighboring ridges may be parallel. Ridges are oriented to intersect forming a web pattern. The density of ridge elements and the width and height of the ridge elements is selected to provide drag on the hand or object gripping the grip, preferably in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions, and to give the grip a velvety feel. Various shape web pattern are defined by intersecting webs that surround and define geometric shape areas including parallelogram, polygon, honeycomb and rounded shapes.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a golf club head body, an elastically deformable thin layer, a striking plate and a club weight portion. The golf club head body includes a crown portion, a toe-side wall portion, a sole portion and a heel-side wall portion. The elastically deformable thin layer is provided on the golf club head body and arranged between the toe-side wall portion and the heel-side wall portion. The elastically deformable thin layer has a thickness thinner than that of other portions of the golf club head body. Mounted on a front portion of the striking plate is the striking plate along which the elastically deformable thin layer has a direction of extension so as to absorb a striking stress transmitted from the striking plate. The club weight portion is arranged on the golf club head body to adjust the center of gravity and the moment of inertia.

Abstract: Grooves made for irons and drivers of golf clubs are adjusted so they will give a desirable rotation for the golf ball after impact. Beside the other possible adjustments that I mention, the grooves will primarily have one wall slanted to the other wall. This will allow the ball to release in a direction and or intensity level different than the standard grooves. In the United States Golf Association the golf irons and drivers have different rules and regulations than golf putters.

Abstract: A golf club head has a face insert that is supported from beneath by a substrate composed of a plurality of elongate rod elements arranged in a parallel closely packed array. Because the face insert is made of a single material, the resiliency of the face insert itself does not vary across the front surface of the face insert; however, the effective resiliency of the face insert may be varied by varying the resiliency of the substrate. This is accomplished by selecting different materials and/or different overall lengths for the rod elements that comprise the substrate. Use of a substrate comprising a plurality of rod elements permits the effective resiliency of the face insert to be varied without varying the face material.

Abstract: Golf balls including at least one non-surface layer that has been treated with a radiation source to effect a complete cure of the non-surface layer and methods for making same, wherein the radiation-curable non-surface layer includes a polymer component and, optionally, an initiator, a crosslinking agent, or both.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component. The dual core comprises an interior center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The present invention golf ball may further comprise an outer core layer that surrounds the dual core. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known golf balls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable case for a golf ball equipped with a heat generating device, which can maintain elasticity of the golf ball itself for improving the flight distance of the golf ball, and can keep a golfer player's body warm. The present invention has an accommodating zone being partitioned into a first accommodating space and a second accommodating space by a thin plate, the first accommodating space being adapted to receive a golf ball therein and a second accommodating space being adapted to receive a heat source therein so as to provide resilience to the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf tee having a flat disc shaped base that allows its use on frozen, wet or loose ground. The unique design of the tee alleviates the need to guess what the height of the ball is from the ground. This will enable the golfer to make better contact with the ball.

Abstract: The divot repair and ball marker tool may be a base member containing at least one recess for the positioning of the ball marker, at least one prong or fork extending from the opposite end of said base member, one top portion that forms a projection over such recess and exerts a downward pressure on the ball marker when the ball marker has been inserted to secure said ball marker in place. When inserted, the ball marker lies within the recess in the base member of the divot repair and ball marker tool and is secured in place by the projection formed by the top portion of the divot repair tool. A golfer can quickly and easily remove the ball marker from the divot repair and ball marker tool by lifting the projection of the top portion and lifting the ball marker out of the recess in the base member.

Abstract: A basketball rim attachment device for decreasing the diameter of the circular rim to increase shooting accuracy, having an annular rim insertion device for insertion onto the circular rim; and a plurality of hooking apertures upon the annular rim insertion device for attachment to the rim in a manner that provides substantially rigid conformity with the rim when applied and removability when not applied. The device is made from materials selected from the group consisting of plastics, polvinyls, polyurethanes, rubber, and metallic materials. The hooking apertures are generally between 110 degrees and 270 degrees in cross-section. Also shown are other embodiments in which the hooking assemblies are perpendicularly mounted below the rim device, as well as a flexible version with an inner and outer tube for changing the size of the aperture to meet the demands of differently sized basketball rims.

Abstract: A device for practicing an address stance and ball-hitting motion in sports such as baseball, softball and tennis. A hitter stands on a step plate (30) and a swivel plate (31) mounted on a flat base (12). The plates have adjustable separation, with the step plate fixable in a plurality of locations relative to the swivel plate. The plates align the hitter's feet using toe stops (36). The step plate (30) has a foot guard (34) that forces the hitter to step toward the pitch. The swivel plate (31) rotates about a vertical axis, and has foot-retaining straps (38, 39) that allow the heel to lift. The hitter learns to step toward the ball and swivel the back foot while swinging, turning the body, and shifting weight toward the ball. The foot plates (30, 31) are reversible on the base (12) for right or left-handed use.

Abstract: A technique for improving the safety of a sport with bases involves providing a variety of indicia. The indicia can be associated with portions of the base to facilitate safe base running.

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching a baseball or softball player batting fundamentals. The apparatus comprises a base plate, a horizontally-disposed support bracket having baseball tee supports for supporting three telescoping baseball tees. The baseball tee supports are vertically mounted on the support bracket to support the baseball tees in fixed, elevated positions above the home plate area. In a preferred, the support bracket is sized and shaped to position three baseball tees in a vertical plane, such that when balls are simultaneously placed on each of the baseball tees, a batter is permitted to selectively hit any one of three balls, without disturbing either of the two non-selected balls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel net, in particular for sports, such as a volleyball net, tennis net or goal net, which can be provided with advertising or other information. Said net is characterised by a mesh structure that is formed by a film containing holes distributed over its surface. A film of this type can be printed before the holes are produced, thus enabling advertising or other information to be applied by simple printing presses.

Abstract: A reconfigurable target/projectile activity entertainment device is disclosed, wherein the device includes a projectile, a target having a target area and a reversible base connectable to the target. The target is in the form of a hoop or ring and is disposed above the reversible base. The hoop has an opening therein that forms the target area. The hoop contains a sensor that detects a projectile passing through the target area and communicates with a sensory generator to generate sensory-stimulating output (i.e., lights and sounds). Projectiles directed through the target area drop to the reversible base below the target area. The reversible base has a first side and a second side. The first side is concave for collecting a projectile that drops thereon. The second side is opposite the first side and has a convex side that deflects projectiles dropping thereon to deflect the projectile away from the device.

Abstract: Rotatable sleeves are disposed adjacent the ends of the crossbar of a goalpost. A stub is integrally formed with each of the sleeves and each stub protrudes through an opening in the crossbar. The opening in the crossbar is dimensioned to permit back to front movement of the stub and corresponding rotation of the sleeve until verticality of the stub and its associated upright is achieved. At that point, the sleeve is locked against further rotation by means of a tapping block previously installed in the sleeve and engaged with a serrated bolt through an appropriately dimensioned opening in the crossbar and corresponding holes in the sleeve. Once the bolts are tightened into the tapping block, the sleeve is drawn tightly against the interior surface of the crossbar, thereby locking the sleeve and the stub and the upright against further rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shaft and arrow system. The shaft and arrow system includes a hybrid structure that may include two concentric tubes. A first of the two concentric tubes may comprise an outer shell or jacket of thin-walled metal alloy. A second of the two concentric tubes may include an inner core of thin-walled fiber reinforced polymer. The two concentric tubes may be bonded together by a suitable adhesive such as epoxy or urethane. The shaft may have a reduced diameter as compared to conventional arrow shafts, and the shaft may be receptive of a variety of inserts, points, nocks, and other components. Some inserts may be completely recessed within a first end of the shaft.

Abstract: The present specification described novel arrow inserts and arrow systems that may be used for archery. One aspect of the novel arrow inserts relates to two or more seperated contact portions or fit rings. The use of at least two fit rings contacting an inside diameter of an arrow shaft at a spaced interval provides better alignment of the arrow insert, and thus an arrow point, with the arrow shaft. The novel arrow inserts may be formed with a lip to limit insertion into the arrow shaft, or without a lip. Inserts without a lip may allow the insert to be fully inserted into the arrow shaft. The inserts may be sized to fit snugly into any arrow shaft, including reduced diameter hunter arrows described herein. The inserts may also be sized to accommodate standard arrow point assemblies, half-out arrow point assemblies, or smaller diameter arrow point assemblies.

Abstract: A method for forming an outside layer on a curved surface and a kit for the same purpose is disclosed. The method here is achieved by the following steps: (a) providing an assembling kit containing a first set and a second set; (b) assembling the first set and a second set together to form an outside layer on the curved surface. The first set of the assembling kit consists of a central hexagon and three pentagons. The second set consists of one binding hexagon and two peripheral hexagons. As the first set and the second set is combined together, only one respective edge of the central hexagon abuts one corresponding edge of each binding hexagon.