Abstract: A slot machine according to the present invention comprises: a display to which a plurality of symbols are to be arranged and which is also capable of displaying a plurality of types of winnings with the possibility of being established by the symbols; and a controller, the controller rearranging a plurality of symbols sequentially over a plurality of times within the display, selecting an unestablishable winning combination with no possibility of being established in rearrangement of symbols not yet rearranged, based upon the rearranged symbols, the unestablishable winning combination selected out of the plurality of types of winning combinations and during one of the sequential rearrangement processes, and changing a display mode of the selected unestablishable winning combination within the display.

Abstract: A disclosed a gaming machine includes an input mechanism with a non-physical contact data interface. The non-physical contact data interface may be capable of reading loyalty program data from a loyalty program instrument without contact between the loyalty program instrument and the non-physical contact data interface. The input mechanism with the non-physical contact data interface may be one of a bill validator, a bar-code reader and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reader. The loyalty program instrument may be a substrate including at least one of a 1-D bar-code printed on the substrate, a 2-D bar-code printed on the substrate, a symbol printed on the substrate, alpha-numeric character printed on the substrate, a RFID tag embedded in the substrate, a RFID tag printed on the substrate and combinations thereof. The loyalty program instrument may be used to store an index to a record in a database or a portable data file.

Abstract: A method of providing a game for a gaming device using random payout from a prize pool, the game including a plurality of possible game outcomes, is provided. The method comprises: receiving, at the gaming device, a wager amount; receiving an input to initiate game play; and qualifying the wager amount to win a random award from the prize pool for each of at least two game outcomes from the plurality of game outcomes.

Abstract: A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a multimedia interface with a display and an interface to one or more sound projection devices and a multimedia board for processing digitally formatted program files for output on the multimedia interface. The player tracking unit may provide menus of audio and video programs, such as a menu for a musical jukebox or a menu for a video-on-demand service. Using a “TV-like” interface, a user may be able to select a program to output on the multimedia interface and control playback features of the program.

Abstract: A table game includes a lower level (2) providing a surface on which a plurality of player pieces (21) can move, an upper level (1) providing a surface on which a game is played and including a plurality of slots, a plurality of player pieces extending from the lower level and through the slots in the upper level, a plurality of electronic movement devices coupled to the player pieces to provide movement to the player pieces, and control means (4) for controlling the electronic movement of the player pieces.

Abstract: An example system and method is provided for filtering input values associated with movement of a hand-held control device. A current input value is compared with an average input value and, based on the comparing, an output value is generated in a range between the current input value and a prior output value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and determining a location of a gaming machine or other item within a casino or hotel is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus utilizes a transmitter or emitter to provide a tracking signal that may be tracked by one or more receivers or detectors. It is contemplated that the transmitter or emitter connect to a gaming machine. As the gaming machine is relocated within the casino its location is monitored. The one or more receivers may communicate with a host computer or other data processing system to generate location data regarding the gaming machine in relation to other aspects of the casino. Based on the location information generated by the location monitoring and tracking system, other aspects of machine operation may be controlled and additional features dependant on the machine location information may be enabled.

Abstract: A game system of the present invention comprises: a second game machine for executing a second game which is different from a basic game played in a slot machine; a plurality of second game terminals, having a bet input device with which a bet on a second game player is to be inputted, and a bet controller for issuing a bet signal in accordance with the second game bet when the second game bet is inputted; a slot machine, having a game controller programmed so as to execute the basic game and also programmed so as to enable play of the second game executed on the second game machine when a prescribed second game start condition is established in the basic game, and a command input device to which a command is to be inputted concerning acceptance or refusal of the second game bet on the second game player from a player other than the second game player, the game controller issuing a command signal in accordance with the command when the command is inputted; and a central controller for determining a payout val

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting a P2P message in a multi-access online game is disclosed. The system includes a game server for receiving game messages from a first user client, processing the received game messages, and transmitting game messages, needed to be transmitted to a second user client, to the second user client; and a database (DB) server for receiving status change information, and storing the received status change information in a database, wherein the game server, upon receiving a request of the second user client, having received a game message from the first user client as a P2P message, blocks the game message from being transmitted to the second user client. Therefore, some parts of transmission messages of the game server are transmitted or received as the P2P messages by the user clients, resulting in reduction of load at the game server.

Abstract: A method provides a fantasy sport contest having rules wherein a plurality of participants are permitted to populate respective fantasy rosters with actual athletes for purposes of competing with each other based on corresponding real-life field-of-play performances of the actual athletes. The method includes restricting a population of each of a first and second fantasy roster for respective first and second participants to actual athletes who are teammates on respective first and second real-life team, and measuring corresponding real-life field of play performance of the actual athletes on the first and second fantasy rosters. A ranking is established as between the first participant and the second participant based on the respective performance measurements, and is further displayed. The first real-life team and the second real-life team may be the same real-life team, or different real-life teams.

Abstract: A gaming console bezel with protrusion to open the gaming console in order to access the internal components. The protrusion is positioned on the bezel for a user to grasp in order to easily open the bezel, including under the circumstance when the bezel is stuck. Bezels for flat panel displays in bar-top and table-top gaming consoles are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is arranged that in a fixed type constant velocity joint 1 having a plurality of torque transmitting ball tacks 30, the torsional angle at the input torque 0 Nm in a torque-torsional angle diagram be approximately 0. Further, the torsional rigidity in the vicinity of input torque 0 Nm in the torque-torsional angle diagram is placed in a range of 1.5 Nm/deg to 6 Nm/deg.

Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint connection interface includes a drive unit, a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector and a sealant. The drive unit includes a shaft having a second interface surface. The direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector includes a unitary inner joint part having a first interface surface, where the first interface surface is connected to the second interface surface of the drive unit. The sealant provides filling between the first and second interface surfaces. Also provided is a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector having sealant on an interface portion of an inner joint part and a method thereof.

Abstract: An amusement ride installation has at least one passenger carrier adapted for supporting one or more passengers, and a launch system for launching the at least one passenger carrier. The launch system has a launch guide structure supporting and guiding the at least one passenger carrier to be launched along a launch path, a drive means providing a variable drive speed, and drive means-carrier connection means, including at least one mechanical connecting member, e.g. a cable, providing a temporary mechanical connection between the drive means and the at least one passenger carrier to be launched. The launch system is adapted to accelerate said at least one passenger carrier from a starting position along said launch path until at least a predetermined terminal launch speed has been reached by said at least one passenger carrier, where after said passenger carrier is disconnected from said connecting member and said at least one passenger carrier travels further along the amusement ride path.

Abstract: A rotary game table includes a combination game table, two side support members, and at least one cross member. The combination game table includes a pool table surface formed on one side and an air powered hockey table surface formed on the opposite side. The at least one cross member is terminated on each end by a single side support member. The combination game table is pivotally retained by a side support member on each end thereof. To pivotally constrain the combination game table, at least one locking pin device is used; in a second embodiment at least two pivotal support arms; and in a fourth embodiment a pair of support latches. A third embodiment includes at least one side support member configured to retain a plurality of game accessories. A gaming table may be substituted for the air hockey table.

Abstract: A convertible golf bag base and putting green includes a base plate, a ramp surface, a raised lip, a sidewall and a cup. A convertible golf bag base and putting green includes a circular incline with a perimeter rim wherein said perimeter rim defines a circle with an open arc and a depression within said incline within the perimeter of said rim. A convertible golf bag base and putting green includes a base, an incline rising up from said base, said incline including a rectangular ramp rising from the level of said base and spreading into a circular incline upon said base, a perimeter rim along two parallel edges of said rectangular ramp and encircling a portion of said circular incline; and a depression within said incline within the perimeter of said rim.

Abstract: A diagnostic golf club system having a diagnostic golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The diagnostic golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, and a non-volatile memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the diagnostic golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to determine a shaft flex profile for a particular golfer.

Abstract: A system is provided for indicating a region of a golf swing. The system includes a strip configured to encircle the feet of a golfer preparing to conduct the golf swing of a golf club. The strip is marked with one or more markings for a respective golf swing region. More particularly, the strip is positioned such that during an outer extremity of the golf swing region, the golf club is positioned above a respective marking.

Abstract: At least three clubs of a set of golf clubs may have an average volume between about 75 cm3 and about 90 cm3. The transverse dimensions of the at least three clubs may progressively decrease from a highest volume club to a lowest volume club. At least one club of a set may include a constraining member in a cavity. A linear distance between a sweet spot and a center of gravity may progressively decrease from a lower lofted club to a higher lofted club within a set. At least one golf club of a set may include a face plate portion, and at least two golf clubs of the set may include a cup face portion. At least two clubs of a set may include a progressively increasing hosel length from a lowest lofted club to a highest lofted club. The strike face of at least one club of a set may include a bulge and a roll. A first club of a set may have a face thickness that is less than a face thickness of a second club of the set.

Abstract: A golf club (20) having a club head (22) with an interchangeable shaft (40) is disclosed herein. The golf club (20) includes a tube (144) mounted in the club head (22), and a sleeve (146) mounted on a tip end (50) of the shaft (40). An exterior bottom end of the sleeve (146) has a castellated surface. An interior bottom end of the tube (144) has a matching castellated surface. The golf club (20) further includes a mechanical fastener (148) for removably securing the shaft (40) to the club head (22).

Abstract: A treatment that can be applied to the face of a golf club head complies with USGA regulations but imparts certain advantageous characteristics. The treatment can comprise a certain pattern and can be imparted to the club head via laser etching, diamond cutting, chemical etching or any other process that will achieve the desired result. In accordance with USGA rules, the treatment must cover the intended area of impact on the golf club face.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a cantilever face member having a front surface, a fixed end and a free end. A resonating cavity is defined behind the cantilever face member so that, when the front surface of the cantilever face member impacts a golf ball , the cantilever face member oscillates in a bending mode and generates an acoustic response in the resonating cavity. One or more tines may be disposed in the resonating cavity to alter the acoustic response. The tines may be selected from a plurality of tines having different length dimensions and frequencies.

Abstract: A golf club head, in particular a golf putter head, with a striking face, which is provided on the front side of a striking part, for a golf ball, and with a device, which is fastened to the rear side of the striking part, for receiving interchangeable weights. The device has two elements which mutually intersect preferably without any contact and to the one free end sections of which weights can be fitted. As a result, a shifting of the center of gravity and distribution of the weight of the head are possible in a particularly variable manner.

Abstract: An exemplary golf club head having additional discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing light-weight materials, an favorable average crown height, and/or articulation points. By using a preferred break length, the additional discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head.

Abstract: A wood-type golf club head (40) preferably having a major body (50), a striking plate insert (55) and a minor body (60) is disclosed herein. The major body (50) is preferably composed of a metal material and has a front wall section (72), a return section (74), a sole section (76), a ribbon section (78) and a ledge portion (80). The minor body (50) is preferably composed of a low density material and has a crown section (62) and a ribbon section (64). The striking plate insert (55) is preferably composed of a metal material. The wood-type golf club head (40) preferably has a sole section 76 with a first keel (400) and a second keel (405).

Abstract: A face or face insert (40) for a golf club head (20) is disclosed herein. The face (40) has an interior surface (40a) with a first thickness section (200) and a second thickness region (205). The first thickness section (200) preferably has a thickness that is at least 0.025 inch greater than the thickness of the second thickness region (205). In a most preferred embodiment, the first thickness section (205) has a X shape. The face or face insert (40) with variable thickness allows for a face or face insert (40) with less mass in a golf club head (20) that conforms to the United States Golf Association regulations.

Abstract: An exemplary golf club head having additional discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing light-weight materials, an favorable average crown height, and/or articulation points. By using a preferred break length, the additional discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head.

Abstract: A wood-type golf club head (40) having a major body (50), a striking plate insert (55) and a minor body (60) is disclosed herein. The major body (50) is composed of a metal material and has a front wall section (72), a return section (74), a sole section (76), a ribbon section (78) and a ledge portion (80). The minor body (50) is preferably composed of a low density material and has a crown section (62) and a ribbon section (64). The striking plate insert (55) is composed of a metal material. An epoxy-based composition (200) is placed at a face-sole junction (205) to lower the amplitude of the sound of the golf club head (40) during impact with a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf club head having a recess located in a top portion thereof is described and claimed. The recess is located between the heel and the toe and extends toward the sole. The recess may be in the top line of the club head. An insert may be placed within the recess. The insert has a density that is less than the density of the club head body, and the insert preferably is a light-weight insert. The insert may include one or more dampening materials. The recess removes material from the club head, which in turn may do one or more of the following: increase the overall size of the club head, expand the size of the club head sweet spot, lower the club head center of gravity, and/or produce a greater club head moment of inertia. Thus, the recess and insert produce a more forgiving and playable golf club. As an alternative to a recess, a thin protrusion may be provided at the top line of the club head and the insert provided with a corresponding groove to facilitate attachment.

Abstract: Golf balls including centers formed from polybutadiene reaction products having a percent change in dynamic stiffness from 0° C. to ?50° C. of less than 130 percent where the reaction products include a resilient polymer component, a crosslinking material, a cis-to-trans catalyst, and a free radical source. The golf balls may be formed with polyurethane covers, covers formed from castable reactive liquid materials, among other materials. The golf balls may also include an intermediate layer.

Abstract: A golf ball component, such as a golf ball cover layer, formed from a high or increased melt index thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethane/polyurea is disclosed. The cover layer may be relatively thin (i.e., 0.075 or less, preferably 0.050 inches or less, more preferably less than 0.040 inches, even more preferably less than 0.030 inches). In addition, an operation in which the outer cover is exposed to an isocyanate solution is described to improve certain physical properties of the resulting golf ball.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a core and one or more cover layer encasing the core, wherein at least one cover layer is formed by injection-molding a single resin composition of primarily (A) a thermoplastic polyurethane and (B) a polyisocyanate compound, and at least some polyisocyanate compound in which all the isocyanate groups on the molecule remain in an unreacted state is present in the resin composition. The golf ball has a high rebound, an excellent spin performance and an excellent scuff resistance, and the cover layer-forming resin composition has excellent flow properties and an excellent cover layer manufacturability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having an outer surface with recessed and/or raised features thereon and having markings shaped as letters or figures formed on the outer surface. The markings are depressions of a substantially uniform depth from the outer surface and are characterized by (1) or (2) below: (1) letting S be the number of the depressions of a substantially uniform depth from the outer surface and N be the total number of dimples on the outer surface, the ratio S/N×100 is 100% or less; (2) the markings are circular or elliptical, or are polygonal. The aerodynamic performance of the golf ball is improved by arranging the depressions of substantially uniform depth evenly on the surface of the ball.

Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a low volume cover layer (14) is disclosed herein. The golf ball (20) has a cover layer (14) with a volume less than 0.1550 cubic inches. In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer (14) is composed of a reaction-injection molded polyurethane material. Preferably, the cover layer (14) has a plurality of deep depressions (99) with either a plurality of multi-faceted polygons (44) or dimples.

Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a low volume cover layer (14) is disclosed herein. The golf ball (20) has a cover layer (14) with a volume less than 0.1550 cubic inches. In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer (14) is composed of a reaction-injection molded polyurethane material. Preferably, the cover layer (14) has a plurality of deep depressions (99) with either a plurality of multi-faceted polygons (44) or dimples.

Abstract: A ball mark repair tool includes a flat handle and vertical blades extending forward of the handle on parallel blade axes. The blades are oriented in planes parallel to each other and normal to the plane of the handle. The handle is adapted to be grasped between a user's thumb and fingers, and the blades are adapted for incremental movement through turf and soil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing and/or training persons, particularly athletes, with regard to reaction time, peripheral vision, foot speed, agility and (in some cases) strength of hand punch/speed or impact. In addition to testing and training persons, the method & apparatus can improve response and/or reaction time to verbal/audible stimuli. Testing and training can be applied in similar fashion to individuals, or groups of individuals, e.g. part or all of a sport team, under direction of a coach or of a testing operator/technician. An initiating stimulus (illumination of a light signal or motion of a “mounted” ball) provides a start signal to test subjects, who respond to the stimulus, as by touching or striking a blow to a target. Either of these actions will initiate one or more conditions which occur in a predetermined pattern, e.g. to start a timer which is halted by sensing the touch or blow.

Abstract: A system for connecting a sports shaft to a sports head includes a shaft-head connector having a shaft side and a head side. The shaft side has a cavity configured to releasably connect to a sports shaft. The head side is releasably connectable to a sports head.

Abstract: A structure for a bat is described by using multiple composite tubes bonded to one another, wherein apertures, or “ports,” are molded between the tubes to improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the bat.

Abstract: A scent dispersing arrow having a field tip, a shaft, a tail end, and a chamber in the shaft. The field tip allows the scent dispersing arrow to easily penetrate and remain standing in the ground. The shaft has two parts, separable at a point on the shaft that contains the chamber. The chamber has a plurality of holes in a portion of its wall that allow a scent contained within to disperse into the air only when a scent stick moves from the tapered end of the chamber to the section containing the holes, upon impact of the arrow with the ground. The tail end of the shaft contains a plurality of feathers or vanes which stabilize the scent arrow during flight. The chamber spans from a short length in the front part of the shaft to a tapered end in the back part of the shaft near the tail section. A solid scent holding stick within the chamber will disperse a scent into the air through the plurality of holes in the chamber walls.

Abstract: In the field of archery, draw length adjustment is currently accomplished by interchangeable cams or cam adjustment while the handgrip remains fixed. To accommodate for shorter draw lengths, smaller cams are used which can reduce arrow velocity and overall bow performance. The Great Equalizer is a riser system that can be incorporated into any archery bow design and consists of various fixed positions that utilizes a movable handgrip that can be locked in place at any of the positions to compensate for the bow user's draw length without having to adjust the cams that can inhibit a bow's performance.

Abstract: A game ball having a cover formed from a crosslinkable thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. By selective exposure to radiation, the thermoplastic polyurethane cover is crosslinked and its hardness is increased. Typically, increases in hardness values of at least 2 units on the Shore D scale are realized upon exposure to 3.5 Mrads of gamma radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hall for ball games which has equivalent or increased cushioning properties when compared conventional balls. The ball for ball games of the present invention includes a bladder made of rubber or elastomer, and a foamed layer covering the outside of the bladder, in which a skin layer is provided on each surface sectionalized by partition portions extending from the surface of the foamed layer, the partitions having a lesser degree of expansion than the main portion of the surface which is sectionalized by the portions.

Abstract: The end faces of a first pin contain bulging curved faces having an egg-like shape, when viewed along a chain width direction. Each bulging curved face includes a first end portion, a second end portion and a maximum width portion with respect to a chain advancing direction. With respect to perpendicular directions, the distance between the center of the maximum width portion and the first end portion is relatively large, whereas the distance between the center of the maximum width portion and the second end portion is relatively short. It is possible to enlarge the surface area of the bulging curved face.

Abstract: A stepless transmission for a flat planer has a driving shaft connected with a motor and fitted with a driving cam member inside the stepless transmission, able to keep its wheelbase altered. The driving cam member is pivotally connected with a driven pulley set by means of a driving belt. The driven pulley set is correspondingly provided with a driven cam member having an adjustable wheelbase. The driving cam member can be driven by a jaw of a hand rod to keep the wheelbase of the driving cam member altered, so as to control a conveying speed of an input roller.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base member, a movable member, a linkage assembly and an axial spacing adjustment structure. The base member includes a mounting axle configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The movable member includes a chain guide. The linkage assembly is coupled between the base member and the movable member to move the chain guide between a retracted position and an extended position. The axial spacing adjustment structure is disposed on the mounting axle between the base member and the frame. The axial spacing adjustment structure includes a removeable first spacer and a second spacer, the first spacer having a first axial side facing the frame and a second axial side configured and arranged to engage the second spacer.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism comprising: a flexible power transmission element; a pair of a drive pulley and a driven pulley on which the flexible power transmission element is wound, each the pulley having a pin-embedding hole formed to extend from the outer circumferential thereof toward the center thereof, and a slit elongated in the circumferential direction of the pulley to extend to opposite sides of the embedding hole and communicating with the embedding hole; and a pair of columnar or tapered anchor pins each having a path hole penetrating the anchor pin across the lengthwise direction thereof to receive the flexible power transmission element inserted therein, wherein each the anchor pin receiving the flexible power transmission element in the path hole thereof is embedded in the embedding hole of the associated pulley under pressure, and the flexible power transmission element is thereby held on the pulley.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism comprising: a flexible power transmission element; a pair of a drive pulley and a driven pulley on which the flexible power transmission element is wound, each the pulley having a pin-embedding hole formed to extend from the outer circumferential thereof toward the center thereof, and a slit elongated in the circumferential direction of the pulley to extend to opposite sides of the embedding hole and communicating with the embedding hole; and a pair of columnar or tapered anchor pins each having a path hole penetrating the anchor pin across the lengthwise direction thereof to receive the flexible power transmission element inserted therein, wherein each the anchor pin receiving the flexible power transmission element in the path hole thereof is embedded in the embedding hole of the associated pulley under pressure, and the flexible power transmission element is thereby held on the pulley.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flat belt (2) that is made of elastomer material (46a, 46b) and is composed of a first partial belt (2a) and a second partial belt (2b). The first partial belt (2a) is reinforced with a tensile support layer (4) comprising cords. The aim of the invention is to reliably prevent layers from separating while optimizing bonding of the belt material to the tensile supports (4). Said aim is achieved by providing the first partial belt (2a) with grooves with the aid of winding noses (42) of a molding wheel while the second partial belt (2b) forms a filling for the grooves (44) of the first partial belt (2a). Preferably, the tensile support layer (4) is centrally placed on the neutral bending plane of the finished flat belt (2). The first (2a) and the second partial belt (2b) can be made of different elastomer material (46a, 46b). Furthermore, at least one of the two surfaces of the belt (2) can be coated and/or be provided with a longitudinal or transversal profile.

Abstract: A hybrid V-belt (4) has at least one tension carrier (2) and a plurality of blocks (6). The blocks function as support elements and are mounted on the tension carrier. The at least one tension carrier (2) comprises elastomeric material and is reinforced with a cord insert (12). The surfaces of the tension carrier (2) are transversely ribbed or undulated and are provided with cover layers (14, 16). To increase the fatigue strength of such hybrid V-belts, the cord insert (12) is, according to the invention, arranged directly on the lower radially inner cover (14). A direct contact between the cord ply (12) and the radially inner cover layer (14) results in the region of the zeniths (6a, . . . ) of the lower block slot flanks.