Abstract: A trip made by a virtual creature being fostered in a virtual creature breeding toy 101 is rendered. On the virtual creature breeding toy 101, an operation can be performed to simulate a trip made by a virtual creature being fostered on the toy 101. The operation causes a passport number to be displayed on the toy 101. A user inputs the passport number on a display panel presented by a mobile application 102b being executed on a mobile terminal 102. The mobile terminal 102 sends a virtual creature code and an item code included in the number to a server 103. The server 103 combines a virtual creature image 103b with a background image 103a, both of which can be retrieved using codes associated with them. The composite image is associated with the user of the mobile terminal 102 that has sent the codes and is stored as a collected image 103d. The mobile terminal 102 can access the collected image 103d through a browser 102c and display the composite image.

Abstract: A master wireless module transmits a beacon signal to a client wireless module in the same cycle as a game processing cycle. Each of the master wireless module and the client wireless module outputs an interrupt signal when a transmission time of the beacon signal arrives. A game processing section of each of the master wireless module and the client wireless module adjusts a V counter based on the interrupt signal. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily synchronize, when a multiplayer gameplay is performed using a plurality of game apparatuses capable of performing wireless communication with each other, times at which the plurality of game apparatuses execute predetermined processes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recording and analyzing game session telemetry data are disclosed. A game console records telemetry data during a game session of a video game. The telemetry data may include location and time information for a player character performing various events in the video game. The telemetry data is sent to a title server corresponding to the video game, and the title server analyzes the data and stores the data in a database. A user, via a web site, can subsequently query the telemetry data stored in the database for user-specified criteria. A two-dimensional image of a view of the simulated environment within the video game is generated, overlaid with the location and time-based telemetry data, and is sent to the user for review and analysis.

Abstract: A fantasy sports alert agent provides notifications of relevant news articles and occurrences in a fantasy sports game, such as fantasy team roster changes or player trades, and also suggests changes to a fantasy team roster to improve the team's chances of winning. The notifications are based on items of data received from an item generator, which is typically a server process that communicates with the agent via a network. The alert agent may suggest alternative fantasy team roster lineups and, if the user accepts a suggestion, the agent may change the lineup. Each notification includes a call to action feature, such as a web link, which a user can select to perform an action, such as accepting a trade or changing the team's roster. The notifications may be displayed on a user's computer screen by the alert agent, or by an RSS reader or electronic mail reader.

Abstract: A system for a Reality Role Playing Game (RRPG) including at east one of in-game experiences, out-of-game experiences and real world content scenarios that are related to at least one of REAL people and REAL in-life actions, feelings and contacts, wherein the distinction between in-game and out-of-game experiences are blurred.

Abstract: A computerized wagering game system has a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered. An audio configuration module is operable to change audio configuration over time for a specific game player.

Abstract: An information processing device according to the present invention is communicably connected on a network and is capable of executing online a competitive type electronic game with a game opponent, and is provided with: storage means for storing a program for the competitive type electronic game, operation means for operation by an operator, calculation means, and image generation means. The calculation means calculates a forecasted future position of an operation target object in a game space in response to operation by the operator, then packetizes information thereof and sends this via the network to an opponent terminal and also receives packets sent from the opponent terminal. When an omission or delay has occurred in reception of the packet, the image generation means generates a game image including an opponent object using the forecasted future position contained in a packet that has been received prior to a current reception.

Abstract: A game contents delivery server receives a desire to obtain contents from the player terminal with presentation of the contents ID via a communication network. The game contents delivery server creates tag data uniquely defined when the desire to obtain the contents is received from the player terminal. The game contents delivery server delivers the contents to the player terminal by adding the tag data thus created to the contents identification information and transmitting the contents to the player terminal. An online video game control server creates delivered contents data in the case where the obtained contents information in which header data are added to the obtained tag data is received from the player character. The online video game control server then registers the created delivered contents data so that the contents indicated by the obtained contents information can be utilized.

Abstract: A gaming system utilizes a game designation generating component, a gaming establishment component, and a set of predefined bingo card representations. Each bingo card representation is stored in electronic format as a data structure or data record defining a predefined pattern of game designations chosen from a pool of available designations. The game designation generating component generates sets of game designations from a pool of available designations. The method employed in the gaming system includes pre-matching the bingo card representations to a given set of game designations to produce a matched card set. This pre-matching occurs prior to the sale, distribution, or assignment of card representations to players in the game.

Abstract: A gaming device having unisymbol display reels, wherein each symbol on a display of the gaming device represents or is included on a different reel. The structure of the paylines of the gaming device is such that the gaming device can include different reel strips having different winning symbols or different proportions of winning symbols, while still maintaining payout symbols and payout combinations that have uniform odds and uniform payouts.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes two persistent random access memory sections. Critical data written to one memory section is copied to the other. Systems and methods for managing the two memory sections may include a transaction engine executable on a gaming machine processor. Alternatively, the transaction engine may execute or on a memory controller implemented as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit, a separate processor, or programmable logic. A transaction state may be used to determine which of the copies in the two memory sections is valid.

Abstract: A game machine can detect the reasons of restart and switch the maintenance level of player information based on the reasons. The game machine has first and second control units respectively controlling the execution of a game program and continuing incrementing a count value in a progressing process of the game program; first and second nonvolatile memory areas storing the count value incremented by the second control unit as a life count and a count value acquired by the first control unit based on the life count as a copy count, respectively, wherein the life count stored in the first nonvolatile memory area and the copy count stored in the second nonvolatile memory area are compared at restart, and judgment is made that the power is shut OFF due to an irregular action of a player before the restart if the life count and the copy count are not in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: Adapters and support members for auxiliary video display systems in gaming units are disclosed. Methods of supporting auxiliary video display systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drive train for vehicles is provided, having an internal-combustion engine, to which a flange of a transmission housing is flangedly connected. A crankshaft of the internal-combustion engine is connected by way of an intermediate element with a drive flange of a torque converter of the transmission arranged in the area of the flange. The drive flange of the torque converter is screwed to the intermediate element via several connecting screws arranged in a distributed manner along a circumference of the intermediate element. Viewed from the transmission in the direction of the internal-combustion engine, the connecting screws are screwed at an angle diagonally toward the interior into the intermediate element. The intermediate element has a central part, which is made of spring steel, is elastic in the manner of a cup spring, and has several radially projecting spring arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting torque from a driving unit to a driven unit, comprising the first unit, the second unit and a plurality of torque transmission units. The first unit serves as the driving unit, which is rotatable around a central axis thereof. The second unit serving as the driven unit, which is rotatable around a central axis thereof. The torque transmission units transmits torque from the first unit to the second unit. The torque transmission units enables a relative displacement between the first unit and the second unit in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the first unit in a state in which the central axes of the first and second units are kept in parallel with each other. The torque transmission units are placed at different positions from the central axis of the first unit.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint, wherein the tilt angle of a first trunnion relative to a plane crossing perpendicularly to the axis of a second shaft is set to be different from the tilt angle of a second trunnion and the tilt angle of a third trunnion.

Abstract: A yoke assembly for a vehicle driveline includes a first component and a second component that are welded together. The first component comprises a yoke with an internal pilot surface. The second component comprises a tube or shaft having an external surface that abuts against the internal pilot surface. A single weld is then used to secure the yoke to the tube or shaft.

Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity joint comprising an outer ring (1), an inner ring (2), torque transmitting balls (3), a cage (4), and a preloading mechanism in which either a pressing section for axially applying an elastic pressing force or a receiving section for receiving the pressing force from the pressing section is disposed in the cage (4), the other being disposed in the inner ring (2). The axial clearance between the inner ring (2) and the cage (4) is greater than the axial clearance which is due to the radial clearance of the track, and the axial clearance which is produced by the radial clearance of the track is 2.5-6.5 times as large as the radial clearance of the track. Further, the center of the outer spherical surface (2b) of the inner ring (2) is shifted to the spread side of the ball tracks (1a, 2a) over the center of the inner spherical surface (4b) of the cage, thereby improving the cross operation.

Abstract: A sandbox according to the present invention includes a desk having a plurality of legs and defining an open receiving area. The sandbox includes a basin coupled to the desk and extending into the open receiving area, the basin having an area for receiving sand. The basin includes a plurality of sidewalls and at least one sidewall defines a notch. The desk includes a lip extending outwardly from the basin sidewall that defines a notch. The sandbox includes a perforated cover movable between a first configuration covering the lip and a second configuration exposing the lip, the cover defining a plurality of perforations to allow sand to pass through to the lip when at the first configuration. The sandbox includes a drawing board pivotally coupled to the lid and that may be maintained at various angles relative to an imaginary horizontal plane.

Abstract: A bowling pin including a body having a head, a neck, a ball line portion, and a base all integrally formed of a synthetic material. The body includes a hollow area and a longitudinal axis of the hollow area extends generally perpendicularly to a substantially planar bottom surface of the base. A method of manufacturing a bowling pin includes providing a mold shell having a mold cavity shaped substantially as a bowling pin, disposing a mandrel inside a mold cavity, introducing material into the mold cavity, cooling the material inside the mold cavity, removing the mandrel from the mold cavity, removing the material from the mold cavity, and cooling the material outside the mold cavity.

Abstract: An arrangement for playing miniature golf. Arranged over a part of a shortened miniature golf course is a display surface for the projection of an image of the entire extent of a miniature golf course. Arranged along a ball rolling surface of the shortened miniature golf course is a plurality of sensors that are arranged to sense the direction in which and the speed at which a ball is struck by a player, and to cause that information to be recorded. A computer is arranged to receive and record the ball movement information and to process the information for display on the display surface to show the estimated continued travel of the ball on the course. A golf ball return is arranged to return the ball to the tee for further driving or further putting on the virtual miniature golf course.

Abstract: Golf putter heads, gold putting kits, and golf putters including same are described. One putter head comprises a body having a putting face, a toe, a heel, a sole, and a crown, the sole and crown extending away from the face to an aft-mass, the body further having at least one substantially vertical wall extending from the crown to the sole and, with an internal surface of each of the face and the aft-mass, defining at least a port cavity and a starboard cavity. The port cavity opens to the port side of the body and the starboard cavity opens to the starboard side. The crown has an aiming feature on a top external surface thereof. The port and starboard cavities are non-ball-striking features, allowing golfers to pick up a pin flag stick, or another golf club, without stooping, a great benefit to golfers with bad backs and elderly golfers.

Abstract: A putting system with a putter substrate and modules that detachably couple to the putter substrate to form a putter head is disclosed. The modules detect, determine, measure and/or monitor alignment and/or tempo of the putter head. Modules include displays and/or audio outputs that provide visual and/or audio representations of the alignment and/or the tempo of the putter head. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the system includes a target module for generating alignment signals that are received by a positioning module with a built-in receiver unit. Preferably, the transmitter unit includes an array of infrared transmitters and the receiver unit includes an array of infrared detectors. In operation the positioning module is configured to detect, determine, measure and/or monitor angular alignment of the putter head with respect to the target module based on intensities of the alignment signals received at each of the infrared detectors.

Abstract: A golf practice mat comprising a backing defining an upper surface and a lower surface, a first plurality of elongated polyethylene fibers stitched onto the backing so as to project upwardly from the upper surface thereof, a second plurality of durable nylon fibers stitched onto the backing adjacent to and curled about the first plurality of fibers, the first and second pluralities of fibers being adhesively bonded to the backing and a shock absorbing pad bonded to the lower surface of the backing.

Abstract: A golf accessory comprises a ball retrieval tool on one end and a ball mark repair tool on the opposite end which facilitates use of both tools without requiring a golfer to bend down. The golf accessory may further comprise telescoping members inside a shaft for extending the golf accessory to various lengths away from a golfer desiring to use the tools on each end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a transparent insert (illustrated on attached drawings marked 3 on FIG. 3) with lines or other indicia printed or etched onto the upper surface of the insert (marked 1 on FIG. 3) and also onto the lower surface (marked 2 on FIG. 3) so that a three dimensional image is formed. The golfer by himself or with the help of a playing partner or a caddy can align the lines or indicia to achieve the desired putting stroke.

Abstract: A golf club head includes: a head body having a front face and a recess formed in the front face; a striking member fitted in the recess, and having a striking plate flush with the front face and having a thickness ranging from 0.6 mm to 1.4 mm, a carbon-fibre composite layer having a thickness ranging from 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm, and a first adhesive layer for adhering the striking plate to the composite layer; and a second adhesive layer to adhere the composite layer of the striking member to the head body. A weight ratio of the composite layer to the striking member ranges from 50% to 85%.

Abstract: A hollow wood-type golf club head 1 having a volume of 420 to 500 cm3 and comprising face portion 3, wherein the face portion 3 comprises a metallic material having a specific gravity of 4.30 to 4.60 and has a thickness of 1.5 to 4.0 mm, and in the standard state of head 1, the X/Y ratio is 0.0070 or less in which X is the depth (mm) of the club head's center of gravity which is a horizontal length between the center of gravity and a sweet spot on face 2 in the front-rear direction of head 1, and Y is the moment of inertia (g·cm2) of head 1 about the vertical axis passing through the center of gravity, and the intersection line of the face 2 with a horizontal plane including the sweet spot is convex toward the front of head 1 and has a radius of curvature of 330.2 to 457.2 mm.

Abstract: A wood-type hollow golf club head comprises a face having a specific thickness distribution, wherein average thicknesses tUTP, tUCP, tUHP, tMTP, tMCP, tMHP, tLTP, tLCP and tLHP of an upper toe portion UTP, upper central portion UCP, upper heel portion UHP, middle toe portion MTP, middle central portion MCP, middle heel portion MHP, lower toe portion LTP, lower central portion LCP, and lower heel portion LHP, respectively, of the face satisfy the following conditions: (a) tUTP<tUCP>tUHP; (b) tMTP<tMCP>tMHP; (c) tLTP<tLCP>tLHP; (d) tUTP>tMTP<tLTP; and (e) tUHP>tMHP<tLHP, and further, in the above nine average thicknesses, (f) the largest average thickness is 2.8 to 3.5 mm; and (g) the smallest average thickness is 1.6 to 2.3 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf club head having a body portion and a face insert. The front of the body portion further comprises a cutout sized and dimensioned to receive the face insert. The body portion is preferably made from a high-strength metal such as stainless steel, titanium or titanium alloy. The face insert is preferably comprised of a metal having a lower density than that of the body portion. The face insert comprises an aluminum metal matrix composite (MMC) containing an amount of scandium and zirconium. The golf club head may also include a top line insert made of a lightweight material and at least one heavy weight member disposed to the back of the club head.

Abstract: A golf ball has colored lines emanating from colored visual impact zones of the ball to form a useful alignment tool as well as directional indicators. The visual impact zones are located on opposite ends of the golf ball. The utility of such a colored design on the golf ball aids the golfer in seeing the ball to improve with eye-hand coordination and proper alignment of the golfer's body to the ball in order to produce a better ball striking result.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less, and particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multi-layer golf balls having a center, a cover layer, and at least one intermediate layer between the core and the cover layer. The center, the at least one intermediate layer and the cover are constructed to have different initial velocities and COR such that the gradients of initial velocities and COR progress from a slower center to a faster cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf tee which is prevented from being lost even though a golfer strikes the golf tee along with a golf ball when executing a tee shot. The golf tee of the present invention includes a ball support unit (10), a peg unit (20), a magnet (15), an iron core (23) and a loss prevention string (30). The ball support unit (10) has a ball seat (11), a coupling protrusion (13) and a first receiving hole (14). The magnet (15) is fitted into the first receiving hole (14) of the ball support unit (10). The peg unit (20) has a coupling depression (21) and a second receiving hole (22). The iron core (23) is fitted into the second receiving hole (22) of the peg unit (20).

Abstract: A ball returner for a sports goal includes a triangular frame substantially framing an elastic material, which may be taughtly extended there across. The frame may include two or three sides coupled together. Coupled to one corner of the frame is at least one stand portion extending at an angle thereto, such that, when the frame is placed on a flat surface, the corner has a higher elevation than the other two corners. All of the stand portions may be extendable for varying the angle of the corner relative to the flat surface. The ball returner may or may not be coupled to the sports goal and is lightweight and transportable.

Abstract: A device for learning pitching technique for ball games and improving muscle strength through resistance training. The device, which consists of an elongated U shaped coiled tubular spring with a curved end and pair of straight parallel shaft portions with solid tips, is aligned with and strapped to the user's pitching forearm. The device adjusts to fit the forearm. A rod or elastic string is fitted through a sleeve in the ball's internal polar tunnel, and the opposing ends of the rod or string are attached to the tips so that the ball can be spun around the rod or bounced on the string, to simulate pitching. A shock absorbent casing on the curved end and strap increases comfort. Opposing ends of an elastic band can be attached to the device and a stable object, such as a pole, to perform resistance training.

Abstract: This invention, called Serve Assist, is an electro-mechanical ball machine for practicing the tennis serve. It helps a tennis student to practice serves by consistently dropping the ball in the desired location. It operates in one of two modes, an Auto-feed mode in which it drops the balls in the magazine via an overhead ball release canister at regular intervals or in an Auto-sense mode where the ball is released by the detection of the student's rising tossing arm. The invention also marks the desired height of contact on the dropping ball with a laser and provides visual feedback if the ball is being struck lower than optimum. It aids the student by developing a kinetic and visual memory of the correct ball toss position and point of contact.

Abstract: This invention, called Serve Assist, is an electro-mechanical ball machine for practicing the tennis serve. It helps a tennis student to practice serves by consistently tossing the ball in the desired location. It operates in one of two modes, an Auto-feed mode in which it tosses the balls in the magazine via an overhead toss canister at regular intervals or in an Auto-sense mode where the ball is tossed by the detection of the student's rising tossing arm. The invention also marks the desired height of contact on the dropping ball with a laser and provides visual feedback if the ball is being struck lower than optimum. It aids the student by developing a kinetic and visual memory of the correct ball toss position and point of contact.

Abstract: The invention is a toy for performing a game of pitch and catch. The toy comprises a pair of rackets for propelling and catching a projectile. Each racket includes a rim for supporting a net between its inner periphery and a hook on its outer periphery. The projectile includes a generally circular member and an elastic band. The band is connected with the hook for propelling the projectile. The racket is positioned to catch the propelled projectile in the net.

Abstract: A sheath for a lacrosse stick includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of a lacrosse stick and the sheath is unrolled onto the stick to the desired length or the entire length of the stick. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the lacrosse stick so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.

Abstract: A method for making strings for sport rackets includes a step of extruding two wires of different materials and a step of twining the two wires along an axis to form a string. The string includes a core wire of a first material and a sun-wire of a second material is twined to the core wire. No acid-wash is needed and the two steps can be completed within one machine.

Abstract: An arrow having an arrowhead assembly attached thereto is provided for marking a remote location with a marking media. The marking media is preferably in the form of a paint ball or a scent ball. The arrowhead assembly includes a media reservoir defining a cavity and a plurality of supports extending outward from the media reservoir along a longitudinal axis. The supports secure the marking media within the cavity in a press-fit connection. In one embodiment, a cap and a resilient nose cone are attached to the media reservoir, surrounding the marking media, to prevent damage to a target upon impacting the target.

Abstract: The driven pulley (10) comprises two conical sheaves (12, 14), both mounted to a shaft, and at least two symmetrically-disposed cam surfaces (30), each corresponding to cam followers (32) provided for engaging the respective cam surfaces (30). The cam followers (32) are maintained in position by respective supports (38). A noise damper (48) is disposed between at least one of the cam followers (32) and its respective support (38) to dampen the vibrations, thereby reducing noise.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for controlling a variable-speed transmission utilizing a pulley structure including first and second pulley members coupled for free rotation together about a shaft. The second pulley member can be axially movable relative to the first pulley member, and can include a pulley contact surface disposed generally opposite to the first pulley member. A coupling member is provided for communicating with the shaft to rotatably drive the shaft. The coupling member includes a coupling member contact surface disposed for selective frictional engagement by the pulley contact surface. Torque can be selectively coupled and decoupled to a transmission, as well as vary a speed of the transmission.

Abstract: A mechanical arm transmission structure includes a tubular horizontal base, a drive belt wheel and a driven belt wheel mounted inside the horizontal base, a transmission belt mounted on the drive belt wheel and the driven belt wheel with the upper part thereof suspending above the horizontal base, a motor mounted outside the horizontal base for rotating the drive belt wheel through a speed reducer, a slide movable with the transmission belt along longitudinal rails at the top of the horizontal base and carrying a mechanical arm, and a holding down block fastened to the bottom side of the slide to affix the slide to the upper part of the transmission belt for allowing movement of the slide with the transmission belt along the longitudinal rails.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide including a pulley that rotates around a pulley axis, wherein the pulley has a pulley plane; and a linking member coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the chain guide moves laterally relative to the base member between a first lateral position and a second lateral position. The base member has a chain receiving space therein.

Abstract: A chain tensioner is provided which can prevent separation of the plunger. In a cylinder chamber 12 of the housing 11, a plunger 13 and a spring 15 that biases the plunger 13 outwardly are mounted. The housing 11 is provided with an oil supply passage 17 communicating with a pressure chamber 16 formed in the cylinder chamber behind the plunger 13. An axially elongated guide recess 31 is formed in the outer periphery of the plunger 13. The housing 11 is provided with a stopper pin 33 near the open end of the cylinder chamber. By abutting the rear end wall 31b of the guide recess 31, the stopper pin 33 prevents separation of the plunger 13 from the housing.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for converting a substantially linear driving force to a rotary propulsive force where in apparatus comprises a pedal assembly for accepting a substantially linear drive force and a drive assembly for transferring the substantially linear drive force to a rotary motion through a power transference assembly linked to the pedal assembly and the drive assembly.

Abstract: A chain transmission comprises a composite chain having a set of sprocket-engaging rollers disposed between sets of link plates having sprocket-engaging teeth, and a sprocket having three sets of sprocket teeth. As the chain approaches the sprocket, a rear flank of a link plate tooth first comes into contact with a sprocket tooth, and slides thereon. However, as the rollers become seated, the flanks of the link plate teeth become separated from the sprocket teeth.

Abstract: A chain made from a number of links that are connected to each other by a hinge joint including at least one rocker member that includes a rolling surface that rolls against a rolling surface on a corresponding chain link. The rocker member is in contact with the corresponding link at least two further points, and the surface contours of the corresponding link and the rocker member are corresponding contoured curves in a region adjacent to the contact points. The load-bearing capacity in the form of the transmittable tensile force is further increased when one of the rolling surfaces is convex and one of the rolling surfaces is concave.