Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for executing an interactive game in a television distribution system. In one aspect, a method includes receiving input over the television distribution system from a game client indicating an action associated with a game instance, wherein the game client is hosted on a set-top box; determining an updated status of the game instance based on the action; generating a game status message identifying the updated status of the game instance; and transmitting the game status message to the game client. Further, the game status message can be transmitted to a plurality of game clients participating in the game instance. Additionally, input can be received over the television distribution system from another game client indicating a second action associated with the game instance and an updated status of the game instance can be determined based on the second action.

Abstract: A structure and method comprises a data structure representing a characteristic of an object in the virtual interactive environment. The device further comprises a client simulator to perform a first simulation of the characteristic of the object in the virtual interactive environment and a server simulator to perform a second simulation of the characteristic of the object in the virtual interactive environment. The device further comprises a synchronizer to synchronize the first and the second simulations.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present embodiment, a system and method for wireless gaming with location-dependent gaming functions are provided. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus includes a gaming server; a wireless network at least partially covering a property, the wireless network comprising a plurality of signal detection devices; and a gaming communication device operable to transmit and receive gaming information to and from the gaming server via the wireless network. A location of the gaming communication device on the property is used to alter a game play function, such as a bet option, wager, graphic overlay, permission, or to provide location-dependent advertising or embedded advertising. Based upon the location of the gaming communication device on the property, a predetermined functionality of the gaming communication device may be enabled and/or controlled.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present embodiment, a system and method for wireless gaming with location-dependent gaming functions are provided. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus includes a gaming server; a wireless network at least partially covering a property, the wireless network comprising a plurality of signal detection devices; and a gaming communication device operable to transmit and receive gaming information to and from the gaming server via the wireless network. A location of the gaming communication device on the property is used to alter a game play function, such as a bet option, wager, graphic overlay, permission, or to provide location-dependent advertising or embedded advertising. Based upon the location of the gaming communication device on the property, a predetermined functionality of the gaming communication device may be enabled and/or controlled.

Abstract: An ensemble game system for executing an ensemble game comprises a plurality of game apparatuses 10a through 10c communicable to each other. Each of the game apparatuses 10a through 10c outputs a sound of an own part in accordance with a play operation by the player during a first play period, and also transmits play data (rehearsal data) for specifying a play result of the own part during the first play period to the other game apparatuses. Play data for specifying play results of the parts other than the own part is received from the other game apparatuses and stored on a storage device. During a second play period subsequent to the first play period, each of the game apparatuses 10a through 10c outputs the sounds of the other parts using the play data of the other parts stored on the storage device, while outputting a sound of the own part in accordance with a play operation by the player.

Abstract: A recorded medium comprises a flash module including flash graphic data and action scripts associated with the flash graphic data. The flash module analyzes the flash graphic data and the action scripts. A platform program installed on a client transmits the functionality necessary for game processing through communication with a game server. When a user requests information which requires communication with the game server, the flash module provides a parameter associated with the user request to the platform program. The platform program analyzes the parameter, requests the information from the game server and provides the information to the flash module.

Abstract: A game platform and a match method for terminal type of client end in an online game include: the game platform side searches preset corresponding relation between terminal type identification information and the game according to the terminal type identification information from client end, and sends the game list which has been found to client end; the game platform side acquires the terminal type identification information corresponding to the assigned user identification according to the assigned user identification in the match request of client end, matches with the terminal type identification information of the client end which asked for match request, and notifies the match result to the client end which asked for match request so that the user could quickly match itself with the game or other users which are fit for its terminal.

Abstract: An amusement device system includes a first amusement device having a controller and a memory, a shared resource device operatively connected to the first amusement device and a second amusement device having a controller and a memory. The second amusement device is in communication with the first amusement device and is configured to access and control the shared resource device through the first amusement device.

Abstract: A video game with multi-axis multi-extremity control. In some embodiments separate extremity control is provided for two legs of a simulated character and movement of the legs affects motion of an inanimate object, for example a skateboard. In some embodiments multi-access multi-extremity control is provided only during a portion of video game play, and the portion may be experienced in slow motion.

Abstract: An internally illuminated electronic video game cabinet having a structural enclosure that permits internal illumination to shine out of the cabinet to illuminate nearby objects. The internally illuminated electronic video game cabinet includes a structural enclosure having at least one structural portion thereof that is at least partially transmissive of light, and the enclosure forms an interior electronics compartment. A support structure is provided within the compartment for supporting one or more electronic components; and an illumination source is provided within the compartment and positioned for illuminating at least a portion of the structural portion of the enclosure that is at least partially transmissive of light.

Abstract: A peripheral device of a gaming machine includes an imaging unit, a memory, and a processor. The imaging unit images a human face and generates an imaging signal. The memory stores therein a reference data item relating to at least one of a hue, a brightness, and a chroma of a background of an image that is based on the imaging signal generated by the imaging unit. The processor operates to correct the imaging signal generated by the imaging unit, based on a data item relating to at least one of a hue, a brightness, and a chroma of a background of an image that is based on the imaging signal, and the reference data item stored in the memory.

Abstract: A motor transmission/control assembly includes a housing, a motor, a transmission member having a first side engaged an output shaft of the motor and a second side with a first elongated protrusion, a coupling member including a first side with a second elongated protrusion and a second side with a coupling section for coupling with an external transmission element, and a shift-guiding member mounted between the transmission member and the coupling member. The shift-guiding member includes a first side with a first elongated groove slightly longer than the first protrusion of the transmission member. The shift-guiding member further includes a second side with a second elongated groove slightly longer than the second elongated protrusion of the coupling member. The first and second elongated protrusions of the transmission member are respectively engaged in the first and second elongated grooves.

Abstract: A pair of spherical gears connects the intersecting shafts of a CV-joint. One gear has internal teeth, and the other has external teeth. The gear design is based on pitch circles that are great circles on theoretical pitch spheres that are concentric and have identical radii. The gear teeth are preferably straight-sided. Individual smaller construction spheres are arranged in a circle so that the points of tangency between successive smaller spheres are all positioned on the circumference of the identical pitch circles of the gears and are all also positioned on the respective pitch circles of each successive smaller construction sphere. The straight-sided tooth faces of the teeth of the internal gear are preferably cone shaped. The preferred embodiment uses six teeth on each gear, and the gears, while rotating at high speeds under load, can intersect throughout a continuous maximum range of 60° or more.

Abstract: A pair of spherical gears connects the intersecting shafts of a CV-joint. One gear has internal teeth, and the other has external teeth. The gear design is based on pitch circles that are great circles on theoretical pitch spheres that are concentric and have identical radii. The internal teeth are either conically or spherically shaped, while the external tooth faces are cylindrical with tangential flat extensions. The spherical gears are shown on half-shafts. The preferred embodiments have six teeth on each gear, and one preferred embodiment also uses balls for the internal teeth. The gears, while rotating at high speeds under load, can intersect throughout a continuous maximum range of 60° or more in any direction.

Abstract: Course for golf putting game, said course (1) being arranged to be placed on a floor or the like, and where the course has a first end part (3), a second end part (5) and an intermediate part (4). The first end part (3) is arranged to be played from, the second end part (5) is provided with a target field (7), which is arranged with a target area (8) comprising a number of part areas. The intermediate part (4) of the course is substantially plane in a centre course (10) which extends between said first end part (3) and the target field (7), and where on both sides there are sloping side pieces (12, 14).

Abstract: A golf hole plug includes a cylindrical member having an outer wall dimensioned to abut an inner wall of a golf hole after a golf cup is removed from the golf hole, the cylindrical member including a central surface located to prevent sand or other debris from falling to the bottom of the golf hole when the cylindrical member is mounted within the golf hole.

Abstract: Provided is an indoor golf putting training apparatus, which includes a golf putting pad, a target block, an effective target portion, and a stand-alone erect mirror. The golf putting pad has a flat and extensive surface, which including a first golf putting reference point which is formed at the rear side of a virtual golf putting line in the lengthy direction, a collimating point which is formed on the virtual golf putting line at the front of the first golf putting reference point, a collimating line which connects the first golf putting reference point and the collimating point, and a second golf putting reference point which is formed at the rear side of the first golf putting reference point in order to perform a high-level golf putting operation. The target block made of a hard material is installed at the most leading position of the virtual golf putting line on the golf putting pad.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for training a person to swing a bat or club while rotating the person's hips. The device includes a belt for attaching around a person's hips, a restraint device attached to the back side of the belt, and an anchor system slidably attached to the restraint device. The restraint device can be a nylon strap sewn to the back side of the belt. The anchor system comprises a flexible member, such as a rope, with a first ring attached at one end for slidable attachment to the restraint device. The other end of the anchor system can be tethered to a stationary object or held by a coach. A clip can be attached to the restraint device for limiting the extent of movement of the anchor system along the restraint device and for providing a reference point for swing training.

Abstract: Analysis of a golfer's putting stroke towards a target-hole (2) is derived by an analyzer (12;50) from sensor-signals representative of initial ball-speed and direction, using accumulated sets of historical putting-data, each set of historical data including initial putted ball-speed and direction and the resultant ball-speed and direction in approach to the target-hole (2), together with representation of whether the putt was successful. Initial ball-speed and direction is sensed by opto-electronic sensors (45) responding to back-reflection of infrared beams (13) from retro-reflectors (22-26) on the putted ball (1;20;52), or, is using retro-reflectors (71-73; 77,75) on the putter (3;51;70;74). Resultant ball-speed and direction in approach to the target-hole (2), and whether the putt is successful, is sensed by a monitor (7) from infrared beams (8-10).

Abstract: A golfing aid, in particular a golf training aid for promoting a correct swing path and alignment, both when hitting golf balls with irons and woods and putting with a putter, and a golf training system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the golf club grip that is instilled with a publicity use of printing layer such as pictures or diagram, letters and so on inside of grip so that the intended publicity can be easily seen externally, and also prevents the damage of printing layer as well as the contents of publicity that is printed on the printing layer can be seen more clearly externally. The present invention is composed of the body of grip (10) that is equipped with air well (11) which is inserted to the upper part of shaft (S) and glued; printing layer (20) that is glued to the exterior of above body of grip (10) elastically so that it displays the contents of publicity that is self elastic; transparent layer (30) that is formed to wrap around the exterior of above printing layer (20) and the upper part of body of grip (10) with a hole (31) that corresponds to air well (11) of body of grip (10) so that the contents of publicity on the printing layer (20) can be easily identified.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a housing, a bottom plate, a face plate. The housing includes a neck and a connecting portion at a bottom of the neck. The bottom plate has a connecting portion associated with the connecting portion of the neck. A connection device connects the connecting portions of the housing and the bottom plate to fix the housing and the bottom plate together. The face plate is fixed to housing and the bottom plate to form a face of the golf club head.

Abstract: A golf head of present invention comprising: A top part makes from light materials with the specific gravity is under 3. The top part provides a neck portion with an axis hole therein for a golf club to plug in. A bottom part mounts under the top part and makes from metals with the specific gravity is over 4. A face part with cup shape has a face and the edge of the face extrudes backward to from a plate potion, the face part mounts in front of the bottom part and the top part and makes from elastic metals like titanium alloy, stainless steel or maraging steel.

Abstract: A golf club head is disposed. The golf club head comprises a main body, a neck portion, a hosel, and at least one adjusting groove. The main body has a heel portion and a toe portion. The neck portion is connected to the heel portion of the main body. The hosel is connected to the main body via the neck portion, and the adjusting groove is disposed around the peripheral surface of the neck portion or the hosel.

Abstract: A more efficient triangular shape for metal wood clubs or driver clubs is disclosed. This triangular shape allows the clubs to have higher rotational moments of inertia in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and a lower center of gravity.

Abstract: A golf puffer has a cylindrical tube mounted horizontally behind the putter face with its front end aligned behind the sweet spot. The rear end of the tube is open. This tube acts as a resonant structure producing an enhanced characteristic sound when the sweet spot on the putter face strikes a golf ball. In addition, the tube typically has a diameter larger than that of a golf ball. The golfer's view of the cylindrical tube enhances the golfer's ability to correctly line up a putt by using the visual peripheral corridor created when the puffer is swung back and forth over the golf ball along the golfer's intended swing path prior to addressing and putting the golf ball.

Abstract: A head on a golf putter is configured to create overspin on a putted golf ball. An exemplary embodiment employs a body with a ball-striking face including a first curved segment with a first radius of curvature and a second curved segment with a second radius of curvature. The first and second curved segments define a curved surface extending from a bottom surface of the body. The first segment is positioned proximate to the bottom surface and the second segment is positioned intermediate the bottom surface and an opposing top surface of the body. The first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature. The face may have a third curved segment positioned intermediate the second segment and the top surface, with a third radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature. The position of the center of mass of the head also promotes overspin.

Abstract: This invention provides a golf club head having a groove formed on a face of the golf club head. Each of a pair of side surfaces of the groove has a first surface leading to the face and a second surface leading to the first surface in the depth direction of the groove. A first angle between the first surfaces of each of the pair of the side surfaces is larger than a second angle between the second surfaces of each of the pair of the side surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of an iron type golf club head that defines a heel-portion, a mid-portion, and a toe-portion are disclosed. A mass of the heel-portion exceeds 35% of a combined mass of the heel-portion, mid-portion, and toe-portion. The heel-portion includes an opening to receive a weight insert located within a mass pad to provide heel biased weighting. The head further includes an undercut region in the toe-portion.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to a putter, and more specifically, to a putter having an impacting surface on a front side thereof, a plurality of mock-up golf balls arranged on a top surface thereof, and a shaft fixed on a portion thereof, wherein the mock-up golf balls are located on a virtual line extended longitudinally from a middle of the impacting surface and the mock-up golf balls each are greater than half a complete golf ball and smaller than the complete golf ball. The putter according to the present utility model allows a golfer to make an easy and swift aiming because the mock-up balls can be always seen to be completely circular to the golfer's eyes even though either toe or heel is lifted higher than the other.

Abstract: A golf club head including a head body and a striking plate is provided. The head body has an opening. The striking plate is disposed at the opening and has a striking surface. The striking plate includes a first crystallization phase region and at least a second crystallization phase region. The second crystallization phase region is located in the first crystallization phase region. The second crystallization phase region extends from the striking surface to an interior of the striking plate. The elastic modulus of the second crystallization phase region is smaller than that of the first crystallization phase region.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a front member, a rear member and a neck connected together to form a housing. The front member, which is made of a flexible material, such as aluminum alloy, stainless or Maraging steel, has a face and an annular wall projected from a back of the face to form a cup-like member, wherein the wall has a connecting portion at a distal end thereof, and a length of the wall is identical to or greater than 8 mm and a thickness of the wall is identical to or less than 2 mm. The rear member, which is made of a light metal, such as magnesium alloy or aluminum alloy, has a connecting portion to engage the connecting portion of the front member. The neck is fixed on the rear member.

Abstract: A golf club head in accordance with various aspects of the present invention, may have a higher volume and/or higher strength. The golf club head may comprise a frame structure with a composite matrix. The golf club head may also comprise a detachable face, allowing various faces of differing materials to be attached to the body. A detachable face further allows the head to be tuned via placement/rearrangement of weights within the head to change the center of gravity and moment of inertia.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and a cover which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples, wherein the core is made primarily of a rubber material and has a diameter of at least 31 mm, the envelope layer and intermediate layer are each made primarily of the same or different resin materials and the cover is made primarily of polyurethane; the envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have an optimized thickness relationship; the core, envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have optimized hardness relationships; and the core surface and core center have a large hardness difference therebetween.

Abstract: An adjustable golf tee that provides a simple adjustable golf tee for use on driving ranges. The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a new and simple adjustable golf tee that can be rotationally adjusted in height and contains a plurality of screw threads that add stability and durability to the golf tee. The inventive device includes an adjustable first unit and a base supporting unit which contains a base and a planar bottom surface that can be embedded underneath a commercial mat of a driving range. The adjustable first unit and base support unit contains a plurality of screw threads which provides stability, durability and allows for the adjustable first unit to be rotationally adjusted in height, while retaining its user customizable height position despite enduring constant and repeated strikes from a typical golf club.

Abstract: A handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to a hole for a putt or chip shot includes a generally planar base member and a pair of elongated members each having a first end thereof secured to and extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of the base member in a V-shaped arrangement. A concave portion is formed in a bottom of the V-shaped arrangement for operable alignment with the golf ball when the pair of elongated members are positioned in a vertical plane. The user squats or kneels behind the golf ball in line with the hole and positions the device so that the golf ball is aligned with the concave portion and is disposed intermediate the pair of elongated members in order to determine the condition of the green and desired ball trajectory.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing baseball and softball hitting skills includes a ball holder on a rod that is suspended by a single degree of freedom support at an interior point of the rod length and the rod is balanced and proportioned relative to the support point and the ball in order to position a ball at any three-dimensional location in the hitting zone of the batter in a stable state by manual movement of the opposite balanced end of the rod.

Abstract: What is new in this invention is the capability to reproducibly measure athlete's reaction times and virtual save/intercepts to actual competition intercept positions, using a computer display of simulated sports projectiles and their direction, and contact, magnetic, or light triggered position detectors in actual athlete intercept positions, using their own equipment, and incorporating the critical first step. Also new is software to calculate the reaction time and virtual save/intercept from a visual cue to the appropriate intercept position, and real time reporting of the reaction times permitting real time adjustments, in reproducible ways has not been available for sports other than track and swimming.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for emulating the striking member and ball of selected sports, the striking member having an end portion including portions covered with a selectively engageable contact material such as Velcro™ brand fastener and further having a mass and size substantially in conformity with the mass and size of the striking member commonly employed in the selected sport, and a target member for emulating the playing object of the selected sport or game, the target member having a target portion similarly covered with a selectively engageable contact material such as Velcro™ brand fastener, where the mass and response of the target member is readily altered to emulate the mass and response of a ball under a variety of conditions by selectively attaching one or more momentum elements of varying size to the target member.

Abstract: A training mat for teaching controlled directional hitting of a ball. The mat consisting of a home plate zone, a plurality of equally spaced pitching lanes defined by a plurality of lines extending longitudinally through home plate. The pitching lanes including at least an inside lane defining the ball path of an inside pitch and at least an outside lane defining the ball path of an outside pitch. Each lane having a predetermined ball contact location defined by a marking indicia s the respective lane. The ball contact locations being configured and arranged to facilitate hitting of a baseball to a predetermined field location.

Abstract: Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.

Abstract: A racket includes a handle, a frame connected to the handle and having a longitudinal axis extending from and aligned with the handle, and a stringed web supported on the frame. The frame has two ends that are opposite to each other along the longitudinal axis. The stringed web is formed by a plurality of intersecting longitudinal strings and transversal strings defining a plurality of meshes. The longitudinal strings and the transversal strings together further define a primary ball-striking portion on a substantially central portion of the stringed web, and the meshes located in the primary ball-striking portion gradually increase in size in a direction from one of the two ends to the other one of the two ends of the frame.

Abstract: An expanding, exposed-blade arrow head and a method of its operation. In a preferred embodiment, the arrow head comprises: a ferrule comprising three blade holders and having a longitudinal cavity having a bottom; a tip comprising a piston that is slidably mounted in said longitudinal cavity, said tip having a front end having three slots; three blades, each of said blades having a forward end that is pivotably mounted in one of said slots and a body having a cutting edge, each said body being slidably mounted in one of said blade holders; wherein the sliding of said piston in said longitudinal cavity toward said bottom causes said cutting edges to move outward.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes a crankshaft extending through a seal cover and into an oil-storing end portion of a driven shaft. The oil-storing end portion of the driven shaft defines a lubricating space filled with lubricating oil, and extends into the seal cover. A unidirectional clutch is disposed in the lubricating space and outwardly of the seal cover.

Abstract: A belt drive includes first and second sheave halves disposed on a pinion that slide axially with respect to each other when a load on the v-belt increases or decreases but do not rotate with respect to each other.

Abstract: A belt tension adjustment apparatus and a robot arm having the belt tension adjustment apparatus are disclosed. The belt tension adjustment apparatus includes a tension measurement part for measuring tension of a belt running on an endless track, a tension adjustment part for pressing the belt in a direction inclined with respect to a surface of the belt to apply a pressing force to the belt, and a controller for controlling the tension adjustment part depending on the measured tension. The belt tension adjustment apparatus prevents variation of a running speed of the belt and maintains tension of the belt.

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, 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. Examples of features include the linking member being coupled to the base member through separate pivot pins, the linking member straddling the base member, and the base member having link coupling projections with different thicknesses.

Abstract: A power transmission belt has a compression section, a tension section, and a load carrying section. The load carrying section has a plurality of reinforcing cords. The reinforcing cords are formed from poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO). In each reinforcing cord, the cords have a yam twist greater than the cord twist, and the cord twist is in the range of one-forth to one-half of a ply twist.

Abstract: An electrically variable transmission having two motor/generators provides power-split, electrically variable power flow along dual power paths and provides multiple operating modes, including an electrically variable input-split mode. The transmission also includes a differential gear set having five gear elements. A first of the motor/generators is continuously connected to one of the gear elements and a second of the motor/generators is separately selectively connectable to two of the other gear elements. When the second motor/generator is connected to both of the gear elements, a fixed speed ratio can be established; thus, no lock-up clutch is necessary to achieve a fixed speed ratio through the differential gear set.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling an electro-mechanical transmission selectively operative in a plurality of fixed gear modes and continuously variable modes is provided. The exemplary transmission comprises first and second electrical machines and a hydraulic circuit comprising a plurality of pressure control devices and flow management valves. The method comprises monitoring an operating temperature of the electrical machines. A cooling flow rate in the hydraulic circuit effective to reduce the operating temperature of the electrical machines is determined. Availability of active cooling for each of the electrical machines is determined. Hydraulic flow in the hydraulic circuit is selectively controlled.