Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game.

Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game.

Abstract: A method of managing a card game, a computer implementation thereof, and a card game kit, according to which a hand of cards is dealt to each of a plurality of players. Each hand includes one or more cards, and each card bears a designated value and suit. A plurality of common cards are dealt into a common card zone, and all players know the designated value and suit of each common card. The players then have the option of placing a wager or withdrawing from the game, after the hands and common cards have been dealt. For those players remaining in the game, at least one common card is removed from the common card zone and wagering or withdrawing continues until a winner is determined based at lest in part on remaining cards in the common card zone.

Abstract: A request for authorization for use of one or more peripheral devices of a wager gaming machine may be transmitted to another device (e.g., a central server) via a network. The request may, for example, include a machine-specific identifier and a peripheral identifier. The request may be sent from the wager gaming machine or from another device. The request may be sent automatically in response to certain conditions, e.g., when a peripheral device has been replaced and/or when the wager gaming machine initializes. The central server may determine (inter alia) whether the peripheral is approved for use in the registered jurisdiction and then send the appropriate authorization (or denial). Software (e.g., driver software) may accompany an authorization.

Abstract: A game apparatus is provided with: determination unit for determining, in a stage of a game, whether or not a kind and order of deal to players of game media are fixed; storage unit for storing restoration data required to restore a game status at time points in a storage medium for each of check points, wherein at least a first timing indicating a time point when a virtual game value possessed by player increases/decreases as a result of the game by betting operations and a second timing indicating a time point when the kind and order of deal are fixed are used as check points; and restoration unit for reading out the restoration data from the storage medium upon restoring a fault including power disconnection during execution of the game, and automatically restoring the game status at the latest check point based on the restoration data.

Abstract: Portable coin-operated video game systems and methods are provided. Portable interactive entertainment devices are removably secured to stands. The portable interactive entertainment devices may be unsecured in response to a user providing currency or a credit card or in response to a remote control signal. The portable interactive entertainment devices may include touch screens and allow users to play video games and access data and devices connected to a local area network and a wide area network.

Abstract: In a present invention, a display position of a second circular mark is set by a CPU based on the character property data K of a game character, and the second circular mark is displayed on the display position of the second circular mark on the touch panel monitor. Then, when a stylus is positioned in a portion on the monitor on which a first circular mark is displayed, a moving start command is received by a control unit. Next, when the stylus is positioned in a portion on the monitor on which the second circular mark is displayed by sliding the stylus on the monitor and then the stylus is positioned in a portion on the monitor on which a third circular mark is displayed by sliding the stylus on the monitor, an object release command is issued by the control unit to move the object.

Abstract: A wireless controller for a video game console is disclosed and includes a main body including a measurement unit including a control circuit including a first amplification circuit, a control IC, a second amplification circuit, an ADC, a display circuit, and pins for setting, a top recess, a display, two first measurement devices adapted to contact the fingers as the hand holding the main body for measuring pulse and body temperature of a user playing a video game on the video game console, and a rotation counter for counting the number of rotations of the main body; a control unit mounted in the recess; a band including two second measurement devices for measuring blood pressure and pulse respectively by wrapping the band around the wrist; and a cable interconnecting the main body and the band. Blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature values are shown the display while playing.

Abstract: A set of importers accept a variety of formats of 2D and 3D content (source asset) for computer games in the format created by the artists' authoring tool. The source asset is standardized and normalized and is stored as a strongly typed object in a content object model. An object from the content object model can be deserialized to a file for debugging. The object can be converted to a managed object to which game code can be written. An executable object is generated from the object created during game development automatically.

Abstract: Secure communications are provided in a gaming system environment using a hash manager to hash information, store the hashed information to a database, and to retrieve and unhash the information when needed. Information may include a user identifier, pass phrase and/or package of executable gaming machine instructions. This approach may provide security without requiring a user to reenter log in information (e.g., user identifier and/or pass phrase) during a login or security session.

Abstract: A gaming device for playing a game comprising: including detection means for detecting the occurrence of a specified event within a game while it is being played; and control means for changing the state of the gaming device from a first non-penalty state to a second, penalty state in response to the detection means detecting the occurrence of the specified event within the game and for returning the state of the gaming device from the second, penalty state to the first non-penalty state.

Abstract: Automatic downloading of game content to a game console is provided. A user enables automatic downloading, and thereafter, game content available from a game server is periodically checked to determine if any content matches criteria specified for downloading. If a match is found, and the user has not previously downloaded the content, or a previous version of the content, then the game content is added to a download queue. The content specified in the download queue is transferred to the game console.

Abstract: A game and messenger client-server system is provided that includes a plurality of game clients, a game server, a plurality of messenger clients, and a messenger server. The game server includes logic to operate a multiplayer game using inputs from and outputs to an active game set of game clients, wherein game clients other than those in the active game set can join an active game by supplying the game server with a reference to the active game. Additionally, logic is included for coupling a game client to a messenger client to allow the game client to send the messenger client data used to initiate joining a game, whereby a message sent by the messenger client includes the data used to initiate joining a game. Also, logic is included for initiating a join of a game at an invitee client, using data received in a message to the invitee.

Abstract: A browser manager server is able to initialize and configure one or more browser windows on a gaming device display screen. The browser manager has the ability to configure specific URLs for each browser window, configure and Z-order depth for each window, set window size and position, and call functions on the browser pages. A browser client side application on a gaming device is capable of creating multiple windows on an electronic gaming device and responding to said server configuration or browser message commands.

Abstract: A shaft coupling with a flexible annular sleeve, a driver end piece, and a driven end piece. The end pieces have a plurality of axially projecting prongs arranged so that the driver prongs loosely interlock in the spaces between the driven prongs with a gap between each pair of prongs. The sleeve fits snugly around the periphery of the loosely interlocked prongs. Each prong has at least one prong groove in its outer periphery. Each of two peripheral edges may be shaped to form a groove flank, and each set of two adjacent groove flanks on adjacent prongs may form a gap groove. The sleeve has a plurality of inner teeth including a plurality of groove teeth in alternating arrangement with a plurality of gap teeth. The prong grooves and groove teeth mesh, and the gap grooves and gap teeth mesh. Groove teeth may be bigger than gap teeth.

Abstract: A torsional detuner for dampening vibrations developed in an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft, a flywheel connected to the crankshaft and a transmission assembly coupled to the flywheel. The detuner includes a planar body mounted to the flywheel and having a central hub, a peripheral rim and a plurality of elastically deformable members connecting the hub to the rim. The deformable members extend outward from the hub to the rim in an outwardly radial spiral. Advantageously, vibrations developed in the engine are dampened by the relative rotation between the hub and rim.

Abstract: Disclosed is a master spindle for tapping machine. The master spindle comprises a chuck (53) having a tap (51) detachably mounted thereto; a chuck support member (55) having the chuck (53) mounted thereto; a spindle bolt (57) fastened to the chuck support member (55) at an upper end thereof; and a bushing nut (59) threadedly coupled to the spindle bolt (57) and positioned below the chuck support member (55). The chuck support member (55) has an upper end to which the chuck (53) is mounted and a lower end to which the spindle bolt (57) is fastened, the upper and lower ends being integrally formed with each other.

Abstract: A riding device includes one or more cranks rotatably attached to a base, and a rider support supported on a carrier and movable relative to the base for supporting a rider, and a moving device for moving the carrier and the rider support relative to the base in an elliptical and reciprocating action, the rider support may be moved in different moving strokes relative to the base and may be adjusted up and down relative to the carrier. The base includes one or more rotatable cranks and the carrier includes a curved member slidably and movably engaged with the crank for allowing the curved member of the carrier to be forced to move in the elliptical and reciprocating action by the crank.

Abstract: A variation of the traditional game of bowling combining skill-based gaming methods and systems for maximizing interest and strategy within the traditional bowling scoring and playing environment to enable the bowler to compete for prizes. In one embodiment, the bowler is rewarded for exactly bowling a predetermined score. Such score may be chosen by the bowler, by a third party, or randomly generated. Such score may be chosen prior to the first frame or at another designated time. Prizes are awarded based on how close the bowler comes to bowling the exact score required. Games may be played at an individual level, as a competition among bowlers at a given bowling alley, or between a plurality of bowling alleys.

Abstract: A mounting device for the end of a flag pole that provides an enhanced coupling of the pole within a golf cup is provided. The mounting device includes a securement rib that fastens to the pole without adhesive or secondary fasteners. The mounting device also includes features to minimize sticking to the golf cup and provides for a more upright presentation of the flag pole even in windy or breezing conditions.

Abstract: A mounting device for the end of a flag pole that generally cleans a golf cup hole as the flag pole is removed from the golf cup. In one form, the mounting device includes an annular flange at one end that has a diameter and configuration to permit the mounting device to retain and remove debris from the cup as the flag pole is removed from the cup.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a golf club for preventing a hook and a slice, which can allow a golfer to easily control the golf club while swinging the golf club since a sole progression having a side width extending backwardly from a club head face and a sole plate having a bottom area are formed small by cutting a part of the rear side of a club head, thereby preventing the hook and slice due to a light weight of the club head and minimization of a frictional area between the ground and the club head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club in which a plurality of air pockets is formed on a grip portion thereof so as to absorb and eliminate the shock produced from a head portion of the golf club when hitting a golf ball. The golf club comprises a main body having a head portion located at one end thereof and a grip portion located at the other end thereof; and a shock-absorbing means fittingly coupled to the entire outer surface of the grip portion for absorbing a shock produced from the head portion when hitting a golf ball, the shock-absorbing, means having a plurality of air pockets formed therein and being made of a soft rubber or synthetic resin having its cushion force.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads with one or more indented inserts and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, a portion having a v-shape, and a curved portion. The grooves may also be characterized by various dimensions, including draft angle, inclusive side wall angle, width, depth, cross-sectional area, spacing, and pitch ratio. Preferred values for these dimension are provided.

Abstract: A free standing golf putter is provided and configured to contact a golf ball at a point above the center of the golf ball. The mass of the central portion of the putter is greater than the mass of the toe and heel of the putter. The putter is utilized to view and evaluate the slope of a green by placing the putter in an upright, free standing orientation, by stepping away from the putter with the putter intermediate the golfer and hole, and by viewing the green to either side of the putter shaft.

Abstract: A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention comprises a striking surface having a face center, a crown portion, and a sole portion, four quadrants, and a linear stiffening element coupled to at least one of the crown portion and the sole portion. The linear stiffening element may extend from the heel region to the toe region of the club head. The stiffening element is disposed in at least three of the four quadrants, at an angle between 50° and 85° relative to an imaginary vertical plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the striking surface and containing the face center. The stiffening element has a survey length, the ratio of the overall width to the survey length being less than 0.97.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball (1) having one or more nanostructured materials, i.e., materials with at least one dimension in the 1-100 nm range. The nanostructured materials are present within the hollow metal core (3), a surrounding polymer layer (4), or both. More particularly, the golf ball (1) may include a sphere comprising a nanostructured steel, a polymer comprising a nanoclay material, or both, which improve durability and performance. The present invention is also directed to a method for making the improved golf ball.

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 core, the at least one intermediate layer and the cover are constructed to have different initial velocities and COR such that the gradient of the initial velocities and COR progress from a faster center to a slower cover.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: A system for training a batter to automatically swing at pitched balls corresponding to strikes and to refrain from swinging at pitched balls not corresponding to strikes, the device including a visual reference member suspended between a pitcher's mound and a home plate where the batter is located, at a location in front of the plate, so that the trajectory of a pitch from a pitcher's release point proximate the pitcher's mound to a point in a strike zone proximate the home plate consistently passes through a portion of the visual reference member.

Abstract: A scale sport playing court or floor and associated equipment are provided for persons of a smaller stature or height than the collegiate or professional players of the standard-size version of the sport. Teams are selected with players' height restricted to a maximum height (e.g., 72 inches) or less. The game is played according to normal rules except that the court size, goal (or net) and ball size are reduced by a scale factor S related to the height of the smaller stature players to the average height of the professional or collegiate players. In a scale basketball game, the court size, hoop diameter, height of the hoop, distance from the free throw line to the backboard, three point arc, and other dimensions are the product of the scale factor S times the standard dimension. The scaling matches the court and equipment to the athleticism of the players.

Abstract: A tapered box that is buried in the ground with a removable lid that is used to anchor baseball bases in place but also allows for them to be easily removed when the playing surface is being groomed. This novel system eliminates the problems created when soil accidentally falls into the present art anchoring systems. Additionally no concrete is needed to hold the anchor in place; non-corrosive materials are used to eliminate rusting parts from adhering to one another and, because the lid is made of a rubberized material it has shock absorbing properties to help prevent injuries.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base (20), a pivot arm (30), a pulley (90) journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring (10) engaged between the base and the pivot arm, the torsion spring biasing the pivot arm, the torsion spring comprising a cross-sectional form having a major axis (Z-Z) and a minor axis (X-X), the major axis having a length (h) greater than a minor axis length (b), the torsion spring comprising planar portions (15,16) which are substantially parallel with the major axis, and the major axis oriented in a direction that extends substantially radially and normally from a torsion spring winding axis (Y-Y).

Abstract: A belt driven mechanism which may be employed to transmit engine torque to an automotive electric rotary accessory such as an alternator. The belt driven mechanism is equipped with bearings disposed between a pulley around which a belt is wound and a torque output rotor. The belt driven mechanism also includes a coil spring mechanism having a length with a first and a second end portion to establish transmission of torque between the pulley and the rotor. Each of the first and second end portion has a plurality of points of attachment to a corresponding one of the pulley and the rotor, thereby distributing a mechanical load acting on the pulley or the rotor into fractions. This avoids local exertion of the load on the bearings, thereby prolonging the service life and ensuring the reliability of operation of the bearings.

Abstract: In a chain transmission, vibration reduction is improved by an elastic member, sandwiched between an inner hub of a sprocket and a toothed outer circumferential member, in combination with a sprocket tooth configuration in which two or three different tooth form pitch angles are arranged irregularly along the sprocket's pitch circle.

Abstract: The invention relates to power-split transmission for a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine, wherein the transmission has two electric motors (E1, E2) and a plurality of planetary gearings (N1, N2, N3, N4), and wherein for starting in a first driving range, a single power-split structure is provided at the input side, which structure is adjoined in a further driving range by a double power split. A further single power split for an overdrive adjoins these in a final driving range.

Abstract: A hydromechanical transmission having at least first and second three element planetaries directly connected to one another. The first and second three element planetaries work in conjunction with a hydrostatic transmission and a plurality of clutches in order to provide at least first and second forward operating modes having continuous ratios.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: The gearbox may also comprise a retaining means comprising a retainer ring having a first leg fitted in mating relationship with the housing and a second leg depending there from and overlapping at least a portion of the ring gear. The retainer ring has two free ends spaced apart forming a gap there between. A keystone, mounted to the housing, has a first leg disposed between the gap in the retainer ring and disposed toward an input end of the gearbox, and a second leg attached to the first leg wherein the second leg is secured to the housing.

Abstract: The concept of the present invention can be applied to a transmission system which is comprising a power device, a driving link and a driven system wherein the driving link is operatively connected to the power device and for transmitting the motive power generated by the power device to the driven system. A lubricant-infusing device according to the present invention comprises at least one lubricant-infusing point provided on the driving link at a location adjacent to the power device wherethrough a lubricant can be infused to offer lubricant and cooling functions to the mechanism of the driven system.

Abstract: A transmission control system for a vehicle. The control system has a control unit that receives a plurality of inputs from the vehicle and the vehicle operator. Then based upon these inputs the control unit sends a plurality of output signals to an engine, an input clutch, and a transmission in order to selectively operate each of these components to actuate the axle and wheels of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drivetrain including an automatically shifted starting clutch and gear-shift clutch and a transmission, with a non self-locking clutch actuator, a gear actuator for engaging and disengaging transmission gears and a control unit which generates control commands for the clutch actuator and gear actuator and transmits such commands to the actuators such that, when the vehicle is at rest and a gear is engaged and if the clutch actuator fails, the clutch does not inadvertently engage. When a transmission gear is engaged, a control command is generated and sent for the clutch actuator to disengage the clutch. Thereafter, the vehicle speed is determined and if the speed is essentially zero and the clutch begins to engage, a control command is sent to the gear actuator to shift the transmission to its neutral position.

Abstract: This invention discloses an operation interface configured to couple to an exercise apparatus for controlling workout parameters of the exercise apparatus, the exercise apparatus comprising a central processing unit and an exercise unit, the central processing unit receiving a controlling signal from the operation interface for controlling the workout parameters of the exercise apparatus, the operation interface comprising: a plurality of grouped selection keys coupled to the central processing unit, each of the grouped selection keys respectively associated with a predetermined workout parameter; and a confirmation key outputting the controlling signal to the central processing unit upon being pressed; wherein the confirmation key is surrounded by the grouped selection keys, the exercise apparatus being adjusted to correspond to the predetermined workout parameter via the controlling signal while one of the grouped selection keys and the confirmation key are both pressed by a user.

Abstract: To provide an exercise therapy device capable of highly motivating an exerciser to continue exercise therapy, the exercise therapy device equipped with AV equipment and a rotation shaft includes: a rotation speed detection unit; a display unit for displaying menu items of contents and the content reproduced by the AV equipment; a menu selection unit for sequentially displaying the menu items of contents when the rotation shaft is rotating and, when one of the menu items has been externally selected, confirming the one of the menu items as a menu to be displayed by the AV equipment; and a reproduction speed setting unit for setting a constant or a variable speed. The AV equipment reproduces the content at one of the predetermined constant speed or the variable speed which is set when the rotation shaft is rotating, and stops reproducing the content when the rotation shaft is stopped.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a fitness exercise condition is provided. A user (that is, an exerciser) of the apparatus inputs personal basic information on the exerciser. When the apparatus is applied to an arm or wrist of the exerciser and the exerciser carries out fitness exercise, a heart rate is measured during the fitness exercise to record it. Load data indicating hardness of the fitness exercise is calculated on the basis of the personal basic information thus inputted and data on the recorded heart rate. A display section is caused to display notice with a color according to a load on the exerciser for each of predetermined time periods on the basis of the calculated load data. The display section may include first and second display sub sections for displaying first and second notice with first and second colors, respectively.

Abstract: A pole vault training apparatus may include a housing, a pole receiver pivotably positioned on the housing, a lift assembly positioned in the housing and a reinforced vaulting pole. In operation, the vaulting pole may be placed in the pole receiver. The lift assembly then drives the pole receiver (with the pole) such that the pole (and a user that may be holding the pole) is raised or lowered through a predetermined arc of travel. In use, the apparatus permits a user to perform a vault maneuver starting from standing position near the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved spring structure used in trampoline for the purpose of sports or exercise. The spring includes coiled plastic middle part and hooks on both ends, at least one of which extends inward with a curve. This makes the exposed part of the hook smooth, thus improve the safety during using the spring. In addition, the end extends outward after extending inward, making the whole structure “R” shaped, which forms an assemble guiding part to provide easy connection between the spring and the trampoline and meanwhile avoids disconnection during movement with a smaller opening. This special structure will improve the safety and stability of trampoline, thus relieving consumers' concern about safety when using the trampoline.