Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine, in particular a forage harvester, has a frame, with a drive unit, an intake conveyor mechanism that directs the crop material to a downstream chopper drum, and a post-fragmentation device located downstream of the chopper drum. A bottom plate that encloses a portion of the chopper drum and is located adjacent to the guide plate in the crop material conveying chute is assigned to the chopper drum. The guide plate, which is located on the bottom of the crop material conveying chute in the region between the chopper drum and the downstream post-fragmentation device is capable of being swiveled vertically around a horizontal pivot axis from a closed position into an open position, and vice versa.

Abstract: A gaming machine, system, and method including a game event in which a player aims at a target. In one embodiment, the game event includes a plurality of targets. The gaming device displays the plurality of targets to the player and enables the player to select one of the targets. The gaming device designates the player-selected target as the primary target for the game event. Based on the designated primary target, the gaming device identifies one or more of the other targets as secondary targets for the game event. The gaming device determines for each of the primary and secondary targets a probability that that target will be hit in the game event. The gaming device determines which of the targets is actually hit in the game event based on the probabilities associated with the targets.

Abstract: To provide a game device for presenting to a player inputting the amount of operation while utilizing a gauge, the length of a gauge which corresponds to a desired amount of operation. In a game device in which an object placed in a virtual three dimensional space is moved by a distance according to the displayed length of the gauge when the player carries out a predetermined operation, a target position to which the object is going to be moved is obtained (S102), a distance between the target movement position and the present position of the object is calculated (S103), and the length of the gauge corresponding to the calculated distance L is calculated based on the distance L (S104). Then, the target length of the gauge is presented based on the calculated length of the gauge (S105).

Abstract: A game and system allow a person to learn and practice dance techniques involving the movement of glowing objects to thereby create a light show, commonly known as glow sticking or stringing. The system utilizes motion sensitive controllers to sense a person's movements and displays the resulting dance moves on an electronic display.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic playing card comprising electronic paper that displays a playing card. Two or more of such electronic playing cards can comprise an electronic playing card deck. The invention further provides an electronic playing card shuffler for electronically shuffling an electronic playing card deck by way of a wired or wireless signal, or alternatively, by way of an electronic paper printer adapted to shuffle the electronic playing card deck. The invention additionally provides an apparatus for playing a card game with an electronic playing card deck in order to improve card game efficiency while maintaining a tactile experience.

Abstract: A gaming machine is configured of: stations each for individually carrying out a card game; a display visible to players each playing the card game in one of the stations; and a control device configured to control progress of game situation and the like played in the entire system. Each of the stations samples a predetermined number of cards from multiple cards having their own attributes different from one to another. The last stages of the card games played in the stations are shared and carried out as a shared game on the display. A card sampled in the shared game is added to the cards sampled in each station. Whether each player wins or loses is determined on the basis of whether the rank of the player's hand formed as an outcome of the addition is higher or lower. An award is provided to the player on the basis of the hand rank.

Abstract: A computerized gaming system has a gaming module that includes a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to conduct a reel slot machine wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered. An audio module is operable to play audio by reading a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) score comprising symbols representing sounds and by playing the sounds represented in the MIDI score.

Abstract: A system and method of conducting games of chance with enhanced payouts based on a cash in or initial investment amount is disclosed. In response to a player's initial investment or cash in amount, a payout schedule is selected. The larger the initial investment the better the selected payout schedule for the player. Live games of chance, games of chance facilitated by electronic gaming machines or devices and server-based games may utilize the method disclosed herein. Players may also receive enhanced awards such as enhanced player points based on the amount of the initial investment. Awards and bonuses may also be provided to players who exhaust an initial investment exceeding a threshold amount.

Abstract: An improved multiplier for a lottery game is provided. In connection with a base lottery game, each player receives or selects a multiplier indicia (or other bonus indicia) from a pool of multiplier indicia. In addition to drawings for the base game, a drawing of multiplier indicia and a determination of associated multiplier values is also conducted. For those players winning the base game who also received a multiplier indicia matching the drawn multiplier indicia, the base game prize is multiplied by the associated multiplier value.

Abstract: Gaming devices dispense tickets which are unrelated to a player's success on a particular game played on a gaming device or to the player's credits on a credit meter or other “cash out” indicator. The gaming devices provide gaming awards and also provide tickets. Other methods provide tickets during the play of wagering games. Still other embodiments comprise lottery terminals which dispense tickets other than those purchased by a lottery patron or won on a purchased lottery ticket.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, a symbol position modifier operable by a player to modify the display position of at least one symbol, and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by a player of the display position of at least one symbol. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: When activating one or more paylines and setting a bet-number therefor, a total bet-number obtained by multiplying the number of the paylines activated by the bet-number per one payline is limited. In this regard, when a player operates one of LINE buttons 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, the operated button emits a light of a first color, and one or more buttons (buttons that can be operated), which satisfy the total bet-number, emits a light of a second color, among BET buttons 110, 111, 112, 113, 114.

Abstract: Methods and systems allowing video slot machine players to wager on symbols occurring on all sides of a reel, including the reel's front, back, top, bottom, and inside portions. Players may move reels in space to seek out winning paylines or win mystery bonuses on symbols combinations that occur on portions of the reel that may be initially hidden from their view. Features of embodiments of the present invention allow players to increase the number of paylines on which they can bet by a factor of four or more.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus has a plurality of gaming reels. Each gaming reel has a plurality of symbols that are randomly arranged in response to gaming events. A controller is coupled to the gaming reels and configured to randomize, in response to a user input, the plurality of gaming reels so that the gaming reels are in a first configuration. Based on the first configuration of the gaming reels, an arrangement of the symbols that satisfy a predetermined condition is determined. In response to the predetermined condition being satisfied, a subset of the gaming reels is randomized so that the gaming reels are in a second configuration. The subset of gaming reels is randomized independently of any user inputs occurring after the determination of the predetermined condition, and the gaming reels not in the subset of reels are held while the subset of gaming reels is randomized.

Abstract: A gaming method includes receiving a wager from a player, displaying an image representative of a primary game, determining if a bonus event trigger has occurred, displaying an image representative of a bonus game, the bonus game including a representation associated with the player and a representation associated with an opponent, the representations each having at least one attribute associated with the bonus game, if the bonus event trigger occurs, and determining a payout associated with an outcome of the bonus game. The method also includes offering the player at least one advantage option, the at least one advantage option affecting at least one of the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the player and the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the opponent. A gaming machines and system may be provided to carry out such a method.

Abstract: A system and method of conducting games of chance with enhanced payouts based on a cash in or initial investment amount is disclosed. In response to a player's initial investment or cash in amount, a payout schedule is selected. The larger the initial investment the better the selected payout schedule for the player. Live games of chance, games of chance facilitated by electronic gaming machines or devices and server-based games may utilize the method disclosed herein.

Abstract: Techniques for providing progressive games in a gaming environment are disclosed. Progressive configuration data can effectively define one or more progressive games for a gaming environment that includes one or more gaming machines. The progressive gaming data can, for example, be provided as a set of rules (e.g., rules in an XSLT form). A progressive configurator uses the progressive configuration data and gaming data received from the gaming machines in order to effectively implement one or more progressive games. The gaming data can, for example, include information about a gaming machine (e.g., serial number, network, location), one or more games available on the gaming machine (e.g., type of the game, minimum and maximum bet for a game), and data regarding a specific game instance (e.g., amount wagered, outcome of a game instance).

Abstract: In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a system for establishing a wager associated with a game comprises a processor that receives information about a wager offer, wherein the wager offer is associated with an online game. The processor also receives information about a wager acceptance. The wager offer and the wager acceptance combine to form a wager, wherein the wager is associated with at least one wager parameter. The system further comprises a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and that stores information associated with the at least one wager parameter.

Abstract: A system for renting virtual article includes: a renting control unit, configured to rent a virtual article according to a hiring request, and stop renting the virtual article according to a stop-renting request; a monitoring unit, configured to monitor rented condition of the virtual article, and send the stop-renting request to the renting control unit if a stop-renting criterion is met.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a random percentage selection device for randomly selecting a percentage value of a jackpot amount. The gaming machine may have a plurality of random percentage selection devices for selecting a plurality of individual percentage values and a summation unit for summing the individual percentage values to provide a summed percentage value. A display means is provided for displaying the individual percentage values and the summed percentage value. The gaming machine is particularly used together with a plurality of primary slot machines. Each of the primary slot machines has a supplementary winning combination which entitles the player thereof to operate the gaming machine to try and win a part, or all of, the jackpot.

Abstract: A method is described for running a feature on a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming consoles linked by a communication network. The method includes defining a spatial sequence for the plurality of gaming consoles and running a feature in which at least one of the gaming consoles is selected as a terminus. The gaming consoles are activated in turn to emit a predefined output, the activation cycling through the gaming consoles according to the spatial sequence. The cycle of activation halts at the terminus.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing payout awards in gaming activities. A multiplication-based value is progressively increased until it is awarded. It is determined when the multiplication-based value is to be awarded to a particular gaming system in a participating group of gaming systems. The awarded multiplication-based value is applied to an amount otherwise awarded to the particular gaming system in connection with its participation in a gaming activity.

Abstract: The amusing game system makes the best use of the characteristics of the game cards. Base character data are read out to generate a base character image; when a first code is read out, a first part data corresponding to the first code is read from a data memory means, and a part of the base character data is changed by the first part data read out; when a second code is read in, one of a plurality of second base data, corresponding to the second code, and another part of the base character image is changed by the selected second part data; when a second code is read in again, one of a plurality of second part data other than the second part data selected by the second part changing means is selected and read out, and another part of the base character image is changed by the second part data. Based on thus changed character data, a character image is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and providing one or more guest passes for temporary access to one or more video games to a first player that was previously granted membership to a platform that offers access to playing these video games. One or more different determinations are made on information related to the first player and/or available video games to generate one or more guest passes for a video game that is at least somewhat relevant to the first player. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the different determinations can be intrinsically and/or extrinsically weighted to further refine the generation of a guest pass for a video games that is at least somewhat relevant to the first player, and thereby more likely to be offered by the first player to a second player. Also, the platform enables the determining and generating of the one or more guest passes to the one or more video games for the first player.

Abstract: A touch panel switch assembly according to the present invention is installed in a gaming machine, and comprises a base, a moving unit, an elastic member, a display unit, a position sensor, and a mechanical switch unit. The moving unit is supported by the base fixed on the gaming machine, and can move in the direction perpendicular to the surface thereof. The elastic member can exert a restoring force between the base and the moving unit when a player has pushed the moving unit. The display unit is mounted on the base or the moving unit, and visible through the moving unit. The position sensor can detect a position on the moving unit where the player has touched. The mechanical switch unit is mounted between the base and the moving unit, and can be turned on and off depending on the position of the moving unit.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a gaming system including a touch screen display and a display controller arranged to control the touch screen display to display at least one player moveable object to a player of a game. The gaming system also includes a contact monitor arranged to monitor an output of the touch screen display to determine that a contact has been detected by the touch screen display at a first position corresponding to the current location of a moveable object and that the contact has been maintained with the touch screen display while moving to a second position. The display controller is further configured to control the display to display the moveable object at a new location derived from the second position.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for central management of licenses, particularly those relating to wagering games. A license proxy deployed in and/or dedicated to a gaming establishment may operate under the control of a central licensing manager controlled by another entity, e.g., by a game provider. The license proxy may receive requests to enable features of an electronic gaming machine of the gaming establishment (e.g., game themes, player tracking features and/or peripheral device features) and determine, based on information provided by the central licensing manager, whether to grant such requests. The license proxy may also process requests to enable features of other devices in a gaming establishment, such as server-based features.

Abstract: Novel wager gaming systems and methods for game license management utilizing a game table connected in a network at a gaming establishment are described. A game table having multiple player stations, equipped with gaming devices, performs as a local licensing server for the player stations at the game table. It may also function as a licensing server for player stations at other game tables and for gaming machines in the network. The wager game table may be connected to a central licensing server with operates in conjunction with the wager game table. A player station may also have certain license management components that may complement the operations of a game table license management module. The game table may perform certain local licensing and auditing functions for each player station with regard to wager game code and other game-related content and operational software. The management module may also monitor the usage of various types of wager game code, related content, and game-related software.

Abstract: A method for conducting a fantasy sports auction for a plurality of players utilizing a plurality of pre-recorded multimedia clips is disclosed. The method includes initiating an auction session including a plurality of participating team bidders, selectively displaying data associated with an individual player during the auction session, and displaying a starting bid for the individual player on the user interface. A series of progressively higher bid levels associated with the player is displayed and the participating bidders are prompted to make bids by playing at least one of the multimedia clips. Bids are received from the participating bidders and visual representations are provided for each bid on the user interface. A winning bidder is determined based on the receipt of a bid associated with the highest bid level displayed.

Abstract: A method and system for personalized digital game creation are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises storing a plurality of customizable games. Each game of the plurality of customizable games has personalization slots. Media assets are received from a user computer. A personalized game is generated using the media assets and a customizable game of the plurality of customizable games.

Abstract: A remote gaming method comprising a player accessing, via a remote terminal, a gaming site on a global computer network connected to the remote terminal. The player is able to provide via the remote terminal, personal identification information to the gaming site and select, via the remote terminal, a game of chance located at a gaming establishment for remote play. The remote terminal is located outside the gaming establishment. The player places, via the remote terminal, a wager for playing the selected game and receives randomly generated text or graphical outcome data at the remote terminal for the selected game. The outcome data being generated by either a gaming server or a gaming machine at the gaming establishment and is subsequently relayed to the gaming site.

Abstract: The present invention is systems and methods for interactive wagering using multiple types of user interfaces. Preferred embodiments of these systems and methods incorporate a wagering data hub which controls the flow of data relating to wagers, wagering events, and wagering account and facilitates the use of a variety of user interfaces such as graphical user interfaces and interactive voice response interfaces. For example, a user of the present invention may use a television set-top box, a computer, a telephone, and/or any other suitable device. To communicate with the wagering data hub, television set-top boxes preferably use a two-way cable system, computers preferably use a computer network, and telephones preferably use a telephone network, although each may use any suitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms to communicate with wagering data hub.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying the integrity and correct value of a game token. The token includes a primary and a secondary source of identification. The preferred primary token identification is an embedded RFID tag. The secondary token identification may be an alphanumeric serial number, a bar code or combination thereof. The game token is produced in conjunction with an electronic manifest. The manifest provides a production history of the game tokens and is a source of verification data. The data is subsequently used by a gaming establishment to verify the face value of the game token as compared to the physical appearance of the game token. In this way, counterfeit or altered game tokens may be identified prior to redemption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an adjustable defense baton or arnis stick. Weights may be added or subtracted and located in various positions along the length and/or diameter of the baton.

Abstract: A combination of an annular spacer, and a thrust washer in the opening of the spacer. The spacer and the thrust washer being connected by sacrificial tabs dimensioned to be stronger toward one of the spacer and thrust washer so that upon breaking of the sacrificial tabs, the tab remnants will stay with the one of the spacer and the washer to which it was more strongly attached. A trunnion on a spider of a universal joint and the trunnion is to be connected to a yoke arm. The trunnion being received in a trunnion cup. The spacer and the thrust washer combination being toward the bottom of the cup. An array of needle bearings around the periphery of the trunnion inside the cup. An annular seal in the cup sealing around the installed trunnion.

Abstract: An easily connected universal joint for attaching to an output shaft of an engine. A drive shaft is connected to an output shaft of an engine which is mounted on a vehicle body by way of a universal joint with a wheel being connected to a distal end side of the drive shaft. Projection portions project outwardly from a yoke of the universal joint connected to the output shaft by splines. A swing arm rockably supported on the vehicle body using one shaft with the universal joint being arranged above the shaft. A boot mounted between a distal end of the swing arm and a peripheral portion of the output shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal joint system for use in cardan shafts, especially in heavy duty cardan shafts. Said universal joint system comprises a journal cross-assembly mounted in double yokes, the individual yoke comprising two yoke parts. Every yoke part comprises a base part and a bearing part, the yoke parts being positively interlinkable in the area of their base parts in coupling areas constituting coupling surfaces. The base parts of the yoke parts, on their coupling surface pointing to the base part of the respective other yoke part in the area of their outer periphery, have a first toothed section that is complementary thereto. The extensions of at least one tooth trace characterizing the first toothed section form an angle of >0° to <180° with a plane which is produced by the journal axis of the journal mounted in a yoke part and a yoke axis that is concurrent with a rotational axis of the yoke.

Abstract: Provided is a slidable constant velocity universal joint which holds an elastic member (coil spring) in a stable attitude even if an associated shaft makes an oscillating motion, thereby achieving an improvement in terms of stability in torque transmission. The slidable constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member (4) connected to a power transmission member (2), and an inner joint member (5) connected to an end portion of a shaft (1), with torque transmission being possible between the outer joint member (4) and the inner joint member (5) while allowing angular displacement and axial displacement. At a forward end of the shaft (1), there is provided an elastic member (21) for elastically urging the outer joint member (4) toward the power transmission member (2), and, between the elastic member (21) and the forward end of the shaft (1), there is interposed a bearing member (24) for guiding the forward end of the shaft (1) while in contact therewith.

Abstract: Play equipment that combines the movements of a teeter totter and a merry-go-round includes a support for suspending a riding assembly, a riding assembly upon which a rider is supported, such as upon which a rider sits or a rider hangs from, and a suspending means which suspends the riding assembly from the support for both rotational movement with respect to the support and up and down movement with respect to the support. The up and down movement may be achieved by pivotal movement or by swinging movement. The support of the invention may be adjustable to adjust the height of the riding assembly. When seats for the riders are provided, the seats may include restraining means, such as back and side rails to help keep the rider in the seat. The equipment can include a single beam providing a pair of oppositely extending arms as with a traditional teeter tooter, or can include additional beams or arms, such as four arms, to accommodate additional riders.

Abstract: Portable folding swing is being made of 3 basic parts 1a and 1b mutually connected with hinges (2) enabling folding (illustrations 3 and 4). The body (3) of swing frame is also separately foldable part that can be placed into double flexible joints (8) and (9) located on the body 1a (illustrations 1 and 2). Body (3) can be upwardly removed with the axle (10) from the body 1a and separately folded as shown by illustration 5. The swing can be used on the move due to wheels (5) located on at the front of the body 1a (illustration) and is a children's toy.

Abstract: A billiard rack and method using the rack defining V-shaped ball containment area having a pair of arms each having an outer and inner side, where said arms meet at an apex and have extremities away from the apex that create an arc of approximately 60 degrees, the inner side of each arm extending at least as far as a distance equal to five times the diameter of a standard billiard ball and the outer side or each arm extending at least as far as the distance equal to four times the diameter of a standard billiard ball that is accessible from the top. The radius of curvature of the apex preferably is 1? inches and the distance between the ends of each inner side of each arm is 13? inches and the outer side is 14? inches. In a preferred method, the balls are racked by the user with two thumbs pressing against the balls and the rack is removed by forward movement away from the balls without disturbing the balls.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing system which comprises of a golf tray for holding a plurality of golf balls, a teeing mechanism, a means for guiding the golf balls on the golf tray onto the teeing mechanism, and a separate means for fetching the golf balls on the golf tray onto a mat or ground without going through the teeing mechanism. The golf ball teeing machine allows golfers to cherry pick the golf balls to suit their clubs in use. It also allows golfers to easily move golf balls on the golf tray on a mat or ground with the use of their clubs.

Abstract: A golf swing training device is configured to prevent lateral movement of a golfer's hips such as during the backswing, downswing and/or follow-through portions of the golfer's swing. In addition, the golf swing training device is configured to prevent reverse rotation of the golfer's hips such as during the backswing portion. The training device may comprise a seat assembly and a horizontal arm assembly. The seat assembly is configured to be mounted to the golfer's hips and defines opposing lateral seat sides. The horizontal arm assembly is coupled to the seat assembly and is configured to be pivotable about a seat pivot axis located adjacent one of the seat sides. The horizontal arm assembly is configured to prevent reverse pivoting of the seat assembly such that reverse rotation of the golfer's hips is prevented.

Abstract: A method of applying a temporary lubricating material to the face of a golf club head to make the face “slippery” to reduce golf ball spin imparted into the ball from being struck by the golf club on a stroke-by-stroke basis. The method includes providing a geometrical body of a lubricating material having at least one application surface to apply a thin layer of the lubricating material on a surface; and (b) applying a thin layer of lubricating material to the striking surface of a golf club by contacting the striking surface with said at least one application surface of the geometrical body.

Abstract: A golf training system that comprises an apparatus and a method used in combination is disclosed. The system comprises apparatus that includes club having an elongate shaft and a head. The head has a striking surface that extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to the length of the shaft (it has no loft), the striking surface being generally circular in section and approximately 10 cm in diameter. The apparatus further includes a strike object such as a nail that comprises an elongate stalk and a head. The system further comprising a coaching method that includes placing the nail on the ground on a surface directed towards a target; and directing a learner to use the club to drive the nail in a direction towards t target along the ground.

Abstract: This invention provides a wood type golf club including a shaft, a grip at one end of the shaft, and a head at the other end of the shaft, wherein a mass m (g) of the golf club and a length L (cm) from a grip side end of the golf club to a barycentric position of the golf club satisfy m×L=2.55×104 (g·cm) and m×L2=2.322×106 (g·cm2), and a barycentric position of the shaft is at 48.3% a total length of the shaft from a head side end of the shaft.

Abstract: A golf club includes a club head body having a front face with a cavity formed therein. The cavity has a bottom wall, a lower side wall, an upper side wall and a platform separating the lower and upper side walls. A first sub-cavity is defined between the bottom wall and the platform. A second sub-cavity is defined between the platform and the front face. A damping insert is disposed in the first sub-cavity, and a face insert is disposed in the second sub-cavity.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a head body having an opening and a connection portion around the opening; and a cup face including a main board having a bending portion toward the head body on at least one edge of the main board, wherein a joint surface is formed on an edge of the bending portion to be combined with the connection portion of the head body; and a board structure stacked with the main board, wherein the material of the board structure is different from the material of the main board, and an explosion welding layer is formed between the board structure and the main board. Because of the design of the bending portion of the cup face, the welded areas of the cup face and head body are far away from the explosion welding layer to prevent the separation of the board structure and the main board.

Abstract: A golf ball including a core formed from a polymer blend comprising a microgel having a Tg of ?100° C. to 20° C. formed from a monomer, a co-monomer, and an initiator; and a thermoset rubber material; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer disposed between the core and outer cover layer.

Abstract: A golf ball including a core formed from a thermoset rubber material; and an outer cover layer having a water vapor transmission rate and formed from a polymer blend including a microgel having a Tg of ?25° C. to ?15° C. formed from a monomer, a co-monomer, and an initiator; and a castable thermoset material; wherein the microgel is present in an amount sufficient to lower the water vapor transmission rate by 30% or more.