Abstract: A bonus round for a slot game. A player can select random elements in order to win prizes, different elements may have different award amounts. A player is offered an opportunity to receive a hint, and if the player accepts a hint then the player is provided a clue of which random element(s) to select or avoid to obtain a greater award.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. Upon a suitable triggering event at a triggering gaming device in the gaming system a bonus event occurs. When the bonus event occurs, the players actively playing each auxiliary gaming device in the gaming system are each provided a chance to participate in the bonus event as well. Each remaining gaming device's chance of participating in the bonus event is based on the individual accumulated bonus event pool for that gaming device.

Abstract: A system for wagering on a jackpot race event, comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores a qualifying bet associated with a customer and comprising a first bet component and a second bet component. The first bet component is associated with a first qualifying race event and comprises a first bet amount. The second bet component is associated with a second qualifying race event and comprises a second bet amount. The processor identifies the outcome of the first and second bet components. If both the first bet component and the second bet components are winning bets, the processor allocates to the customer a particular number of jackpot bets for a jackpot race event. The particular number of jackpot bets is based at least in part upon the first bet amount and the second bet amount. The first bet amount is allocated to a common pari-mutuel pool for the first qualifying race event.

Abstract: In a video game device which performs a video game wherein a game character or unit moves through a plurality of paths including a plurality of branch points according to an instruction of a player, a first movement control unit displays branch-direction indications enabling the player to select one of a plurality of first branch directions at a branch point on a path in the video game, so that a selected one of the plurality of first branch directions is received from the player. A second movement control unit displays preceding-branch-direction indications enabling the player to select, in advance, one of a plurality of second branch directions at a branch point on a following path in the selected first branch direction, so that a selected one of the plurality of second branch directions is received from the player.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to simulating dialog in electronic games. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: receiving a player interruption signal during presentation of a speech by a machine-controlled character in an electronic game, modifying a state of the machine-controlled character based on a time of the received player interruption relative to a length of the speech, and generating an action of the machine-controlled character based on the modified state. Modifying the state of the machine-controlled character can include adjusting an attitude variable of the machine-controlled character based on the time of the received player interruption, selecting a location in a dialog tree for the machine-controlled character based on the time of the received player interruption, or both.

Abstract: The jukebox for casino gaming machines provides a casino gaming machine that has at least one device for playback of audio, and may include a video display for playback of multimedia files. A separate central server in operable communication with a gaming machine client has access to player account information, as well as music, graphics and themes. The client communicates with a jukebox player. The jukebox player accepts and responds to user commands via a user interface. Earphones and earphone plugs are provided. The earphones and plugs host a debit/credit and player tracking system. The earphones and plugs communicate with an enabling device in the casino to allow a user to experience a selected entertainment program in its entirety while the user is operating the gaming machine.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a fixed-type game machine and a hand-held type game machine. To the hand-held type game machine, an imaging cartridge is attached, and therefore, when an operator photographs a face image of a desired object, for example, face image data corresponding thereto is produced. In addition, by operating an operating switch of the hand-held type game machine, the operator can input feature data representing a feature of the object. The hand-held type game machine transmits the face image data and the feature data to the fixed-type game machine. The fixed-type game machine deforms provisional three-dimensional character data selected by the operator based on the feature data, and attaches the face image data to the deformed provisional three-dimensional feature data so as to compose an image. A composed image is displayed on an image display device by an animation based on the feature data.

Abstract: Tripod roller for a constant velocity joint in a tripod construction having an interior ring, an exterior ring, and roller bodies arranged therebetween, whereby provided on the interior and on the exterior ring are two mutually opposing annular shoulders that limit the axial movement of the roller bodies in one direction. One of the rings has another annular shoulder for limiting the axial movement of the roller bodies in the other direction, while other ring is axially extended and has a circumferential annular groove in which is received a radially projecting locking ring that laterally overlaps the one ring.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly includes a sleeve having an inner surface with a first splined portion, and a biasing system biasing a rolling member through the first splined portion. A drive assembly includes the sleeve assembly and a shaft with a second splined portion engageable with the first splined portion of the shaft. When the sleeve assembly is coupled with the shaft to form the drive assembly, the biasing system biases the rolling member into engagement with the second splined portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A propeller shaft with a dynamic damper and a tubular wound paper damper in an inner portion of the propeller shaft. The dynamic damper provided with a ring member at an outer side in a diametrical direction and a weight member elastically retained in an inner side in the diametrical direction of the ring member. The paper damper has an outer paper portion positioned in the outer side in the diametrical direction and an inner paper portion positioned in the inner side in the diametrical direction. The outer paper portion extending to the dynamic damper farther than said inner paper portion, contacting the ring member, thus inhibiting the inner paper portion from coming into contact with the weight member.

Abstract: New clay-like athletic surface compositions that utilize different types of glass cullet, such as container, ceramic, or plate glass, are provided. Preferably, recycled container-glass cullet between 1.4 millimeters and 20 microns in size is used to provide a slow playing, resilient surface good for a variety of athletic purposes, such as tennis, track and field, and bocce.

Abstract: A flume ride is provided having a funnel-shaped slide feature having a relatively larger entry end and a relatively smaller exit end, the funnel-shaped slide feature being configured and arranged such that a rider enters at the wider end with a predetermined expected velocity and swings back and forth and/or spins around the inner surface of the funnel before safely draining through the smaller end. Optionally, the wider end of the slide feature may be covered so as to darken its interior, and/or the slide feature may be configured such that the rider swings above a vertical portion of the inner surface. Additionally, a flume ride is provided having a plurality of such slide features.

Abstract: A golf pitch mark repairer (101) is adapted to be removably retained on an extremity of a golf club, thereby allowing a golfer to utilize the reach afforded by the golf club to facilitate repair of the pitch mark. The pitch mark repairer (101) comprises a sleeve (103) for receiving the golf club extremity, and a retaining mechanism in the form of resilient tabs (111a, 111b) adapted to resist movement of the golf club relative to the pitch mark repairer (101). The golf club extremity is inserted with a sliding collar (117) positioned towards closed end (105) of sleeve (103). The sleeve (103) comprises windows (116a, 116b) through which respective portions of resilient tabs (111a, 111b) are urged to protrude outwardly when the golf club extremity is inserted. Thereafter the sliding collar (117) is engaged by sliding it along the sleeve (103) towards its open end (107).

Abstract: An adapter that consist of a cylinder that contains three flat springs shaped to fit around a golf ball and a spring retainer. A golfer can permanently insert the adapter into the butt end of a golf putter shaft without the use of tools. The adapter is comprised of a cylinders with it's out side diameter slightly larger than the inside diameter of the butt end of a putter shaft. When the adapter is inserted into the butt end of a golf putter shaft with the springs positioned in the adapter, the springs will not interfere with the golfer while putting The three flat springs are shaped and spaced slightly smaller than a golf ball when extended to pick up a golf ball. To position the springs to pick up a golf ball, the golfer manually pulls the main spring out of the adapter to a stop that positions the three springs to the proper length to pick up a golf ball. For a golfer to pick up a golf ball, the golfer positions the springs over a golf ball.

Abstract: A club grip includes an elongated body having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end has a hollow portion for receiving a shaft therein. A clamp is fixed in the hollow portion for clamping onto the shaft received therein to fix the shaft relative to the elongated body.

Abstract: A wood type club is provided. A toe-side part and a heel-side part located between the crown part and the sole part of the head are provided with at least one concave groove opened outward in a horizontal direction and extending from the face part to the back part in a longitudinal direction to guide an air stream to the head in a swing action; and a whole or part of the concave groove has a curved part bulging outwardly so that an angle in which a concave groove bottom formed from an inlet of the concave groove to an inside thereof is inclined inward with respect to a line perpendicular to the face part is smaller than an angle in which a line connecting an inlet of the concave groove bottom and an outlet thereof is inclined inward with respect to the line perpendicular to the face part.

Abstract: A golf club head (such as a putter head), has a face that includes a ball-contacting region. The ball-contacting region has an inset containing an elastically deformable material and at least one rigid element disposed within the elastically deformable material. When a golf ball is struck, the elastically deformable material compresses and the rigid element imparts overspin to the ball that causes it to roll more accurately.

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

Abstract: A golf club head having a good impact-absorbing property improved to provide a good hitting feel without deteriorating the repulsion property, which includes a metallic face member 8 including at least a part of face F, and a metallic head body 9 to be joined with face member 8, wherein the face member 8 has back surface 8b, and the head body 9 has receiving surface 12 contacting a periphery 8be of the back surface 8b, and fold-back portion 14 which extends backward of the head from the receiving surface 12 and is folded toward the head center without contacting the back surface 8b so that it has opposite surface 18 facing the back surface 8b and it forms space 13 between them, and wherein at least one impact-absorbing member 15 made of an elastic material is disposed in the space 18 such that a front portion 15a thereof is in contact with the back surface 8b, a rear portion 15b thereof is in contact with the opposite surface 18 and a middle portion thereof between them extends in the space 13 without contact

Abstract: A wood-type golf club head is described that includes a body including one or more walls defining an interior cavity and multiple weight ports formed in the body. At least one weight is configured to be retained at least partially within at least one of the weight ports. One or more fins or ribs are secured to each of the weight ports and to another structural member of the golf club head.

Abstract: A customizable golf club head is disclosed herein. The customizable golf club head includes a face component having a face and a flange, a crown-plate attached to the flange, a sole-plate attached to the flange, a skid-plate attached to the sole-plate, a swing-weight member, and a plurality of removable weight members with each of the plurality of weight members positioned within a pocket of the plurality of pockets.

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

Abstract: Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer.

Abstract: Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. At least one of the core layers has a specific gravity of less than 1.05 g/cc and/or at least one of the core layers has a specific gravity of greater than 1.25 g/cc.

Abstract: A clip, the clip attaches to a standard golf tee. The clip provides alignment to the target, the clip reduces the resistance normally created by a tee when a ball is hit off of a standard golf tee. The clip normally snaps off the cup of a standard golf tee when a golf ball is hit. By allowing the clip to snap off the cup of a standard golf tee, resistance is reduced.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program for computing a path, starting velocity, aim angle, and aim points for directing a putted golf ball from a point on a golf course to another point and incorporating such data into easily read charts or electronic media is provided. The invention also provides a means of determining the initial launch conditions and actual path a putted golf ball traveled on given its starting and ending ball positions.

Abstract: A static aiming target for perfecting basketball bank shots appears to move horizontally and vertically along a backboard as a player moves back and forth across the court and towards and away from the backboard. This apparent movement of the aiming target is produced by visual aiming regions which allow for predetermined viewing of portions of the aiming target as a function of a player's position on the court. In each case, a player shoots for the aiming target in order to complete a proper bank shot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for a batter to position a ball for hitting and therefore provides a method for playing the game of baseball without a pitcher. The ball is slidingly engaged with the baseball bat such that the baseball bat hitting end is inserted through a bore through the ball, the ball can be tossed into the air in front of the batter with a flipping motion of the bat, and the batter can strike the ball with a batting motion to deliver the ball into the field of play.

Abstract: A mechanical broadhead for attachment to an arrow having a broadhead body including a plurality of blade windows formed therein, a geometrically angled retractable blade attached within each of the blade windows, retaining springs for retaining the blades in a retracted position during flight, a front body slidably mounted onto the broadhead body, and a front tip secured to the front body. Upon contact with a target, the front tip and front body slide rearwardly into an end of the geometrically angled blades, thus pushing each of the blades through the blade windows into a deployed position. The blades of the broadhead are reset by inserting a sharp point underneath an end portion of the retaining springs and applying a slight twisting motion allowing the blades to retract back into the broadhead body into a loaded position.

Abstract: An arrowhead of the expandable or mechanical broadhead type, i.e., having blades which unfold to increase the effective cutting area of the arrowhead, includes a tip with a rearwardly-extending actuating member which triggers one or more blades into an open state when the tip strikes a target game animal. The blades are pivotable with respect to a body into which the actuating member extends, and they include ears against which the actuating member presses upon tip impact to trigger the blades open. A latching spring maintains the blades in a closed state until the tip and actuating member are driven rearwardly by tip impact, and the tip and actuating member are preferably maintained in a forward and ready-to-trigger state by an opening spring. The actuating member may extend between the blade ears after the blades are triggered open to fix the blades in the open state until the tip is pulled forwardly to withdraw the actuating member from the ears.

Abstract: An IVT machine includes an input shaft, a drive wheel on the input shaft, an output shaft, a ratio changing device which is mounted on the output shaft, an endless belt which passes over the drive wheel and in an open loop on the ratio changing device, control elements for enlarging and reducing the belt loop dimension about the output shaft axis, belt guide elements providing a throat through which the belt enters and leaves its loop on the ratio changing device, and a drive arrangement on the ratio changing device for the transmission of drive power to the output shaft and is engaged with the belt in a portion of its loop on the device and engageable with the belt on both sides of the throat in its transition across the throat during rotation of the ratio changing device.

Abstract: A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for use in applications where a transmission is desired to change the speed of the motor relative to the speed of the final drive. The CVT has a set of chains or belts that are mounted around a set of pins set in radially cut slots of a set of spindles so that the pattern of pins are able to expand and contract radially around the CVT axis via these slots. Sprockets that freely spin in either direction unless a chain or belt has fully seated on at least one tooth are arranged on the pins so that only one sprocket engages one chain or belt allowing for smooth ratio changes while the load in engaged. The spindles share a set of springs that act to return the transmission to a higher ratio at moments the load is overcome.

Abstract: In the check valve of a hydraulic tensioner, a bell-shaped retainer is provided with plural, branched, leg portions which resiliently grip the outer surface of a ball seat. Oil induction slots are formed between adjacent branched leg portions of the retainer to provide oil flow paths that are unimpeded by the plunger-biasing spring of the tensioner.

Abstract: In a chain transmission having a sprocket with an elastic ring sandwiched between a central hub and an annular toothed outer member, the tooth form is such that the root diameter, that is, the diameter of the tooth gap bottom circle, is greater than the root diameter in a sprocket having a standard ISO tooth form.

Abstract: An alternator system includes an input shaft, a planetary gear assembly, a variable resistance generator, and a control unit. The alternator assembly is structured to produce an output current having a frequency. The planetary gear assembly disposed between, and operatively coupled to, the input shaft and the alternator assembly. The planetary gear assembly has a planet gear carrier body with an outer radial surface having teeth. The variable resistance generator has an external generator shaft with a generator gear. The generator gear is structured to engage the outer radial surface teeth. The control unit structured to detect the frequency of the alternator assembly output current and to alter the resistance of the generator. The control unit is structured to maintain the frequency of the alternator assembly output current within a selected range by increasing or decreasing the resistance of the generator.

Abstract: A transfer box with a housing, an input shaft, a first output shaft extending coaxially relative to said input shaft, and a second output shaft extending parallel to said two shafts, as well as with a differential gear assembly arranged between said shafts, wherein the input shaft carries a cross member with a plurality of radial bearing arms for the differential gears, wherein a first side gear is connected in a rotationally fast way to the first output shaft and wherein a second side gear is rotatably supported on the input shaft and drives the second output shaft, wherein the differential gears are spur gears and the side gears crown gears and wherein the teeth of the differential gears engage the teeth of the side gears.

Abstract: A differential mechanism 3 is contained and supported at inside of a bell housing 7 integrally provided to a transmission case 11 of a transmission 9 to constitute a common lubrication environment. A limited slip differential mechanism 5 for limiting differential movement of the differential mechanism 3 is made to be selectively attachable to outside of the bell housing 7. The limited slip differential mechanism 5 is not restricted by a size of the bell housing 7, the sufficient limited slip differential mechanism 5 can be provided, and an interchangeability of presence/absence of the limited slip differential mechanism 5 can be provided.

Abstract: A multi-stage automatic transmission possesses an input drive shaft (AN), an output drive shaft (AB), three single planetary gear sets (RS1, RS2, RS3) as well as five shifting elements (A to E), via the pairwise selective closure of which, an entry speed of rotation of the input drive shaft (AN) can be transmitted to the output drive shaft (AB) without group shifting. A sun gear (SO3) of the third planetary gear set (RS3) can be set motionless by the first shifting element (A) on the transmission housing (GG). The input drive shaft (AN) is bound to a sun gear (SO2) of the second planetary gear set (RS2) and via the second shifting element (B) can be connected with a sun gear (SO1) of the first planetary gear set (RS1) and via of the fifth shifting element (E) with a spider (ST1) of the first planetary gear set (RS1).

Abstract: A transmission having input and output shafts, planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4), and additional shafts and shifting elements. A ring gear of set (RS4) and the input shaft define shaft (1). A carrier of (RS3) and the output define shaft (2). The sun gears of (RS1, RS4) define shaft (3). A ring gear of (RS1) forms shaft (4). A ring gear of (RS2) and a sun gear of (RS3) define shaft (5). A carrier of (RS1) and a ring gear of (RS3) form shaft (6). A sun gear of (RS2) and a carrier of (RS4) define shaft (7). A carrier of (RS2) forms shaft (8). A first element (A) couples shaft (3) to the transmission housing. A second element (B) couples shaft (4) to the housing. A third element (C) couples shafts (1, 5) to one another. A fourth element (D) couples shafts (2, 8) or (6, 8) to one another. A fifth element (E) couples shafts (5, 7), (7, 8) or (5, 8) to one another.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.

Abstract: A control system for hybrid vehicles, in which a second prime mover is connected to an output member to which a power is transmitted from a first prime mover through a transmission in which a torque capacity is varied in accordance with an oil pressure, and which has a first hydraulic pump driven by the first prime mover for establishing an oil pressure to be fed to the transmission, and a second hydraulic pump arranged in parallel with the first hydraulic pump and driven by an electric motor. A torque limiter limits an output torque of the second prime mover temporarily to a predetermined torque which is lower than a maximum output torque, at a starting time of the first prime mover.

Abstract: In a powertrain for a vehicle that includes an engine, a transmission having an input, a current gear, an input clutch, a target gear and an output for driving a load, and an electric machine for driving the load, a method for performing a gearshift from the current gear to the target gear comprising the steps of opening the input clutch, releasing a drive connection between the current gear and the output, producing a drive connection between the target gear and the output, using the electric machine to produce torque at the load, closing the input clutch; and reducing the torque produced by the electric machine.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a continuously variable transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle enhances operability as speed changes are made based on input torques and engine rotational speeds since pressure of a primary pulley is controlled based on engine rotational speeds; applies a wide pressure range for solenoids in normal operation by deciding a limp home mode only when a secondary control solenoid valve (SCSV) and a ratio control solenoid valve (RCSV) are under maximum pressure at the same time; reuses flux discharged under reduced pressure from a secondary regulator valve in a lubrication control valve, thus saving energy; controls the lubrication pressure actively using PWM; and generates a pilot pressure for clutch control using a single valve when the transmission control unit fails.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.

Abstract: An automatic transmissions control system varies times to start a shift to securing a good response in engagement pressure for an engagement-side frictional element as well as suppressing occurrence of hydraulic pressure vibrations at low temperatures.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a range changeover device checks whether an actual range agrees with a target range. If the actual range differs from the target range, the control apparatus performs vehicle driving force restriction control irrespective of a presence/absence of abnormality in a range changeover operation. The control apparatus may restrict an engine output power by closing a throttle valve of the engine to around an idle position, thereby restricting the vehicle driving force.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle transmission during a gear change thereof, the method comprising operating a plurality of power shift clutches to disengage the power shift input gearing and the power shift output gearing, disengaging the driving connection between the range shift input shaft and the range shift output shaft by means of the range selection gearing, engaging at least two of the power shift clutches to vary the rotational speed of the power shift output shaft and hence the range shift input shaft, and operating the range selection gearing to establish a driving connection between the range shift input shaft and the range shift output shaft.

Abstract: A shift control method of an automatic transmission that controls a shift from an nth shift speed, achieved by engagement of first and second friction elements, to an (n?3)th shift speed, achieved by engagement of third and fourth friction elements. The method includes releasing the first and second friction elements and engaging the third and fourth friction elements. Release control of the second friction element begins after release control of the first friction element begins. Engagement control of the fourth friction element begins after an engagement control of the third friction element begins.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local, system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system.

Abstract: An exercise device configured to sense and respond to objects in proximity to the exercise device is provided. The device includes a sensor configured to sense objects in proximity to the exercise device other than the user who is operating the exercise device. A console is in communication with the sensor that instructs components of the treadmill to provide, for example, an audible and/or visual response to the user of the exercise device, or to slow or stop the exercise device from moving. Sensors that are capable of sensing whether objects are within different spatial zones of proximity are disclosed. Multiple pre-defined and/or user-defined responses to objects detected in multiple corresponding spatial zones of proximity are also disclosed herein.