Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus and method for regenerating or awarding extra chances or opportunities to a player in connection with a gaming device and preferably in a bonus round of a gaming device. The present invention contemplates regenerating or awarding a plurality of extra chances or opportunities upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. More specifically, the present invention contemplates regenerating or awarding a number of extra chances or opportunities equal to the number of chances or opportunities with which the player enters or begins the game or bonus round of the present invention.

Abstract: A game system for playing a basic game, includes: slot machines which, when a combination of “BONUS” symbols stop in a winning line, transmit a signal for switching to a roulette game; a second game device, separate from the slot machines, which executes a second game; and a display for displaying an image corresponding to game status of the second game device. In cases in which the switching signal has been transmitted from any one of the slot machines, other slot machines enter a mode that allows the players at the other slot machines to participate in the second game. Furthermore, the game system includes a central controller which can communicate with the slot machines, the second game device, and the display, and which, upon reception of the switching signal from the slot machine, transmits a roulette game start signal to start the roulette game in the second game device.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods by which a player may remotely participate in casino gaming activity. Such aspects may include a video camera configured to provide visual data concerning the casino gaming activity to the player, a microphone configured to provide audio data concerning the casino gaming activity to the player, and a data network coupled with the video camera and the microphone. In such aspects, the player may be located in a hotel guest room, the hotel guest room may include a video display coupled with the data network, and one or more buttons of a remote control device associated with said video display may be configured to control said player's remote participation in the casino gaming activity.

Abstract: A prize game apparatus that has plural pairs of pickup arms and can adjust the distance between the pairs of pickup arms is provided. A prize game apparatus includes: a pickup unit capable of moving in specified directions; plural pairs of pickup arms attached to the pickup unit; an opening/closing unit for opening and closing the pairs of pickup arms; and a distance adjustment unit for adjusting the distance between the pairs of pickup arms by moving the pair(s) of pickup arms; wherein a prize is picked up or released by closing or opening the pairs of pickup arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely controlling the movements of a vehicle includes a user input means, such as a gamepad with a plurality of joystick-controlled and button-controlled outputs, a tracker, and optional sliding foot pedals; a processor for running a control mapping algorithm; and a remote vehicle controller. A control mapping algorithm maps the outputs to the remote-controlled vehicle's course, heading, displacement, and camera view, with the joysticks mapped to provide open loop directional control over the vehicle's course and heading, the tracker providing open loop control over the camera view, and the optional sliding foot pedals providing open loop control over the vehicle's displacement. The remote vehicle controller sends commands to on-board controls to direct the vehicle's movement. A video stream from an on-board camera is transmitted back to the operator station for viewing on a computer desktop display or a head mountable display.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a game server that can simulate the sensation of competing in a game against an actually existing specific person. The game server of the present invention offers a plurality of options for the actions that gamer A can select in game scenes that change along with the progress of a soccer game. The options include dribble (long), dribble (short), pass in front of the player, pass to the foot of the player, wait, and shoot. The action patterns of gamer A are stored for each game scene by counting the number of times each option is selected. The game server refers to the stored action patterns when playing against another gamer B. This configuration makes it possible for the gamer B to have a virtual experience as if he were competing with the gamer A.

Abstract: Game apparatuses connected in a peer-to-peer manner play a competitive game with each other. Each of the game apparatuses stores a ranking table ranking points of multiple users based on past games of the users. When finishing playing the game, the game apparatuses respectively calculate points obtained by the respective users based on the result of the game, and update the ranking tables based on the newly calculated points. The game apparatuses transmit and receive information on the updated ranking table to and from each other. Each game apparatus integrates the ranking table locally stored with the ranking table transmitted from the other game apparatus to generate a new ranking table, and displays the new ranking table on a display device.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes, for example, a CPU, and a ROM and/or a RAM for executing and storing game programs and game program backup data. The RAM has multiple pre-allocated backup game data storage areas for use by different game programs during their respective execution including a single-player game backup data area, a multi-player game backup data area and a shared backup data storage area. The shared backup data storage area is provided for storing information that is accessible in common by a plurality of games, and separate game backup data storage areas are provided for each of the single-player version of a game and the multi-player version of a game.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke includes a yoke base and two yoke arms, each respectively having a through extending bearing bore, a circular arc groove having a center that is arranged on a bore axis or is off-set from the bore axis toward the yoke base, and at least one securing recess on the outer face. A separate securing element for each yoke arm has an engagement portion with an outer circumference that is adapted to the circular arc groove and engaging the same and at least one securing portion that projects from the securing element in the direction away from the center and that engages the at least one securing recess and that secures the securing element against rotation around the center. A securing device retains the securing elements on the universal joint yoke.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite shaft bearing a metallic flanged end coupling (Fl) attached to the outside diameter through a concentric cylindrical torsional joint, comprising: a) a cylindrical end region comprising a wedge shaped inner layer of fiber (Hp) composite; b) a layer of outer helical composite plies (He) forming the shaft and extending over the wedge shaped inner layer, wherein the layer of outer helical plies has a tapered end part overlying wedge shaped inner layer to form the cylindrical end portion, wherein all helical plies of fibre layers are exposed on an outer surface; and c) a metallic flanged end coupling attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical end region through a primary mechanically interface (Sp) which may be splined. The joint may be strengthened by internally reinforcing the main shaft with an interference fit tubular plug (Pg) and protected from environmental degradation by inboard secondary adhesive bond (Ad).

Abstract: A platform for performance of personal combat martial arts is made with a concave upper surface having a central generally flat region for main performance surrounded by a border region that slopes upwardly to the platform periphery, so that instead of the traditional impasse and fight interruption experienced when a combatant is forced into the border region, ropes or corners of conventional flat fight rings, the action tends to continue and automatically gravitate back into the main central region without interruption. A full-height constraint net that slopes upwardly and inwardly further urges combatants away from the periphery and safely prevents bodily ejection, thus protecting ringside spectators while providing all spectators with a good view of the sports action.

Abstract: A slide (104) supports and directs a user along a predetermined path. A conveyor system (102) is coupled to the slide to accelerate the user along the predetermined path.

Abstract: The improved billiard rack is an invention that allows a user to quickly and easily rack or position a set of billiard balls without the inconvenience or necessity of actuating an auxiliary ball positioning device. The rack includes NEOPRENE or the like compressible members that cause a compressive load to be placed upon a group of billiard balls when the rack is positioned on a set of balls which further causes the group of balls to be tightly and properly grouped or racked. The rack further includes angled walls that provide for removal of the rack from a group of balls without the walls colliding with the balls. The rack further includes feet upon which the rack may be rotatingly removed from a set of balls by rotating the rack in an upwards rearwards rotation motion away from the group of balls. The feet preferably include alignment marks that may be aligned with corresponding marks on a playing surface so as to properly, accurately, and consistently position the rack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sport training device for improving technique by providing resistance within the context of a sporting movement. The invention comprises an arcuate frame worn on the thigh of a user, which is secure to the user's thigh with an adjustable belt or cuff coupled to the frame. A lever coupled to the frame extends away from the frame in front of the user's body and an elastic cord is anchored to the lever. An attachment means is coupled to the other end of the elastic cord to allow the user's arms to extend the cord, thereby providing resistance to the user's movement. The attachment means attaches the cord to a wrist strap or glove worn by the user or to the handle of a sport implement such as a golf club.

Abstract: A golf club incorporates a slope indicator on its shaft. to enable a golfer to estimate the slope of a putting green. When the golf club is placed on the ground, the slope indicator indicates a degree of slope. The golfer may engage a lock for the slope indicator. Engagement of the lock allows the golfer to lift the club off the ground to inspect the slope indicator.

Abstract: A putting guide assembly and its associated method of use. The putting guide assembly attaches to the head of a putter. The putter head has a striking surface for striking a golf ball. The putting guide assembly is attached to the putter and presents a flexible guide surface that extends forward of the putter's striking surface. The flexible guide surface can be configured into different curvatures. As the flexible guide surface is adjusted, the perceived curvature observed by a golfer holding the putter changes. A golfer can therefore selectively change the perceived curvature to match the natural curvature inherent in that golfer's putting swing.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical shaft has upper and lower ends and a handle at the upper end. A putter head has a forward face plate and a rear, a sole plate below and a weight plate above, a toe and a heel. The weight plate and the sole plate each have an upper and lower surface. The lower end of the shaft is coupled to the upper surface of the weight plate adjacent to the heel. An alignment assembly includes an upper line on the upper surface of the weight plate and a lower line on the upper surface of the sole plate parallel with and spaced from the toe and the heel. The upper line is located above and parallel with the lower line. The lower line extends rearwardly a greater distance than the upper line.

Abstract: A pitch-mark repair tool to be carried by a golf club (e.g., a putter) to enable a golfer to quickly and easily repair an impact area at a putting green of a golf course caused by the impact of a golf ball striking the green during play. The pitch-mark repair tool includes a base to be affixed to the grip which surrounds one end of the golf club shaft. A plurality of upstanding earth leveling prongs project from the base for use in lifting up the earth to a level, smooth surface over the impact area to be repaired. A fastener having a set of helically wound screw threads extends through the base and the grip for receipt in the existing vent hole of the grip for holding the base against the grip. An end cap is detachably connected in surrounding engagement with the base to enclose the upstanding prongs therewithin and thereby prevent injury to the golfer.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method that enables an assistive energy type golf club to sense the approach of the club face toward a golf ball, and to trigger the release of the assistive energy at the optimum time to achieve the desired golf ball velocity and distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a golf club head having improved mass distribution characteristics. The golf club head includes a body and a face positioned at a forward portion of the body. The golf club head also includes one or more mass elements positioned at predetermined locations about the head. The mass elements assist in achieving desired relationship between the moment of inertia about a center of gravity x-axis and the moment of inertia about a center of gravity z-axis.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein are golf products, such as golf balls and/or components thereof, including the product of a fast-chemical-reaction mixture comprising a polyol and an isocyanate. The component is formed by reaction injection molding the reaction mixture. In the reaction mixture, the stoichiometry of the reactants is imbalanced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core consists of a center having a center hardness of 50 Shore C or greater and formed from a first HNP composition, and an outer core layer having a surface hardness of 75 Shore C or greater and formed from a second HNP composition. The first HNP composition has a material hardness of 55 Shore D or less and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer. The second HNP composition has a material hardness of 45 Shore D or greater and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer. The material hardness of the first HNP composition is less than the material hardness of the second HNP composition. The cover consists of an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition and an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane or polyurea composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover. The multi-layer core consists of a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The outer core layer is preferably thin relative to the center and the outer core layer. The multi-layer core includes at least one layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and at least one layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition.

Abstract: A golf ball having an indicia composed of a novel metallic ink is disclosed herein. The first indicia is preferably composed of a vacuum metallized pigmented ink having a particle size ranging from 10 microns to 12 microns. The ink is preferably an aluminum based ink. The golf ball is preferably a two-piece solid golf ball or a three-piece solid golf ball. The novel ink preferably has a viscosity above about 300 centipoise.

Abstract: A golf green repair tool with a depth limiting feature that has an earth engagement surface that has a forward slant to reposition the raised portion around a crater to the center region of the crater. A prong portion is adapted to be thrusted toward the center region of the crater and the repair tool is adapted to do minimal damage to the turf mat and provides a desirable method to repair craters left by impacting golf balls by properly repositioning of the displaced portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose sectional sports apparatus. The sports apparatus includes a plurality of assembling poles each including a main pole and a sub pole, a connector, and a supporting unit. The main pole has an insertion bore, an L-shaped lower fixture and a plurality of main coupling holes in an upper portion thereof. The sub pole is inserted into the main pole and has a plurality of lower height-adjusting holes and a plurality of upper sub coupling holes. The sub pole is movable up and down to have an adjustable height relative to the main pole as a fastener is fastened through selected ones of the height-adjusting holes and main coupling holes. The connector includes a branched body having a plurality of insertion branches for connection of the assembling poles, each insertion branch having an opening and an insertion bore.

Abstract: A portable horseshoe court demarcation device formed of a plurality of engaged pairs of flexible members such as webbing. The ends of the flexible members once engaged to the ground mark a Horseshoe court. Center sections of one pair of flexible members provide a reference point from which to determine where to place horseshoe stakes, or provide flexible members for marking the installation point for the horseshoe stakes.

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

Abstract: A stationary sheave half of a V-belt type continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprises a primary sheave mounted to a primary sheave shaft and a secondary sheave mounted to a secondary sheave shaft. The stationary sheave half of the secondary sheave comprises a sheave body, which is substantially in the form of a doughnut plate and around which a V-belt is wound, and a substantially cylindrical-shaped boss portion extending rightward from a right side of the sheave body. The sheave body and the boss portion are formed separately.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes an electrically operated input device and a first planetary assembly in driving engagement with the input device. The first planetary assembly is drivingly connected to a first output assembly. A second planetary assembly is in driving engagement with the first planetary assembly and the second planetary assembly is drivingly connected to a second output assembly. The first planetary assembly co-acts with the second planetary assembly to provide substantially the same torque to the first and second output assemblies and the first and second planetary assemblies include axes of rotation substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the input device.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: Numerous implementations of variable motion control devices and methods of use thereof. The devices and methods provide variable output to such output devices as vehicles. The variable motion control devices are locatable between output devices and power sources, such as in vehicle transmission applications between the engine and driveline, wherein an output of a power source is input into the device, which, in turn, provides a variable output to the vehicle drive line or other output application.

Abstract: In a transmission for a motor vehicle of a reduction gearing design with power branching including a main shaft and a counter shaft, a first component transmission and a planetary gear unit, power is branched to the countershaft by the first component transmission in certain gears and recombined via the planetary gear unit and a direct power transmission path is provided wherein the countershaft is decoupled selectively by means of a control device.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes clutch members having an engaged position, in which torque generated by a drive is transmitted to an output, and a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output. The clutch members are capable of slipping with respect to each other in order to prevent damage caused by overload conditions. The clutch mechanism further comprises an actuator associated with a clutch member. If the clutch members slip and a characteristic associated with slipping of the clutch members, such as the temperature rise of the slipping surfaces or the relative rotational speed of the clutch members is above a predetermined value, transmission of torque to the output is interrupted. The clutch mechanism is particularly suited for inclusion in a drive mechanism for the agitator of a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Variable motion control devices and methods of use. The devices and methods relate to providing an output, such as a rotational shaft output, transmitted from a rotational shaft input, with the output varying based on a control input. The devices and methods are used, for example, to provide a variable output for use with a compressor, power take off, or transmission or differential application. To provide the variable output, the devices and methods include use of mechanical component systems, such as spur gear planetary systems, ring gear planetary systems, bevel gear arrangements, or combinations of such features. The control input is implemented, for example, by arrangements of bindably meshed gears, tension between pulleys joined by belts or similar arrangements of sprockets and chains, use of magnetic clutches, hydraulic or pneumatic controls, or braking devices.

Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, a grounded member and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, one fixed interconnection and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes two clutches that are disposed such that they overlap in an axial direction and occupy different positions in a radial direction. Each of the two clutches includes a clutch drum, a piston that forms a working fluid chamber for which a portion of the clutch drum serves as a cylinder, a plurality of friction plates that engage the clutch drum, and a cancel oil chamber that is disposed on a rear face side of the piston and that cancels a centrifugal oil pressure that acts on the working fluid chamber.

Abstract: An automatic transmission that includes two clutches that are disposed at positions that overlap in an axial direction and are different in a radial direction. The two clutches each include: a clutch drum, a piston that structures a working oil chamber with a portion of the clutch drum used as a cylinder, a plurality of friction plates that engage the clutch drum, and a cancel oil chamber that is disposed on a back surface side of the piston and that cancels a centrifugal hydraulic pressure that acts on the working oil chamber. An inner spline is formed on the clutch drum of one clutch, among the two clutches, that is positioned on an outer diameter side. An outer spline is formed on the clutch drum of the other clutch, among the two clutches, that is positioned on an inner diameter side.

Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle drive has a device for detecting a charging power of a heavy-duty battery for an electric motor, a device for determining at least one fuel consumption parameter for several different transmission gear positions at the detected charging power and for determining an optimized gear position in which the determined fuel consumption parameter indicates an optimized fuel consumption. The determining device controls the gear position of the transmission to the determined optimized gear position by via a transmission control device.

Abstract: A vehicle parking control system includes a shift-by-wire apparatus that is operated based on an electric range position signal corresponding to one of the driving range and the non-driving range of the drive unit and that switches the lock mechanism to an engaged state and a released state in conjunction with a switching of one of the driving range and the non-driving range of the drive unit; a vehicle parking brake unit that is operated based on the range position signal and that switches a brake unit, which is provided to stop a rotation of the rotating member of the vehicle, between a braking state and a released state; and a control unit that operates the shift-by-wire apparatus and the vehicle parking brake unit based on the range position signal.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle includes an engagement-pressure control portion that increases the engagement pressure to a predetermined pressure for a friction engagement element to be engaged during a torque phase of an upshift in an automatic transmission. When the inertia phase starts, the control apparatus increases the engagement pressure at a predetermined gradient. The control apparatus also includes a torque-boost control portion that executes a torque-boost control that boosts the torque output from the power source during the torque phase; and a torque-boost permission portion that determines whether the torque-boost control should be restricted. When it is determined that the torque-boost control should not be restricted, the predetermined pressure is set to a greater value, and the predetermined gradient is set to a smaller value than when it is determined that the torque-boost control should be restricted.

Abstract: An engagement-pressure control portion and a first torque decrease control portion are provided. The engagement-pressure control portion controls an engagement pressure for a friction engagement element to be engaged when an automatic transmission upshifts so that the engagement pressure increases to a standby pressure at which an inertia phase does not start on the condition that torque output from a power source is equal to a first predetermined value, and then the engagement pressure is maintained at the standby pressure. The first torque decrease control portion controls the torque output from the power source so that the torque gradually decreases from the first predetermined value after the engagement pressure for the friction engagement element is maintained at the standby pressure, and a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A calibration system for calibrating a transmission adjusts a clutch fill pulse width and hold level current for an oncoming clutch via calibration shifts during operation of the associated machine, thus establishing the desired shift timing and duration. The pulse width is calibrated based on torque transfer characteristics of the clutch during a test shift, and the hold level current is calibrated based on the shift duration of a further test shift.

Abstract: A weightlifting apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart support columns which carry a pair of spaced-apart self-spotter bars. The self-spotter bars extend from the columns such that the height and optionally the angle can be adjusted. The self-spotter bars are positioned to hold a weight bar at a safe height should the user drop the weight during an exercise.

Abstract: A rock climbing practice device includes a body which is rotatable 360 degrees about an axle support by a support unit. The body has multiple climbing surfaces and side surfaces, and multiple climbing holds are connected to the climbing surfaces which are formed along the rotational direction of the body. A shaft is connected to the support unit and co-rotated with the axle. A damping unit is connected to the shaft so as to provide proper damping force to the body and an adjustment unit is connected to the damping unit to adjust the damping force. When climbers climb the body which is rotated due to the weight of the climbers and the rotated body provides the climbing surfaces at different inclinations.

Abstract: An exercise glove for intrinsic muscles and method of use. The exercise glove incorporates rigid ribs having rib distal end angles corresponding to patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles. The ribs passively hold the patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles in extension, while the patient actively flexes the proximal interphalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints to obtaining optimal intrinsic muscle stretching. The rib distal end angles may be set by a physical therapist to correspond to individual patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles, or alternately an array of ribs of different rib distal end angles may be provided with the exercise glove, from which rib assortment the physical therapist may choose ribs having appropriate rib distal end angles ribs to attach to the exercise glove. The method includes the steps of using the exercise glove to passively hold metacarpal phalangeal joints in extension, while actively flexing proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.