Abstract: A swim fin includes a foot pocket and a blade portion. The blade portion includes a top surface and a bottom surface. An opening is disposed through the blade portion to permit an enhanced directional fluid flow between the top and the bottom surface. A top bevel is disposed in the top surface and surrounds the opening. The top bevel includes a trailing and a leading top bevel area to compress the fluid flow.

Abstract: An electrically powered and balanced buoyancy and velocity of movement controllable life preserving vest and transport system.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique to manufacture a display device with high image quality and high reliability at low cost with high yield. The invention has spacers over a pixel electrode layer in a pixel region and over an insulating layer functioning as a partition which covers the periphery of the pixel electrode layer. When forming a light emitting material over a pixel electrode layer, a mask for selective formation is supported by the spacers, thereby preventing the mask from contacting the pixel electrode layer due to a twist and deflection thereof. Accordingly, such damage as a crack by the mask does not occur in the pixel electrode layer. Thus, the pixel electrode layer does not have a defect in shapes, thereby a display device which performs a high resolution display with high reliability can be manufactured.

Abstract: In a method of cutting a plasma display panel, a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate are sealed so as to face each other. The front glass substrate and the rear glass substrate are sandwiched between pairs of rotating cutters, and the pairs of rotating cutters are pressed onto the front glass substrate and the rear glass substrate to be in contact therewith so that the rotating cutters are run thereon in order to cut the substrates.

Abstract: Playsets are disclosed. The playsets may include a support surface and a pop-up structure. The pop-up structure may be adapted to be selectively transitioned between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the stowed configuration the pop-up structure may be collapsed and may extend along the support surface. In the deployed configuration the pop-up structure may stand substantially transverse to the support surface.

Abstract: A submersible device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a container configured to be selectively buoyant in a liquid. The container can have at least one of a variety of different buoyancy systems. For example, the container can include a reservoir where the volume can be adjusted. In another example, the container can include a reservoir in communication with a pump configured to control the intaking and expelling of a liquid. In another embodiment, the container also defines a first partitioned section and a second partitioned section. The first partitioned section is substantially liquid resistant and the second partitioned section defines a hole in communication with an exterior of the container. An actuator is configured to receive an input from a user and is configured to modify an interior volume of the second partitioned section based on the input.

Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the interior volume of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to adhere to vertical surfaces, such as walls, or operated inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.

Abstract: An external positioning data linked radio controlled system and method for radio controlled vehicle (RCV) racing emulation including an infield RCV control device for receiving externally generated positional data from remote race vehicles on a remote race course, receiving locally input control signals from a user, an electronically reproduced racecourse map of the remote racecourse in a memory used to compute an electronic boundary for RCV devices, and error correction signals generated from feedback from an RCV. The infield RCV control device transmits wireless local control RCV signals containing RCV position, speed and direction data to each of a plurality RCVs responsive to the wireless local control RCV signals. The wireless local control RCV signals containing RCV position, speed and direction data based on processing the externally generated positional data, the locally input control signals, the electronically reproduced racecourse map, and error correction signals.

Abstract: Upper underwear includes: right and left cups for accommodating respective breasts therein; a coupling member coupling the cups to each other, and a belt joined to the cups, wherein: the belt has belt side portions to be positioned on side parts of a body when the underwear is put on the body, and a belt back portion to be positioned on a back part of the body when the underwear is put on the body; and the belt is formed such that when the upper underwear is put on the body, a lower edge of said belt back portion is positioned above a lower end level of said cups, whereby a sensation of pressure imparted to the body by the upper underwear can be relieved.

Abstract: A brassiere support system includes a brassiere including a back strap and a pair of shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are each attached to the back strap and extend upwardly from the back strap. The shoulder straps are spaced from each other. A connector is removably coupled to each of the shoulder straps to pull the shoulder straps toward each other. The connector is slidable toward or away from the back strap to effect a change in lifting properties of the shoulder straps.

Abstract: An article of apparent is disclosed comprising a pocket for concealing objects proximate to a breast.

Abstract: A finishing device for finishing the exterior, flutes and tip of a drill bit is disclosed. The finishing device includes a containment vessel which houses an abrasive media which may have a visco-elastic component and an abrasive component. The drill bit is inserted into or through the abrasive media and rotated. A rotary member may be connected to the shank of the drill bit to provide rotation of the drill bit. The drill bit displaces the abrasive media thereby finishing the exterior, flutes, cutting edges and tip of the drill bit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wafer polishing apparatus, comprising: a polishing pad to which a polishing liquid is supplied for polishing a wafer; a carrier head to carry the wafer; and one or more polishing liquid supplying device which supplies the polishing liquid onto the polishing pad, wherein the polishing liquid supplying device has a polishing liquid supplying member which is positioned close to or in contact with the polishing pad, and is relatively moved against the polishing pad, so that the polishing liquid supplied to the upper portion of the polishing liquid supplying member flows down along the polishing liquid supplying member to be painted on a surface of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A device for removing an information-bearing layer of an optical disc comprises a housing defining a first chamber and a second chamber, a mount to selectively mount an optical disc having an information-bearing layer adjacent the first chamber, a cutter within the first chamber, a drive mechanism operatively connected to the cutter, and a passageway between the first and second chambers. The cutter causes the information-bearing layer of the disc to form particulate matter, and the particulate matter is caused to move through the passageway into the second chamber. The resulting particulate matter has a particle size less than about 326 microns to meet the standards of the Department of Defense and NIST for digital data destruction.

Abstract: A tubular net arrangement is made by placing a tubular net on a transfer tube and inserting a support tube coaxially inside the transfer tube. The support tube has a support tube diameter that is smaller than the transfer tube diameter. The tubular net is then moved off the transfer tube and past the end of the transfer tube to fold the tubular net onto the support tube in the form of multiple successive concentric layers. The transfer tube then moves relative to the support tube to expose the support tube as the layers are formed on the support tube. The inner diameter of each layer is adjacent the support tube and is equal to the support tube diameter and the outer diameter of each layer is spaced away from the support tube and is greater than the support tube diameter and at most equal to the transfer tube diameter.

Abstract: A coin counter includes a support bracket, a limit plate secured on the support bracket, a slide rod slidably mounted on the support bracket, a coin outlet port located between the limit plate and the slide rod, and a rotation disk rotatably mounted on the support bracket and having a plurality of receiving grooves to receive a plurality of coins. Thus, each of the coins directly passes between the limit plate and the slide rod into the coin outlet port, so that each of the coins is introduced into the coin outlet port smoothly to prevent the coins from being choked at the coin outlet port. In addition, the limit plate is provided with an adjusting slot to change and adjust the distance between the limit plate and the slide rod to allow passage of coins of different sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing convenience services to a stationary vehicle independent of the vehicle's electrical system. At least one conduit is attached to a housing for transferring the services to a supply panel. The supply panel includes a face on which the various controls and connectors associated with the supplied convenience services, such as heating, cooling, electrical power, compressed air, computer network communications, telephone, video, and television, are disposed. The supply panel is dimensioned to interface with the stationary vehicle through an opening in the vehicle, such as a window or service door, and includes means for providing a substantially airtight seal for climate control.

Abstract: A data center comprising an air humidity- and temperature-conditioned space where heat producing ICT and/or telecom equipment is arranged, a heat wheel and means for supplying recirculation of air heated by the equipment as a first air stream to the heat wheel and the heat wheel being configured to cool the first air stream using a separate second air stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a multi-hand card game is disclosed. The game allows the simultaneous play of multiple card hands that are created from a first card hand. Each subsequent card hand includes cards whose rank is a function of the rank of cards in the immediately preceding card hand (or the first card hand). The generation of the subsequent card hands may be based on all cards in the first card hand, or may be restrictively applied only to the hold cards from the first card hand. The hold cards may include wild cards, which generate additional wild cards for subsequent hands that are a function of the rank of the wild cards in the first card hand. The card game may also make an award for a subsequent card hand that is the greater of an award for a second winning combination in the subsequent hand or the award for a first winning combination in a preceding card hand.

Abstract: A mahjong gaming apparatus with suit variable mahjong tiles has a server apparatus and multiple player terminal apparatuses. The server apparatus has a server and a random number generator. The random number generator is controlled by the server to randomly generate a suit of a particular mahjong tile. Each player terminal apparatus has at least one suit variable mahjong tile and a player terminal. The suit variable mahjong tile is capable of generating lines corresponding to the suit. The player terminal corresponds to a player, accepts inputs from the player, receives the suit from the server apparatus and controls the suit variable mahjong tile to generate the lines corresponding to the suit. Players may hold the suit variable mahjong tile to feel the lines before uncovering the mahjong tile.

Abstract: A gaming terminal is utilized for playing a wagering game. A wager-input device receives a wager from a player. A display displays symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes. The plurality of outcomes include at least one special-event outcome that awards additional game play at a time selectable by the player. The additional game play provides a guaranteed winning outcome. A special-event input device initiates the additional game play in response to the player activating the special-event input device. The additional game play is implemented with a game-enhancement parameter such that the guaranteed winning outcome has an enhanced payout.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes of a wagering game. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., the player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of predetermined outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). The player is also offered to determine a result associated with at least one local game play, wherein the offer requires use of an electronic game device located in a legalized gambling jurisdiction to determine the local game play result.

Abstract: A game system of the present invention comprises: a second game machine for executing a second game which is different from a basic game executed in a slot machine; a plurality of second game terminals each including: a bet input device to which a bet on a win or loss of a second game player is to be inputted; and a bet controller for transmitting a bet signal according to the bet when the bet is inputted; a slot machine including: a game controller programmed to execute the basic game and to enable the second game which is executed on the second game machine to be played when a predetermined second game start condition is established in the basic game; a command input device to which a command for accepting or refusing the bet made by a player other than the second game player on the second game player is to be inputted; and a display, the game controller transmitting a command signal according to the command when the command is inputted, and displaying to the display a content of the bet made by the player

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate transactions. An indication associated with an item is received from a player, and a game event outcome associated with the player is determined. For example, a player may indicate that he or she is interested in receiving a free soft drink at a fast food restaurant, and a payout amount associated with the player's instant lottery ticket may be determined. It is then arranged for the player to receive the item based on information associated with the item and the game event outcome.

Abstract: A gaming system with a central server or controller operable to communicate a plurality of different game programs to one, more or each of the gaming devices, wherein each gaming device executes the communicated game program by utilizing one, more or each of the concentric reels. Each game program represents a different setting, configuration or type game which may be played on one, more or each of the gaming devices in the gaming system.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are described for mapping a variety of Class III game outcomes to a common set of bingo patterns. Each game theme may have a different entertaining display, based upon a corresponding Class III game. Preferably, each game theme will offer game play and paytable percentages closely matching those of the original Class III game. In order to more closely match Class III game play, some implementations provide a system wherein the hit frequency of a bingo game will be modulated according to Class III game options selected by a player. The options may be, for example, paylines of a simulated slot game. In preferred implementations, this modulation is accomplished by varying the number of bingo cards provided in the underlying bingo game according to the options (e.g., the number of paylines) selected.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a display device for variably displaying and stopping symbols during a game; a memory storing a lottery table having interrelated random number ranges, threshold target values (an accumulatively counted number of times the game has been played) and payouts; and a processor (a) to extract a random number, (b) to determine from the lottery table the random number range to which the random number belongs, (c) to determine the threshold target value corresponding to the determined random number range, (d) to accumulatively count a total number of times the game has been played while games are continuously conducted, (e) to determine whether or not the total number of game plays equals the determined threshold target value, and (f) to determine from the lottery table and give the related payout when the total number of game plays equals with the determined threshold target value.

Abstract: A slot machine according to the present invention comprises: a display to which a plurality of symbols are arranged; a BET switch that allows a BET input; an input switch that allows an input of a rank order of the symbols; and a controller, the controller accepting the input of the rank order from the input switch when a predetermined number or more of BETs are accepted from the BET switch, and generating a predetermined bonus if a quantitative order of the numbers of the respective symbols rearranged to the display is same as the rank order inputted from the input switch upon rearrangement of the plurality of symbols arranged to the display.

Abstract: A method and device for conducting a multi-reel slot game includes a primary game display showing rotating reels carrying reel indicia and a secondary game display showing an array of target indicia, one or more of which may be associated with a secondary award. An outcome of the multi-reel slot game may trigger a non-reel game interaction directed to selecting target indicia from the secondary game display. Optionally, the non-reel game interaction includes a reel indicium thrown from a primary game display to a secondary game display where any target indicium struck is selected. Optionally, any target indicia connected to the selected target indicium are also selected. Any secondary award associated with selected target indicia is issued. Optionally, a supplemental non-reel game interaction may be triggered by selected target indicia. Optionally, the secondary game display is revised through removal, rearrangement, and/or replenishment of target indicia.

Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention includes: a display having a screen capable of displaying a symbol arrangement image in which a plurality of symbols are arranged and a plurality of valid area images each having a shape capable of including one or more symbols; and a controller in communication with the display for determining the number of valid area images in accordance with the number of BETs, displaying the symbol arrangement image and the valid area image so as to superpose said valid area images on the symbol arrangement image, in such a manner that said valid area images move and then stop, and providing an award in accordance with a symbol included in the valid area image stopped so that an award in accordance with the symbol included in an overlap area where the valid area images overlap with each other is higher than an award provided in a case of the symbol included in the remaining valid area image.

Abstract: A system and method for a gaming chip communication includes a memory configured to store chip information, a first antenna communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to receive a first radio frequency (RF) signal that includes at least previous stack information, a second antenna operable to communicate a second RF signal that comprises the previous stack information and the chip information, and where the first antenna is further configured to communicate an RF acknowledgement signal to a communication system that transmitted the first RF signal in response to the second antenna communicating the second RF signal.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a network server connected to a plurality of gaming devices that are adapted to provide a video payout on each play based on a set of payout parameters. Memory at each gaming device stores payout parameters that correspond to each possible gaming result or outcome. When a play is initiated by a player, a gaming result is generated at a gaming device. The gaming device responds by accessing a corresponding payout parameter from the memory which may be a monetary amount, a video presentation segment or a combination thereof. If the payout is video, the network server receives the payout parameter and transmits video presentation segment to the gaming device accordingly. The gaming device then provides a video payout, in the form of displayed video presentation, to the player. The player thus receives at least one form of payment on each play.

Abstract: A fully automatic table game player tracking system for Blackjack and other casino games wherein players have individual betting positions on the table is disclosed. An individual B&W CCD chip reading turret is placed inches in front of each player's betting position to scan wagered chips using ambient casino lighting. The turret also has a “comp” light to indicate to the player at the beginning of every hand that his bet was read credited for his complimentaries (meals, room, entertainment, etc.), thus delivering to the player extra gaming satisfaction every hand. Patterns of repeated coding around the playing chips' peripheral surface represent with light and dark contrasting colors the dollar value and particular casino issuer of the chips.

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 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 gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine(s) will provide progressive awards and/or supplemental bonus awards, wherein the number of provided supplemental awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. Each supplemental bonus award provided by each gaming device is based on any accumulated wagers placed at that gaming device.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU. The CPU generates a game image based on an image photographed by a virtual camera arranged in a game space, and displays the game image on a monitor connected to the game apparatus. A character location of a player character is used as a target location, for example, and the virtual camera is moved in such a manner that a location of a point-of-regard (point-of-regard location) of the virtual camera is brought close to this target location at a predetermined ratio. That is, the virtual camera follows the player character from behind after some delay.

Abstract: To reduce the number of parts in assembly of a trigger button in a controller for games, reduce the material cost, and heighten assembly efficiency. In a controller for games in which trigger buttons are partially protruded outward from opening portions formed in a case, and the trigger buttons are energized by springs and provided slidably by guide of trigger guides, left and right fitting grooves extending up and down are provided on left and right sides of back end surfaces of the trigger guides; ribs for holding the lower end portions of the trigger guides are provided for the case; left and right standing portions are provided on the outsides of the ribs thereby to hold the lower ends of the trigger guides by the ribs; and the left and right standing portions are fitted into the left and right fitting grooves thereby to hold the trigger guides.

Abstract: A convertible game controller that can be configured for use on a person's lap or on a table top is disclosed. The convertible game controller includes a lap rest designed to support a game controller on a person's lap. The lap rest is also designed to be attached to a table clamp so that the game controller can be secured to a table top. A latch and hooks are provided on the table clamp and lap rest that allow the lap rest to be attached to the table clamp.

Abstract: A game controller operates in both a wired mode and a wireless mode, and is able to switch between these two modes without permanent disruption to an ongoing game. During a transition from one mode to another, a host gaming system detects when the controller is physically disconnected (for wired mode to wireless mode) or connected (for wireless mode to wired mode). Upon detection, the host gaming system stores the game data and user information and the game controller stores an identifier in its nonvolatile memory. The host gaming system and game controller then establish a new communication link. The game controller retrieves the identifier and submits it to the host gaming system, which uses the identifier to reassociate the game data and user information with the game controller as it begins operating in the new mode. This allows the player to continue game play without interruption.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for planning and customizing a gaming vacation. Initially, a central controller receives preference and configuration data from a user at a user terminal. A preparation code is then determined and associated with the configuration data. The configuration data and the associated preparation code are transmitted from the central controller to a casino server. The central controller provides feedback regarding the user's requests. The feedback may include, for example, marketing offers for the user and/or configuring a gaming device according to the configuration data associated with a preparation code received from a user at the gaming device.

Abstract: A gaming system may include a number of gaming units and a host computer operatively coupled to the gaming units, and be configured to allow a gaming tournament to be conducted. Each of the gaming units may comprise a video display unit, a microphone, a camera, a speaker and a gaming unit controller. The gaming unit controller may be programmed to allow a person to select tournament play as a single or a group tournament player at a reserved or unreserved gaming unit, and to allow player data to be transmitted to the host computer. The host computer may include a host interface unit capable of receiving audio, visual and/or data input from a tournament host during the tournament, and a host computer controller capable of causing host data to be transmitted to the gaming units.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to providing duplicate instances of a particular interactive game on multiple wireless devices. When a first instance of an interactive game is initiated on a first wireless device, a unique identifier is assigned to that particular instance. The unique identifier may then be sent to a second wireless device, which may use the unique identifier to initiate a duplicate instance of the interactive game. The unique identifier may be sent through any messaging scheme for wireless devices, such as text messaging.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment of the present invention provides for: receiving a request for an automated session, in which the automated session comprises a plurality of games; initiating a first game of the automated session, the first game corresponding to a first gaming device; and initiating a second game of the automated session, the second game corresponding to a second gaming device.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment of the present invention provides for: receiving a request for an automated session, in which the automated session comprises a plurality of games; initiating a first game of the automated session, the first game corresponding to a first gaming device; and initiating a second game of the automated session, the second game corresponding to a second gaming device.

Abstract: A method for viewing a televised event, the televised event includes at least two competing parties in a playing area, each party being visually distinguished in respect of any other parties. Each party is associated with a distinctive region in the playing area of the televised event. The televised event includes a score indication with score portion for each party; the method including receiving a processed televised event for display on a display device. The score portions are associated with direction indications so as to facilitate visual association of each score indication portion to a respective party according to its distinctive region in the playing area.

Abstract: Maintenance of community integrity in a gaming network is disclosed. One or more devices interacting with a particular game in the gaming network may be monitored. During the course of monitoring these devices, indicia of the violation of certain rules that define fair game play may be identified. A user and/or device engaged in certain illicit game play activity that resulted in the violation of the rules that define fair game play may subsequently be identified. The identified user and/or device may then be penalized as to maintain the integrity of the gaming community. Various penalties may be implemented, including ejection from the gaming network or prohibitions with regard to future access to the gaming network. Various retributive actions may also be taken against a particular user who has engaged in illicit game play activity with respect to future game session activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game device that can display strings more suited to speech recognition at the time of speech input. A priority input device information acquisition unit (56) acquires priority input device information. When the priority input device information represents a character input device, an input criteria display unit (58) and a determination unit (60) display character input criteria as input criteria and determine whether or not that input corresponds to the input criteria. When the priority input device information represents a speech input device, the input criteria display unit (58) and the determination unit (60) display character input criteria as input criteria, and in regard to predetermined character input criteria, display speech input criteria corresponding to the character input criteria as input criteria, and determine whether or not that input corresponds to speech recognition data corresponding to the input criteria.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes that is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM). A player may then purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal and then view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). In some embodiments, a salesperson inspects at least one tamper evident item associated with the tangible medium for any indication of tampering. If no tampering is evident, then the salesperson activates the tangible medium upon receipt of a purchase price. In some embodiments, if the salesperson determines that tampering has occurred, then she refuses to activate the tangible medium, and information about the player and the tangible medium may be communicated to one or more databases.

Abstract: Gaming systems, methods, and devices for determining or verifying the outcome of a card game, for example the card game of Baccarat. The systems, methods, and devices can be used in conjunction with the card game to enhance security by optically imaging the hands of playing cards dealt or by optically reading a set of cards to determine the outcome of each game that can be played from that set of cards. The playing cards each have at least one encoded symbol comprised of machine-readable indicia. The gaming system can include a card shoe-reader alone, a card shoe-reader in combination with at least one card hand-reader, or various other embodiments to include other devices such as a discard reader or a bet recognition device. The optically imaged playing cards can be processed within a computing system to allow the authentication of the playing cards.