Abstract: Embodiments of this concept are directed to a method of operating a gaming device to determine game outcomes by using a range of game numbers for winning game outcomes. That is, the gaming device includes a range of numbers associated with a generic winning outcome or each winning outcome to ensure that a winning outcome or specific winning outcome will hit within the specified range. This method may be used a variety of game types including slot machines, video poker, keno, video pachinko, etc. These gaming machines may additionally include one or more proximity indicators or meters associated with the various outcomes.

Abstract: A gaming system and related methods comprising a gaming device and a voucher mechanism in communication with the gaming device. The voucher mechanism is configured to present various types of vouchers to the player depending on a game outcome. The types of vouchers include, without limitation, a jackpot voucher, a merchandise voucher, a free play voucher, a mystery voucher, a competition entry voucher, and a restricted machine play voucher.

Abstract: Mobile device software application that uses the camera in a web-enabled PDA, cellular phone or smart phone to capture a barcode image off a lottery ticket, convert it to its unique serial number, pass it via cellular data service through a database query to append or change a game database and initiate a unique computer game sessions on the mobile device that the consumer can play with variable outcomes to determine the future value of the printed ticket.

Abstract: Mobile communications device that uses a camera in a web-enabled PDA, cellular phone or smart phone to capture a barcode image off a lottery ticket, convert it to its unique serial number, pass it via cellular data service through a database query to append or change a game database and initiate a unique computer game sessions on the mobile device that the consumer can play with fixed or variable outcomes to determine the future value of the printed ticket. A method is disclosed of generating a mobile lottery game for play on a mobile device by which a consumer can reach fixed or variable outcomes to determine the future value of a game ticket.

Abstract: A game system and method plays an electronic game and simulates the outcome as a keno game. The game system allows a player to place a wager, plays the electronic game, and establishes an outcome of the electronic game. The outcome of the electronic game includes a payout according to a first pay table if a set of predetermined conditions has been achieved. The outcome of the game is simulated as a keno game. The outcome of the keno game is equivalent to the outcome of the electronic game.

Abstract: A gaming system selects and displays one of a plurality of symbol blocks in each of a plurality of block positions, wherein each of the selected blocks includes at least one partial symbol. Each partial symbol has at least one complementary partial symbol which, when arranged in a designated spatial relationship with one another, form a complete matching symbol. If any of the partial symbols on the selected blocks create a complete matching symbol, the gaming system provides at least one award to the player. Each matching block which includes any portion of a complete matching symbol is then removed, creating an empty block position. The gaming system then fills the empty block position by either shifting a displayed block into the empty block position or by selecting a new block. The gaming system repeats this process until no complete matching symbols are formed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a voucher in exchange for cash from a patron for use with a gaming machine are disclosed herein. The method includes receiving an amount of cash or cash equivalent from a patron and depositing the amount in a patron account stored on a server. A voucher in the amount of the deposited cash is printed and the voucher can be redeemed by the patron and applied to the gaming machine for play. Each voucher printed may include a unique voucher number. The cashier generated voucher system enhances customer service by providing high limit players with the ability to use vouchers or tickets rather than needing to insert multiple bills into the gaming machines.

Abstract: A gaming system comprising: a display comprising a plurality of display portions associated with respective ones of a plurality of gaming devices; and a group game controller arranged to: control the display to display an object as moving between the display portions by displaying the object in individual ones of the display portions; determine display portions at which to display the object in each of a plurality of stopped display states, at least some of which correspond to respective ones a plurality of prizes; control the display to display the object in each stopped display state in the respective determined display portion; and award any prize associated with each stopped display state to a player of the respective gaming device upon at least one eligibility criteria being met in respect of the gaming device.

Abstract: A gaming system comprising: a credit meter storing a balance of wagerable credits; a points meter storing a balance of usable points; a game play mechanism operable by the player to input a play instruction for a game comprising a credit portion and a points portion; and a game controller arranged to control conduct of the game in response to the play instruction based on the credit portion and the points portion and to determine whether to make an award of credits based on an outcome of the game.

Abstract: Described herein are processes and devices that authorize and manage wagering agents and associated accounts. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can detecting a request from a first player account to utilize a shared wagering fund to wager on a wagering game. The shared wagering fund can be funded by a second player account. The wagering game system can make the shared wagering fund available to the first player account to wager on a wagering game. The wagering game system can determine a game award produced by the wagering game. The system can then allocate a portion of the game award to the second player account.

Abstract: A system, and a method of gaming on the system. The method includes conducting a progressive jackpot game comprising a plurality of separate progressive jackpot prizes stored in respective ones of a plurality of jackpot meters, obtaining a jackpot increment; and updating the jackpot meters by selectively incrementing one of the jackpot prizes with the jackpot increment.

Abstract: A gaming system providing a tiered reward bonus promotion. A player's activity level is quantified to a value that adjusts over time. The value at the completion of a bonus period is compared to a plurality of tier values stored in memory at the central authority. Each tier value has an associated bonus award that is awarded to the player if the player reaches that tier at the completion of the bonus period. The award is indicated in the player's account and may be redeemed at a player kiosk.

Abstract: A method and computer system for providing a virtual presentation is provided. A plurality of different groups of virtual objects within a virtual world on a display device, wherein at least one of the different groups is selectable by a user. The desired group of virtual objects are to be displayed within a virtual optical viewfinder. A selection tool is provided within the virtual optical viewfinder and is controllable by the user to select a target virtual object from the desired group of virtual objects displayed within the virtual optical viewfinder. The user is presented with a magnified image of the target virtual object and revealing an identity of the target virtual object that has been selected in response to selection of the target virtual object by the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and method related to projections and/or computing devices are described. Projections may be made from multiple computing devices to create a presentation. Various other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A method of providing a music game using a computer system includes the act of retrieving, from a storage medium coupled to the computer system, note information including timing information. The computer system includes a music game controller. The method also includes displaying, on a graphical user interface, a note indicator based on the note information. The method further includes receiving, by the computer system, an input from a music game controller, the input being indicative of a user playing a note in response to the note indicator.

Abstract: A music game method includes retrieving song data having note information from a storage medium coupled to a computer system. The method also includes determining from the song data at least two note indicators to be presented sequentially and determining from the song data a leader between first and second note indicators. The leader provides information related to the second note indicator. A music game system includes a song manager module configured to retrieve song data having note information from a storage medium, and a user interface module configured to determine from the song data at least two note indicators to be presented sequentially and to determine from the song data a leader between first and second note indicators. Each note indicator is related to corresponding note information. The first and second note indicators are adjacent to one another.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for playing browser based game with alternative controls and interfaces are presented. In one method, a definition of native inputs defined for the game is received. The native inputs are originated in a native device and are capable of causing actions in the game. Further, the method detects an alternate device that does not have all the native inputs. The native inputs are mapped from the native device to alternate inputs from the alternate device. The inputs generated with the alternate device are translated to corresponding native inputs according to the mapping and causing the corresponding actions in the game. In another method, a game area inside a web page is identified for playing the game. The game area is expanded by increasing the size of the game area while decreasing the size of other elements in the web page.

Abstract: One embodiment of a wearable exergaming system comprised of control push-buttons and motion sensor worn by the player, communicating wirelessly with a portable computer/display placed on the fitness equipment in front of the player. This allows a fully portable exergaming system, that can be used on a number of different fitness machines, which is easily transferable from person to person and machine to machine. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems, methods and for analyzing game control input data are disclosed. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for analyzing game control input data is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for communicating information regarding movement of a gaming device are presented herein. A gaming device can include at least one sensor configured to measure information associated with at least one of a position of the gaming device or an attitude of the gaming device. Further, a communications interface component can be configured to communicate the information to a controller. A method can detect, via sensors of a handheld gaming device, information related to a movement of the handheld gaming device; and transfer the information to a controller communicatively coupled to the handheld gaming device. A system can include means for receiving information related to a position of a gaming device or an attitude of the gaming device, and means for predicting an anticipated position of the gaming device based on the means for receiving the information.

Abstract: A game apparatus comprises an obtaining means, a gravity direction calculating means, a first movement direction calculating means, and a game processing means. The obtaining means successively obtains acceleration data. The gravity direction calculating means calculates a gravity direction based on values of a plurality of pieces of acceleration data obtained during a predetermined period, where an orientation of an input device is used as a reference. The first movement direction calculating means calculates a first movement direction which is a movement direction of the input device, based on the values of the plurality of pieces of acceleration data obtained during the predetermined period, where the orientation of the input device is used as a reference. The game processing means executes a game process based on the first movement direction and the gravity direction.

Abstract: A combination telephony and game device comprises a telephony modem for communicating with remote devices over a telephony network; and an application processor operatively connected to said telephony modem. The application processor is configured to execute a game application to play a game; receive a telephony event notification from said telephony modem while the game is being played; and represent, while the game is being played, the telephony event in a virtual reality environment provided by the game application.

Abstract: An online gaming method for integrating offline and online activities. The method may include using a game server to receive a player identification code from one of the client devices that is operated by a game player, and the code may he provided to the player when they purchase a toy or product (e.g., a plush animal representing an endangered species). The method includes providing the client device access to an online game when the player identification code is verified and also includes storing in memory/data storage a player record for the game player. Then, the method includes receiving data indicating performance of an offline activity by the game player such as completion of a quantity of exercise. The game server then acts to modify the online game based on this received offline activity data such that performance of the offline activity is integrated into play of the online game.

Abstract: Disclosed is a game apparatus, including: a figurative object having a character identifying information; a reading section for reading a character information; a field section for freely moving the figurative object; a storage section for storing a plurality of display character identifying information; an identifying information reading section for reading the character identifying information from the figurative object at the reading section; a position reading section for reading position of the figurative object on the field; a display for displaying a character; and a controller for controlling the position of the character on the display, wherein when the figurative object is put on the field at a first time after the character identifying information has read by the identifying information reading section, the controller causes the display to display the character corresponding to the read character identifying information and controls the position of the character based on a read result of the positi

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes an outer member defining an interior opening and a plurality comprising at least four grooves disposed within the interior opening and extending along a first longitudinal axis with each of the grooves being parallel to the other grooves and the first longitudinal axis, and an inner member disposed within the interior opening having a second longitudinal axis and defining a plurality of pockets corresponding to the grooves disposed radially about the second longitudinal axis with each of the plurality of pockets opposing one of the plurality of grooves. The joint further includes a plurality of drive balls corresponding to the grooves, each drive ball having a spherical shape and rotatably disposed within one of the plurality of pockets and moveably disposed within one of the plurality of grooves, wherein the outer member, inner member and plurality of drive balls comprise a constant velocity joint.

Abstract: A threaded bolt may be produced according to a method including the steps of: forming a cylindrical bolt blank of metal with a root end and a head end, and with a section of the bolt blank adjoining the root end that is reduced in diameter up to a region designed for the formation of lead-in flights. Then, in a first rolling phase, partially form the principal thread flights and the lead-in thread flights using a first pass of flat jaws of a thread rolling machine. Then, in a second rolling phase, fully form the principal flights and the lead-in flights and forming grooves.

Abstract: A novelty eye patch with a retaining, elastic band connected to a gag, false eye, eyelid or other embodiment, concealed beneath the patch. The patch and false eye or lid will be adjoined by a small, hidden spring, built onto two (2) hard wire frames. The spring will compress the false eye or lid against the user's real eye while allowing the patch to be lifted, revealing the gaff eye or lid. The two (2) steel wire frames will be concealed, along with the adjoining spring. One wire frame will be sewn into the outer circumference of the eye patch while the other frame will be molded into the underlying gaff or falsetto eye, to conceal their identity while maintaining stability to the patch and the gaff. Opposing force, created by the hidden spring, will compress downward the false eye or lid firmly against the user's real-eyelid, while maintaining a constant upward force of pressure on the patch.

Abstract: A playset is operable to be erected on a site and includes a slide and an adjustable-height slide base. The slide base includes an adapter that attaches below the slide and at least one standoff that attaches below the adapter.

Abstract: A swing seat assembly is provided for enhancing durability of the swing and increasing the safety of a person using the swing. The swing seat assembly includes an elongated seat element and a reinforcing member extending along the seat element. The reinforcing member is formed of a different material than the seat element and has a tensile strength that is greater than the tensile strength of the seat element. The assembly also includes a pair of rigid connecting elements configured to operably couple the seat element with suspending elements, where the connecting elements at least partially project from end margins of the seat element but do not extend inwardly beyond a top face of the seat element. A swing assembly is also provided that includes a reinforced swing seat with a reinforcing member extending therealong and being encased therein. The swing assembly includes a pair of suspending elements coupled to hooks projecting from end margins of the seat for suspending the seat from a playset frame.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a system for improved golf flag stick stability and reduced golf cup and/or flag stick ferrule wear. The system includes a ferrule locatable on an end of a golf flag stick that is inserted in a golf cup. The ferrule has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a sidewall located between the top portion and the bottom portion, where the sidewall tapers inward at an angle selected from the range of 5 degrees to 30 degrees from the top portion to the bottom portion. The system further includes a golf cup having a central aperture for receiving the flag stick. The central aperture is defined by a sidewall that is tapered inward at an angle corresponding to an angle of the ferrule.

Abstract: The device is used for monitoring the drive movement and the accuracy with which the striking surface (16) of a golf club hits a golf ball. It comprises a plate-shaped sensor (18), which can be fastened to the striking surface (16) and by which the point of impact can be located. The sensor (18) is connected by way of signal lines (26) to a measurement and computation circuit (30), which can be detachably fastened to the shaft (12) or the back of the head of the golf club, and which together with a yaw rate sensor (65) and an electrical voltage source is mounted in a housing (28) and during each strike carries out a measurement operation in order to determine coordinates of the point of impact relative to the position of a predetermined reference point (22).

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus includes a base, a supporting member extending from the base and a body restraining member slidably and pivotably coupled to the supporting member. A swivel mechanism detachably interconnects the supporting member to the body restraining member. The body restraining member includes a slide member with an enlarged cylindrical roller at one end. The swivel mechanism allows the cylindrical roller to be positioned to any height and any angular position within a substantially 360° range of motion. A pivotable supporting member may also be provided.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body member having a front surface, a major recess formed in the front surface, and a plurality of minor recess formed in a surface of the major recess. A face plate includes a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the rear surface. The face plate is received in the major recess, and each projection is received in a corresponding minor recess. A layer of resilient material may be disposed between each projection and the corresponding minor recess.

Abstract: A set of golf clubs including golf club heads having improved mass distribution characteristics. The set includes golf club heads having a club head main body including a hitting face and a face support, a muscle back shell and a weight insert.

Abstract: A connector for releasably securing a shaft and a head having a hosel with a bore of standard size. The connector includes a shaft adapter, a hosel adapter, and a compression nut. The shaft adapter has a shaft bore sized to receive the shaft, a first threaded coupling member, and a axial shaft. The hosel adapter has a hosel bore and a main body portion. The hosel bore is sized to receive the axial shaft. The compression nut has a second coupling member. The shaft is secured within the shaft bore and the main body portion is secured within the bore of the hosel using an adhesive and the axial shaft is inserted within the hosel bore. Thereafter, the compression nut is rotated to couple the first and second coupling members together thereby securing the shaft and head together without the shaft being received within the bore of the hosel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf club head that can hit a ball with a sufficiently large amount of backspin. The golf club head according to the present invention is an iron type golf club head made of a metal and including a flat face. A plurality of traces are formed by milling on the face. The pitch of the traces is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

Abstract: An iron-based alloy for a golf club head includes: chromium in an amount ranging from 16.3 to 17.2 wt %; nickel in an amount ranging from 5.8 to 6.5 wt %; nitrogen in an amount ranging from 0.10 to 0.20 wt %; carbon in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 0.12 wt %; silicon in an amount ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 wt %; manganese in an amount ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 wt %; and a balance of iron and impurities, based on a total weight of the iron-based alloy. The alloy has a duplex-phase microstructure including a martensite phase and 10 to 30 percent austenite phase, and has a tensile strength greater than 120 Ksi and an elongation greater than 35%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball that exhibits a high resilience performance and a high flight performance and gives a good shot feeling. The present invention relates to a solid golf ball including: a core including at least one layer; and a cover including at least one layer, the cover being provided to cover the core, wherein the at least one layer of the core is prepared by vulcanization-molding a rubber composition including: (a) a base rubber; (b) a co-crosslinking agent; (c) an organic peroxide; (d) a filler; and (e) a disulfide compound represented by formula (I): R1—S—S—R2 ??(I) wherein R1 and R2 each represent any one of the following groups: an aromatic hydrocarbon group; an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having two or more carbon atoms; a heterocyclic hydrocarbon group; and an alicyclic hydrocarbon group, each of which is optionally substituted, and R1 is a group different from R2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a golf ball having an overall golf ball color of pink or purple comprising a core, a cover and an intermediate layer, wherein at least one of the core, intermediate layer and cover comprises a pigment, dye, or tint which contributes to the color, the color having an a value, a b value and a hue angle value h expressed in the CIE CIECAM color system, wherein: where the a value is from about 5 to about 57, then the b value is from about ?1 to about ?60 and the hue angle h is from about 271° to about 359°; and where the a value is from about 58 to about 95, then the b value is from about 1 to about 60 and the hue angle h is from about 1° to about 35°. Alternatively, where the a value is from about 52 to about 58, then the b value may be from about ?30 to about 30 and the hue angle h is either from about 330° to about 359° or from about 1° to about 30°.

Abstract: The invention provides a molded polymer material which is obtained by subjecting a polymer composition that includes (A) at least one polymer containing ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, (B) at least one diene polymer, (C) at least one metal cation source, and (D) at least one organic peroxide, and has a chemical structure arrived at by neutralizing some or all of the carboxyl groups in component A with component C in the presence of component B, to molding and crosslinking under the influence of radicals generated by decomposing component D. The molded polymer material has a high resilience, a high hardness and a good durability, making it well-suited for use in golf balls.

Abstract: A biodegradable sport or garden article such as a golf tee is formed from a material comprising filler material, which can contain grass seeds, and a degradable binder therefor, so that discarded tees enhance the surface of the golf course, rather than littering it. Apparatus for manufacture of such articles comprises respective storage containers (8-11) for grass seed and a hardenable binder therefor, means (4-7) for controlling sequential discharge of the seed and the binder to a mould (16) for forming an article under a pressure sufficient to ensure compaction of the mixture within the mould, and means for discharging the tee from the mould. The apparatus may be in the form of a vending machine, manufacturing and dispensing golf tees in response to payment.

Abstract: A method of custom fitting a golf club or like implements having a shaft and a club head at a lower end thereof. The method utilizes the centerline of the shaft to determine the proper lie angle and true playing length for the shaft. A pointing device is attached to the shaft such that a projected point thereof is aligned with the centerline of the shaft to extend the centerline to the sole of the club head. The club head is placed on a universal setup mat with the club face aligned with the baseline thereof and the projected point on a target line where the sweet spot of the club head should hit a ball. A lie angle protractor on the mat is folded upward so the lie angle can be read from the protractor. The method also determines the proper grip size for the handle of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of playing a Press soccer game on a field having a width of between 80 yards more or less for adult players to 60 yards more or less for children ten or younger. The field has touch lines that extend from a first goal arch line to a second goal arch line where the touch lines have a length of between 100 yards more or less for adults to 60 yards more or less for children ten or younger. The field has a goal zone area and a penalty arch line. One of the rules of play provides that a goal made without touching any other offensive player will count as two points when made from a goal zone area, three points when made within the penalty arch line, and four points when made from beyond the penalty arch line.

Abstract: An interactive sports target device is designed specifically to be suspended on the inside of a net attached to a goal. The target device emits an audible signal when impacted by a projectile such as a ball, puck or the like. The target device is light in weight to avoid deforming the net and can be easily attached or detached to the net in less than 30 seconds. The target device is reversible and can include both a front and rear with contrasting colors or designs. Both mechanical and electronic target devices are shown which provide a loud audible sound when struck by a projectile. Advanced electronic versions contain a programmable processor.

Abstract: A baseball bat includes a hollow grip member having opposite front and rear ends, and an inner peripheral surface that defines a tapered chamber having a diameter reducing gradually toward the rear end. The inner peripheral surface has a first positioning portion disposed between the front end and the rear end. A striking member has an engaging segment received in the tapered chamber, and a large diameter segment extending forwardly from the engaging segment. The engaging segment has an axial hole, a plurality of open-ended slits extending along an axial direction and in spatial communication with the axial hole, and a second positioning portion aligned with the first positioning portion. A pressing member is inserted into the axial hole to press the second positioning portion against the first positioning portion.

Abstract: A friction drive belt (B) includes a pulley contacting portion (13) which is made of a rubber composition of an ethylene-?-olefin elastomer as raw rubber in which carbon black having an iodine adsorption number of 40 mg/g or lower, and 3-10 parts by mass of short aramid fiber (14) relative to 100 parts by mass of the raw rubber are blended.

Abstract: A leaf chain comprises a plurality of links connected together, each of which includes two aligned rollers, at least one first inner plate provided with apertures to pivotally receive the rollers, and two outer plates fixed to the respective rollers and respectively positioned at external sides of the first inner plate. Wherein, two spacers are respectively disposed at both peripheries of the aperture on the first inner plate and annularly disposed on the rollers so as to block a leakage of a lubricant distributed over an interstice formed between each roller and each aperture.

Abstract: A hybrid electro-mechanical transmission connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member and a stationary member. The transmission also includes a first planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third node, and a compound planetary gear arrangement having a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, and a seventh node. The power sources include an engine, a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator. The engine, the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator are each operatively connected with the first planetary gear set, and the output member and the second motor/generator are each operatively connected with the compound planetary gear arrangement. Thus configured, the transmission provides forward under-drive and forward direct-drive gears for launching and propelling the vehicle, as well as a reverse gear.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a transmission includes: a wobbler having an outer periphery tiltable with respect to a wobble axis of rotation; a set of freewheeling gears disposed in a fixed relationship with respect to one another, each gear having a gear axis of rotation about which the gear may rotate different from the gear axis of rotation of each of the other gears; one or both of the wobbler and the set of gears rotatable with respect to one another about the wobble axis of rotation; and each gear operatively connected to the wobbler simultaneously with the other gears at a place on the periphery of the wobbler different from the place at which each of the other gears is operatively connected to the wobbler such that each gear rotates on its axis of rotation as the wobbler wobbles or as the wobbler induces a wobble in another part.

Abstract: A hybrid drive device includes a fluid clutch including an inputting element to which an engine torque outputted from an engine is inputted and an outputting element connected to an input shaft of a transmission to integrally rotate therewith for outputting the torque to the input shaft, the fluid clutch transmitting the torque between the inputting element and the outputting element via a fluid either with or without incrementing the torque, and a motor generator connected to the input shaft for outputting a motor torque to the input shaft to drive the transmission.