Abstract: A marine propulsion assembly comprises or consists of a marine engine, a pair of parallel laterally spaced propeller shafts and a pair of marine propellers with one of the propeller fixed to each of the shafts for rotation. Each of the propellers includes a hub and four equally spaced blades and wherein the hub has a forward portion having the shape of a frustum of a cone with a decreasing radius from a forward edge thereof to the middle of the hub and a rear or second continuous portion having the shape of a frustum of a cone with an increasing radius from the middle of the hub to the rear of the hub. The bases or larger ends of the frustums are of equal size as are the tops of the frustums. In addition, each of the blades has a complex concave shape.

Abstract: A watercraft has an engine, a propeller, an electronic control unit (ECU), a throttle actuator, and a velocity control actuator separate from the throttle actuator. The velocity control actuator is movable between an inactive position and a plurality of active positions. When the velocity control actuator is in the inactive position, the ECU controls a speed of the engine based at least in part on a degree of actuation of the throttle actuator. When the velocity control actuator is moved from the inactive position to one of the plurality of active positions, the ECU reduces the speed of the engine based at least in part on a degree of actuation of the velocity control actuator independently of the degree of actuation of the throttle actuator. A method of controlling a watercraft is also described.

Abstract: In a steering device for an outboard engine, a drive shaft of a helm mechanism and an output shaft of an electric assist mechanism are disposed orthogonally to a steering output shaft of a steering operation member. Where the steering operation member is a tiller handle, a torque sensor, provided between an outboard engine body and the tiller handle, detects, as steering torque, a difference between steering angles of the engine body and the tiller handle, and the helm mechanism, drivable by the assist mechanism, operates to compensate for the difference between the steering angles. The assist mechanism and the helm mechanism are provided on the body of the boat.

Abstract: A hybrid marine power train system is provided that facilitates selective use of one of multiple prime movers for powering and driving a boat. The multiple prime movers can include an internal combustion engine and an electric motor which can itself be part of a motor/generator assembly. The system further includes a power-take-in assembly that can have either an active or passive clutching device for selectively importing power from the prime movers into the transmission. The system is configured so that the second prime mover occupies relatively little space within an engine compartment of the boat, for example when compared to an amount of space occupied by the first prime mover and transmission. Since the second prime mover occupies relatively little space within the engine compartment, the system can be readily retrofitted to existing marine power train systems.

Abstract: According to one preferred embodiment, the present invention can have a housing with a cap on one end. A flag support and a flag can project from the cap. A sleeve can be movable between the ends of the housing. A mechanical assembly is contained within the housing, and includes a rod, a plug, a tensioner and a reel. The tensioner can control the amount of tension on a line that is dispensed from the marker buoy. The line self-dispenses under the load of a weight connected to the line. The sleeve, operable in a first position, helps to maintain a vertical orientation of the housing within the water. Yet, the sleeve in a second position can prevent unwinding of the reel and maintain the flag in a storage position.

Abstract: To provide a fin attachment structure capable of facilitating the attachment/detachment of a fin and also of making the attachment of the fin robust, wherein if the fin comes into contact with human body from behind during surfing, the impact of the fin can be eliminated to restrict the damage to the human body to an extreme minimum and thus safety is improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mountable safety device for a boat comprising: a canister where said canister includes as mounting lip at one end and an opening at the opposite end; a lifeline assembly, where said assembly includes a stored position and a released position, where the lifeline is stored within the canister; and a mechanism to release the lifeline assembly from the canister. The canister includes a releasable door that seals the opening and provides the mechanism to release the lifeline assembly. An eyelet is provided near the opening and provides a mechanism to attach the lifeline assembly onto the canister. The lifeline assembly includes an attachment end and a clasp end, where the attachment end attaches to the eyelet and the clasp end includes a mechanism to attach a floatation device.

Abstract: An organic light emitting display device prevents damage to an interlayer including an emitting layer and reduces IR drop in face electrodes, and a method of manufacturing the same. The organic light emitting display device includes: a substrate; a pixel electrode disposed on the substrate; an interlayer comprising an emitting layer disposed on the pixel electrode; a face electrode on the interlayer; and a sealing member disposed on the face electrodes, wherein the sealing member and the face electrode are bent along a curve of an upper portion of a layer below the face electrode so as to prevent a gap between the sealing member and the face electrode, and between the face electrode and the layer below the face electrode.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for selectively directing smoke in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment, a directional fan is used to guide smoke to one of at least two output ports. When the fan is rotated in a first direction, air is drawn in through a first port and smoke is directed out of a second port. When the fan is reversed, the flow of air is reversed to draw air in through the second port and to direct smoke out through the first port. In another embodiment, multiple blower units are connected to a common smoke generating unit and can be selectively operated to direct smoke to plural locations within a model vehicle. The volume an speed of smoke can be variably controlled, and audio effects can be synchronized with smoke visual effects for added realism.

Abstract: A doll's seamless garment which is adapted to be dressed, fitted and be removed in a life-like manner from a doll having a height in the range of above 8 cm to about 32 cm, wherein the doll is bendable at least in part. The garment is molded from an elastomeric material or rubber having an average modulus of elasticity of less than 1 MN/m2. The garment wall thickness is preferably in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. Further disclosed is a skin. The skin is adapted to be dressed, fitted and removed from a doll to transform the doll into a different character or object, and wherein the skin is molded in at least one part from an elastomeric material. The skin may have a wall thickness from 1 to 3 mm, the material having an average modulus of elasticity of less than 1 MN/m2. The garments are easily manipulated by children and provide opportunities for creative play. Still further disclosed is a play set comprising, in cooperative combination, a doll donned and fitted with a garment.

Abstract: A polishing system includes a polishing pad having a solid light-transmissive window, an optical fiber having an end, and a spacer having a vertical aperture therethrough. A bottom surface of the spacer contacts the end of the optical fiber, a top surface of the spacer contacts the underside of the window, and the vertical aperture is aligned with the optical fiber.

Abstract: A CMP pad conditioner comprises a plurality of abrasive segments. Each abrasive segment includes a segment blank and an abrasive layer attached to the segment blank, the abrasive layer including a superhard abrasive material. A pad conditioner substrate is also provided. Each of the plurality of abrasive segments is permanently affixed to the pad conditioner substrate in an orientation that enables removal of material from a CMP pad by the abrasive layer as the pad conditioner and the CMP pad are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus polishes a periphery (a bevel portion, a notch portion, an edge-cut portion) of a substrate by bringing a polishing tool into sliding contact with the periphery of the substrate. The polishing apparatus includes a substrate holder configured to hold the substrate, and a polishing head configured to polish the periphery of the substrate held by the substrate holder using the polishing tool. The polishing head includes a press pad for pressing the polishing tool against the periphery of the substrate, and a linear motor configured to reciprocate the press pad.

Abstract: The edge effect or variation in polishing edge profile on a substrate undergoing CMP is reduced by structuring a retaining ring, housed in a carrier head for retaining the substrate, such that the polishing edge profile shifts back and forth with respect to the center of the substrate. Embodiments include structuring the retaining ring such that the width between inner and outer surfaces varies by an amount sufficient to compensate for polishing edge profile variation. Embodiments also include structuring the retaining ring such that the distance from the outer surface to the geometric inner surface varies. Embodiments further include structuring the retaining ring such that the distance between the outer surface to the perimeter of the substrate retained by the inner surface of the retaining ring varies.

Abstract: A floor finishing machine includes a base frame, a movable frame movably mounted to the base frame, and a plurality of floor finishing units carried by the movable frame, and being pivotable about a generally longitudinal pivot axis and a generally transverse pivot axis. The machine may also include a jack operatively coupled between the base frame and the movable frame, and a vacuum tank carried on the movable frame and straddling the jack.

Abstract: An abrasive tool includes an assembly of tool precursors. At least one of the tool precursors has a continuous polycrystalline diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, or ceramic material cutting element formed into a blade shape. The abrasive tool can additionally include a setting material, which is configured to attach the tool precursors and form a single mass. The selection, arrangement, and setting of the tool precursors can result in an abrasive tool having a predetermined cutting configuration. Methods for forming such an abrasive tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: Dust collection for an abrasive tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first dust extraction component extracts dust from an upper part of material that is machined, while a second dust extraction component extracts dust from a lower part of the material by the abrasive tool. The first dust extraction component and the second dust extraction component collect about 100% of dust generated from the material.

Abstract: A polishing pad includes a polishing layer having a polishing surface, an adhesive layer on a side of the polishing layer opposite the polishing layer, and a solid light-transmitting window extending through and molded to the polishing layer. The solid light-transmitting window has an upper portion with a first lateral dimension and a lower portion with a second lateral dimension that is smaller than the first lateral dimension. A top surface of the solid light-transmitting window coplanar with the polishing surface and a bottom surface of the solid light-transmitting window coplanar with a lower surface of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an abrasive tool, of the type suitable to be mounted on a machine tool, comprising at least a bearing structure with abrasive material, the said bearing structure being provided with at least a grid (6) with abrasive material, the grid (6) partially protruding or emerging from a body (7) without abrasive material.

Abstract: Apparatuses for stacking chips include a container for receiving unstacked chips, a carrier comprising a channel for carrying a chip stack, a transport system for transporting chips from the container toward the carrier, and at least one ejector system for ejecting or moving chips from the transport system into the channel of the carrier. Chip stack cutter devices may include an elongated displacement member, which may extend from an actuating lever member movably coupled to a base member configured to slide along a channel of a chip stack carrier. In additional embodiments, the cutter device may include an energy-responsive device configured to selectively move an elongated displacement member for displacing a number of chips in a chip stack carried in a channel of a chip stack carrier.

Abstract: A roof ventilation system for asphalt shingle or composition roofs which include a vent slot located through the roof structure along a roof ridge is provided. An unrollable vent assembly that is installable in one piece is formed from an upper water barrier having first and second vent arrangements connected thereto, and each of the first and second vent arrangements include at least two continuous longitudinal strips of a vent material with a continuous longitudinally extending space therebetween separating the strips. The strips and the longitudinally extending space are positionable on the roof parallel to the ridge so that the first and second vent arrangements are located on each side of the ridge vent slot, respectively. The vent system prevent ingress of moisture and debris, and the upper water barrier extends between the first and second vent arrangements and over the vent slot in the installed position.

Abstract: An automatic algorithm for finding racing lines via computerized minimization of a measure of the curvature of a racing line is derived. Maximum sustainable speed of a car on a track is shown to be inversely proportional to the curvature of the line it is attempting to follow. Low curvature allows for higher speed given that a car has some maximum lateral traction when cornering. The racing line can also be constrained, or “pinned,” at arbitrary points on the track. Pinning may be performed randomly, deterministically, or manually and allows, for example, a line designer to pin the line at any chosen points on the track, such that when the automatic algorithm is run, it will produce the smoothest line that still passes through all the specified pins.

Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In certain embodiments, the existing lottery infrastructure is used in conjunction with electronic remote game play. A player receives a ticket identification number (TIN), optionally via lottery game play, and then plays an electronic game based upon the TIN. The remote system contains information associated with the TIN, for example, identification of which game will be played, and in a predetermined context, whether the player is to win or lose, and if they win, the form of the prize.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is gaming utilizing a first gaming table (3010) and a predefined number of first tokens (3015), wherein said first gaming table (3010) includes a plurality of cells corresponding to said number of first tokens (3015), each cell of said first gaming table being associated with a unique identifier, and further wherein each of said first tokens has an associated value. In an embodiment, populating (1015) said first gaming table by storing each of said first tokens in one of said cells of said first gaming table; iteratively selecting (1020), by a first player, one of said cells of said first gaming table to reveal one of said first tokens stored therein, until each of said first tokens has been revealed; and utilizing said values associated with said first tokens to determine a score for said first player, based on an order in which said first tokens were revealed.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining that an online communal wagering game (communal game) requests additional players. The online communal wagering game can be provided by a wagering game provider. The operations can further include determining one or more social network user accounts (social network accounts) available to play in the online communal wagering game. The social network accounts can from different social network websites, servers, etc., across the Internet, or other communications networks. The operations can further include aggregating the one or more social network accounts into a communal wagering game session, controlling the communal game with bets from the aggregated social network accounts, and providing social communication content that the social network accounts can use to communicate, receive notifications, view game replays, trade items, etc.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a slot machine game.

Abstract: The player makes a wager to receive a plurality of primary game arrays. Winning primary game outcomes occur when specific primary game array positions, designated by paylines, are randomly assigned winning combinations of indicia. The winning game outcomes of a plurality of primary game arrays are converted to symbols corresponding to the winning primary game outcomes to form a secondary game array. Winning secondary game outcomes occur when winning combinations of symbols occur on the secondary game array paylines.

Abstract: According to a gaming system 300, when BET information has been received from a gaming machine 1, it is determined either no offer of a special payout to the gaming machine 1 of a transmission source of the BET information, or a size of the special payout to be offered to the gaming machine of the transmission source of the BET information is determined, in the external control device 200. When the size of the special payout has been determined, a numeric symbol is displayed to each of display regions from a first display region 500a to a fifth display region 500e in a lower image display panel 141. A sum of numeric values corresponding to a predetermined number of these numeric symbols is a total point value corresponding to the size of the determined special payout.

Abstract: A gaming system and method enables a player to assign at least one amplifier to at least one accumulator. In one embodiment, the amplifier causes an increase in the rate of advancement for the accumulator. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the level of one or more of the accumulators.

Abstract: Before the start of a free game, a slot machine displays a selection screen on a variable display portion and accepts a selection made by the player with respect to the first choice image and the second choice image. The first special reel band or the second special reel band including a larger number of condor symbols than the normal reel band is associated by lottery to the first choice image and the second choice image. The main CPU changes the normal reel band associated to each reel display portion to a special reel band based on the selection made by the player. Then, the main CPU executes a free game using the special reel band that was changed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a player may participate in a game of a top performing player.

Abstract: A system for adding funds to a handheld gaming machine. The system includes a portable digital wallet that wirelessly communicates with a handheld gaming machine (“handheld”). The digital wallet stores an amount of funds or funds associated with a remotely stored player account, and is used by the player to add credits to a handheld. The credit meter may be stored remotely, though the player perceives that the funds are actually being transferred via the digital wallet. Other funding techniques include a kiosk that accepts cash or credit/debit cards and dispenses tickets or other media that encodes information representing an amount of funds. The player uses this media to add credits to the handheld. The media may be player-dependent such that the player's identity is somehow linked to the media or it may be player-agnostic such that the player's identity is not linked to the funds associated with the media.

Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises detecting receipt of a primary wager for playing a primary wagering game, and activating a first bonus feature in response to one or more first eligibility criteria, the first bonus feature having a first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises activating a second bonus feature in response to one or more second eligibility criteria, the one or more second eligibility criteria including activation of the first bonus feature. The second bonus feature has a second bonus payback percentage higher than the first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises displaying a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, and in response to at least one triggering event associated with the first and the second bonus features, conducting the first or second bonus feature if the first and second bonus feature is active.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling a player to take a tour of a secondary game at a game machine. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes offering to enable entry of a player into a bonus round of a game machine in exchange for a fee, receiving the fee from the player, and enabling entry of the player into the bonus round. The method further includes receiving an indication of at least one player selection during the bonus round, and determining an outcome based on the at least one player selection. In other embodiments, the method includes providing a prize to the player based on the outcome.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein maintains a plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts which are ranked. In one embodiment, if a bonus event triggering condition occurs, the gaming system determines one of the plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts to utilize for the triggered bonus event. In one such embodiment, the determined bonus event average expected payout is based on a player's current wager and a quantity of accumulated bonus event points or units. In this embodiment, the gaming system enables players to accumulate bonus event points based on one or more aspects of a player's previous gaming experiences during a designated period of time. The gaming system then displays a bonus event to the player and determines a bonus event award, wherein the determined bonus event award is in accordance with the determined bonus event average expected payout.

Abstract: A controller of gaming machines includes an input/output module adapted to receive signals that represent a current status of a parameter of the gaming machines. A microprocessing unit generates for each gaming machine(s) an icon having variable visual indicia indicative of a value of the parameter being monitored. The microprocessing unit automatically changes in substantially real-time the visual indicia associated with the icon to reflect a change in the status of the parameter of an associated first gaming machine in accordance with a first received signal.

Abstract: A game apparatus calculates a reference direction of each boat by combining a velocity vector and a front direction vector of each boat at a predetermined rate. Next, the game apparatus calculates an average direction by performing weighted averaging of the calculated reference direction of each boat in accordance with a distance from the front boat. Then, the game apparatus calculates the imaging direction of the virtual camera based on the calculated average direction.

Abstract: A game device issues a notification that the player is prompted to input a voice. After the notification is issued, voice data representing a voice signal, having a predetermined time length, which is inputted to a voice input element, is repeatedly acquired. Furthermore, each time the voice data is acquired, it is determined whether or not the acquired voice data satisfies a predetermined selecting condition. Thereafter, only voice data, which is determined to satisfy the selecting condition, is stored as selected voice data. The game device outputs, when a game image showing a game character speaking is displayed on the display, a sound effect representing a voice of the game character by using at least a portion of the selected voice data.

Abstract: A game system includes a game apparatus and a controller, and the controller is furnished with an acceleration sensor. For example, a player performs a boxing game according to an acceleration input by throwing a hook or straight punch while holding the controller. When it is determined that an acceleration input is started, it is assumed that the kind is a straight although the kind of the input has not been identified yet, and a drawing of a glove object moving along a path of a straight is started. When it is determined that the kind is a hook on the basis of the acceleration acquired thereafter, the glove object moving along a hook path is drawn.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system to interface with a game console to control a video game is disclosed. The system includes a game console and a base station that is interfaced with the game console. The base station has processing circuitry that is configured to send and receive data between the base station and the game console. The base station is also configured to process position data. The system also includes a controller that is interfaced with the base station. The controller has hardware to process movement data of the controller and communicate the movement data to the base station. The base station processes the position data of the controller, and relays the position data from the base station to the game console to determine a relative position of the controller to the base station. Wherein changes in the relative position of the controller facilitate interactive control with the video game.

Abstract: Provided is an operation device, including: a magnetic sensor (21); and an operation button (14) used for operation input by a user, in which the operation button (14) has a spring (14a) integrated therein, and the spring (14a) is formed of a non-magnetic material.

Abstract: A game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses that can carry out short-range wireless communication with one another. One of the game apparatuses functions as a parent apparatus, and at least one other game apparatus functions as a child apparatus. The parent apparatus transmits transmission verification data a predetermined number of times. Accordingly, the child apparatus receives the transmission verification data from the parent apparatus, and transmits to the parent apparatus the same number of pieces of reception verification data as those of the received transmission verification data. The parent apparatus receives the reception verification data from the child apparatus, and detects the number of the received pieces of reception verification data.

Abstract: A message is received on a gaming device from a player. The message provides a message identifier and an identifier for the player. Using the message identifier and game state information related to an avatar that is displayed in a gaming environment and is associated with the player, a contextual message is constructed that includes more game state information than is present in the message. The contextual message is displayed on a display of the gaming device.

Abstract: The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a game including a plurality of awards, each of the awards associated with a plurality of award characteristics, including an award value and a level of difficulty. Based at least in part on the award characteristics associated with the awards, a player strategically chooses which award or awards to play for (i.e., which award or awards to attempt to collect) in the game. In certain multiplayer embodiments, two or more players can work together to obtain awards.

Abstract: In various embodiments of this invention, a suite of customized computer software applications, a linked or wireless computer network and accessory components cooperate to enhance and extend customer and employee resource management in the casino/gaming environment.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to systems and/or methods for competitive simulations and, more particularly, to systems and/or methods in which users build stock portfolios that compete against each other, with the performance of each user's stock portfolio being based on one or more stock market related metrics (e.g., price per share, market capitalization, volume of trade, etc.). A user's portfolio may be formed and/or reformed so as to comply with certain predefined criteria (e.g., company traded on a particular exchange, company belonging to a particular market sector, etc.). The performance of each team/portfolio may be depicted using sports-related imagery (e.g., as teams on a football field, a basketball court, around a baseball diamond, etc.).

Abstract: A vehicle chase game includes a first game object and a second game object. A second game object scans for a projected spot on an overhead surface. The second game object detects the projected spot on the overhead surface and gathers location information based on the detected projected spot. The second game object generates a position of a first game object based on the location information. The second game object transfers the position of the first game object to the chase game application program. The chase game application program selects a behavior based on the position of the first game object, where a goal of the behavior is to drive the second game object to intercept the first game object. The chase game application program sends instructions to the second game object's mechanical and electrical systems to execute the selected behaviors.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper which has a hub and a flange disposed radially outside the hub. For axial fastening of the flange on the hub, a fixing element and a holding element attached to the hub are provided, which limit movements of the fixing element caused by radially oriented centrifugal force.

Abstract: A coupling element for connection between a drive member and a driven member for transmitting torque has at least two similar part-circularly arcuate coupling bodies each formed by an arcuate row of elastomeric segments alternating with and vulcanized to rigid elasticity-limiting elements. The rows terminate at end parts formed with axially or radially throughgoing holes for attachment to the drive and driven members. A hinge assembly allows movement of the part-circular coupling bodies between a closed position forming a closed circle centered on an axis and an open position.

Abstract: A driving wheel bearing apparatus has an inner ring 5 secured to a wheel hub 1 by a caulked portion 13. An outer joint member 14 of a constant velocity universal joint 3 has a shoulder portion 19 and a cylindrical shaft portion. Face splines 19a and 13a are formed at the end faces of the shoulder portion 19 and the caulked portion 13. Face splines 19a and 13a are supported with pressure by a fastening bolt 21 that abuts the outer side end face of the wheel hub 1 and is threadedly connected to an internal thread 20a of the shaft portion 20. Compressive remaining stress is placed on the surfaces of the face splines 19a and 13a as a result of surface modification, by shot peening. The surface hardness is set at 300 Hv or more.