Abstract: It is an object to provide a connector to which a fuse can be detachably attached and that can reduce components or improve reliability and improve a shield performance. The connector includes first and second bus bars 11 and 21, a fuse 31 that electrically conducts and connects the first and second bus bars 11 and 21 to each other so as to be fused and a housing 41 that accommodates the first and second bus bars 11 and 21 and the fuse 31. The first and second bus bars 21 include tabs 12 and 22 for a device inserted into the device 3 and connected to a circuit in the device 3. The housing 41 has a hood part 43 that covers the peripheries of the tabs 12 and 22 for the device and is fitted to a connector attaching hole 6 of the device 3 and the fuse 31 is attached to an accommodating space 45 in the hood part 43.

Abstract: Electrical connections that provide a highly manufacturable, well-shielded path from a cable to a printed circuit board. One example provides a path that includes a card and a connector. Conductors in a cable may be attached to a card. The card may be shielded with a ground plane on one or more sides and edges. The card may insert into a connector that may be attached to a printed circuit board. The connector may include a shield that may have a top portion that forms electrical contact with a ground plane on a top of a card inserted in the connector. The connector may have an opening for accepting the card that is defined by the top portion of the shield and a plurality of rows of contacts. The rows of contacts may include an outer row of ground contacts, and an inner row of signal contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a computing device to different types of mobile devices that includes an enclosure that encloses a USB hub, mobile device cables connectable to different mobile devices, and a USB cable connectable to a computing device to extract data from connected mobile devices. The mobile device cables are coupled to the USB cable through the USB hub. The apparatus can include multimedia card readers within the enclosure that are coupled to the USB hub and connectable to different types of multimedia cards to extract data from connected multimedia cards. The multimedia card readers can be write-protected to only read information from connected multimedia cards. The apparatus can include biometric data gathering tools, camera or light within the enclosure. The enclosure can be tube, notebook or flask shaped. The apparatus can also include a wiring harness that seals one end of the enclosure from the other end.

Abstract: An antenna mount is provided including a contact pin having first and second distal ends, a barrel encasing the contact pin, a base encasing the barrel, a terminal lug press fit within a cross-section of the base, and a set screw receptacle disposed in a portion of the base for receiving a set screw to secure an antenna to the base. The first and second distal ends of the contact pin extend past first and second distal ends of the barrel, the first distal end of the contact pin extends past a first distal end of the base, and a second distal end of the base surrounds the second distal end of the pin.

Abstract: A communications cable for use with a communications connector having eight contacts arranged in a series. The cable has first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth wires configured to be connected to first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth contacts, respectively, of the series. The fourth and fifth wires are twisted together to form a first twisted wire pair (“twisted pair”). The first and second wires form a second twisted pair. The third and sixth wires form a third twisted pair. The seventh and eighth wires form a fourth twisted pair. The twisted pairs extend alongside one another and are arranged such that the first twisted pair is closer to the second and third twisted pairs than to the fourth twisted pair, and the second twisted pair is closer to the first and fourth twisted pairs than to the third twisted pair.

Abstract: A contact sub-assembly is provided for an electrical connector. The contact sub-assembly includes a base having a base surface, and an array of contacts that extend along the base surface of the base. Each contact extends along a length from a terminating end to a tip end. Each contact has a mating interface located along the length of the contact between the terminating end and the tip end. The contact sub-assembly also includes a spacing member formed separately from the base. The spacing member engages at least some of the contacts for positioning the contacts relative to each other within the array. The spacing member includes first and second spacing segments that are discrete from each other and that are configured to move relative to each other.

Abstract: The attachment structure for attachment of a component to an article in two postures includes a case as the article and the component. The case includes a pair of guide portions, first locking arms and a second locking arm. The component includes a slide portion between the guide portions, a stopper arranged in an end of the slide portion and formed in a size which is not able to insert stopper between the guide portions. The first locking arm is engaged where the slide portion is inserted in a space between the guide portions from one end and slides toward an other end. The second locking arm is engaged where the slide portion is inserted in the space between the guide portions from the other end in a posture opposite to that in which the slide portion is inserted between the pair of the guide portions from the one end.

Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting a chip module to a circuit board includes: an insulating body, provided with a plurality of receiving holes; at least one raised portion, raised on an upper surface of the insulating body, for supporting the chip module at positions without contact pads in the chip module; a metal layer, plated on inner walls of the receiving holes and the upper surface of the insulating body; an insulating layer, disposed to cover the metal layer; and a plurality of terminals, respectively correspondingly received in the receiving holes, each terminal having a contact portion exposed above the receiving hole for conducting to the chip module. When the chip module presses the contact portions downwards, the raised portion urges against the chip module, so as to prevent the chip module from damaging the insulating layer and conducting to the metal layer to cause short circuit.

Abstract: An electrical connector for a threaded stud may include: a connector body having a first end with a recessed portion and an anti-rotation wall extending upwardly from the recessed portion; a connector element configured to electrically connect and secure the threaded stud thereto; and a fastener configured to secure said connector element to the connector body. The connector element is selectively attached to the connector body in either a right-hand configuration, in which the threaded stud is secured on a right side of the connector body, or a left-hand configuration, in which the threaded stud is secured on a left side of the connector body. The anti-rotation wall engages a side wall of the connector element to prevent the connector element from rotating about the fastener relative to the connector body.

Abstract: An arrangement for fastening an electrical conductor has a clamp (1) constructed as a pipe piece of metal and at least one clamping screw (2) for fastening an electrical conductor (3,4) in the clamp. The clamp has in its wall at least one throughhole provided with a thread for receiving the clamping screw. The clamping screw has a tubular contact part provided with an external thread and adapted to be screwed into the throughhole of the clamp, wherein the contact part has at its one axial end a contact surface for contacting an electrical conductor located in the clamp and along its extension with a circumferential intended breaking point a significant distance from the contact surface.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a self-propelled ship comprising a shipboard electric network, a main electrical supply bus, propulsion means, a motor for driving the propulsion means, and means for supplying electricity to them. According to the disclosure, the supply means comprise a set of electric capacitors having a capacitance sized to provide, at their nominal electrical charge, at least temporarily, both of the nominal supply of the shipboard network and of the electric motor through the bus, and electrical connection means arranged on board the ship for connecting the set of electric capacitors to another electric network located at an arrival and/or departure point of the ship, for the purpose of recharging the capacitors to their nominal charge and to supply the first network during a stop at the arrival and/or departure point.

Abstract: An electric outboard motor to be driven by an electric motor separately includes an electric outboard motor main body including the electric motor and a propulsion section that applies the electric motor as motive power and a power supply section supplying power to the electric motor, in which the electric outboard motor main body and the power supply section are detachably connected by couplers via a cable. Further, the coupler of the cable is allowed to be attached and detached to and from the coupler on a side of the power supply section.

Abstract: A rudder system that uses a dual purpose thrust operated actuator. The actuator is selectively positioned for use in an up or constant down mode. While in the up mode, the actuator uses the force of the jet pump to raise the rudders out of the water at speed, and with the actuator set in the down mode, the invention uses the force of the jet pump water to hold the rudder in the water. In an alternative embodiment, the invention includes anti-oscillating veins attached to the thrust operated actuator. In another alternative embodiment, the travel of the actuator is limited by configuring it to come into contact with a rudder stabilizer bar. Another embodiment includes providing adjustable fin positions relative to the side force stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tie bar. The tie bar has a first subassembly and a second subassembly. The first subassembly includes an end portion configured to connect to a propulsion unit, a first tube that extends from the end portion and a threaded member operatively connected to the end portion and disposed within and at least partially extending along the first tube. The second subassembly includes an end portion configured to connect to a further propulsion unit and a second tube that extends from the end portion of the second subassembly. The second subassembly is configured to threadably engage with the threaded member. The distance of separation between the end portions is selectively adjustable thereby.

Abstract: A method of forming an LED lamp with a desired distribution of phosphor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mixing a plurality of phosphor particles in an uncured polymer resin for which the viscosity can be controlled in response to temperature to form a substantially uniform suspension of the phosphor particles in the resin. The uncured resin is then placed into a defined position adjacent an LED chip and the temperature of the resin is increased to correspondingly decrease its viscosity but to less than the temperature at which the resin would cure unreasonably quickly. The phosphor particles are encouraged to settle in the lowered-viscosity resin to a desired position with respect to the LED chip, and the temperature of the resin is thereafter increased to the point at which it will cured and solidify.

Abstract: A method of producing an encapsulated module of interconnected opto-electronic devices which comprises: forming a patterned anode layer; forming a layer of opto-electronically active material over the patterned anode layer; forming a patterned cathode layer over the layer of opto-electronically active material, to provide a device array of opto-electronically active cells on the substrate; selectively removing portions of the layer of opto-electronically active material so as to expose minor portions of the anodes; forming a patterned interconnect layer on an encapsulating sheet in a pattern to define an array of interconnect pads; and laminating the patterned encapsulating sheet over the array of opto-electronically active cells whereby the exposed anode portions are interconnected with the cathodes of adjacent cells by the interconnect pads and the interconnected cells are encapsulated by the encapsulating sheet.

Abstract: A plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.

Abstract: A sectional bra system and accessories includes bra and related jewelry components that can be interconnected in various ways. Jewelry items, such as bra straps, back bands, bridge, and other items, may be formed at least in part from alternating flexible chain segments and rigid connector segments with fasteners configured to attach to standard bra loops. Bra cups for sectional bras include various arrangements of standard bra loops allowing attachment of one or more bra straps, one or more back bands, a bridge, and alternatively other decorative items. Such bra cups may include standard bra loops along all edges. Coordinating jewelry may be made out of the same or similar types of components.

Abstract: A shapewear garment is described that includes a one-piece foundation, wherein the foundation comprises a compression material having at least one area of firm support and at least one area of light support; and at least one resealable thong-like seam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polishing composition for polishing copper or copper alloy, comprising: an oxidizing agent (A); at least one acids (B) selected from amino acids, carboxylic acids of 8 or less carbon atoms, or inorganic acids; a sulfonic acid (C) having an alkyl group of 8 or more carbon atoms; a fatty acid (D) having an alkyl group of 8 or more carbon atoms; and an N-substituted imidazole (E) represented by the following general formula (1). (In the formula (1), Ra, Rb, and Rc represent H or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and Rd represents a group selected from the group consisting of a benzyl group, a vinyl group, an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a group in which a portion of H of these groups has been substituted with OH or NH2.

Abstract: A device for sharpening a twist drill point by means of a rotating grindstone (12) in a grinding machine comprises a base plate (14) lockably articulated around an axis parallel with the axis of the grindstone (12), a drill holder (16) for releasably holding a twist drill (1) to be sharpened, and a guide member (15). The guide member has a back plate (21) and a front plate (22), lockably rotatable in relation to each other. The back plate (21) is connected to the base plate (14) for movements in the direction of the grindstone axis, and the front plate (22) has guide means (28, 29) for slidably guiding the drill holder (16) in the general direction towards and away from the grindstone (12).

Abstract: A structured abrasive article comprises a backing, and an abrasive layer disposed on and secured to the backing. The abrasive layer comprises shaped abrasive composites, each comprising abrasive particles dispersed in a binder. Each the shaped abrasive composites independently comprises: a base disposed on the backing; a plurality of walls extending away from the base, and a grinding surface not contacting the base. Adjacent walls share a common edge. Each wall independently forms a dihedral angle with the base of less than or equal to 90 degrees. The grinding surface has a plurality of: cusps, and facets that contact a recessed feature. At least a portion of the recessed feature is disposed closer to the base than each of the cusps. Each cusp is formed by an intersection of two of the walls and at least one of the facets. Use of the structured abrasive article to abrade a workpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing seeds for polycrystalline silicon manufacture by cutting a silicon rod in an axial direction into at least one plate-like member, and cutting at least one of the silicon plate-like member lengthwise into seeds that are square in cross section, that includes a table which mounts the silicon rod or at least one of the plate-like member, a pair of end-face supporting members which support the silicon rod or at least one of the plate-like member by pressing both end faces thereof in the axial direction, and a cutting blade which cuts the silicon rod or at least one of the plate-like member in the axial direction, in addition the end-face supporting members includes comb-like grooves that allow the cutting blade to pass through.

Abstract: A machine has a head with a nozzle, a pipe for supplying water under pressure to the nozzle, and a duct for supplying an abrasive agent, and adding it to the jet of water under pressure. The duct has a first duct portion, fixed with respect to the head in the movements of rotation about a main axis, and a second duct portion, which is fixed with respect to the movements of rotation. A rotating distributor connects the first rotating portion with the second fixed portion of the duct for supplying the abrasive agent. The distributor's stator and rotor are rotatably mounted on one another without the interposition of seal rings and define between them an internal chamber that is substantially at atmospheric pressure and from which the abrasive agent drops by gravity to a duct outlet that converges into the pipe for supplying water under pressure.

Abstract: An electric abrasive sharpener for sharpening edges having pairs of interlocking abrasive wheels formed with opposite abrasive helical threads. Each end of the threads respectively has lead-in section and lead-out section having chamfer edge portion to eliminate kickback. The abrasive wheels of the sharpener is driven by a single phase AC motor connected to a motor drive that steps down the rotational speed of the output shaft of the motor to rotate the abrasive wheels with increased torque.

Abstract: A power tool accessory is adapted to be mounted to a spindle of a power tool having a power tool housing. The power tool accessory includes a hub, a working element, a bolt, and a nut. The hub includes a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. The hub further includes an opening extending through the hub. An axis of rotation of the hub is defined through the opening. The working element is connected to the hub. The bolt includes a head having a cross-section that is greater than the opening of the hub. The bolt further includes a shaft adapted to extend through the opening of the hub. The shaft is adapted to be received on the spindle of the power tool. The nut cooperates with the bolt and includes a head and an aperture extending through the head. The head of the nut has a cross-section that is greater than the opening of the hub. The aperture of the nut is adapted to be received on the shaft of the bolt.

Abstract: An aircraft ventilating air intake arrangement has an air passage channel and an air vent that ventilate a confined cone in an aircraft with fresh air entering the channel upstream and exiting the channel downstream towards the zone to be ventilated. A controllable blocking device enables the cross section of the channel to be varied with an elastically deformable membrane, under the action of fluid control, according to the speed and the altitude of the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system may include an outer shell and a honeycomb structure. The outer shell may define an interior volume having an inlet and an outlet providing an airflow path therethrough. The honeycomb structure may be attached to the outer shell and disposed in the airflow path. The honeycomb structure may include a plurality of polygonal apertures extending substantially in a direction of the airflow. The honeycomb structure may deflect sound waves away from a predetermined area.

Abstract: A duct installation structure in which an air conditioning duct for sending warm air or cold air into a vehicle interior of an automobile is attached to a vehicle interior structure member and an outlet grill is attached to an outlet opening end portion of the air conditioning duct. A grill fixing portion to which the outlet grill is to be fixed is integrally molded with a duct main body portion at the outlet opening end portion of the air conditioning duct. The outlet grill is directly fixed to the grill fixing portion. The outlet opening end portion of the air conditioning duct including, at one point near its center in a width direction, a fastening fixing portion that is fastened and fixed to the vehicle interior structure member and including, at its opposite ends in the width direction, a pair of contact portions for coming in contact with the vehicle interior structure member.

Abstract: Quick release couplings for releasably coupling components of a computer to the computer are disclosed. The quick release coupling mechanisms are generally configured to allow tool-less placement of the components relative to the computer. That is, the quick release coupling mechanisms are configured to perform their couplings without using conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. By eliminating the use of fasteners, the components may be inserted and removed from the computer without using tools (e.g., tool-less). Furthermore, the quick release couplings are easy to maneuver thereby enabling quick and straightforward assembly and disassembly of the components to and from the computer (e.g., quick release). For example, the components may be inserted and removed by a simple pushing or pulling motion, and/or by a simple flick of a latch or handle.

Abstract: An in-row electronic equipment storage system and corresponding method provides cooling to an electronic equipment rack. The system includes an electronic equipment rack that includes a housing adapted to receive electronic equipment, and an electronic equipment rack air cavity. A cooling rack, including a housing adapted to receive cooling equipment, and a cooling rack air cavity, is configured to be disposed adjacent to the electronic equipment rack. An interface allows for fluid communication between the cooling rack air cavity and the electronic equipment air cavity. The interface may include dampers to control air flow between the air cavities.

Abstract: A foundation vent assembly for a masonry foundation wall includes a metal frame mounted in an opening registering with a crawl space area. The frame orients and supports a series of spaced vertical grill blocks matching the foundation masonry and integrated with the surrounding mortar joints, thereby providing a continuous appealing exterior appearance. The spaces between the grill blocks register with ventilation slots in the rear of the frame. The ventilations slots are covered by a screen mesh to prevent pest infiltration, and optionally covered with a pivoting damper for selective opening and closing, having a rear wall covering the opening with spaced screen vents. The grill blocks are aligned by tabs on upper and lower flange walls between the vents and provide for extension of the foundation mortar joints thereby providing a consistent overall façade.

Abstract: A traveling virtual pet game simulates a pet traveling between various geographic locations. As the pet travels, users interact with the virtual pet to aid the pet in acquiring traits associated with the geographic regions in which it travels and to observe traits that the pet has previously acquired.

Abstract: A wagering game developer can use an online wagering game community to gauge popularity of wagering games, demonstrate wagering games, test wagering games, estimate wagering game life cycles, etc. Moreover, the wagering game developer can use the creativity of community members to modify and, perhaps, develop wagering games. The wagering game developer can decompose different aspects of a wagering game into executable code units that are platform independent, reusable, and/or configurable (“wagering game widgets”). Users combine wagering game widgets, whether derived from a wagering game or user generated, to create a wagering game for playing in the online wagering game community. Wagering game developers can reward users who create the most popular wagering games, and develop proper versions of these user-created wagering games for deployment in wagering game establishments.

Abstract: As described herein, mobile device games may be constructed via a website from customizable atomic rule-based units, and also supports the reuse and remixing of game components by a game creator, members of an online community, or by any other user. Once composed, the game can be played via player mobile devices, which send content to a server or a peer device that hosts the game rule statements, and can trigger distribution of new content, rules, or other information.

Abstract: A posture analyzing system has a collecting apparatus disposed on a handle of a sports apparatus and is configured to collect and transmit data of the sports apparatus. A mobile terminal is configured to read the data and to draw a moving path of the sports apparatus according to the data and shape of the sports apparatus. Further, a posture analyzing system collects and sends data of the sports apparatus by a collecting apparatus disposed on a handle of the sports apparatus and receives the data and draws a moving path of the sports apparatus according to the data and shape of the sports apparatus by a mobile terminal.

Abstract: In a video game or simulator, suggested speed indicators are computed along a suggested driving line on a path (e.g., a race track) and displayed in a simple, progressive, and user-friendly format. The displayed speed indicators are based on a racer's current speed and target speeds attributed to individual locations along the suggested driving line on the path. The speed indicators provide a dynamic indication of where and how the player should slow down or speed up relative to their current speed as their racer travels along the path. The speed indicators are displayed (e.g., using color to represent different magnitudes of suggested acceleration and deceleration) along the suggested driving line in front of the racer so that the player can anticipate braking and acceleration actions as the path and the racer's speed change.

Abstract: A method of rating the intensity of game play of a video game based on energy expenditure of a user playing the video game including the steps of selecting the video game, determining whether the video game requires the user to expend energy in excess of resting energy rate, testing the video game by having a plurality of users play the video game, measuring energy expenditure of the plurality of users, calculating energy expenditure of each of the plurality of users, calculating an average energy expenditure of the plurality of users and categorizing the video game based on the average energy expenditure as low intensity, moderate intensity or high intensity.

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 includes a poker game, such as, for example, a pai gow poker game. In a version of this embodiment, the poker game provides for a player to arrange a plurality of cards dealt to the player into a first hand and a second hand. In another example, the poker game is coupled with a second level game in which the result is revealed. In a specific example, the second level game is a slot machine game.

Abstract: A gaming system, a gaming machine and a method is provided having a five card video draw poker game with multiple hands. An initial five card hand is displayed to the player face-up. The player then chooses which of the initial five cards to discard. Each card that is held is then duplicated into all of the other hands to be played. Replacement cards for the unheld cards are displayed and each hand is completed to have a final five card hand. The poker hand ranking of each final five card hand is determined and winning hands receive an award. The player also receives an additional award depending on the number of final hands that fall into each poker hand category.

Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines.

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 bingo game.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming. A gaming system comprises a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may be implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels or a video machine displaying “virtual” reels. One or more reels generated in play of a base game may be stored for later use in subsequent games. In a subsequent game or games, the game controller may select the stored reel to substitute for a reel generated by the game, in order to improve the game outcome. For example, the game outcome may become a “win” from a “lose” outcome. Or it may result in an improved win outcome. The one or more reels may be stored depending upon a trigger condition generated in the base game.

Abstract: A method of triggering a multi-player game, comprising: determining a current number of eligible gaming machines; communicating current hit rate data based on the current number of eligible gaming machines to at least each eligible gaming machine; determining at each eligible gaming machine whether to trigger the multi-player game at a hit rate based on the current hit rate data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein employs a symbol accumulation sequence and a symbol evaluation sequence. The symbol accumulation sequence includes an accumulation of a designated quantity of symbols in association with a persistence game. The symbol accumulation sequence also includes the maintenance of a persistence game arrangement that displays a designated quantity of currently accumulated symbols (which in certain instances, includes some, but not all of the total number of symbols accumulated). In one embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on the accumulated symbols of the persistence game. In another embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on at least one of the accumulated symbols of the persistence game and at least one symbol generated for a current play of a wagering game.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager and a display for displaying a primary wagering game. The gaming system further comprises a controller which is operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) display a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, (iii) display a feature icon on the display, (iv) detect selection of the feature icon, (v) in response to the selection of the feature icon, display a feature menu on the display, the feature menu displaying a plurality of available features capable of activation in addition to the wagering game, and (vi) in response to a first feature of the feature menu being selected, activate and display the first feature if a first eligibility requirement is satisfied.

Abstract: A primary and secondary game for a wagering gaming machine. In one embodiment, the number of lines wagered or a slot machine makes the player eligible for a bonus game, and a wager made per payline effects how many moves or positions on a meter the player advances upon achieving the bonus triggering symbol or combination of symbols. When the player advances the meter to the end, the gaming device displays a payout event. The payout event can be any type of bonus gaming event that potentially provides an award to the player.

Abstract: A gaming device having at least one target reel having target values, a plurality of value reels each having accumulative values, and a processor programmed to cause a spin of the target reel and value reels, accumulate the accumulative values generated on the value reels to form a cumulative value, compare the cumulative value to a designated one of the generated target values on the target reel, and provide an award to a player if the cumulative value meets a predefined mathematical threshold with respect to the designated one of the target values.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: selecting in at least one game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions; modifying the displayed symbols copying each symbol in an original subset of the display positions to at least one clone subset of the display positions which is identical to or laterally displaced from the original subset, in response to determining that a subset of the symbols should be cloned; and determining an outcome based on the modified symbols.

Abstract: An approach is provided in which a disincentive is provided during the execution of a video game program that is operated by a current user. One or more disincentive factors are identified that correspond to the current user. The identified disincentive factors are compared with current time factors. Based on the comparison, one or more game characteristics are altered with the game characteristics being altered in order to provide a disincentive to continued operation of the video game program by the current user.