Abstract: A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. In various embodiments, the game table operates with one or more separate physical input devices, each having one or a plurality of the encoded patterns and each being sized and configured to be placed on top of the game table. The separate physical input devices enable the player to interact with the display/input device.

Abstract: An entertainment device is configured to receive a limited range wireless signal from at least one other entertainment device when adjacently arranged in close physical proximity to at least one other entertainment device, and to responsively operate in a first mode or a second mode based on whether the other entertainment device is adjacent a first side or second side. In the first mode, the entertainment device initiates one or more wireless activation signals to control an audio/visual element of another entertainment device. In the second mode, the entertainment device receives wireless activation signals from another entertainment device to control activation of an audio/visual element of the receiving entertainment device. Each device is interchangeable between operation in the first mode of controlling at least one other entertainment device and the second mode of being controlled by another entertainment device based on position of one entertainment device relative to the other.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for encouraging a user to comply with his/her medication regimen, comprising the steps of: registering a group of parameters related to a medication intake of said user, which parameters include a time parameter and a user identifier; sending said group of parameters related to a medication intake of the user to a server (40); computing a time difference between said time parameter received and a time parameter associated to said user identifier previously recorded in the server; assigning said user with a pre-established number of points depending on the value of said time difference; and providing said user with information regarding his/her points obtained for the medication intake, including a summary of their medication compliance status using appealing personal awareness. providing symbolic rewards (e.g.

Abstract: External notifications related to virtual spaces, such as virtual game spaces may be provided to users. The notifications may provide an indication of events that have occurred in the virtual game spaces, offers of virtual goods, and/or other information related to the virtual game spaces. External notifications may be sent, for example, via email, text message, instant message (external from the virtual space), and/or through other external communication media. This may provide centralized and/or coordinated distribution of notifications for a plurality of different virtual game spaces.

Abstract: A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.

Abstract: A gaming cabinet includes a first side panel, a second side panel disposed away from and substantially parallel to the first side panel, and a video display carried between the first and second side panels, wherein the video display is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second side panels. The gaming cabinet further includes a translatable gaming deck carried between the first and second side panels, wherein the translatable gaming deck is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second side panels and the video display, wherein the translatable gaming deck is configured to be linearly translated away from the video display, and wherein the translatable gaming deck is configured to be rotated to a position substantially parallel to the video display when linearly translated away from the video display.

Abstract: A torsional damper includes a torque limiter and a damper. The torque limiter includes at least two friction members, allows transmission of torque, and prohibits transmission of excessive torque. The damper absorbs torsional vibration through resilient deformation of a spring. The torque limiter is a wet torque limiter in which the friction members are arranged in an oil chamber filled with lubricating oil. The damper is a dry damper in which the spring is not immersed in the lubricating oil.

Abstract: The wedge clutch assembly is a clutch assembly for power tools, drilling rigs and like machinery utilizing rotating drills. In at least one embodiment the wedge clutch assembly has a pinion shaft adapted in shape to support a pinion gear, a bronze clutch cup, an optional thrust bearing, and a steel wedge clutch spring washer retained by a fastener. A further embodiment is particularly adapted for installation in the hub of a watercraft propeller. This watercraft propeller clutch embodiment deletes the clutch cup and includes opposite end caps to seal the assembly.

Abstract: A drive plate for a torque converter, including: an annular shaped inner portion including an inner periphery for the drive plate and a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners for connection to a front cover of the torque converter; a plurality of outer portions along an outer periphery for the drive plate; and a respective drive tab for each outer portion. The respective drive tab includes: a top surface disposed outward from said each outer portion in an axial direction and substantially orthogonal to an axis of rotation for the drive plate; an opening in the top surface for receiving a fastener for connecting the drive plate to a flex plate; and first and second surfaces extending from the top surface and substantially parallel to an axis of rotation for the drive plate.

Abstract: Child entertainment apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An example method of operating a child entertainment apparatus includes suspending a seat from a frame and driving the seat for swinging movement by reciprocating an arm slidably coupled to the seat where the seat is free to slide along the arm when the seat swings.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and verifying one or more shot events, such as the outcome of the shot, at a selected golf hole located at a golf course. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the invention allows for the awarding of a prize to any player that either hits or comes close to hitting a hole-in-one on a qualifying hole at any time the golf course is open and witnessed, without the need for the player to make any commitment to enter any contest or pre-register before taking the golf shot in order to be eligible. Declared winners may be entitled to claim different types of prizes that have been previously established depending on the level of sponsorship or the difficulty of a specific hole. The prizes need not be offset by insurance, as is typical, but instead are funded by advertisers as paid sponsors of the particular hole.

Abstract: A swinging mechanism and a ball capturing target, used together or separately, teach putting skills and enable entertaining indoor/outdoor putting games and practice. The swinging mechanism teaches tempo, direction and distance control. The mechanism adjusts to fit most bodies and putters to achieve a repeatable eye-over-ball setup. The putter-head's backside pushes the mechanism aft and lets the mechanism pace the forward stroke. Premature head and sternum movement are eliminated by focusing on swing-thought words on the base; feeling the support rod against your sternum; and noticing the mechanism tap your cheek at the instant you see and hear the putter-ball impact. Colored ball-sets are putted through 3 different sized openings into separated capture zones to score 1, 2, or 3 points per ball. Player's uniquely colored ball-sets enable easy counting and strategy changes as games progress. After final score count, up to 75 balls are easily retrieved for a new round.

Abstract: A golf tool comprises a body having an upper portion and a lower portion, an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface, at least first and second prongs depending from the body for repairing a golf ball pitch-mark, an s-shaped serpentine structure extending from the upper portion of the body, the serpentine structure having a first end connected with and generally in vertical alignment with the body and a second end connected to a multi-purpose holder, the second end being offset from the body, the serpentine structure having a segment opposite the body defining a clip for clipping the golf tool to a golf bag, the multi-purpose holder having a shaft holder which is generally U-shaped and vertical in orientation, the multi-purpose holder separated from the body by the s-shaped serpentine structure, a channel having an axis which is generally horizontal and transverse to the shaft holder, wherein the golf tool is capable of a first position clipped to the golf bag and a golf shaft held in vertical

Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having a location of longest characteristic time shifted away from the geometric center of the hitting face. The hitting face of the club head has varying thickness, with a thickest portion being at or near the geometric center of the plate-like hitting face. A second thickened portion of the hitting face substantially surrounds the thickest portion. The portions of varying thickness taper therebetween for relatively smooth cross-sectional profiles. The hitting face may further comprise a plurality of indentations at least partially located within the outer intermediate zone of the hitting face, having a thickness that is less than the thickness of the hitting face at the geometric center and tapered portion.

Abstract: A golf training tee includes a tee riser that has at a top end a cup adapted for receiving a golf ball thereon. A bottom end of the tee riser includes a substantially spherical ball member. A base has a socket at a top end thereof that is adapted for pivotally receiving the ball member. The socket has an open portion that includes a substantially flat stop surface. The base includes at a lower end thereof a ground attachment member, such as a spike adapted for insertion into a ground surface, or a flat disk adapted for resting on the ground surface. In use, when the golf ball is struck with the golf club, the tee riser pivots downwardly in a direction of the golf club at impact therewith. The tee riser stops its downward pivot at the stop surface of the socket, remaining pointed in the direction.

Abstract: A football training device and system is presented that simulates game-time conditions wherein players of the opposite team attempt to strip the ball carrier of the ball. The football training device has a football with at least one cord attached to each end of the football. The cord is connected to a housing which is attached to the player's body by a strap. As the player carries the football a remote control device is used to activate the housing to retract the cord which acts to strip the football from the players hands.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel and unique basketball shooting target removably connected to a basketball goal. The target is an object that includes a female member having a female member core and female outer layer and a male member having a male member core and male outer layer. The female member core includes female lock flanges and female contact surfaces for engaging the male member core. The male member core has buttons that each includes respective cam locks configured for releasable engagement with female lock flanges on a female core to prevent horizontal movement. The male member core has male contact surfaces for engaging the female contact surfaces of the female member to prevent vertical movement. In operation, the male and female members removably connect with one another to engage a netting of a basketball goal and prevent movement relative to one another in horizontal or vertical direction.

Abstract: A pitching movement training device includes a ball, a plurality of pegs selectively secured at predetermined locations about the surface of the ball, and at least one band secured between adjacent pegs. The ball has a seam and at least one of the pegs being positioned adjacent the seam. The ball allows one to teach athletes proper hand positioning upon a ball while throwing specific pitches. The method includes providing the plurality of pegs and the ball, securing the pegs to the ball at predetermined locations about the outer surface of the ball, positioning a user's fingers relative to the pegs; and instructing the user to throw a pitch with a specific hand motion.

Abstract: A soccer training apparatus comprises a net capable of being placed in a deployed position, connected to or located adjacent a soccer goal frame and above a soccer playing surface, so as to cover a portion of a target opening bounded by the soccer goal frame and soccer playing surface. The net includes a peripheral edge located relative to the soccer goal frame so as to form a gap which extends around the net in the deployed position. which permits a soccer ball to pass through and enter the soccer goal area.

Abstract: A hockey stick shaft includes an elongate, rectangular tube having a length and a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls define an elongate inner chamber of the tube. The chamber extends along the length of the tube. The plurality of side walls includes a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall, and a pair of opposite third and fourth side walls separating the first side wall from the second side wall. A support member is positioned within the chamber and extends along the length of the tube. The support member divides the chamber, and connects the first and second side wall walls to one another.

Abstract: An animal attractant, such as a liquid scent can be dispersed from a soft-shelled frangible capsule by positioning the capsule in an enclosure and then attaching the enclosure to an arrow. A plunger secured to the enclosure slidably moves inside the enclosure and causes rapture of the capsule upon impact of the plunger with a solid surface. The liquid animal attractant is dispersed through cutouts formed in the enclosure in a fan-like fashion.

Abstract: An axial fixing and closure member arrangement including an insert element for producing a rotatable, but axially fixed connection between the rotary axle of the chain guide of a rear gear change mechanism for bicycles and the related lower pivot head by means of a spring element, wherein additionally the insert element also has a sealing effect by providing an integrated closure member.

Abstract: A front derailleur that includes a derailleur housing having a tubular clamp and a chain guide coupled to parallelogram arms. A pivotal transfer element transfers the shifting motion through a pull cable to the chain guide. The shifting momentum is supported by a derailleur housing having a support extension extending in a support direction along the bicycle frame beyond the hinge of the tubular clamp. The transfer element is pivotally mounted to the derailleur housing by a pivot pin. The return spring is disposed around the pivot pin and is supported on a spring stop of the derailleur housing. The return spring is partially surrounded by a spring cover, which is integrated into the derailleur housing, all of which is protected from dirt by a second covering. The bores for accepting the adjustment screws, which are inclined relative to the frame tube in order to improve accessibility, are located in the spring cover.

Abstract: A tensioner for a belt drive, including a rigid element rotatably connected around a first axis and a couple of idle pulleys supported by a rigid element on opposing parts of axis and adapted to cooperate with respective sections of a belt of belt drive. The tensioner also includes a mobile element hinged to a second fixed axis carrying the first axis.

Abstract: A tensioner for an endless power transmitting element in a drive system is disclosed that includes an arm rotatable about an axis and having a sleeve that includes a ramp face or contoured face, a damper cup having a protrusion and a plate, a spring case that houses the sleeve of the arm and the damper cup with the damper cup's plate mated with the ramp face or contoured face of the sleeve. During wind-up of the tensioner, a normal force is applied to the damper cup's protrusion that moves the plate along the ramp face or contoured face in a first direction, and in the first direction the ramp face or contoured face pushes the damper cup generally radially outward into the spring case to provide frictional damping.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes an input shaft rotatable by power from a driving source. A transmission unit is capable of changing a speed of rotation of the input shaft to any one of speeds at gears. The transmission unit includes at least one planetary gear mechanism having three elements. An output member outputs the transferred power with a speed changed by the transmission unit. A transfer mechanism switches between a transfer state of power between a motor connection element and the output member and an open state of no transfer of power. The transfer mechanism is in the transfer state in a low-speed gear range and in the open state in a high-speed gear range.

Abstract: For the penetrating shaft type planetary gear train with bidirectional input and one-way output, the planetary gear train and one-way transmission integrate to constitute the planetary gear train, in which the driven rotary direction of the input shaft of the gear train with bidirectional input and one-way output is changed, and the output rotary direction of the output shaft is constant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking system (1). The system comprises an annulus gear (3) having a fluid contained therein and at least one planet gear (4), arranged within the annulus gear and rotatably engaged therewith. The system further comprises means (10) for controlling the flow of fluid within the system to control relative rotational motion between the planet gear and the annulus gear.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes: a frictional engagement element arranged to be switched from an engagement state to a disengagement state at a switching from a running range to a neutral range, and including: frictional plates; a first piston arranged to push the frictional plates; a second piston arranged to push the frictional plates; a first hydraulic chamber arranged to receive a hydraulic fluid for pushing the first piston; and a second hydraulic chamber arranged to receive a hydraulic fluid for pushing the second piston; a first discharge speed switching section arranged to switch only a discharge speed of the hydraulic fluid of the first hydraulic chamber; and a control unit configured to increase the discharge speed of the hydraulic fluid of the first hydraulic chamber during a predetermined time period by the first discharge speed switching section at the switching from the running range to the neutral range.

Abstract: An electric drive for a mobile vehicle comprises an electric motor (1) which powers a differential via a spur gear mechanism (3, 4, 6, 7). The electric motor (1), the spur gear mechanism (3, 4, 6, 7) and the differential (9) are each accommodated within a housing comprising three main housing portions (12, 13, 14), namely, a central housing portion (12), a first covering housing portion (13) and a second covering housing portion (14).

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a first and a second intermediate member, and a planetary gear set, all of which are coaxial and define a first axis of rotation. A first and a second layshaft are arranged to define a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, respectively. Each of five sets of intermeshing gears transfer torque from a respective one of the intermediate members to a respective one of the layshafts via engagement of different respective ones of nine torque-transmitting mechanisms. A set of transfer gears transfers torque from the layshafts to the output member. One of the torque-transmitting mechanisms grounds a member of the planetary gear set to a stationary member. The nine torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinations to establish up to eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: In a vehicle differential unit according to an embodiment of the invention, a planetary carrier that is a rotatable member that rotatably supports planetary gears is formed of cylindrical members that are unable to rotate relative to each other on the rotational axis of a pair of output shafts. The vehicle differential unit has a thrust force generation portion that receives a driving force from a drive source of a vehicle and generates a thrust force along the direction of the rotational axis of the pair of output shafts, and a relative movement limiting portion that limits a relative movement between the cylindrical members along the axial direction due to the thrust force when the vehicle is in the drive mode.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a stationary member, and a first and a second compound planetary gear set. The first compound planetary gear set has a first, a second, a third, a fourth, and a fifth member. The second compound planetary gear set has a first, a second, a third, and a fourth member. The first member of the second compound planetary gear set is continuously connected for common rotation with the output member. An interconnecting member continuously connects the first member of the first planetary gear set for common rotation with the second member of the second planetary gear set. The transmission includes seven torque-transmitting mechanisms that are engagable to establish up to fifteen forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.

Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism for a bicycle, and more particularly to a planetary gear mechanism comprising a first planetary mechanism connected coaxially in series to a second planetary mechanism, which second planetary mechanism is connected coaxially in series to a third planetary mechanism, the second planetary mechanism output is a step up in speed from the first planetary mechanism output, the third planetary mechanism output is a step up in speed from the second planetary mechanism output.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set; a second planetary gear set; a third planetary gear set; an input shaft; an output shaft; and five friction elements. A first ring gear is constantly locked. A third carrier is connected with a second ring gear to define a rotating member. The input shaft is constantly connected with a second carrier, and the output shaft is constantly connected with the rotating member. The five friction elements are adapted to selectively connect among the carriers, ring gears and sun gears. Each of at least seven forward speed-ratios and one reverse speed-ratio is achieved by an engaged state of two friction elements selected from the five friction elements.

Abstract: In a vehicle that generates creep torque using an electric motor, a controlling means that causes, on the basis of the results of the detecting by the vehicle speed detecting means and the braking operation detecting means, the electric motor to generate the creep torque, wherein if the brake is operated when the creep torque is generated, the controlling means decreases the creep torque by a first level, if the brake is not operated when the creep torque is generated, the controlling means increases or decrease the creep torque in a level range on the basis of the speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed detecting means, and the first level is a decreasing level larger than a possible maximum decreasing level in the level range.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine, the engine including a turbocharger and a transmission. One example method comprises, operating the transmission at a first lower gear with a first boost level, increasing the boost from the first boost level before completing a shift from the first lower gear to a second higher gear, and after completing the shift, operating the transmission at the second higher gear with the increased boost.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle that prevents belt fluttering motion when the vehicle starts. A throttle opening degree sensor that detects an opening degree of a throttle is connected to and outputs to a controller a signal produced when the throttle opening degree switches from a closed state to an open state. When the vehicle starts from a standing state, the controller controls an actuator, according to the signal produced when the throttle opening degree switches from the closed state to the open state, to move a movable flange from a normal position in the standing state in a direction to narrow the groove width of a primary sheave.

Abstract: In a hydraulic apparatus for an automatic transmission having a torque converter with a lockup clutch and CVT, there are provided a first control valve for controlling hydraulic pressure supply to the lockup clutch oil chamber, a first electromagnetic solenoid valve for controlling operation of the first control valve, a second control valve for controlling hydraulic pressure supply to the CVT pulleys, a second electromagnetic solenoid valve for controlling operation of the second control valve, a switching valve interposed between the oil chamber and the first control valve. In the apparatus, when detecting that the first control valve or first electromagnetic solenoid valve is failed and the lockup clutch is locked in engaged condition, current supply to the second electromagnetic solenoid valve is stopped so that it operates the switching valve to disengage the lockup clutch, thereby enabling to forcibly release the engagement without manipulation by the operator.

Abstract: A controller for automatic transmission that performs feedback control on a slip ratio of a lockup clutch is adapted to select one target slip ratio from a plurality of target slip ratios based on a detected automatic transmission fluid temperature of a torque converter. Thus, the controller can ensure good followability to a target value of the feedback control even when the automatic transmission fluid temperature is low. The controller can effectively prevent engine hunting and the associated vibrations of vehicle body. Therefore, the controller can accomplish a favorable slip control of the lockup clutch even if an operating range of the lockup clutch is expanded to a range where the automatic transmission fluid temperature is low.

Abstract: A shift control system for a marine drive applies partial clutch engagement pressure upon initial shifting from forward to reverse to prevent stalling of the engine otherwise caused by applying full clutch engagement pressure upon shifting from forward to reverse.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drivetrain in a motor vehicle which has an internal combustion engine with a crankshaft, an automated gearbox with engagable and disengagable gears and a gearbox input shaft and a gearbox output shaft which drives drive wheels, a friction clutch which connects the crankshaft and the gearbox input shaft in a separable manner and is operated in an automated fashion, and a control unit for controlling the drivetrain. For driving comfort, before the vehicle comes to a stop, a starting gear is engaged in an overrun mode such that, after opening the friction clutch, a synchronization of gearbox input and output shaft rotational speed of the starting gear is initiated at a gearbox input shaft rotational speed which is higher than a target rotational speed of the gearbox input shaft yielded by the transmission ratio of the starting gear between the gearbox input and output shaft.

Abstract: A speed change control device of an automatic transmission comprises a first control section that, upon detecting a speed change instruction for a speed change from a first given speed to a second given speed, carries out the speed change by reducing an engaging pressure of a releasing side frictional element that has established the first given speed and increasing an engaging pressure of an engaging side frictional element that would establish the second given speed; a second control section that carries out a correction processing to increase the engaging pressure of the releasing side frictional element when a throttle open degree is increased during the speed change carried out by the first control section; and a third control section that inhibits the correction processing of the second control section when the engaging pressure of the releasing side frictional element is lower than a given value.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission coupled to an engine includes first, second, and third modules. The first module detects a closed throttle downshift of the transmission. The second module detects a request for a power-on downshift of the transmission. The third module controls a clutch of the transmission when the request for the power-on downshift is detected during the closed throttle downshift, wherein the third module one of (i) decreases a pressure applied to the clutch to a first predetermined pressure before an end of the closed throttle downshift and (ii) controls a pressure applied to the clutch to a second predetermined pressure at the end of the closed throttle downshift.

Abstract: A control for a multi-speed automatic vehicle transmission is provided. Electrical and hydraulic components are provided, including pressure control or “trim” valve systems in fluid communication with shift valves and electrohydraulic actuators to selectively engage and disengage the transmission clutches or other shift mechanisms. Pressure switches are provided for the trim valves and shift valves. The fluid connections between the trim valve systems and the shift valve systems are configured to reduce the total number of valves and fluid passages required and to reduce the size of at least one of the valves. Clutch blocking features are provided. Power off limp home and reduced engine load at stop features are provided in all forward ranges, and control of double transition shifts is also provided.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle transmission comprises a first oil supply unit (10) with at least one mechanically driven first pump (11) and a second oil supply unit (20) with at least one electrically driven second pump (21), and a valve device (14) and a clutch system (1). The second oil supply unit (20) supplies the clutch system (1), during a first operating condition, and the first oil supply unit (10) supplies the clutch system (1), during a second operating condition.

Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.