Abstract: Composition, apparatus, and methods of composition and apparatus manufacture, for sharpening a paper shredder blade. Composition includes grinding powder, thickening agent, and additive. The thickening agent may be a white oil, an animal oil, an vegetable oil, or a stearine wax. The additive may be an antirust powder, an antiwear powder, an antistatic powder, or an antioxidation powder. The grinding composition is dispensed into a polyethylene film, and sealed to form the grinding apparatus, as a grinding sheet or a grinding packet. A method for forming a grinding sheet includes selecting the constituent materials for a grinding composition; stirring the constituent grinding composition materials; heating the constituent materials to melting; mixing the constituent materials, while melting and intermixing; cooling and packaging the grinding composition to form a grinding sheet or packet.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting poultry mid-wings into separate radius and ulna portions. The apparatus includes a plurality of carrier blocks mounted to a drive chain that drives the carrier blocks along a path in a continuous loop around the apparatus. Each carrier block has recesses formed in it that cooperate with recesses formed in adjacent carrier blocks to form carrier slots that hold mid-wings in a predetermined orientation. A blade member having an upper blade and a lower blade extends into the path and is aligned with blade channels formed in the carrier blocks. The blade member bisects mid-wings that are held in the carrier slots as they move downstream. The carrier blocks rotate downwardly about the downstream end of the path and are separated from one another, thereby opening the carrier slots. The separated mid-wings contained in the slots are thereby allowed to fall out of the slots.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning carcasses is described and illustrated, as is a device for mixing a cleaning substance that can be used in such applications. In some embodiments, the apparatus and method utilize a multi-phase cleaning substance spraying procedure in which the cleaning substance has desired levels of chlorine dioxide and is delivered to the carcasses at desired flow rates, both of which can vary between phases of the procedure and/or at different locations of the carcasses being cleaned.

Abstract: A body armor cooling system for law enforcement officers or military or security personnel having a hook-shaped nozzle attached to one end of a flexible hose member and a bellows assembly attached to the other end of the flexible hose member. The end of the hook-shaped nozzle is tucked beneath the protective armor that the law enforcement officer is wearing in order to provide a cooling effect. The bellows assembly is connected to the air conditioner vent opening on the dash of the vehicle. The bellows assembly makes an air tight seal with the dash of the vehicle and it can easily be attached and detached. A universal vent attachment system makes the present invention usable in any vehicle.

Abstract: A grain bin assembly wherein the grain bin has a corrugated cylindrical wall and a roof structure having a plurality of triangular roof panels. The plurality of roof panels have rib junctions which form a gap. A vent assembly is positioned between the corrugated cylindrical wall and the roof structure. The vent assembly has a plurality of louvers positioned within the vent assembly. The vent assembly provides improved venting of the grain bin assembly.

Abstract: A system that balances thermal variations within a set of computer systems in a datacenter. During operation, the system obtains a thermal flux map for the set of computer systems. The system then analyzes the thermal flux map to determine whether imbalances exist in the thermal flux across the set of computer systems. If so, the system can adjust: (1) the scheduling of loads across the set of computer systems, and/or (2) air conditioning within the datacenter, so that the thermal flux is more balanced across the set of computer systems.

Abstract: A vent is mounted in a building wall so as to enable air exchange between the interior of the building and the outside environment. A first set of plural, spaced apart, air guide members and a second set of plural, spaced apart, air guide members are formed using elongate units each having a base element contiguous with opposing leg elements. The base elements of the first set of guide members are arranged in a first vertical plane, while the base elements of the second set of guide members are arranged in a second vertical plane, wherein the planes are in parallel horizontal mutual displacement. The leg elements of the two sets of air guide members are positioned and interlaced to force air flow moving through the apparatus is make a first right angle turn followed by a “Z” shaped turn and then a second right angle turn.

Abstract: A photographing device having a game function which determines win/loss of photographing devices based on information regarding image files, is provided with a first parameter obtaining unit configured to obtain a first parameter regarding a first image file which was generated by the photographing device, a second parameter obtaining unit configured to obtain a second parameter regarding a second image file which is stored in another photographing device, a score calculating unit configured to calculate scores regarding the first image file and the second image file based on the first parameter and the second parameter, respectively, a win/loss determining unit configured to determine win/loss of the photographing device and the other photographing device, and generate win/loss information, a recording unit configured to store the win/loss information, in accumulated manner, as intrinsic information which is intrinsic to the photographing device, and a notifying unit configured to output the accumulated win/

Abstract: In a game apparatus, a game control method and a game control program, if a baseball game proceeds without all the pitches in one at-bat being made, a virtual pitch sequence history is presented, and the sizes of a pitching mark and a batting mark of pitcher and batter sides are changed in relation to this pitch sequence history upon designating a pitching position and a batting position. Since the sizes of the pitching mark and the batting mark are changed based on the pitch sequence history in this way, a more interesting game with more importance attached to the strategic characteristic thereof can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention therefore relates to a games board assembly comprising a series of squares, the squares representing the locations on which the individualised playing pieces of each player are restricted in terms of movement by the rules of the game, characterised in that each square on the games board comprises a digital recognition pictogram, the playing piece is a digital playing piece which incorporates a calculator, a screen interface, game software, pictogram recognition means on the board, playing piece movement calculation means on the board, a touchscreen which represents, according to the position of the digital playing piece on the games board, the characteristics of the square and/or of the updated game data field on which the digital playing piece is physically positioned.

Abstract: An interactive web and mobile phone game system may include a web server having a database, a computer software program and a portable electronic device for interactively communicating with each other via a communications link when playing the game. The game may be played via computer such as a mobile phone, computer terminal or the like. As a non-limiting example, a portable electronic device may be utilized in a vehicle having an actuator linked to a transceiver via a communication interface. A plurality of vehicle components may further be linked to the actuator. In this way, the game may be played using the portable electronic device for remotely communicating with the web server and vehicle components via the communications link.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display. A transmissive display is positioned in front of the game display directly in the player's line of sight including game-play regions at which symbols appear and regions above, below, between, and to the sides the game-play regions. The transmissive display is operable to selectively display transparent, translucent and opaque video images over the game display. The transparent, translucent and opaque video images may be used to change, for example, a play mechanic associated with the wagering game and any reel symbols associated with wagering game. The transmissive display may also be used to provide interactive player control and player selection elements for the wagering game and to facilitate player inputs to the gaming machine. The transmissive display may be further used to provide bonus features associated with a bonus game played at the gaming machine.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for increasing potential payout opportunities using multiple card indicia representing multiple cards. One embodiment involves determining whether any one or more of a plurality of cards of a draw poker hand are to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia representing multiple cards, presenting the plurality of cards of the draw poker hand, including the one or more of the plurality of cards determined to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia, facilitating user identification of which of the plurality of cards to hold, replacing the cards that are not held, and identifying a plurality of resulting hands, each of the plurality of resulting hands including a different subset of a total of the indicia of the cards that were held, the cards that were replaced, and any cards provided with multiple card indicia.

Abstract: A display device comprising a plurality of activatable display segments, a player input device and a controller. The plurality of activatable display segments are positioned to be viewed by a player, each display segment being configured to be individually activated and to communicate a potential outcome of a game. The player input device is positioned to be activated by the player, the player input device being configured to transmit a signal when the player activates the input device. The controller is in communication with each display segment and the player input device.

Abstract: This concept is directed to methods of operating a gaming device to analyze game information that is part of a gaming event having a player interaction in advance of the player interaction to make a determination about the game play. These methods may be used for a variety of gaming devices such as slot machines, video keno devices, video poker machines, electronic table games, internet gaming terminals, etc. In each type of gaming device, these operation methods evaluate future game information during game play to determine one of multiple manners by which the game play will continue. These continuation manners may include changing the speed of game play, determining display characteristics of the game and outcome, providing tips or information to the player about the future game information, automatically initiating a subsequent game, or otherwise altering an aspect of the game play parameters in response to the evaluated game information.

Abstract: A detection device is used in a gaming machine that detects numbers of dots on a plurality of dice having wireless tags. The detection device reads the wireless tags which are embedded on each face of the dice by a reader having an antenna. The antenna of the reader includes a first antenna portion disposed substantially in a central portion of a field that supports the dice, and formed in a substantially circular shape, and a plurality of second antenna portions disposed so as to superimpose a detection area of the first antenna portion, and having a detection area larger than the first antenna portion. The first antenna portion and the plurality of the second antenna portions are disposed so as to have a portion of detection areas mutually superimposed on a playing board.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a lottery ticket to a player of a hybrid game having a gambling game portion and an entertainment game portion are provided. One or more lottery tickets are generated by a lottery system and transmitted to the hybrid game where the one or more lottery tickets are held in a queue. Attendant rules for issuing a lottery ticket are also transmitted to the hybrid game. The hybrid game receives player actions from the entertainment portion of the hybrid game and, based on the player actions and the attendant rules, awards a lottery ticket to the player.

Abstract: System and methods related to wagering, such as slot machines and/or other electronic games. Some wagering may relate to market indicators, market lines, and/or stop commands.

Abstract: A gaming environment is described. In a base game, one or more paylines to be activated and a bet number for the activated paylines are set. If a combination of displayed symbols on the activated payline is a winning combination, an outcome amount is calculated by multiplying a payout number corresponding to the realized winning combination by the bet number, and the calculated outcome amount will be provided to the player. Also, a payout number corresponding to the number of the activated paylines will be additionally provided to the player.

Abstract: A slot machine includes a display device, reels, a bet unit, motors, a memory, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (a) execute a lottery in response to an accepted bet; (b) send a signal indicating an instruction for rotating each reel to each motor; (c) determine an amount of credits to be awarded to a player in accordance with the lottery result; (d) determine an image to be displayed on the display device in accordance with a proportion of the amount of credits to the accepted bet; (e) cause the display device to display the image determined in (d); (f) send a signal indicating an instruction for causing each reel to come to a stop to each motor in accordance with the lottery result; and (g) when each reel comes to a stop, award the amount of credits determined in (c) to the player.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for conducting a secondary game at a gaming device. In various embodiments, a player may acquire equity in the secondary game in such forms as a location of a game character, a number of symbols aggregated, a degree of completion of a puzzle, or a defensive provision. Certain symbols or outcomes in a primary game, however, may cause the player to lose equity in the secondary game.

Abstract: Gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for dynamically maintaining a set of previously generated game outcomes and providing a replay of one or more of the previously generated game outcomes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating a user's behavior in an interactive computer system are provided. For example, a computer program product includes a simulator configured to simulate a user interacting with a computer program. The simulator includes a learning mode of operation and a simulation mode of operation. During the learning mode, for example, the simulator is configured to monitor the user's interaction with the computer program for one or more events and analyze one or more current circumstances during the occurrence of the one or more events, and further, to record at least one user input in response to the occurrence of at least one event, store the at least one user inputs in at least one data field, and associate the at least one data field with the at least one events and the at least one current circumstances.

Abstract: Virtual competitive group management systems and methods are provided herein. Exemplary systems may execute methods via one or more processors, which are programmed to compare one or more skill levels of a player to skill levels of a plurality of competitors, wherein a skill level is associated with player competitiveness within the interactive game, determine at least one of the plurality of competitors who have at least one skill level that is greater than the skill level of the player, and place the player and the at least one of the plurality of competitors into a competitive group such that the player is at a competitive disadvantage to at least one of the plurality of competitors.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for pausing and resuming a gesture-based game. In some examples, a method performed under control of a gesture-based game system includes receiving a pause command that indicates pausing play of a gesture-based game and in response to the receipt of the pause command, capturing a first image of a player currently playing the gesture-based game, the first image being associated with a first posture of the player substantially at the time of the pause command and generating an outline of the player corresponding to the first image of the player.

Abstract: Bonus gaming systems for monitoring and controlling one or more gaming devices in a gaming system on at least one gaming floor are disclosed herein. The system includes one or more gaming devices interconnected via a network, a player tracking system in communication with the gaming devices, and a bonus gaming system in communication with the gaming devices. The bonus gaming system monitors and controls bonus sessions presented on the gaming devices, wherein the bonus sessions includes a plurality of bonus levels, wherein the bonus levels increase in bonus value in response to duration of game play by a player in order to maintain continued play by the player.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines, gaming systems, methods, and computer-readable media for presenting a multi-tiered promotional game having a promotional base game component, promotional bonus game component, and a cash giveaway component. According to one embodiment, the gaming system includes a player tracking system having a database of player gaming data that includes a record of multi-tiered promotional game entry points and multi-tiered promotional bonus game entry points. The gaming system also includes a plurality of gaming devices in communication with the player tracking system, wherein each gaming device presents a primary game. The gaming devices also include a secondary display associated with each gaming device, wherein the secondary display is capable of presenting a promotional base game or a promotional bonus game.

Abstract: A gaming device including an interface unit configured to accept game play data from a player, and a controller coupled to the interface unit. The controller includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores player tracking data and wherein the processor is configured to receive, via the interface unit, game play data for the player playing a primary game, initiate a play of a secondary game if a triggering event occurs, enable a player to select at least one of a plurality of different loyalty awards associated with the secondary game, determine an outcome of the secondary game, and issue a loyalty award based on the determined outcome of the secondary game.

Abstract: A plurality of gaming devices is linked so as to effectuate multiplayer game play. Multiplayer game play may cost more than single player game play, but may provide bonus payouts in the multiplayer game play. Various embodiments disclose symbol swapping, best ball, and match multiplayer game play.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines.

Abstract: Entries in one or more sports competitions are determined and distributed to a plurality of users. The entries may be traded among the users. The one or more sports competitions have one or more stages. In some implementations relating to a first sports competition, the entries include entries in which each of the entries corresponds to a respective team of a set of teams participating in the first sports competition. In some implementations relating to a second sports competition, the entries include entries in which each of the entries corresponds to a respective individual of a set of individuals participating in the second sports competition.

Abstract: A method and system for awarding game features includes a first game device and a second game device. An achievement game including an achievement outcome is conducted on the first game device. In an optional embodiment, the achievement game is a non-wagering game and the first game device is a personal device. A game including a base game and at least one optional feature is conducted at a second game device. The second game device receives any achievement outcomes earned in the achievement game and determines, optionally with input from the user, which optional features to apply to the base game. In an optional embodiment, the game is a wagering game and the second game device is a gaming machine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for making a side bet in a hybrid game having a gambling game portion and an entertainment game portion are provided. The side bet is made in regards to the play of the entertainment portion of the hybrid game and can be made using a real world credit, a game world credit or a game world element. If the side bet is made using a real world credit, the real world credits used by the gambling game portion of the hybrid game and credited to a player are incremented or decremented. If the side bet is made using a game world element, the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game is updated based on the outcome of the side bet.

Abstract: Table game tournament systems can include player terminal(s), electronic gaming table(s), and/or a remote server. A player terminal can have an outer housing, a controller located therewithin or thereabout, input and output component(s), and a communications interface to an outside gaming network having other functionally similar gaming device(s), gaming table(s), and a remote server. The controller and/or server can facilitate providing tournament information to a player, which information can include whether the player would qualify for the next tournament round, who is the most serious opponent to the player, and/or the chip difference therebetween. A terminal can also facilitate asynchronous and individually paced tournament play, switching between different tournament tables on demand, and play of other non-tournament table games thereat simultaneously with the play of the table game tournament.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a gaming system capable of providing progressive level alerts or promotions when a progressive jackpot reaches a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the user is able to register for a progressive level alert. In another embodiment, the progressive level alert is presented on an affiliated or third party website. By providing progressive jackpot amount information, the user, who may not otherwise patronize a casino, is encouraged to visit the particular casino offering games capable of awarding a progressive jackpot prize of a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot. Players may win the wagering game, interim pattern awards and/or progressive jackpot awards by matching predetermined patterns with patterns formed on their unique game array with indicia matching selected indicia. The players may optionally participate and be eligible to win all or a portion of the progressive jackpot. In one embodiment, the player may be eligible for the progressive jackpot by wagering at least a minimum wager amount, and perhaps the maximum bet for the wagering game. In another embodiment, the player may affirmatively elect to be eligible for the progressive jackpot by placing a wager or fee in addition to a wager on the wagering game. Graphics corresponding to the progressive jackpot may be optionally displayed only to players eligible to win the progressive jackpot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a mystery degressive bonus system. Instead of a bonus that increases its value as the likelihood of winning the bonus increases, embodiments of the invention disconnect the likelihood of winning a mystery bonus from the amount awarded for triggering the mystery bonus. In some embodiments as the likelihood of winning the mystery bonus increases, the award for winning the mystery bonus decreases. Some embodiments include a minimum value for winning the mystery bonus. Additional embodiments are directed to an indicator system to show to the player a present amount of the mystery bonus award as well as the likelihood of winning the award. Further embodiments include a gaming device that includes a bonus game in which the amount awarded to the player decreases over time.

Abstract: In a game device, a loading processor loads save data on which user ID information is attached from a storage device 80; an application executing unit executes a game program while using the loaded save data; a game requirement achievement determining unit determines whether or not a predetermined requirement of gameplay is achieved based on a progress status of the game; and item ID acquiring unit acquires an item ID associated with achieved requirement of gameplay; an item acquisition processing unit has a function for generating item acquisition information while using the acquired item ID; and a function limiting unit limits the function of an item acquisition processing unit in accordance with user ID information attached to the save data.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to relieve time and effort required for manipulated input. The game program according to the present invention causes a computer to perform, an offering process to offer the game content to the user; a recording process to record an offered game content offered in the offering process, as an owned game content owned by the user; a reception process to receive a prearranged registration of a specified game content specified by an input from a user; a judgment process, when an offer game content is offered to a user in the offering process after the reception process, to compare the offered game content to the specified game content prearranged for registration, to judge whether or not the offered game content is to be made an owned game content of the user; and an update process to update a record of the owned game content owned by the user based on a judgment result in the judgment process.

Abstract: A game server of the present disclosure comprises: a map data storing section that stores map data; a virtual position data table that stores identification data; a display process data transmitting section that transmits display process data; an operation data receiving section that receives operation data; a virtual user position changing section that changes a virtual user position; a data updating section that updates the identification data; a relationship building section that transmits relevant information regarding a virtual user other than a target virtual user; and an attribute information storing section. The relationship building section sets a screening area covering a predetermined distance from the virtual position of the target virtual user. Also, the relationship building section selects a virtual user with a higher level from among at least one other virtual user in the screening area and transmits relevant information regarding the other virtual user thus selected.

Abstract: A moving object and a topography object having a portion with different heights are positioned in a virtual space, and the moving object is controlled so as to move on the topography object. A real world image is obtained from an imaging device, and a position and an orientation of a marker in the real world image are detected. On the basis of a result of the detection, a virtual camera is positioned in the virtual space, and a moving object and a topography object are rendered on the basis of the virtual camera. Here, the real world image obtained from the imaging device is used as a texture for the topography object. The rendered moving object and the topography object are synthesized on the real world image and a synthesized image is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A gaming method for presenting both gaming content based video signals and secondary video signals over a single display using a Display Manager is disclosed. The Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from a system device, and then displays one or multiple video signals on one or more shared displays. The screen may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager splits, overlays, superimposes, or otherwise shares the display among the video input signals. A touch router device interprets touches at a touch screen shared display to transform coordinates to enable interpretation of the player's touch inputs.

Abstract: Various techniques are described for controlling a wager-based game played at a gaming system. In one embodiment the gaming system may include a gesture input interface device operable to detect movements gestures associated with one or more persons, and a gesture interpretation component operable to identify selected movements or gestures detected by the gesture input interface device. In at least one embodiment, the gesture interpretation component may also be operable to generate gesture interpretation information relating to interpretation of the selected movements or gestures. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may be operable to automatically detect a gesture by a player participating in a game session at the gaming system; interpret the gesture with respect to a set of criteria; generate gesture interpretation information relating to the interpretation of the gesture; and advance a state of the game session using at least a portion of the gesture interpretation information.

Abstract: In a game which is implemented as a plurality of player characters move on a map, one or more desired player characters, from among the plurality of player characters, are moved toward a desired position on the map by means of an easy operation. A game is carried out on a game apparatus in which a touch panel is disposed on a front surface of a display device on which a game screen is displayed. All player characters 100 displayed in a range enclosed by means of an operation carried out on the touch panel in such a way as to enclose positions of the player characters 100 displayed on the game screen are set as selected characters. When a pressing operation has been carried out on the touch panel with respect to a position displayed on the game screen, a position on a field corresponding to the position input by means of the operation is set as a destination of the selected characters.

Abstract: A storage medium having stored thereon a game program executable by a computer 21 of a game apparatus 1 including touch coordinate pair input means for outputting coordinate information based on a predetermined coordinate system in accordance with a touch operation performed by a player. A first object P1 and a second object P2 are displayed on a display screen based on first object position data DC3 and second object position data DC5. While input coordinate pairs are being detected, the first object position data DC3 is updated based on the input coordinate pairs. The second object position data DC5 is updated based on the first object position data DC3.

Abstract: A game system includes a home-console type game device, a controller device, and a portable display device. The portable display device includes an infrared light-emitting portion capable of emitting infrared light. The controller device wirelessly transmits to the game device operation date including data representing a detection result by an image-capturing section, data representing a detection result by an inertia sensor, and data representing an operation performed on an operation button. The game device receives the operation data from the controller device, and performs a game process based on the operation data.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device.

Abstract: A plurality of players operate player characters using controllers. The player characters form a friend team to attack enemy characters. The player characters make attacks on the enemy characters by firing bullets into a game space using guns, in accordance with the operations of the respective players. If one of the player characters attacks another one of the player characters, a life of the attacked player character decreases, and a life item for restoring a life also appears in the game space. The attacked player character can restore a life by acquiring the life item.

Abstract: A game system includes a game apparatus and a controller. For example, whether an operation of waving the controller has been performed is determined based on at least one of a pointed position on a display screen by the controller and acceleration. A wind object is generated and moved in virtual game space according to the waving operation. When it is determined that the wind object has collided with a windmill object disposed in the virtual game space, the windmill object is influenced by the wind and its rotation speed is changed.

Abstract: Flexibly configurable button panels for electronic devices and dynamic display systems for wager based gaming machines are disclosed. Button panels include a flexible cable, surface mount or other cable connectors spaced along and coupled thereto, and button assemblies coupled thereto via the cable connectors to provide electrical access from buttons to circuit lines. Relative physical locations of buttons are then reconfigurable to form different button panel configurations while the buttons remain coupled to the flexible cable. A dedicated dynamic button panel controller for processing button functions and a button panel identification device having an identification code can also be provided. Buttons can be removably coupled to the cable connectors, and can also include dynamic displays thereupon. Other gaming machine dynamic displays can also be provided.