Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a constant amount of abrasive which can supply even dry ice particles, ice particles, or the like as abrasive in a constant amount is provided. In order to take out abrasive contained in measuring holes 21 of a rotating disc 20, an abrasive mixing section 40 for blowing a compressed gas into each of the measuring holes 21 has a cylinder 41? which opens toward one surface of the rotating disc at the position where the measuring holes are formed. A piston 43? is inserted into the cylinder. A fluid channel 45 opens toward the cylinder 41? through the intermediary of the rotating disc 20 and whose opening rim 45a is in sliding contact with another surface of the rotating disc 20. One of the cylinder 41? and the fluid channel 45 communicates with a compressed-gas supply source through the intermediary of a compressed-gas introduction path 52. The other one of the cylinder 41? and the fluid channel 45 communicates with the abrasive transport path 51.

Abstract: A blade sharpening system is provided that includes a sharpening assembly including a sharpener configured to engage a generally circular agricultural implement blade while mounted on the agricultural implement. The blade sharpening system also includes a rail configured to support the sharpening assembly and to facilitate movement of the sharpening assembly along the rail. The blade sharpening system further includes a mounting feature coupled to the rail and configured to engage a structural member of the agricultural implement to support the rail and sharpening assembly.

Abstract: A hand held, portable drill bit sharpener is provided which may be powered by a standard commercially available electrical power tool. The power tool may be used to actuate the drill bit sharpener by arranging the drive shaft of the sharpener into the power tool chuck. This drive shaft is connected through a gear set to a biased rotating sharpening stone which is pressed against a drill bit tip. The drill bit may be held in the sharpener using a standard keyless drill bit chuck.

Abstract: An arm 21 has a shape for grasping a part in a circumferential direction of a tool holder 7. The arm 21 is connected to the tool holder 7 with a bolt 23 inserted into a fixing hole 22 provided in a base side portion of the arm 21. A tapped hole 25 used for exchangeably attaching a cutting tool 24 is formed in a tip side portion of the arm 21. A groove part 26 extending in parallel to an axis of the tool holder 7 is formed in a position close to the base portion of the arm 21. Owing to the groove part 26, the arm 21 works as an elastic hinge when an external force is applied, so as to increase or decrease a radial dimension of the cutting tool 24 while keeping its parallelism to the axis of the tool.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing fish are provided which enable cutting of the fish and removal of the viscera without damage to either the viscera or the remaining fish product. The systems may include an adjustable cutting device to cut the belly in a particularly unobtrusive manner and/or an adjustable gutting device to severe a gullet of the fish from the fish body and to gather and remove the viscera without significant damage to the viscera or the remaining fish product. Extractors for severing the connection between the gullet and the fish are also provided to assist in removal of the viscera, including the gonads. Vacuum head assemblies for cleaning a cavity of the fish after the viscera is removed are also provided.

Abstract: A fish skinning device is disclosed. In one or more implementations, the fish skinning device includes a support body, a drive shaft configured to rotate with respect to the support body; a roller connected to the drive shaft; a blade support pivotally connected to the support body; a blade connected to the blade support; and a lever fixedly connected to the blade support for pivoting the blade support about the support body between a first position where the blade is adjacent the roller and at least substantially parallel with the roller, and a second position where the blade is pivoted away from the roller with respect to the first position.

Abstract: A field dressing attachment for a hunting knife preferably includes a support plate, an end hook, a bottom gusset and a finger ring. One end of the support plate is terminated with the end hook. The bottom gusset extends downward from a bottom of the support plate. The finger ring extends from the bottom gusset and is located at an opposing end of the support plate. A blade groove is formed in the support plate to receive a non-cutting edge of a knife blade. A tip cavity is formed in the end hook. A tip of the knife blade is inserted into the tip cavity. A user's finger is inserted through the finger ring and a remainder of the hand is wrapped around a handle of the knife. The forefinger is used to keep the tip of the knife blade in the tip cavity.

Abstract: Penetrating the skin of a poultry item with an array of small holes accomplished by using a plurality of circular blades laterally spaced apart and substantially parallel and having a plurality teeth protruding from the edge of the blades and forcibly engaging and penetrating the skin of the poultry item with the plurality of teeth. The plurality of circular blades can have a common axis of rotation and rotating about a shaft extending along the common axis thereby forming a roller of blades.

Abstract: A livestock head splitting apparatus of a rotary type rotates a plurality of head trays and respective blades sequentially through loading, head-splitting and discharge stations spaced around the shaft, and in a head splitting mode, drives each head tray and blade relatively toward one another in the head splitting station. In a unique cleaning mode, the trays and blades are instead kept apart throughout the rotation to maximize the exposure of each tray to a spray of cleaning fluid directed into the apparatus. A computerized control system cooperates with an electric motor to drive the rotation and give a degree of user-control over operational aspects of the motor, such as the running speed of the apparatus in the cleaning and head splitting modes and a jogging speed of the apparatus used to index the head trays to desirable locations.

Abstract: An air-conditioner for a vehicle, may include a casing having an upper outlet and a lower outlet, with an air flow space defined in the casing and including an upper space and a lower space to guide air to the upper outlet and/or the lower outlet, an evaporator installed in the casing and selectively communicating with the upper outlet through the upper space, and a distributing partition wall to partition the lower space into a receiving space to receive a heating member therein and selectively communicate with the upper space and at least a partitioned space to communicate the heating member with the lower outlet, thus guiding the air to a side portion of the casing.

Abstract: A rack system (100) comprises a plurality of racks (105) arranged to form at least one aisle (120) between them. The aisle (120) is sealed such that essentially all of a cooling medium supplied to the aisle (120) passes through the racks (105). A bleeding opening is provided for enabling a bleeding of the cooling medium out of the aisle (120) and an entering of an ambient medium into the aisle (120). A sensor (such as a temperature sensor) is arranged to determine a medium flow direction through the bleeding opening. In one embodiment, a signal generated by the sensor is used to control at least one parameter of the cooling medium supplied to the aisle (120).

Abstract: A concave includes a frame and an array of threshing elements supported by the frame, the threshing elements being spaced apart and extending generally parallel to one another. The threshing elements are configured in the form of round bars each having formed on an upper portion thereof disposed adjacent to an upper portion of the frame a longitudinally-extending notch respectively defining an aggressive threshing edge. The spaced apart relationship and round configuration of the threshing elements reduce plugging of the concave. The threshing edges facing in a direction opposite to the direction of crop material flow restrict crop material flow and thereby enable more effective threshing.

Abstract: Example systems and methods relate to a video game in which multiple players each supply inputs to a respective input device to control a corresponding game character in a game world. Movements and actions of each game character are controlled in accordance with respective first game character control operations during the playing of the video game. If one of a plurality of conditions is satisfied by one of the players, the one player's game character is protected from harm in the game world. Movements and actions of the protected game character are controlled in accordance with a second game character control operation. The protecting of the one player's game character is stopped in response to one or more protecting stopping conditions, whereby the game character is again controllable in accordance with the first game character control operation.

Abstract: To run a game in which a life object indicating the value of a life parameter shared by player characters is displayed on a display unit and the life parameter is reduced for an amount equivalent to a damage from which a player character suffers, when at least one of the player character is attacked within an attack invalidation period that starts when one of the player characters is attacked, the life parameter is reduced only for an amount equivalent to the damage that triggers the start of the attack invalidation period.

Abstract: This document generally describes techniques, methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a three-dimensional (“3D”) sports playbook. Such a playbook may permit someone like a football, basketball, or soccer coach to see a play executed in a classic X's and O's overhead two-dimensional (“2D”) view, and also in a 3D view.

Abstract: Instead of using an operation inputted by a player, a series of operation data for continuously moving a player character for a predetermined time period of a game is previously stored as automatic operation data. Automatic control means moves the player character based on the automatic operation data. Furthermore, the automatic control means receives a play start operation indicating that the player starts to play the game while the automatic control means moves the player character. A movement of the player character control led based on the automatic operation data is finished at a time when the play start operation is received, and the movement of the player character starts to be controlled based on an operation of the player.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a gaming system that is based on the outcome of actual, scheduled sporting events. The winning wagers are directed to a selected sporting event and represent event participants placing in either of the top six, five or four positions. Alternate embodiments involve an array of sporting events, and other embodiments involve different scoring schemes.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system, the method including receiving an indication of a wager and displaying outcomes of wagering games on at least one display device in response to a wager indication being received, the displayed outcomes being randomly generated by at least one processor. The method also including accumulating a bonus-event playing time upon satisfying at least one predetermined condition as the wagering games are played, initiating a bonus game in which a player is eligible to receive awards for a period of time, determining, via at least one processor, the accumulated playing time accrued prior to the initiation of the bonus game, allowing the player to participate in the bonus game for at least as long as the accumulated playing time and providing any awards earned by the player during their participation in the bonus game.

Abstract: A player plays a first round of a casino slot machine game. If the player achieves a winning outcome on the first round of play, the payouts for the next round of play of the casino game will be increased. The amount of the increase is based on the category of the winning outcome on the first round of play. Each subsequent round of play continues to have increased payouts if the player continues to achieve winning outcomes. When the player has a losing outcome, the payouts revert to the base level. An extra wager may be required from the player to activate this feature during the play of the casino game.

Abstract: A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed.

Abstract: A gaming method and device includes a game, at least one non-qualifying outcome in the game, and at least one qualifying outcome in the game, wherein a player qualifies for a multi-player tournament to be held in the future when the player achieves the at least one qualifying outcome.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method provides for determining a first payout to potentially be provided for a current game play of a gaming device, wherein the gaming device is operable to facilitate a wagering game and providing the first payout only upon the satisfaction of a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions may comprise, for example, (i) indicia indicative of the first payout being disposed along a payline of the gaming device, wherein the payline is a component of a first display area of the gaming device, and (ii) a characteristic of audio/video content associated with the current game play satisfying a requirement for providing the first payout, wherein the audio/video content is output via a second display area of the gaming device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing low denomination payline and wagering options for “penny” gaming machines and systems are disclosed. A gaming machine or system configurator can provide various operator adjustable settings, including minimum overall wager, maximum overall wager, available denominations for play, minimum number of paylines that must be played, and incremental amount of paylines to be played. The configurator can include manual devices, an interface to a remote server or internal gaming machine logic. Player adjustable game parameters can include a play denomination, an overall wager, the number of paylines played and the number of credits per payline. Parameters not set by the player are automatically calculated by the gaming machine for faster game play. Residual awards or credit balances of less than a whole coin can be squared by payout mechanisms including a ticket printer, a player accounting system, a charity feature or a bonus play feature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to implement special features on slot machine games. An additional award indicator, such as a bonus wheel, a perimeter prize wheel, an additional reel, etc., can be used to modify an award of a main game. The additional award indicator can be successively activated while a resultant combination of mains reels of the slot game remain fixed.

Abstract: A method of electronic gaming has been developed that includes, receiving a wager from a player and generating an electronic command that at least a portion of an outcome for the wager is not to be displayed to the player until the outcome information is delivered to the player. Next, an outcome is generated and at least a portion of the outcome is not displayed according to the electronic command. Finally, the undisplayed outcome is delivers to the player.

Abstract: A computer-implemented valuation method is provided for a data field of a data object. The method includes receiving a proposed wager from a first user with a predicted future value of the data field at an evaluation condition; receiving a counter-wager from a second user against the predicted future value; monitoring the evaluation condition; and upon satisfaction of the evaluation condition, determining a current value of the data field, comparing the current value to the predicted future value, and declaring a winning party between the first user and the second user based on the comparison.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a pari-mutuel wagering system that includes a first wagering facility communicably coupled with a network and operable to receive a bet on a wagering event hosted by a second wagering facility. The first wagering facility is further operable to transmit the bet to the second wagering facility via the network. The system further includes a clearinghouse communicably coupled with the network and operable to capture audit information associated with the bet from the network.

Abstract: A gaming system and method which provides a player with a higher average expected payback for making a gaming system wager on a gaming system wagering event in addition to making a primary game wager on a primary game. If the player places the gaming system wager on the gaming system wagering event, the player obtains the chance to win a gaming system award in addition to the player's chance of winning an award based on the outcome of the primary game, wherein the gaming system award is based, at least in part, on the primary game outcome. By placing a gaming system wager on the gaming system wagering event, the overall average expected payback associated with the play of the game increases, without changing the average expected payback of the primary game.

Abstract: A wagering game award system is described herein. In some embodiments, the wagering game award system detects player activity in a wagering game system. The system can also award a first value type to a player account for participation in activities in the wagering game system. The system can also receive a request to exchange the first value type for a second value type, wherein the first value type and the second value type are not currencies issued by a world government. The system can also determine that the first value type is exchangeable for the second value type. The system can also determine a conversion rate, wherein the conversion rate indicated the first value type in terms of the second value type. The system can also exchange the first value type for the second value type based on the conversion rate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the performance of a plurality of players playing a video game simulating a rock band experience may include: calculating a player score for each player playing a rhythm action game within a band, each player score representing the performance level of a particular player; calculating a composite score for the band playing a rhythm action game, the composite score based in part on a performance level associated with each player within the band; displaying the composite score on a performance meter as a performance level; and displaying each player score on the performance meter as a graphical indication positioned on the meter at a position corresponding to the calculated player score.

Abstract: A gaming machine may have at least one display device capable of displaying 3-D images of a game of chance, and at least one processor to execute instructions to display the 3-D images on the display device, the at least one processor having display video data to display the 3-D images for: at least one first object having a first reel stop associated with a first payout value, the at least one first object moving about a central axis, each of the at least one first object having an individual center point, and at least one second object having a second reel stop, the at least one second object moving about the individual center point, the second reel stop associated with a second payout value, wherein the first payout value and the second payout value determine a total payout associated with an outcome of the game of chance.

Abstract: It is possible to generate a game element in accordance with the customization state of a media reproduction device, which exhibits a uniqueness of user. Provided is a media reproduction device which acquires related attribution information from stored media data, selects an object corresponding to the attribution information from a list, and generates the object during a game.

Abstract: An example of a game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU displays a title screen on a monitor when starting a virtual game. When a predetermined operation is performed here, a main part is started, and a first game selected on a top menu is started. Here, prior to a start of the first game, a stable state of a controller with a gyro unit is confirmed. The processing for confirmation is also executed in a case that the title screen is being displayed as well. After the confirmation, when a state that the controller is left continues for a predetermined time or more, a second game different from the first game is started.

Abstract: In a coordinate detection step, a series of coordinate values each of which indicates a position which is on a display screen and is inputted through a pointing device, are detected at intervals of a unit time. Further, an operation state determination step determines whether or not a player is controlling a first object with the pointing device. When the operation state determination step determines that the player is controlling the first object, the selection determination step determines whether or not an input track of the pointing device forms an enclosed area for enclosing a second object based on the series of coordinate values. When the enclosed area has been formed, the first object and the second object are caused to perform predetermined actions.

Abstract: A game system includes a game device, and a hand-held device having a predetermined input surface. The hand-held device transmits operation data which includes touch data representing a player input position on the predetermined input surface and movement data whose value changes in accordance with movement of the hand-held device. The game device controls an attitude of a control surface placed in a three-dimensional game space based on the movement data. The game device calculates a control direction in the game space based on the attitude of the control surface and the touch data, and performs a game process based on the control direction. The first game image representing the game space is output to and displayed on a display device which is separate from the hand-held device.

Abstract: A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position; a display part that displays characters associated with a game; a character determining part that determines a character to be displayed on the display part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position, when the movement determining part determines to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed down; and an enabling determining part that determines, when the push operation detecting part detects the entertainment button being pushed, whether or not to enable the detected push operation.

Abstract: A gaming system is configured to use player telephone numbers to call players regarding bonuses or other awards. A player may provide their telephone number when signing up for a casino player rewards club or may input their number when playing a wagering game at a gaming machine. Players are randomly selected, such as by generating phone numbers or assigned numbers associated with phone numbers. The selected player(s) are called or contacted and monetary awards or bonuses may be rewarded. Such awards may involve additional game play or be awarded without additional action.

Abstract: A gaming table with an upper surface that includes a gaming chip placement area and a lower surface opposite the upper surface is provided. The gaming table also includes a housing coupled to one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the gaming table, an antenna coupled to the housing, wherein the antenna is configured to form an electromagnetic field that defines a zone of communication in which a gaming chip including a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be read.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided. The gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems and related methods for validating a download assignment or a validation assignment for one or more electronic gaming machines (EGMs). In one embodiment, the gaming system can schedule downloads and/or configurations for one or more EGMs from a network terminal. Additionally, the network terminal determines whether the download or selected configuration is compatible with the existing physical or software structure of an EGM. In the event the EGM configuration is not compatible with the scheduled download or configuration, a casino operator is notified of the error at the network terminal. Optionally, the gaming system automatically schedules one or more supplemental downloads so that the user-selected download of configuration is executable on the EGMs.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems and related methods for validating a download assignment or a validation assignment for one or more electronic gaming machines (EGMs). In one embodiment, the gaming system can schedule downloads and/or configurations for one or more EGMs from a network terminal. Additionally, the network terminal determines whether the download or selected configuration is compatible with the existing physical or software structure of an EGM. In the event the EGM configuration is not compatible with the scheduled download or configuration, a casino operator is notified of the error at the network terminal. Optionally, the gaming system automatically schedules one or more supplemental downloads so that the user-selected download or configuration is executable on the EGMs.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include presenting a web browser on a display associated with a wagering game machine and receiving a request to present wagering game content on the display, via the web browser. The operations can further include determining a web address stored in a setting associated with a wagering game machine and sending the web address associated with the wagering game machine to a wagering game server. The wagering game server is configured to provide a webpage document described in the web address. The web address can be stored in the setting prior to the request to present the wagering game content on the display. The operations can further include receiving the webpage document from the wagering game server; and presenting the webpage document on the display of the wagering game machine via the web browser.

Abstract: Example systems and methods related to a social requirement for acquiring an asset, such as a reward, in an online game are presented herein. In one example, an online game for a plurality of players is hosted. Information describing a social network of friends of a player of the game is accessed. An asset is provided to the player based satisfaction of an acquisition requirement to acquire the asset. The acquisition requirement includes a social requirement that is satisfied by a new association of a predetermined number of friends of the social network of the player with the online game.

Abstract: Example systems and methods related to player recruitment for acquiring rewards in an online game network is presented. In an example, an online game for a plurality of players is hosted. A player of the game is provided an asset based satisfaction of an acquisition requirement that includes a social requirement satisfied by a new association of a predetermined number of people with the online game.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to systems and methods for encouraging performance of kind acts. A toy object, a task identifier and a code are simultaneously provided to a user. The task includes an instruction to perform a kind act. Instructions further indicate that a user is to input the code into a website upon completing the identified task. Entry of the code causes a reward (e.g., a virtual reward or physical reward) to be distributed (e.g., to the user or to another party).

Abstract: In the gaming machine, an effect producing unit is disposed behind the opened door which protrudes laterally outside the side face plane of the cabinet. The effect producing unit is disposed in the space between the cabinets of adjacent gaming machines so that the space can be efficiently utilized. In addition, the effects of the gaming machine can be enhanced since the effect producing unit produces the attractive effects to a game.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling assembly has a supporting base, a first disk, a second disk and two piezoelectric actuators. The piezoelectric actuators are mounted between the supporting base and the first disk to drive the first disk to move along an axial direction of the supporting base and to adjust the air gap between the first and second disks. Each piezoelectric actuator has a housing, a pushing arm and at least one piezoelectric block. The pushing arm is mounted slidably in and extends out of the housing along a longitudinal direction parallel with the axial direction of the supporting base and has an end securely connected with the first disk. The at least one piezoelectric block is mounted in the housing and is attached to the pushing arm to push the pushing arm to move along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A double damping flywheel comprises primary and secondary coaxial members. The members are rotatable relative to one another and coupled by first and second damping elements arranged in series by a connecting web. The first damping element includes at least one curved elastic member running circumferentially between two first seatings. The second damping element includes at least two groups of elastic members, each including at least two straight elastic members arranged in series by an intermediate bearing element. Each of the groups of straight elastic members runs circumferentially between two second seatings. An annular member for phasing the straight elastic members, separate from the connecting web, carries the intermediate bearing element of each group. The difference between the maximum angular displacement between the primary member and the connecting web, and the maximum angular displacement between the secondary member and the connecting web, is less than 30°.

Abstract: A connection apparatus includes a first flange member having a threaded portion; a second flange member having a threaded portion; a central annular connecting flange positioned in between the first and second flanges; a pair of cross trunnion assemblies being next to and on opposing sides of the annular connecting flange; a pair of threaded collars connecting each trunnion assembly to the connecting flange and a flange; a plurality of key and slot connections that provide an interlocking interface between each flange and each trunnion assembly; and bolted connections the secure each trunnion assembly to the central annular connecting flange.

Abstract: A shaft assembly that includes a propshaft member and a constant velocity joint. The constant velocity joint has an outer race, which is coupled for rotation with the propshaft member, an inner race, a plurality of bearing balls disposed between the outer and inner races to transmit rotary power therebetween, a shaft member coupled for rotation with the inner race, and a boot assembly that is sealingly engaged to the outer race and the shaft member. The shaft member defines a coupling portion that extends from the boot assembly. A method for coupling a shaft member to a driveline component is also provided.