Abstract: A method of shaping an ophthalmic lens to have a desired outline with a machining device including a blocking support for the ophthalmic lens and at least one first machining tool, the method includes: obtaining an inner cutting limit for the first machining tool; defining an initial blocking position for the ophthalmic lens and its desired outline; calculating whether at least a portion of the desired outline presents a non-zero intersection with the inner cutting limit; defining as the final blocking position either the unchanged initial blocking position if the calculated intersection is zero, or else a blocking position that is modified relative to the initial blocking position so that the desired outline as repositioned using the modified blocking position does not present an intersection with the inner cutting limit associated with the first tool; and blocking and shaping the ophthalmic lens with the desired outline.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for smart automation of robotic surface finishing of a three-dimensional surface of a work piece is described. A three-dimensional motion path is created along the surface of the work piece. A variable contact force profile is specified along the three-dimensional motion path. The three-dimensional motion path is modified based on the specified variable contact force profile. The surface of the work piece is finished using one or more surface finishing tools along the modified three-dimensional motion path. The surface of the work piece includes at least a flat region and a curved region.

Abstract: A method of controlling polishing includes polishing a substrate of a non-metallic layer undergoing polishing and a metal layer underlying the non-metallic layer; storing a metal reference spectrum, the metal reference spectrum being a spectrum of light reflected from a same metal material as the metal layer; measuring a sequence of raw spectra of light reflected from the substrate during polishing with an in-situ optical monitoring system; normalizing each raw spectrum in the sequence of spectra to generate a sequence of normalized spectra, of which normalizing includes a division operation where the measured spectrum is in the numerator and the metal reference spectrum is in the denominator; and determining at least one of a polishing endpoint or an adjustment for a polishing rate based on at least one normalized predetermined spectrum from the sequence of normalized spectra.

Abstract: A grout removal tool includes a cover shaped to define a substantially enclosed interior cavity and a grinding assembly designed to simultaneously abrade grout from multiple, non-linear tile joints. The grinding assembly includes a motor-driven shaft that is rotatably coupled to the cover by a pair of ball bearings. The grinding assembly additionally includes two or more grinding elements that are axially mounted on the shaft in a spaced apart relationship, each grinding element including at least one disc-shaped grinding wheel. A vacuum attachment is externally mounted on the cover and is in communication with the interior cavity through a plurality of circular openings formed in the cover in direct alignment with the grinding elements. One end of the vacuum attachment is preferably connected to a vacuum device that forcibly withdraws and contains debris created during the grout grinding process.

Abstract: In an endless belt type grinding tool, a tension bar includes a front portion and a rear portion which are divided from each other in a tubular holding portion. The front portion and the rear portion forcibly abut against each other when the endless grinding belt wound around the drive pulley and the idle pulley is applied with a tension by the spring. The endless belt type grinding tool includes a locking member which, when the tension bar is pushed into the tubular holding portion against the spring, engages with the rear portion of the tension bar to retain the rear portion at the pushed position against the urging force of the spring. Thus, in a state in which the grinding belt is removed, it is possible to reduce damage even if the tension bar, which is being pushed in, accidentally jumps out.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for picking up and guiding loops or the like which can be applied to articles, in particular sausage-shaped packs, comprising a loop feed means, an angled pick-up means having a front end, a pin which has a contact surface and which is movable between a first position in which it passes through the fed loop and in which the contact surface is in contact with the front end of the pick-up means, and a second position away from the front end of the pick-up means, and a drive for actuation of the contact pin. A torque support means is provided in the front region of the front end of the pick-up means and the contact surface of the pin has means for centering the pick-up means in such a way that the pick-up means does not bear against the torque support means when the pin is in the first position.

Abstract: The present invention includes meat fabrication systems and methods. The system according to one embodiment includes a conveyor (104) for advancing meat cuts, a cutting assembly (106) defining a cutting path (136) that intersects the conveyor (104), and at least one guide (160, 162, 163) that orientates the meat cuts on the conveyor relative to the cutting path such that the chine bones of the meat cut are separated from the remaining portions of the meat cuts as the meat cuts are advanced through the cutting path (136) by the conveyor (104).

Abstract: A device for singularising coins of different sizes and thickness with a housing which comprises an obliquely inclined base plate is suggested. A catch element for catching and conveying coins to a further processing is rotatably arranged above the base plate. The coins are randomly present at least in the lower region of the base plate on which a collection container is fastened. A flap is arranged in the base plate, which opens and closes synchronously with the driven coin catch element for leading a caught coin further.

Abstract: An agricultural combine with a plurality of grain tanks and an unloader system for unloading grain harvested by the combine. The unloader system has an unloader tube, a sensor and a controller. The unloader tube includes an interior passageway with a conveyor inside the interior passageway for moving the grain through the unloader tube and at least two discharge assemblies on the unloader tube for discharging grain traveling through the unloader tube to one of the plurality of grain tanks. The sensor is used for sensing an attribute of the grain that is to be unloaded through the unloader tube. The controller is operatively connected to and in communication with the unloader system and sensor so as to discharge the grain from the unloader tube through one of the at least two discharge assemblies based upon the attribute detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing force feedback to a user operating a human/computer interface device and interacting with a computer-generated simulation. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method simulates the interaction of simulated objects displayed to a user who controls one of the simulated objects manipulating a physical object of an interface device. The position of the simulated object, as provided within the simulation and as displayed, is mapped directly to the physical position of the user object. This mapping is broken under conditions that are effective to provide force feedback to the user which imparts a physical sensation corresponding to the interaction of the simulated objects. In another aspect, hand-to-hand combat is simulated wherein a user controls a simulated object by manipulating a physical object, such a sword hilt, to allow the user to utilize a wide range of physical skill and dexterity in interacting with the simulation.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an electronic handheld device is provided for receiving information related to a broadcasted sporting contest, and calculating a score based upon the received information. The information is entered into the electronic handheld device via a controller having plurality of buttons, each button having an associated score. The controller includes a display for displaying team information, which may include the team name and the score for each team. The controller further includes circuit board having circuitry operatively connected to the controller for processing the entered information and outputting the processed information to the controller display.

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

Abstract: A computerized system and method for measuring physical activity to advance play in a game. In example embodiments, a cell phone generates a screen display and the game is played through the mobile device. The measurement of physical activity progresses the player through the game by progressing the player through “game days,” by permitting the player to travel from a current location to another location on a map of the game, by earning rewards points for the player that may be utilized in game play, etc. A specified number of steps equates with a game day and a complete game is measured in game days. The device tracks physical activity, related game days, and completion of games. During a game day, a player advances in the game as well as encounters challenges and obstacles and may be prompted to make other decisions related to the game play.

Abstract: An electronic hand held capture-the-light game apparatus in which the apparatus includes a controller, eleven light sources in a linear display and two oppositely disposed movable handles. One of the handles activates a compression switch when the handles are pressed together. The controller is programmed to include a series of games to be played on the apparatus that become progressively more difficult. The games provide that the light sources are momentarily illuminated in a predetermined sequence at a predetermined tempo, and object of the game for a player is to activate the compression switch when one of three light sources in a capture zone is illuminated. If successful, the player earns a reward, if not, the player loses one of a limited number of chances to continue the game.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to identify talent within a gaming platform such as an advisory services network. Within the context of a serious game designed around complex business problems, employees of an organization can make player contributions to the game wherein those player contributions can be ranked and categorized in order to identify player performance within the gaming platform. Player performance profiles can be created based on player performance within the game platform. Further, mechanisms are provided to issue awards, designate experts, and allow managers and administrators to search through player performance profiles to identify targeted players within the gaming platform.

Abstract: The game program according to the present invention causes a computer to perform a registering process to register in advance in a storage unit attribute information specified by the player, an offering process to offer the game content to the player, a judgment process to compare the attribute information of the game content offered to the specified attribute information, a combining process to combine the game content offered with another game content to create a combined game content, and a recording process to record in the storage unit the combined game content as the game content owned by the player, without recording in the storage unit the game content offered as the game content owned by the player.

Abstract: The Applicants are providing a new process for playing Blackjack. The uses of, at least one fifty-two card deck, or modified decks are applied. This process is designed for an programmable gaming apparatus or “live action” table games, as accommodated for. Players, initially play via standardized Blackjack rules for their “Primary & Secondary ‘Base’ play action(s),” As such, all customarily engaged wagers of variable risk are in play against the Dealer's hand. However, Players can now move into an Alternative bypassing Strategy, and Secondary Decision-Propositions' process, where Proposition wagers are won or lost before the Dealer reveals their “Hole” card! While, its always the outcomes of 20 and 21 to win. This event can be regularly rebooked as an alternate card drawing strategy, or as a Multi-Down wagering event for an instant 20 or 21 win. Also, short-Win, Push and Mercy numbers typically engage the outcomes of: 17, 18 or 19.

Abstract: A system, method and device for playing SNAG-IT© on an electronic device is provided. The device includes an electronic circuit, an input device and a display. The method includes receiving a selection of the number and location of human players, the number of computer players and the number of decks for the game, a selection of the personality type and urges for each computer player; by the electronic. Next, the cards are electronically shuffled and each player is dealt a predetermined number of cards. An electronic game board is generated and displayed, and the electronic circuit provides each player a game turn in succession, until a game ending event occurs.

Abstract: A gaming machine and a method of conducting a game of chance on the gaming machine are disclosed. The machine receives a wager from a player to purchase a series of plays of the game. In response to the wager, the machine provides the player with the series of plays and randomly generating at least one outcome for each play. The machine provides an accumulation feature that accumulates an element of the game over a plurality of the plays in the series and redeems the accumulated element for a bonus in response to a predetermined event in the game. The predetermined event may, for example, correspond to collection of a predetermined number of the element or a certain position of the element on a trail, feature ladder, or meter.

Abstract: Methods for facilitating cooperative group play of an online casino game are provided. One method includes initiating a group session of the online casino game over the Internet, the group session defined to include a plurality of players, and defining at least one group objective for the group session. The method then combines outcomes from gameplay of the online casino game of each of the plurality of players during the group session and compares the combined outcomes against the group objective. If the combined outcomes meet the group objective, then the method administers a prize associated with the group objective. The methods further facilitate game play in a social online environment, where the social interactions assist in advancing game play.

Abstract: A slot machine operable is in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player may select from an array of windows, each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game may end upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections until encountering an end-bonus outcome. A bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. For example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource to continue playing the bonus game.

Abstract: A system for conducting a lottery draw, the system including: (a) a database of pre-recorded video files of one or more humans, (b) a lottery number drawing means for randomly selecting one or more lottery numbers to determine one or more winning numbers for a game draw, and (c) display means for displaying one or more of the video files from the database based upon either (1) a predetermined characteristic of the game draw or (2) a number which is selected by the drawing means.

Abstract: A method and game server for selecting a plurality of winners of a game is provided. The method comprises receiving a plurality of sets of player numbers from a plurality of game terminals. Each set has a predetermined number of player numbers. Each number is selected from a predetermined set. The method also comprises determining the plurality of winners of the game by conducting iterative drawing rounds until the number of winners exceeds a winner threshold. Each drawing round comprises: selecting a set of random numbers, the number of random numbers in the set of random numbers being equal to the number of player numbers in the set of player numbers; and identifying as winners any sets of player numbers in which each player number of the set corresponds to one or more of the random numbers selected in either the current drawing round or any previous drawing rounds.

Abstract: Electronic card game devices and methods incorporate progressive jackpot operations controlled by a central server computer. If a system game device is selected by the central server computer to win a progressive jackpot award, the system game device is programmed to display secondary game outcome symbols on playing cards being displayed during game play to indicate winning of the award.

Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.

Abstract: A number picking game such as keno which incorporates sports animations into the visual presentation when numbers are picked by a random number generator. A player indicates the player's selection of numbers. Randomly generated numbers are determined. Animated athletes can cast a projectile onto a grid of numbers, the projectile colliding with a number on the grid and thus picking that number. The animated athletes will thus pick all of the randomly generated numbers while they are playing their sports. The player's selected numbers and the randomly generated numbers are compared and an award is made to the player based on a number of matches.

Abstract: A system or method providing a player to cashout half of credits accumulated during gaming. Anonymous cashing out of credit is available to a player through routes both external and internal to a gaming machine.

Abstract: A gaming device having a transformable wild symbol or card on a set of reels or a transformable wild card in a set of cards, wherein the transformable wild symbol or card provides a signal to a player through a wild indicator or a non-wild indicator. The wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a wild state. The non-wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a non-wild state. In a wild state, the transformable wild symbol or card acts as a wild symbol or card on a set of reels, or a wild card.

Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.

Abstract: An improved sportsbook room is disclosed. The sportsbook room allows an individual to place wagers on the sports competitions shown in the sportsbook room from a gaming terminal in his/her carrel and to also play other casino games on the same gaming terminal.

Abstract: A system for enabling a player to use residual credits on a gaming machine to provide the player with a chance to win a prize. The system includes means for determining a range of values as a function of a jackpot pool to generate randomly an outcome in the range of values, random number generation means for generating the random outcome, means for determining a range of outcome values of the player that provides a chance of the player winning the jackpot pool, and means for determining whether the generated random outcome matches any outcome value of the player.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a bonus scheme associated with a feature event, or part thereof, which provides a plurality of feature games. With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, a first feature event is conducted at Steps S3 to S5, the outcome of which determines a feature event win value. At Step S7 the feature event win value is compared to a threshold value and, if the gaming process win value is less than, or equal to the threshold value, the player becomes eligible to trigger a second feature event at Step S9.

Abstract: A method includes receiving wagers from a player to play respective plays of a plurality of plays of a wagering game having event eligibility that includes a time value and a multiplier value. The method includes increasing at least one of the time value and the multiplier value as a function of the plurality of plays of the wagering game and decrementing the time value as time elapses. In response to a triggering event while the event eligibility is above an eligibility threshold, the method includes allowing the player to participate in one or more special events. The method includes allowing the player to configure at least one of a desired value of the multiplier value and a maximum value of the time value.

Abstract: Methods of administering wagering games may comprise accepting a first wager from individual players to play against a dealer. A second wager may be accepted from at least two players to play against one another. A portion of the second wager may be placed in a first pot. A remainder of the second wager may be placed in a second pot. Cards may be dealt to each player and to the dealer. The first wager may be resolved for each player against the dealer. The second wager may be resolved for the at least two players against one another. At least a portion of the first pot may be awarded to at least one player at a conclusion of each round of play. At least a portion of the second pot may be awarded to at least one player holding a predetermined winning hand.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for servicing wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, over a wagering game network, service information originating from a wagering game machine, wherein the wagering game machine is configured to receive a wager associated with a wagering game. The method can also include, based on the service information and a service plan associated with the wagering game machine, determining a service action. The method can also include performing the service action.

Abstract: An example game system includes a portable display that includes an image-capturing unit, and a display unit. The game device obtains first operation data representing an operation performed on a controller device, second operation data representing an operation performed on the portable display, and data of a image captured by the image-capturing unit. In a virtual space, an action of a first control object is controlled based on first operation data and an action of a second control object is controlled based on second operation data. The game device generates a first game image including a game image that represents the virtual space and corresponds to the first control object, and at least a portion of the captured image. The first game image is displayed on a predetermined display. The game device generates a second game image corresponding to the second control object, and displays the second game image.

Abstract: A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio system operable to play a first type of sounds at a volume regulated by a master volume control and operable to play a second type of sounds not regulated by the master volume control.

Abstract: Provided is an operation device which allows various kinds of operation information to be input to a main body thereof as needed without unnecessarily increasing the weight of the operation device. The operation device includes: the main body having a shape elongated from one end to another end; a light emitting member provided to the one end of the main body; and a connection portion provided to the other end of the main body, to which an arbitrary one of a plurality of other operation devices is to be connected.

Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.

Abstract: A car area network is disposed in a car to enable communications between various devices in the car. An existing consumer electronics device (CED) coupled to the car area network (CAN) performs an existing consumer electronics device function. That existing (CED) is adapted to control various devices coupled to the CAN including video gaming devices. In one example, the adapted CED cooperates with a game server to effect game play. In another example, the adapted CED functions as a virtual video game platform to support play of video games. A multifunction controller transmits control information to the adapted CED via the car area network to permit a car occupant to control the adapted CED to permit the occupant to play a video game using the video game display. One or more audio and/or visual devices coupled to the CAN may also be controlled by commands transmitted from the adapted CED or from the multimedia controller over the CAN.

Abstract: A computer based gaming system for operating a game of combined skill and chance, comprising a gaming machine configured to operate a game of skill and chance; a gaming server communicatively coupled to the gaming machine; a skill/chance game control configured to control the relation between a skill element and a chance element of said game dependent on predetermined rules.

Abstract: There is described an intermediary software module embodied on a computer readable medium and adapted to communicate with a reduced game application for a specific game within a gaming system, the intermediary software module interacting with non-game related hardware devices internal and external to the gaming system and having a decision making engine that has the ability to decide next steps to be taken as a function of a given state of the gaming system.

Abstract: A gaming server system is described, the gaming server system including a verification system, a memory module, a centralized gaming server, and a paytable module. The verification system is configured to access a registration database having registration data for registered users. The memory module is configured to store images corresponding to at least one game outcome, with the images communicated to the network access devices. The paytable module is associated with the centralized gaming server, and it is configured to determine one or more prizes associated with a game outcome. The centralized gaming server is configured to generate at least one random game outcome by random generation at the centralized gaming server, and configured to access the memory module and communicate the images corresponding to the random game outcome to the network access devices.

Abstract: Methods for handling communication between players of an online casino game are provided. One method includes initiating a group session for the online casino game and assigning a first user and a second user to the group session. The method further includes hosting a group session of the online casino game, the group session defined by linked gameplay of the casino game by each of the first user and the second user. Then, during the group session, activating an instant messaging protocol to define a chat session between the first user and the second user. The method facilitates game play in a social environment and enables coordination of social game activity during game play.

Abstract: A game involves establishing a Wi-Fi connection for retrieving a template used to create a level for the game. A play test is conducted to determine if the created level of the game can be played. The created game level can be shared with other players and/or submitted as a contest for play and competition judging by other players.

Abstract: Technology for a method for backing up and restoring multiplayer game state across multiple devices that are registered to multiple users is disclosed herein. The method includes running instances of a multiplayer game application at multiple electronic devices, determining a backup event that occurs in any of the multiple electronic devices, wherein the backup event suggests a backup of game state data and the game state data represent a game state of the game application at the backup event, and transmitting the game state data of the game application to a remote storage service, in response to the backup event. Other electronic devices registered to any of the multiple users can retrieve the application state data from the remote storage service and restore the game application state.

Abstract: A grip attachment with LED light or optional mirror adapted for attaching to one end of an expandable baton. The end of the baton has threads thereon. The grip attachment includes a grip body with a hand grip surface. The grip body having a center hole therethrough for receipt around the threaded end of the expandable baton. The grip body also includes an annular ring or tabs disposed around an inside circumference of the center hole. The grip attachment is secured on the expandable baton between the threaded end of the baton and an end cap. The grip attachment with LED light is attached to the baton by removing the end cap, sliding the grip attachment with LED light onto the threaded end of the baton, and screwing the end cap back on the threaded end.

Abstract: A system for absorbing vibration created by operation of an engine of the present invention includes a first plate driven by an engine shaft and a torque transmitting device for transferring torque from the engine shaft to a transmission input shaft. The system includes a first vibration absorber and a second vibration absorber. The first vibration absorber includes at least one selectively moveable mass. The second vibration absorber includes at least one biasing member and generally opposing ends. The first vibration absorber is configured to absorb vibrations created at a first harmonic of the engine and the second vibration absorber is configured to absorb vibrations created at multiple harmonics of the engine.

Abstract: A damper device including an input element to which power from a motor is transmitted; a first elastic body to which power is transmitted from the input element; a first intermediate element to which power is transmitted from the first elastic body; a second elastic body to which power is transmitted from the first intermediate element; a second intermediate element to which power is transmitted from the second elastic body; a third elastic body to which power is transmitted from the second intermediate element; and an output element to which power is transmitted from the third elastic body. A stiffness of the third elastic body is higher than a stiffness of the second elastic body.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprising a first shaft (2) rotating about a first rotation axis (X1), a second shaft (3) rotating about a second rotation axis (X2), a triad of yokes (5) comprising a control yoke (6), a first shaft yoke (7) and a second shaft yoke (8), the first shaft yoke (7) being pivotally mounted on the first shaft (2) with the pivot axis (A1) oblique to the first rotation axis (X1), the second shaft yoke (8) being pivotally mounted on the second shaft (3) with the pivot axis (A2) oblique to the second rotation axis (X2), the three yokes of the triad of yokes (5) being pivotally mounted to each other to pivot about a common axis (C) passing from the center (4) of the joint, a set of additional pivotally mounted yokes (9) providing support to the control yoke (6) so that the transmission ratio between the first shaft (2) and the second shaft (3) of the constant velocity joint (1) remains strictly at 1:1.