Abstract: A method of jetting a liquid crystal includes loading a substrate on a stage, controlling a surface temperature of an inkjet head and a substrate to be a setting temperature, and jetting the liquid crystal molecules on the substrate having the setting temperature.

Abstract: A computer system provides a virtual world. A registration subsystem verifies information from a toy, registers the toy, provides a virtual character in the virtual world representing the toy, and allows caring for the virtual character. Caring for the character includes maintaining one or more value assigned to a virtual health, hunger and/or happiness of the virtual character via at least one maintenance activity including shopping for virtual food to be fed to the virtual character. The maintenance activity is available to be performed subsequent to said validating said registration code. The values are tracked by the computer system and representations of the values are transmitted to a user computer for display to a user to convey a status indication of the health, hunger and/or happiness of the virtual character.

Abstract: A toy action figure includes a cape and a spring-loaded arm. The upper torso of the toy action figure includes two pivotally coupled arms. The first pivotally coupled arm is configured to retract the cape. An actuator button may be provided on the front of the torso to actuate the cape into an extended position with the assistance of a spring. The second pivotally coupled arm may include a spring-loaded arm to launch a projective therefrom.

Abstract: A transforming toy vehicle, includes a chassis; a motive system coupled to the chassis translating a location of the chassis over a surface, the motive system including a free drive mode and an inhibited drive mode wherein the mode of the motive system establishes a state for a mode control latch, the mode control latch including a latched state and a not latched state; a housing, coupled to the chassis and responsive to the state of the mode control latch, the housing having an untransformed mode and a transformed mode, the housing transitioning from the untransformed mode to the transformed mode when the state of the mode control latch changes from the latched state to the unlatched state; and a detector, coupled to the chassis the motive system changing from the free drive mode to the inhibited drive mode when the carriage overlies the particular environmental feature wherein the housing transitions to the transformed mode.

Abstract: A playset includes a housing defining a chamber, and first and second openings in communication with the chamber. A platform is coupled to the housing and movable in opposing first and second directions through the first opening, and in opposing third and fourth directions through the second opening. A doll is coupleable to the platform and rotatable about an axis between first and second positions relative to the platform. The doll is moved from the first position to the second position as the platform is moved in the second direction, and the doll is moved from the second position to the first position as the platform is moved in the third direction.

Abstract: An arch type play structure may be formed of a single large sheet of e.g. cardboard, which can be folded to flat form for storage, or which may be folded in such a way that parts of it form a box-like structure containing other parts of it. The arch may be decorated e.g. to represent a fireplace (5) or gate.

Abstract: The claimed invention is directed to brassieres that offer extra support for large women. The brassieres include an inner bra band and an outer bra band.

Abstract: A bra for compression stabilizing the breast mass against motion relative to the torso includes a closed cell foam layer having a front, back, sides, and shoulder straps in a pattern to approximately match the contours of a female user's torso. A first fabric layer adjacent to the inner surface of the cell foam layer adjacent to the user's skin, substantially matching the pattern of the closed cell foam fabric layer, provides moisture wicking and comfort. A portion of the closed cell foam fabric layer extends below the breast line and encircles the torso to add motion stabilizing support to the breasts.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting an accurate polishing endpoint of a substrate based on a change in polishing rate are provided. The method includes: applying a light to the surface of the substrate and receiving a reflected light from the substrate; obtaining a plurality of spectral profiles at predetermined time intervals, each spectral profile indicating reflection intensity at each wavelength of the reflected light; selecting at least one pair of spectral profiles, including a latest spectral profile, from the plurality of spectral profiles obtained; calculating a difference in the reflection intensity at a predetermined wavelength between the spectral profiles selected; determining an amount of change in the reflection intensity from the difference; and determining a polishing endpoint based on the amount of change.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the present invention comprises a plurality of cleaning tanks configured to store a cleaning liquid, an object-to-be-processed holder capable of being inserted into each cleaning tank, the object-to-be-processed holder being configured to hold an object to be processed and to immerse the object to be processed into the cleaning liquid, a vibrator disposed on each cleaning tank, a single ultrasonic oscillator configured to make each vibrator ultrasonically vibrate, an output switch interposed between the ultrasonic oscillator and the vibrator of each respective cleaning tank, the output switch being configured to switch the vibrator that is connected to the ultrasonic oscillator, and a control device configured to control the ultrasonic oscillator and the output switch, wherein the control device controls the ultrasonic oscillator and the output switch such that a timing at which the vibrator of one of the cleaning tanks is made to ultrasonically vibrate, and a tim

Abstract: A relative movement trajectory of each convex tooth pin of a mating gear with respect to a concave-convex gear at the time when torque is transmitted between the mating gear and the concave-convex gear (nutation gear) may be expressed by a first linear axis, a second linear axis, a third linear axis, a fourth rotation axis, a fifth rotation axis and a sixth indexing axis. Then, a relative movement trajectory of each convex tooth pin of the mating gear, expressed by the first linear axis, the second linear axis, the third linear axis, the fifth rotation axis and the sixth indexing axis in the case where the fourth rotation axis is brought into coincidence with the sixth indexing axis, is calculated, and at least one of a disc-shaped workpiece and a working tool is moved on the basis of the calculated relative movement trajectory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gun for spraying liquid at a very high pressure, referred to as a focusing gun, and to a method for manufacturing same, according to which two elongate parts (2) are manufactured to be assembled so as to form the focusing gun. Each of said parts includes an assembly surface (J) comprising a central groove (3) for forming the duct of the focusing gun once the parts have been assembled, and a gluing tank (9) for being filled with an adhesive substance. Further, at least one of said parts (2) has a centering rib (6), projecting relative to the assembly surface thereof, while the other part has, for each centering rib (6), a centering cavity (7), the size of which is suitable for tightly housing said centering rib.

Abstract: An abrading tool has a grinding disc mounted to the shaft of a motor, and a dust shroud which has a depending flange which extends over and about a periphery of the grinding disc, the dust shroud having a flattened segment, and a peripheral flexible and adjustable skirt which attaches to and extends beyond the depending flange.

Abstract: Superabrasive tools and methods for making and using the same are provided. In one aspect, for example, a CMP pad dresser includes a first monolayer of superabrasive particles disposed on and coupled to one side of a metal support layer and a second monolayer of superabrasive particles disposed on and coupled to the metal support layer on an opposite side from the first monolayer. The superabrasive particles of the second monolayer are positioned to have substantially the same distribution as the superabrasive particles of the first monolayer.

Abstract: This scattering prevention structure of a grinding machine has: a pair of supporting tables; an X axis saddle, which supports a grinding head such that the grinding head can freely move in the advancing/retracing direction with respect to a workpiece; a Z axis saddle, which supports the X axis saddle such that the X axis saddle can freely move in the rotating axis direction of the workpiece; and a grinding stone cover. The grinding stone cover is fixed to the Z axis saddle such that the grinding stone cover opens in a machining region, and the grinding stone head can freely move, with respect to the grinding stone cover, in the advancing/retracting direction with respect to the workpiece, by having the accordion cover therebetween. With this configuration, the size of the machining chamber is reduced, and shielding performance is improved.

Abstract: A shrimp peeling machine (1) is provided with a closed chain (3) consisting of a number of joints (14,15), which contain cylindrical rollers (4, 5, 6). The cylindrical rollers' longitudinal axis is displaced 90 degrees in relation to the shrimp peeling process direction (13). The rollers can be turned by activation of toothed wheel (7), the chain operated by at least one toothed wheel (12), which is connected to a motor device (10,11). The rollers' mutual placement can be adjusted using position regulation guys (17). It is hereby achieved that the shrimp peeling machine, contrary to the hitherto known technique, can be mounted and function in shrimp trawlers. With the invention, in a continuous process, shrimp can be landed in a shrimp trawler and be boiled, peeled and packaged on the vessel and thus be ready for sale to the consumers, as soon as the trawler reaches harbour.

Abstract: A stuffing tube mounting assembly and follower includes an elongated member with a tapered portion at one end that fits within a tapered end of a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn is inserted through a bore of a collar. The bore of the collar has a tapered section that engages the tapered end of the horn when the collar is attached to the member. The follower has a housing having a bore. An opening in a sidewall of the housing is in communication with the bore. Disposed within the bore is a wiper. A cap having a central opening in an end wall is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A hide puller for skinning an animal with telescoping upright support member that is retractable for storage. The puller mounts on a truck hitch receiver. A pulley system with movable mounting bracket attached on an upper end of the support member and wings provided on a lower end of the upright support member. Button and loop fasteners are employed for securing the animal's hide to one end of the support member via either the mounting bracket or the wings and means for securing the animal's carcass to the opposite end of the upright support member via either the wings or the mounting bracket. A cable is attached to the pulley system and attached to means for retracting and releasing the cable to raise and lower the mounting bracket relative to the wings to remove hide from the carcass. A hunter's gambrel may substitute for the movable mounting bracket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a knee cap from a poultry part, and particularly a deboned poultry thigh, includes a plurality of bays attached to an endless conveyor and movable by the conveyor in a processing direction. Each bay includes a plate sized to support a poultry thigh and having an aperture formed therethrough. A plunger assembly includes a plunger tip that can be moved selectively into and out of the aperture by a cam mechanism. Poultry parts are placed by workers on the plates as they move in the processing direction with the knee caps of the parts aligned with and pressed partially into the apertures. The cam mechanism then moves the plunger tip of each bay into its respective aperture to press the knee cap through the aperture, where it is severed by a rotating knife. The plunger tip is then withdrawn for a successive processing cycle.

Abstract: A sliding door device includes a frame case that includes an opening through which an air flow passes, a slide door that is moved relative to the opening to adjust an aperture ratio of the opening, a shaft that is disposed at an upstream side of the slide door when viewed along the flowing direction of the air flow, and moves the slide door, and a windbreak member that blocks a gap between the shaft and the slide door.

Abstract: A cleaning system for use in a combine harvester including an auger bed mounted within a frame such that when the combine harvester is laterally inclined from the horizontal, the cleaning system, including the auger bed and a sieve, may be leveled or substantially leveled to a generally horizontal position. The auger bed can include a plurality of augers located side by side with their axes positioned generally longitudinally in the combine harvester.

Abstract: A spreader (100) has a hopper or bin (1) for storing a spreadable material (2), a plurality of spinners (5, 6) adapted to receive the material from the hopper or bin and to spread the material (2) on the ground, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver (8) for sensing the position of the spreader (100) and providing an output signal indicative of a position of the spreader to a controller (7). The controller (7) calculates a required pattern and density of material (2) to be spread by the spinners (5, 6) based on a comparison of the actual position of the spreader (A) to a preferred position of the spreader (I), and controls the spinners (5, 6) in order to obtain the required pattern and density of spread material (2). A method of controlling the pattern and density of material spread by a spreader is also disclosed.

Abstract: Targeting control may be facilitated in a simulated environment. In an example embodiment, a method includes acts of monitoring, generating, moving, and firing. A button input and a directional input are monitored. If a press and hold of the button input is detected, a fine aiming mode is generated. If movement of the directional input is detected during the fine aiming mode, a location of a target indicator is moved responsive to the detected movement. When a release of the button input is detected, a ranged weapon is fired based on the location of the target indicator.

Abstract: A method of gaming, including receiving a determination of a particular race participant in a race event having a plurality of race participants. The method continues by determining a particular position of the particular race participant at each of a plurality of intermediate points within the race event. The method continues by determining a plurality of simulated playing cards based at least in part upon the determined positions of the particular race participant. The method concludes by determining an outcome of a game based at least in part upon the determined simulated playing cards.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for detecting, storing, and retrieving information about the composition of present and past hands of cards in a casino table game. The method includes causing a card-handling device to substantially automatically generate a plurality of hands wherein each hand includes one or more cards. Card information is identified that includes a rank and a suit of each card as each card moves through the card-handling device. A play history is maintained of a card composition of more than one round wherein the card composition of each round includes the cards in each hand of each round. The card information of at least one hand from at least one round may be displayed.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus having a display area with a prize object holder that releasably holds a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner; a rotatable display element having a cavity to receive at least one of the prize objects; and a positioning mechanism which transfers a selected prize object from the prize object holder to the rotatable display element, is disclosed. A controller causes the positioning mechanism to transfer the selected prize object from the prize object holder to the rotatable display element. In one embodiment, the cavity of the rotatable display element may include a plurality of barrier elements which at least partially impede movement of a selected prize object disposed within the rotatable display element. A method of playing a game using the aforementioned apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming device including a game having a plurality of different award levels. In one embodiment, the gaming device displays a plurality of ranked components. The gaming device determines and reveals a first and second component to a player. The gaming device improves one of the award levels when the rank of the first component is more favorable than the rank of the second component. In another embodiment, the gaming device displays a plurality of components and a plurality of selections, wherein one of the components is associated with each of the selections. The player picks and reveals a first component associated with one of the selections. The processor picks and reveals a second component associated with another of the selections. The processor improves the award level for the player in the game when the rank of the first component is more favorable than the rank of the second component.

Abstract: A gaming system receives a total wager for a game session which occurs over a designated period of time. The game session includes a plurality of different wagering events. Each of the wagering events is associated with one of a plurality of different magnitudes. For each of the plurality of different wagering events, the gaming system determines: a portion of the total wager amount, and a wager by modifying the determined portion by the magnitude associated with that wagering event. The gaming system causes the wagering event to occur, determines at least one outcome for the wagering event, determines any awards based on the determined wager and the at least one determined outcome, and provides any of the determined awards to the player.

Abstract: During operation of a gaming machine, information about future game outcomes is provided to player-users. A processor of the machine determines outcome(s) of the one or more selected games; stores the outcome(s) on non-transient storage media of the machine; and relays information, through an output device of the machine, about at least one of said outcome(s), before one or more selected games has been played.

Abstract: A gaming method includes receiving a wager from a player, displaying an image representative of a primary game, determining if a bonus event trigger has occurred, displaying an image representative of a bonus game, the bonus game including a representation associated with the player and a representation associated with an opponent, the representations each having at least one attribute associated with the bonus game, if the bonus event trigger occurs, and determining a payout associated with an outcome of the bonus game. The method also includes offering the player at least one advantage option, the at least one advantage option affecting at least one of the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the player and the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the opponent. A gaming machines and system may be provided to carry out such a method.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for providing and conducting a side or secondary wagering game with the underlying game of Roulette, which includes receiving a wager relating to the secondary wagering game, wherein the wager is resolvable after a preset amount of random Roulette outcomes have been obtained, generating the preset amount of random Roulette outcomes, storing each random Roulette game outcome of the preset amount, comparing the stored outcomes with preset criteria relating to the appearance of a pattern of indicia associated with Roulette outcomes, providing a payout corresponding to the wager if the preset criteria is satisfied and collecting the wager if the preset criteria is not satisfied.

Abstract: A system and method of use wherein players are allowed to vote on a game number from multiple game numbers wherein the game number receiving the most votes is selected as a next game number. Games involving multiple player, including bingo and lottery-style games, may benefit from the disclosed system and method. Given a large set of players and over the course of the game, the voting scheme does not impact the random nature of the game outcome. Advantageously, and despite the continued randomness of game outcomes, players tend to believe that the voting scheme impacts the game outcome by skewing the game outcome in the player's favor. Accordingly, the interactive nature of the game is attractive to players especially new and young players having grown up with interactive video games and also provides more experienced players with a new spin on old games.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game on an electronic gaming system provides: i) an image of a virtual playing card having frames within m columns and n rows wherein each of m and n are at least 3; ii) providing a random distribution of individual numbers within the frames, the individual numbers selected from within a complete defined set of numbers; iii) recognizing a wager; iv) selecting a second set of numbers smaller than the complete defined set; v) identifying on the monitor selected numbers matching individual random numbers within the frames; vi) identifying when consecutive frames have at least p matched individual random numbers within frames in a column, row or diagonal; vii) resolving the at least wager such that a) when matched individual random numbers do or do not form at least p adjacent frames.

Abstract: A bonus device and method are set forth for gaming machines. The bonus device is configured as a two dimensional display or three dimensional object, such as a sphere, box, or football shape, which can be controlled to rotate, spin or move to display a bonus. The bonus device is embedded with display technology that allows the bonus amounts, to change upon certain conditions in the base game such as an increased number of credits wagered, combinations achieved in the base game, or other random occurrences.

Abstract: The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that include a community spin mechanism that, when activated, causes reel displays, at two or more player stations, to spin. Certain embodiments provide for one or more community reels that are utilized to determine an outcome of a community gaming session. The community reels are “community” in that they are formed by combining reels of individual play stations in order to increase the odds, and payouts, of potential wins via various line combinations of the combined set of reels, once they stop spinning. Re-stated, by way of non-limiting example, each play station has its own set of reels and when community play is started, one or more community reels are spun along with each player's set of reels. Any potential winning combinations are then based on resulting combinations of the individual play station reels in combination with the community reels.

Abstract: A gaming environment is described. If a predetermined number or more marks are displayed, one of progressive chance games will be executed. Also, the progressive chance game to be executed is determined based on the displayed mark. If a progressive bonus is realized in the progressive chance game, jackpot amount corresponding to the progressive bonus will be provided.

Abstract: The gaming system, gaming device and gaming method provides a plurality of sequential player events in which the player must take an action in a designated period of time and where the player has less time to take the action in each subsequent event.

Abstract: A gaming machine 10 has a display 14 and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display 14. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. The display 14 displays a plurality of spinning reels 18, each reel 18 carrying symbols from a set of symbols. One of the symbols of the set is a scatter symbol and, in respect of at least one of the reels, the set comprises more than one occurrence of the scatter symbol. The scatter symbols on the at least one reel are arranged on the reel so that more than one scatter symbol is able to be displayed simultaneously when the reels are in a rest condition. When more than a minimum number of scatter symbols are displayed at any one time, all the displayed scatter symbols contribute to a single paying combination of the scatter symbols.

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

Abstract: A transaction facilitation system is disclosed that is configured to affect substantially real-time crediting and debiting of a gaming accounts maintained within a gaming environment and structured to communicate by a private restricted communication link with an issuing financial institution of a stored value account to effect real-time crediting and debiting of the stored value account. Financial transactions using the stored value account can be and used customer relationship purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing state-based power-ups to a wagering game player. The state-based power-ups may be reused by the player until a game outcome condition is not met.

Abstract: An improved table game system includes a first shuffling machine for randomly selecting a first card from among a first defined set of cards. The system also includes a second shuffling machine for randomly selecting a second card from among a second defined set of cards. A first card reader is associated with the first shuffling machine for communicating with the selected card to obtain relevant information thereabout. A second card reader is associated with the second shuffling machine for communicating with the selected card to obtain information thereabout. The system includes a first display in communication with the first card reader to display the obtained information about the first card. The system also includes a second display in communication with the second card reader to display the obtained information about the second card. A computer is in communication with the first card reader to process the obtained information and communicate it to the first display.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a gaming system including a first player interface operable by a player to input at least one first game instruction to play a first game. The gaming system also includes a second player interface independent of the first player interface and operable by the player to play a second game. The gaming system further includes a game control module arranged to process the at least one first game instruction to determine a game outcome of the first game and control play of the second game based at least in part on the game outcome of the first game.

Abstract: A coupled to at least one server via a network includes a display device configured to display a base game to a player playing at the gaming machine, and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to determine an outcome during play of the base game, and award at least one token based on the outcome of the base game, wherein a value of the token based on as additional play of the base game by the player.

Abstract: The present application provides a game betting device, wherein each of antennas 21 belongs both two major groups, the major groups are further classified into a plurality of small groups, two major groups have different classifications of the small groups from each other, and at least one column or at least one row in the alignment of the betting regions includes a plurality of small groups included in an identical major group in a single column or row. The game betting device according to the present application makes it possible to read out a chip on a betting board in a short time.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include obtaining a mathematical expression(s) from a configuration file associated with a wagering game. The mathematical expression(s) include elements that represent game-related parameters of the one or more wagering games. In some embodiments, the operations further comprise converting the mathematical expression(s) to a programming code expression(s) equivalent to the mathematical expression(s) in response to detection of user-input to configure the wagering game for use via a wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the operations further comprise evaluating the programming code expression(s) using values for the one or more game-related parameters, and configuring the one or more wagering games based on evaluation of the programming code expression(s) using the values for the one or more game-related parameters.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for placement in a queue for entry into an event. The method also includes placing the request into the queue. In response to placement of the request into the queue, the method includes presenting, on a device, a game for game play while waiting for the entry into the event. The device comprises at least one of a mobile device, a pager provided in response to requesting the placement in the queue, and a non-mobile gaming device positioned proximate to a location of the event. The method includes determining a prize for the game play of the game. In response to not entering the event, the prize is discarded. In response to entering the event, the prize is awarded.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein includes an accumulation sequence and a competition sequence. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes competitor points which determine (i) a competitor's eligibility to participate in the competition sequence and (ii) the competitor's relative probability of success in the competition sequence. In this embodiment, a competitor (which is either representative of an actual player or a virtual, gaming system controlled player) accumulates competitor points during one or more point accumulation sequences which occur in association with designated events. For a subsequent competition sequence, the gaming system determines if a competitor will participate in the triggered competition sequence based on the competitor's accumulated competitor points.

Abstract: On a lower image display panel 141, a game result of rearranged of symbols 501 is randomly determined. When the result is winning of a bonus game, individual indication data and common indication data associated with the type of the bonus game are specified. After an indication effect starts based on the common indication data, an indication effect is executed based on the individual indication data.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods of selecting and placing real-world wagers responsive to one or more wager triggers, obtaining outcomes of the real-world wagers, facilitating user interactions with various interactive media, and revealing the outcomes of the real-world wagers through the interactive media to give an appearance that the outcomes of the real-world wagers resulted from the user interactions even though the outcomes resulted from the real-world wagers and were determined before the user interactions. An operator of the system may monetize the interactive media and wagering platform described herein and maintain a system account to obtain the funds from various entities, such as users, third party interactive media provider(s), partner promotions provider(s), and/or others.