Abstract: A layout pattern of a plurality of possible layout patterns for wagering game machines is determined. An input indicating a location of a wagering game machine within the layout patter is received. A mapping of the wagering game machine to the location within the layout pattern is stored.

Abstract: A server device connected to a first player terminal used by a first player and a second player terminal used by a second player to communicate with each other, including: a storage unit that stores player information in which each of items owned by players is associated with each of the players; a reception unit that receives, from the first player terminal, an exchange request to exchange a first item owned by the first player for a second item different from the first item, and receives, from the second player terminal after the exchange request, an acquisition request that the second player acquire the first item in an exchange source from the first player; a judging unit that judges whether or not the second player owns the second item based on the player information when the reception unit receives the acquisition request; and an item exchange processing unit.

Abstract: A gaming system including a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs and such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a secondary game, wherein if the secondary game is triggered, a player is provided either a static award or one of the progressive awards associated with the secondary game based on a play of the secondary game. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with an outcome of a primary game, wherein if the associated primary game outcome is generated, such progressive award is provided to a player.

Abstract: An online game anti-cheating method is provided. The method includes sending cheating program characteristics to a client and receiving characteristics matching with cheating program characteristics reported by the client. The method also includes matching the reported characteristics with characteristics in at least one stored characteristic list and obtaining a determination result based on a matching result. Further, the method includes returning the determination result to the client and to cause the client to react to the determination result.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method of sharing application states across different user profiles. The method can include: receiving a request from a first computing device associated with a first user profile to load an application state of a game application, wherein the application state is owned by a second user profile; verifying permission for the first user profile to load the application state owned by the second user profile; configuring a sharing instance of the application state of the game application by accessing gameplay state data of the application state associated with the second user profile in a storage service; and sending the sharing instance to be loaded onto the first computing device.

Abstract: Content in a virtual environment may be unlocked based on an aggregated trust level. More specifically, trust levels of a user with individual ones of non-user characters in the virtual environment may be tracked. The trust levels may be based on interactions between the user and individual ones of non-user characters in the virtual environment. A group trust level of the user with a group of the non-user characters may be determined. The group trust level may be based on an aggregation of the trust levels of the individual ones of the non-user characters. Content that was previously locked for the user may be unlocked for the user responsive to the group trust level breaching a group trust threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided, for detecting at least one relevant account related to an abnormal account detected in a game and control the at least one relevant account.

Abstract: A display device is caused to selectably display panels in a predetermined area of a display screen in a predetermined arrangement pattern. When selection of at least one displayed panel is received from a user of a video game processing apparatus, the selected panel and the number of panels are specified. It is determined whether the number of panels satisfies a skill activating condition of a player character or not by referring to skill related information. The skill related information is stored in a skill related information memory. The skill related information contains player character information indicating the player character, skill information indicating a skill, and the skill activating condition indicating an activating condition of the skill. In a case where it is determined that the number of panels satisfies the skill activating condition, action processing for the skill by the player character is carried out.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes identifying a plurality of highlight media segments associated with a plurality of events that occur during one or more sporting events, identifying one or more players involved in the plurality of events, determining that the identified one or more players are of interest to a user, sending, in response to the determining, one or more highlight messages that indicate an availability of the highlight media segments to a user device associated with the user while the user device is presenting media content within a display screen associated with the user device, and causing, in accordance with the one or more highlight messages, the user device to present, within the display screen while the media content is being presented within the display screen, a user interface that includes listings of the highlight media segments.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: A method of generating a character for use within a game includes collecting physiological information from a subject over a period of time via a monitor worn by the subject, collecting environmental information from a vicinity of the subject over the period of time via the monitor, generating a health assessment of the subject based on the physiological and environmental information, and creating a gaming character for the subject using the physiological information, the environmental information, and the health assessment. The physiological information includes at least one of breathing rate, muscle tension, neurological activity, brain wave intensity and activity, core body temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure. The environmental information includes at least one of light intensity, light color, external sounds, ambient temperature, and geographical location.

Abstract: A method includes presenting, by at least one processor, a configuration interface to enable creation of a presentation template. The method includes defining a number of presentation areas in the presentation template. The method includes defining a configuration setting for at least a first presentation area of the number of presentation areas, wherein the configuration setting limits a content type that is to be displayed in the first presentation area and defines a display location where the presentation area is positioned. At least one content of a number of content to be displayed in the number of presentation areas comprises wagering game play. The method includes storing, in a machine-readable medium, the presentation template.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sound virtualization method and apparatus. The sound virtualization method includes generating virtual sound devices, generating virtual audio devices on the basis of an audio device, acquiring a mapping relation between sounds created by the virtual sound device and sounds output by the virtual audio device, acquiring the sounds from memories on the basis of the mapping relation, and outputting the sounds through the virtual audio devices according to the mapping relation. Accordingly, it is possible to provide sound to a plurality of users.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus for backing up and restoring game application state across multiple devices are disclosed herein. The method includes running an instance of a game application at a first device. Based on any of various criteria, such as the proximity between the first device and a second device, a computer makes a determination to synchronize the application state between the two devices. The computer causes the application state data, which represents an application state of the game application running on the first device, to be saved and made available to the second device, such as by saving the application state data to cloud storage. The second device receives the application state data and restores the game application state.

Abstract: An item overlap effect provision method includes, by an item effect provision server, analyzing information on items possessed by the user upon receiving information indicating that game play of a user is completed from a game server, and analyzing whether or not the user possesses an overlap item, which is equal to an item registered in a preset slot so as to be used by the user during game play and is not registered in the preset slot, subtracting the usage number of the registered item and the usage number of the overlap item, which are preset on a per item basis and correspond to the number of times game play capable of using the items is performed, and applying weighted-grade points, which are preset according to the overlap item, to at least one game environment factor related to game play during implementation of next game play.

Abstract: A game playing information integration system is provided which is capable of objectively performing selection and/or settings according to preference of a player, and is capable of effectively making entry into market, based on a result of logical analysis of a gaming machine invoking demands of a player and a manger in gaming facility in a well-balanced manner. The system includes a plurality of gaming machine units and a server connected to enable communication with each of the gaming machine units. Each of the gaming machine units includes player identification information reading means, number-of-consumptions data output means, and number-of-payouts data output means. Gaming machine unit identification information is individually assigned to each of the gaming machine units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for enabling interactive gameplay.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes curved panel edges that may be illuminated. The panel edges have compound curves. A tool and method for forming compound curved edge shapes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tripod type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member including three track grooves having roller-guide surfaces arranged to face each other in a circumferential direction, a tripod member including three leg shafts projecting in a radial direction, and roller units each including a roller and an inner ring for supporting the roller in a freely rotatable manner. The inner ring is externally fitted to corresponding one of the three leg shafts. The roller is movable along the roller-guide surfaces of corresponding one of the three track grooves. Each of the three leg shafts includes a region formed into a substantially circular-arc shape in horizontal cross-section that is orthogonal to an axial line of the each of the three leg shafts.

Abstract: The present invention is an assembly line for continuously manufacturing self-attaching fasteners from a metal rod having a predetermined profile. The self-attaching fasteners are joined together with wires and reeled onto spools for use at a secondary installation site. More importantly the invention is an improved streamline method and apparatus which produces burr-free self-attaching fasteners, without deformation, and joins the self-attaching fasteners and wires together within a die press.

Abstract: A method of forming a substrate for a sports surface of a sports pitch includes the steps of: a) Agglomerating plastics materials; b) Granulating the agglomerated plastics materials to form granules having a predetermined range of sizes; c) In situ coating the granules with a binding material so that they form a fluent material; d) Forming a layer of the fluent material on the site of the sports pitch; and e) Setting the laid material such that the granules adhere where they contact each other to form a voided water permeable structure.

Abstract: A ground covering for sports areas, in particular tennis courts. In order to provide a ground covering for sports areas and in particular for tennis courts which has not only the advantageous play properties of a sand court but also the care and maintenance properties of a hard court, there is provided at least one layer (4) having a first, mineral particle material (1) which is doubly crushed and a second particle material (3) and also a binder (2), wherein an average particle size of the second material (3) is less than an average particle size of the first material (1), and the second material (3) is arranged at least partially in depot zones (5) formed by the first material.

Abstract: A swing comprises a seating surface, and a rigid member coupled to a central portion of the panel are such that the seating surface extends completely about the rigid member The rigid member is to be coupled to a flexible member from which the panel is suspended. The rigid member extends upward from the seating surface sets to space the seating surface from an omnidirectional pivot of the flexible member. The rigid member supports a handle or manually grippable member.

Abstract: An infant swing apparatus includes a base frame, a rigid support column rising from the base frame and having a front and a rear, and a swing arm arranged at the front of the support column and having a first end portion and a second end portion. The support column has an upper portion that leans toward the rear of the support column. The first end portion of the swing arm is connected with a seat support, and the second end portion is pivotally connected with the upper portion of the support column about a pivot axis that is located above the seat support.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus, method and kit for allowing users to practice their golf swing are disclosed. Embodiments of the golf swing trainer include a collapsible and lightweight golf swing trainer that may be displayed on retail store shelves and transported in typical passenger vehicles without requiring separate delivery using delivery vehicles. Alternate embodiments include multiple components, such as elongated frame members, netting, a golf ball lifter, a golf ball track and a platform that may be assembled and disassembled by hand. Still other embodiments include a trainer that returns the golf balls to the user quickly.

Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method including using a device to guide a golfer to an understanding of a concept and functioning of a proper swing, wherein the device allows a golfer to swing without swaying on their backswing, and wherein the device prevents the golfer from reverse pivoting on their downswing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a golf alignment device that holds alignment rods at multiple positions to provide indicators for a golfer's target line, swing, and setup. The base piece has two arms on each end that hold an alignment rod parallel to the base piece, but with a gap between the two rods. These rods are pointed at the golfer's desired target, and this forms the target line. The base piece has multiple holes for a third alignment rod to be inserted. This third rod provides a golfer with a ball, clubface, and hand position indicator. A golfer uses the base piece to align their body up parallel with the target line.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising a matrix formed from a thermosetting polymer composition and discrete particles of crosslinked rubber dispersed within the matrix.

Abstract: A sporting ball training system and method. The sports training system and methods include a rod member, with one end attached to a handle for gripping. The other end is attached to one end of a guide member; the other end of the guide being attached to a ball that creates a tension during a simulated throw.

Abstract: A device (1) for ball-throwing training has a base (4) and at least two vertical guide posts (30, 31) longitudinally adjusted relative to each other. One end of one of the guide posts (30) is positioned at the base (4) and a distal end of another guide post (31) is positioned at the spacer element (35). A covering surface (2) is fixed to the spacer element (35) so as to at least partially obscure the view of a throwing target, and has an extendible screen (20) and a stretch frame (23). The spacer element (35) is arranged, on the side of the guide post (31) that lies opposite the stand base, in such a manner that the covering surface (2) normally is arranged at right angles to the spacer element (35). In that position, the ground projection areas of covering surface (2) and stand base (4) do not overlap.

Abstract: A chain (endless flexible member) is looped over an input pulley and an output pulley. Each of the input pulley and the output pulley includes a pair of a fixed sheave and a movable sheave. The fixed sheave and the movable sheave have tapered faces that are opposed to each other to define a V-shaped groove. A vibration damping plate (vibration damping member) is fixed to each fixed sheave, and is in contact with the outer peripheral face of the fixed sheave. When the fixed sheave vibrates, the vibrations are damped by the friction between the outer peripheral face of the fixed shave and the vibration damping plate.

Abstract: A segmented pulley transmission is provided. A pulley assembly is rotationally mounted on an axle. The pulley assembly includes a core pulley having a first set of mating features on a peripheral surface thereof. A pulley segment set comprises a number of pulley segments slidably mounted in the pulley assembly and arranged in a ring concentric with the core pulley. The pulley segments are individually actuatable out of the pulley assembly into an engaging position and into the pulley assembly into a non-engaging position. The pulley segments have a second set of mating features on an peripheral surface matching the first set of mating features. An endless drive member has corresponding mating features on an inside surface for engaging the first and second sets of mating features of the core pulley and the pulley segments in an engaging position. Contact between the endless drive member and a core pulley defines a contact zone.

Abstract: An electric front derailleur is provided with a base member, a movable member, a driving unit and a controller. The base member includes a bicycle mounting portion. The movable member moves with respect to the base member. The controller selectively operates the driving unit with one of a first mode which moves the movable member between a first end position and a second end position, and a second mode which moves the movable member between a third end position and a fourth end position. The controller operates the driving unit to selectively position the movable member at first, second and third stop positions while in the first mode. At least one of the third and fourth end positions differs from the first and second end positions. A first distance between the first and second stop positions differs from a second distance between the second and third stop positions.

Abstract: A power cutter with an engine and with a cutting arm on which a cutting tool is received and is driven by the engine by way of a belt is provided. The belt may be received in a belt space formed in the cutting arm, and a fan wheel is arranged on the engine so that an air flow for cooling the engine can be generated. A combustion-air flow is provided to the engine, and the fan wheel provides an air circulation system where an air flow at least flows through the belt space and the combustion-air flow branches off from the air circulation system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tensioner which comprises: a base; a swing arm mounted on the base, rotating about a first central axis with respect to the base; an elastic element positioned between the base and the swing arm, which is used for biasing the swing arm to rotate with respect to the base; a frictional device which is located between the elastic; element and the base or the swing arm, for buffering the relative movement between the swing arm and the base, wherein the elastic element exerts along the radial direction a first pressure on the frictional device such that a first frictional force is produced between the frictional device and the base or the swing arm, and the tensioner further comprises a supporting bock which exerts along the radial direction a second pressure on the frictional device such that a second frictional force is produced between the frictional device and the base or the swing arm.

Abstract: In an aspect, a tensioner for an endless drive member, comprising a shaft and base that are mountable to be stationary relative to an engine, a tensioner arm that is pivotable relative to the shaft about a tensioner arm axis, a pulley on the tensioner arm rotatable about a pulley axis that is offset from the tensioner arm axis, and that is engageable with an endless drive member, a bushing that is positioned radially between the pulley and the tensioner arm to support the pulley radially during relative rotation between the pulley and the tensioner arm, a tensioner spring that is positioned to urge the tensioner arm towards a free arm position, a damping element that engages the tensioner arm and that is engaged by a plurality of axially spaced segments of the tensioner spring.

Abstract: In an aspect, a tensioner is provided, comprising a base, a tensioner arm, a tensioner spring, a wheel, and a damping structure. The base is mountable to an engine. The tensioner arm is pivotally connected to the base for movement about a tensioner arm axis. The tensioner spring is connected between the base and the tensioner arm and is positioned to urge the tensioner arm towards a free arm position. The wheel is rotatably mounted to the tensioner arm and is engageable with an endless drive member. A friction surface is provided on one of the base and the tensioner arm. The damping structure is provided on the other of the base and the tensioner arm and engages the friction surface to generate friction during rotation of the tensioner arm. The damping structure includes a sleeve that contains at least one aperture and a damping element that contains at least one lug that engages the at least one aperture with no circumferential clearance therebetween.

Abstract: A chain guide having excellent durability is provided. The chain guide includes a guide base arranged along a portion of an outer periphery of a chain for transmitting torque and elongated in the direction in which the chain travels; a plurality of roller shafts attached to the guide base so as to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the chain travels; and rollers rotatably supported by the respective roller shafts. The distance between the centers of each adjacent pair of the rollers is set to be shorter in the area where a larger load is applied to the rollers.

Abstract: The durability of a belt is enhanced by improving the strength of rubber itself while enhancing its peeling strength with respect to a cord, a fabric or a short fiber. A toothed belt (10) comprises a belt body (13) that is integrally formed by a tooth rubber (11) provided on one surface side thereof, a backing rubber (12) provided on the other surface side, and an embedded cord (14) spirally wound in a boundary portion between the tooth rubber (11) and the backing rubber (12) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the belt. A facing fabric (20) covering the tooth rubber (11) is adhered to a surface of the tooth rubber (11), or one surface of the belt body (13). The tooth rubber (11) is obtained by vulcanization-molding a rubber composition including rubber such as HNBR, resorcinol, a melamine compound, silica and the like.

Abstract: Construction capable of improving the convenience of an electric automobile is achieved by making the drive apparatus for an electric automobile in which a planetary-gear transmission 11 is assembled more compact and simple, and increasing the distance traveled per charge. The planetary-gear transmission 11 comprises a single-pinion first planetary-gear mechanism 12 and a double-pinion second planetary-gear mechanism 13, and reduces power from an electric motor 1a by a desired reduction ratio before transmitting that power to a driven-side rotating shaft 5a. A first braking device 14 switches a ring gear 22 and a second braking device 15 switches a second sun gear 19 between a state of being allowed to rotate and a state of being prevented from rotating with respect to a fixed portion.

Abstract: A pinion lubrication structure of a planetary gear mechanism includes a hollow portion, an annular oil catcher, an oil gallery, and an aperture. The annular oil catcher is supported by a carrier to collect oil to flow into the hollow portion. The oil is supplied outward in a radial direction from a central portion of the planetary gear mechanism. The oil is supplied to an inner peripheral surface of a pinion through the oil gallery. The oil gallery extends from an inside of the hollow portion through a pinion shaft in the radial direction. The aperture is provided at an axial end of the pinion shaft to be connected to the hollow portion. A distance from an axis to an outer end of the aperture in the radial direction is smaller than a distance from the axis to an outer end of the hollow portion in the radial direction.

Abstract: A rotating electric machine includes a rotor having a cylindrical peripheral wall having a permanent magnet arranged circumferentially therein, and a stator provided on an outer side of the peripheral wall of the rotor. Further, the rotating electric machine includes a planetary roller provided in a planetary roller mechanism chamber on an inner side of the peripheral wall of the rotor so as to be rotated by a rotation of the rotor transmitted from the peripheral wall to a planetary roller surface of the planetary roller, an output shaft provided on the inner side of the peripheral wall of the rotor so as to be rotated by a rotation of the planetary roller transmitted to the output shaft via the planetary roller surface, and magnetic lubricating oil included in the inner side of the peripheral wall of the rotor.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission, a connection member which connects a carrier of a planetary gear mechanism PGSa to a clutch hub of a clutch is made to abut on the carrier of the planetary gear mechanism PGSa in an abutting portion, a thrust bearing T2 is disposed between the connection member and a clutch drum of the clutch, a thrust bearing T1 is disposed between a transmission case and the clutch drum of the clutch, and a clearance between the thrust bearing T1 and the clutch drum of the clutch is adjusted by using a shim. Accordingly, a thrust load inputted from a sun gear Sb of a planetary gear mechanism PGSb can be transmitted to the transmission case without passing through a sun gear Sa, which rotates at a high speed, of the planetary gear mechanism PGSa, and friction loss is reduced.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a thrust bearing A disposed between a third sun gear of a third planetary gear mechanism and a second sun gear of a second planetary gear mechanism. Accordingly, transmitting a thrust load acting on the second sun gear of the second planetary gear mechanism from the thrust bearing to an input shaft via the third sun gear of the third planetary gear mechanism can avoid, as much as possible, a case where the thrust load is transmitted from the third planetary gear mechanism to the input shaft via a fourth planetary gear mechanism, and reduce friction loss of multiple thrust bearings interposed among elements or the like of the third planetary gear mechanism and the fourth planetary gear mechanism.

Abstract: A drive mechanism includes an input member rotatable about an input axis of rotation. The input member includes a partial spheroid-shaped input traction surface. The drive mechanism further includes an output member rotatable about an output axis of rotation. The output member includes a partial spheroid-shaped output traction surface. A ring member overlays the input and output members. The ring member is rotatable in a rotational plane and includes a ring traction surface that engages the input traction surface of the input member and the output traction surface of the output member to rotatably couple the input member to the output member.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an electric steplessly speed changing unit, an engaging device, and an electronic control unit. The electric steplessly speed changing unit includes a differential mechanism including a first rotary element to which an engine is coupled, a second rotary element to which a first rotary machine is coupled, and a third rotary element as an output rotary member of the differential mechanism to which a second rotary machine is coupled. Differential operation of the electric steplessly speed changing unit is controlled by controlling operation of the first rotary machine. The engaging device is provided in a power transmission path between the third rotary element and drive wheels. In control of the hybrid vehicle, when at least one of the first rotary machine and the second rotary machine is operated with a predetermined positive or negative maximum torque, the electronic control unit controls a slip amount of the engaging device by changing the torque capacity of the engaging device.

Abstract: An engine is provided with an output shaft and a motor generator connection shaft of a crankshaft at ends of a crank case and adapted such that the output shaft can be connected with an external driven apparatus. A motor generator has stators relatively fixed to the crank case and a rotor coupled with the motor generator connection shaft and rotating relative to the stators. An external apparatus connection shaft is connected with the rotor and disposed at an end of the motor generator on the opposite side of the engine. A clutch is disposed between the motor generator connection shaft and the rotor. A power storage unit stores electric power generated by the motor generator and supplies the electric power to the motor generator. A controller switches between an electric power generation function and a motor function, and engages and disengages the clutch.

Abstract: A vehicle speed operating device for a work vehicle has a shift pedal that is disposed on a first lateral surface side of a body frame and is linked to an operating shaft of a continuously variable transmission via a first mechanical linkage mechanism, and a brake pedal, a speed maintenance mechanism and a second mechanical linkage mechanism are arranged on a second lateral surface side of the body frame.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a torque source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a torque source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. Measured torque values are used during a torque phase of the upshift to correct an estimated oncoming friction element target torque so that transient torque disturbances at an oncoming clutch are avoided and torque transients at the output shaft are reduced.