Abstract: A plush toy having electronics therein for interacting with a user includes a non-rigid electrical component for detecting deformation thereof. The component includes a first layer of a compressible material with at least one aperture therethrough. Second and third layers of an electrically conductive material are positioned on opposite sides of the first layer across the aperture. The second and third layers of material may be brought into contact with each other in the aperture of the first layer to complete an electrical connection between the second and third layers by compression of the first layer upon application of a compression force. When the compression force is removed, the first material expands to separate the second and third layers, thereby breaking the electrical connection. Upon detection of deformation of the electrical component, the electronics activate a response by the toy, such as an audio response.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing customer interest in articles of manufacture, including containers and plush toys. A set of actuating components are coupled to moveable elements of the article of manufacture, the moveable elements respond to operation of an user-controlled actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for interactive play is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an interactive toy is provided. The interactive toy is configured to store a plurality of codes and display codes on a display on the toy. The codes can authenticate the toy and unlock functionality within a virtual world. In one embodiment, the interactive toy is configured to communicate with a user computer. Another embodiment provides methods for interactive play with an interactive toy and a virtual world. A further embodiment provides a computing device configured to participate in the interactive play system. This Abstract is provided for the purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An inertia motor for a toy has a housing supporting a rotating flywheel. The flywheel has a disk with generally radially movable elements, movement of which vary the moment of inertia of the disk. Another element is supported by the housing so as to be movable towards and away from the disk and is located so as to be able to engage at least one of the movable elements when the flywheel has slowed sufficiently. Angular momentum and energy in the flywheel at engagement is transferred to the housing. The housing may also include a transmission such as a gear train to connect the flywheel with one of more elements of the toy to be powered by the flywheel.

Abstract: A beekeeping apparatus includes a bottom side having an arcuate groove defined therein, the arcuate groove being sized and dimensioned to correspond to the rim of a repository; and a top side including a recessed area defined therein, the recessed area being sized and dimensioned to correspond to a beekeeping frame, and a plurality of generally rectangular openings defined through the recessed area, the rectangular openings each being sized and dimensioned to receive and retain a portion of a beekeeping frame, and collectively being sized and dimensioned to receive and retain portions of different sizes of beekeeping frames.

Abstract: The under garment consists of a front panel having an outer side and an inner side. Two shoulder areas are formed at top portions of the front panel and the back panel. A breast receiving unit is provided associated with the inner area of the front panel and is formed with first and second breast receiving pockets. A front area of each receiving pocket is formed by a respective part of the inner face of the front panel and a rear area of each said breast receiving pocket is formed by an independent rear panel. In use, the independent rear panels of each breast receiving pocket are positioned between the skin of the breast and the skin of the user's torso.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a revolutionary support material removing method which exhibits operational effects not seen in conventional practice. The present invention is a support material removing method for removing a support material (2) located on a surface (1a) of a three-dimensional object (1) molded by a three-dimensional forming device, wherein a slurry (5) which is a mixture of a liquid (3) and abrasive grains (4) is sprayed from a slurry sprayer (6) to remove the support material (2).

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for reducing edge damage of a disk during chemical mechanical polishing. The apparatus includes a disk carrier configured to receive a disk, the disk having an outside edge and an inside edge, a raised ring adjacent the outside edge of the disk and extending from a surface of the disk carrier to a height greater than a height of the disk, and a raised column adjacent the inside edge of the disk and having a height greater than a height of the disk. The system includes a disk carrier for receiving a disk, a raised ring adjacent the outside edge of each opening, and plugs insertable into a central opening in the disk and having a height greater than a height of the disk. The method includes providing the apparatus, inserting a disk into the apparatus, and polishing the disk.

Abstract: A method of shaping an ophthalmic lens for mounting in a mixed surround of an eyeglass frame that presents at least one half-rim, includes: a) a step of acquiring a longitudinal profile characterizing the shape desired for the outline of the lens; b) a step of subdividing the longitudinal profile into a first arc associated with the half-rim and a second arc, in which step the positions of two singular points of the longitudinal profile are acquired that characterize the positions of the two ends of the half-rim; c) a first step of finishing the ophthalmic lens, during which a first portion of its outline is brought to the shape of the first arc; and d) a second step of finishing the ophthalmic lens, during which a second portion of its outline is brought to the shape of the second arc. In step b), the position of at least one of the two acquired singular points is corrected so as to reduce the length of the first arc of the longitudinal profile.

Abstract: A method of polishing a peripheral portion of a substrate is provided. This method includes: causing sliding contact between the peripheral portion of the substrate and a polishing tape; and supplying a polishing liquid onto the polishing tape contacting the peripheral portion of the substrate. The polishing tape includes a base tape and a fixed abrasive formed on the base tape, and the polishing liquid is an alkaline polishing liquid containing an alkaline chemical and an additive including molecules that cause steric hindrance.

Abstract: A dressing tool produces a plurality of first radial sections in a first flank of a first screw channel in a grinding worm, and a plurality of second radial sections in a second flank of a second screw channel in the grinding worm. Each radial section extends only a portion of a total radial height of the respective flank, the portion being less than the total radial height of the respective flank. Each first radial section in the first screw channel is radially displaced with respect to a corresponding second radial section in the second screw channel.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission metal belt includes a metal ring assembly and metal elements. The metal ring assembly includes stacked endless metal rings. Each of the stacked endless metal rings includes a flat peripheral surface and a substantially semicircular end face. The substantially semicircular end face is connected to an end of the peripheral surface in a width direction of each of the stacked endless metal rings. The metal elements are supported on the metal ring assembly. A displacement Z of the end face is smaller than or equal to 0.1R. The displacement Z is defined as Z=R?H. R is a radius of an imaginary circle that passes through a contact point between the peripheral surface and the end face and that is tangent to the end face. H is a distance from a center of the imaginary circle to the peripheral surface.

Abstract: A treatment system for achieving a substantially uniform surface profile of a surface to be treated. The treatment system comprises a support panel which supports a rotatable orb, and the rotatable orb has an access aperture extending therethrough which facilitates receiving a desired surface treatment equipment. The access aperture is sized so as to permit the desired surface treatment equipment to pass therethrough and move relative thereto the access aperture, during surface treatment. The treatment system comprises a monitoring system for monitoring at least one of a spacing of a remote end of the surface treatment equipment from the surface to be treated and a treatment angle of the surface treatment equipment in order to control the surface treatment of the surface to be treated and achieve a substantially uniform surface profile, of the surface to be treated, following treatment.

Abstract: A rotor assembly is provided for blast processing. The rotor assembly includes multiple lofting elements to create a vortex to loft particulate material to be used to process a target, and multiple elements to project the particulate material toward the target. The rotor assembly is enclosed within an operating chamber that has a target area into which the particulate material is projected to strike the target. There may further be angled deflectors at the opening to direct particulate material back toward the rotor assembly to use the material for further processing. Certain components are easily adjustable for different sizes and shapes of target. The action of the rotor assembly enables the use of up to 100% pure grit for entire cleaning processes, and provides single pass hook profile on any common material surface.

Abstract: Devices for removing a coating on a pipe are provided. In one aspect, a device for removing a coating on a pipe includes a sleeve, an arm coupled to the sleeve, and a wheel coupled to the arm. The sleeve includes a wall and an aperture defined through the wall. The wall defines a cavity in the sleeve and the sleeve is adapted to receive the pipe in the cavity. The device also includes a wheel coupled to the arm and adapted to extend through the aperture to engage the coating on the pipe.

Abstract: A blade sharpener including a main frame casing having a grip and a grinding chamber and a grinder assembly detachably installed in the grinding chamber in which the grinder assembly is formed by a pair of shaft supports facing each other, a supporting window provided in each of the shaft supports, a rotary shaft supported at both end portions thereof by the vertical shaft supports, an abrasive wheel provided on the rotary shaft at substantially its axial center, and a pair of lateral coil springs each provided on either side of the abrasive wheel. The rotary shaft can be supported by a pair of longitudinal coil springs installed in the shaft supports.

Abstract: A handheld machine, comprising a first grip (106) for receiving a first hand of a user of the machine, a second grip (118) for receiving a second hand of the user of the machine, and at least one coupling (114) for connecting the handheld machine to a flexible line (116). The second grip (118) extends in its usage position over the coupling (114) but is displaceable from this position.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw blade has a first end with a first tang and a second end with a second tang. The first and second tangs are alternatively engageable with the chuck of a reciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw blade defines a substantially uniform cutting edge extending from approximately the first end to approximately the second end of the blade. The first tang is engageable with the chuck of the reciprocating saw for fixedly securing the first end of the blade to the reciprocating saw and forming with the second tang the free end of the saw blade. Alternatively, the second tang is engageable with the chuck of the reciprocating saw for fixedly securing the second end of the blade to the reciprocating saw and forming with the first tang the free end of the reciprocating saw blade drivable in a reciprocating motion by the reciprocating saw.

Abstract: An abrasive article for polishing a substrate surface. The abrasive article includes a holder pad assembly and an abrasive member held in place with respect to a holder pad. The abrasive member further includes a first surface engaged with the holder pad assembly, and a second surface including an abrasive. A preload mechanism is positioned to bias the second surfaces of the abrasive member toward the substrate surface. One or more fluid bearing features on the second surface of the abrasive member is configured to generate lift forces during relative motion between the abrasive article and the substrate surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coin deposit and dispensing apparatus having a till filling distributor unit comprising a set of a plurality of releasably mounted till filling distributors, each till filling distributor comprising a wide upper opening, a narrow lower opening, and a pipe-like structure between these openings, where the till filling distributor unit is designed in such a way that in a dispensing operation a till filling distributor is located below each dispenser involved in the dispensing operation, whereby each till filling distributor is adapted for receiving coins from a dispenser located above said distributor into the wide upper opening of the distributor and to guide the coins through said narrow lower opening to a portable cash receptacle.

Abstract: A vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning system includes a plurality of ducts for providing conditioned air to an interior of a vehicle. The plurality of ducts includes a window defrost duct and a floor duct. The system includes a mixing chamber upstream of the window defrost and floor duct. A damper is selectively controllable to distribute the conditioned air to one or more of the plurality of ducts. The damper is configured so that when in a floor only mode position, the damper directs conditioned air in the mixing chamber only to the floor duct. A bypass conduit is configured to direct air from the floor duct to the window defrost duct when the damper is in the floor-only mode position. The conditioned air directed through the bypass conduit attenuates noise generated in the mixing chamber from emanating to the window defrost duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and cooling an electronic device and methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus can include a housing for a cooling system and a support cradle for receiving the electronic device and engaging the electronic device with the cooling system.

Abstract: A depth adjustable crop transport vane, crop transport vane assembly, and agricultural combine threshing chambers employing such adjustable crop transport vanes are disclosed.

Abstract: A sports simulator calculates spin of a sports object using image analysis. A velocity vector is also calculated. These are combined to produce a predicted future trajectory of the sports object. In one embodiment, the sports object is a golf ball and the sports simulator simulates golf.

Abstract: A system and method for an interactive audio-visual puzzle is presented herein. Particularly, in order to create, design or otherwise prepare the puzzle, an audio composition and a digital object are selected and partitioned into a plurality of separate segments or pieces. For example, the composition may be partitioned in separate segments of time and the object may be separated into a plurality of visual puzzle pieces. Each of the puzzle pieces are assigned or associated with a different one of the audio segments. The goal of the puzzle or game is for the player to reconstruct both the visual object and the audio composition by aligning the puzzle pieces in the correct order or orientation.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining that a secondary wagering game application is compatible with a primary wagering game application, wherein compatibility is based in-part on an ability of the primary wagering game application to provide wagering game information to the secondary wagering game application via an application programming interface. The operations can also include enabling the secondary wagering game to present a secondary wagering game in connection with a primary wagering game controlled by the primary wagering game application.

Abstract: A method for playing a casino gaming device including a select and drag feature is disclosed. In one embodiment, a player selects values for multiple positions or spots on a game of chance. The player initially selects a value in one of the game positions. The player selects a touch-screen display location (or uses another input device) above the game position displaying the initially selected value, and then selects any other game position to copy the initially selected value into the other game positions. The player may select the touch-screen display location and then drags the initially selected value across the remaining game positions to set the values for the remaining game positions to the initially selected value.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus with geometrically oriented elements is disclosed. Specifically, an array of game elements are displayed, each of which has a discrete geometric orientation, and whose relative geometric orientations, in addition to relative placement of each gaming element, determines winning patterns which result in payout to a player.

Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving, at a wagering game server, a request from a mobile device to play a wagering game via a selected wagering game machine among a plurality of wagering game machines on the wagering game network. The operations can also include associating the mobile device with the selected wagering game machine, wherein the associating allows receipt of input for the wagering game from the mobile device. The operations can also include receiving, via the wagering game network, commands resulting from inputs accepted by the mobile device. The operations can also include determining a result of the wagering game.

Abstract: The gaming system, gaming device and method disclosed herein determines whether to provide at least one of the plurality of progressive awards to the player based on that player's measured level of skill in: (i) a plurality of plays of a partial skill-based game, (ii) a skill-based progressive award sequence, or (iii) a plurality of plays of a partial skill-based game and a skill-based progressive award sequence. The determination is based on zero, one or more inputs made by the player which tend to measure that player's level of skill in at least one of a partial skill-based game and a skill-based progressive award sequence.

Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more controllers and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more controllers, cause the gaming system to initiate a wagering game to be played via a gaming machine and in response to a pause event, temporarily pause the wagering game-in-progress, prior to revealing a final outcome of the wagering game. While the game-in-progress is paused, the one or more controllers allow the gaming machine to participate in a community event along with a plurality of other gaming machines and in response to an end-pause event associated with the community event, reinstate the paused game-in-progress at the gaming machine.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods are set forth designed to promote user loyalty with an enterprise. The user obtains a virtual object such as a virtual dog and earns the ability to acquire accessories or upgrades for their virtual dog through interaction with the enterprise. Certain accessories or upgrades may only be acquired or restored at a physical, brick and mortar venue for the enterprise to encourage the user to visit the venue. Acquisition of attributes such as accessories and upgrades may provide a basis for tournaments and prizes. The virtual object may be accessed and displayed at terminals at the venue or at remote devices. Acquisition of virtual objects may be used to qualify the user for a feature such as a progressive jackpot game.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a distributed bonus scheme using simulated scatter reactions are disclosed. An example method of operating a gaming device in a gaming system includes receiving a trigger that initiates a first bonus decision in a first gaming device. Further, the example method includes calculating, using a programmed processor, an accumulated value that defines a range. Further, the example method includes generating a random number. Further, the example method includes, when the random number falls within the range, granting a bonus to the first gaming device. Further, the example method includes determining whether the first bonus decision is to initiate a second bonus decision in a second gaming device of the gaming system.

Abstract: When there is an instruction for rotation during a game in a first field, a CPU core of a game apparatus obtains central coordinates in a second field after the rotation and coordinates (central coordinates) of a player object and BG object in steps S53 and S55. Then, the CPU core executes a rotation process in a hardware calculation circuit, for example, in steps S57 to S61. When detecting end of the rotation in a step S63, the CPU core executes a map switch process in a step S65. In the map switch process, the CPU core generates a second field according to second area data. Then, after generating the second field, the CPU core makes a hit determination according to the second area data in a step S7, for example.

Abstract: The server according to an embodiment provides interactive games that use characters moving on a route and require more strategies. The server is configured to execute an interactive-game program including a screen display module for display a game screen, a first placement module for placing the characters selected by the players on the routes before a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, a movement module for moving the characters toward the bases of the opponent after the predetermined starting condition is satisfied, a second placement module for placing the characters selected by the players on the routes after a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, a battle process module for performing a battle process when the distance between the characters falls within a predetermined range, an occupation process module for performing an occupation process, and a determination module for determining a result of the interactive game.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines having multi-monitor support for controlling up to four monitors on a gaming device. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a first display for presenting a primary game. The gaming device also includes a second display. The second display is used to present a secondary game. The gaming device further includes a multi-core processor in communication with a first video chipset and a second video chipset, wherein the first and second video chipsets support the first and second monitors.

Abstract: A game system according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a game, the game system comprising one or more processors to execute a game program, wherein a plurality of player units battle with a plurality of non-player units in either manual mode or automatic mode. The manual mode and automatic mode can be selected in accordance with first and second operations on a control object. In manual mode, a battle process is performed in accordance with a third operation on the control object.

Abstract: A video game system (or other data processing system) can visually identify a person entering a field of view of the system and determine whether the person has been previously interacting with the system. In one embodiment, the system establishes thresholds, enrolls players, performs the video game (or other application) including interacting with a subset of the players based on the enrolling, determines that a person has become detectable in the field of view of the system, automatically determines whether the person is one of the enrolled players, maps the person to an enrolled player and interacts with the person based on the mapping if it is determined that the person is one of the enrolled players, and assigns a new identification to the person and interacts with the person based on the new identification if it is determined that the person is not one of the enrolled players.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing various forms of feedback are provided and can be implemented in a system, for example, between a gamer and a gaming system. One or more embodiments might be included and directed toward providing feedback between a gamer and the gaming system by way of one or more various forms of controllers that might be used by a gamer in playing a game or in setting up or configuring the game. Various bio-feedback mechanisms might be implemented to provide feedback from the game controller to the game in response to the condition, state, or behavior or the user. For example, in one embodiment, heart rate monitors, temperature sensors, or other biological or physiological sensors can be included with, incorporated in or integrated into the controller to sense a gamer's biological or physiological sensors condition.

Abstract: A method, system, and gaming machine for enabling a group play bonus feature is described. The method comprises networking a plurality of gaming machines, wherein each gaming machine includes a primary game module and a bonus game module. The method then proceeds to determine which of the plurality of gaming machines are qualified for playing the group bonus game. A first qualified gaming machine is selected and a bonus offer is presented to the qualified gaming machine. The bonus offer includes an initial bonus offer that is user selectable, and an alternative random bonus prize that is awarded if the user instruction indicates that the initial bonus offer has not been accepted. After the user selectable instruction is received, a bonus prize is awarded.

Abstract: Among other things, systems and techniques are described for authenticating one or more client devices. A system includes one or more client devices and a server to communicate with the one or more client devices over a network. The server receives a request for network connection from at least one of the client devices. In response to the received request, the server performs authentication of the requesting client device based on at least two factors. The at least two factors includes a transmission control protocol (TCP) header verification to identify a media access control (MAC) address of the requesting client device as an authorized or unauthorized MAC address; and a challenge-reply verification performed based on the TCP header verification. The challenge-reply verification includes sending a challenge message sent to the requesting client device; receiving a reply message from the requesting client device; and identifying the received reply message as a correct or incorrect reply.

Abstract: A computing system is configured to execute a computer program on a server and to provide a video stream of the program output to a geographically remote client over a communication network. The computing system is further configured to provide executable content of the computer program to the client over the communication network in parallel with the video stream. When a sufficient amount of the executable content has been provided to the client execution of the computer program is transitioned from the server to the client. The transition optionally includes communicating a state of the computer program from the server to the client. The executable content can be provided to the client in an order that is determined based on the state of the computer program. Those parts of the executable content deemed most likely to be necessary to support game play on the client are given priority.

Abstract: A method and device generates probability-based recommendations for a fantasy sports game. The method includes receiving first and second rosters for a first and second user, respectively; receiving parameter values for each sport player on the rosters; determining a score value for the sport players based on the parameter values; determining first and second lineups for the first and second users, respectively, the first lineup having a first projected probability distribution and the second lineup having a second projected probability distribution, the first and second projected probability distributions determined as a function of the score values; and determining a win probability value based on the first and second projected probability distributions, the win probability value indicative of a prediction of a comparison between a first actual total score value and a second actual total score value.

Abstract: A gaming device for playing a game including one or more parameters that affect a user's participation in the game, the gaming device including a memory storing a data structure that associates each one of a plurality of device configurations with a respective game configuration, wherein each game configuration differently specifies one or more parameters of the game; means for identifying the current device configuration for the device; means for using the data structure to determine a current game configuration associated with the current device configuration; and means for controlling the game by setting parameters in the game as specified by the current game configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a gaming machine having a cabinet. Between the back as a back face and the right side face of the sides of the cabinet, the gaming machine has a right end side, which is formed by cutting a plane parallel to the gravitational direction in a manner to join lines spaced at predetermined distances in the individual directions of the back and the right side face from a line of intersection, on which the back and the right side face intersect when extended. The gaming machine also has a left end side between the back and a left side face. Moreover, the right end side and the left end side are symmetric with respect to a plane dividing the cabinet equally to the right and left.

Abstract: A suction tube arrangement includes a suction tube having a suction tube opening and an actuating shaft which is received in the suction tube. The actuating shaft has a base body made of a first material and an actuating shaft body made of a second material and at least partially applied on the base body. The base body or the actuating shaft body forms at least one cover element to open or close the suction tube opening as a function of a rotation of the actuating shaft. An actuating element is at least partially enclosed by the actuating shaft body for actuating the actuating shaft.

Abstract: This application provides a multiple or single arm oscillating, optionally rotating amusement ride with reverse pendulum oscillating arm or arms that are angularly mounted to a horizontal tubular frame member of the rotating supporting structure. In one embodiment, there is a moveable adjustable counterbalance weight. The unique principal of the ride is that it that when the ride is rotating and the oscillating arm is moved from the lower position to the upper position the rotational velocity is increased through conservation of angular momentum producing a spinning “Ice dancer” effect. Tie rods or optionally a gimble and cable system is used to maintain stability and upright positioning of the gondola.

Abstract: An entertainment venue can include one or more theaters, including a toroidal or other immersive display screen (which immerses the audience in a contiguous projection surface), a moving stage, and an audience area. Audience seating in the theater faces outwardly in an “inverted-theater-in-the-round” arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable and ergonomic instrument for storing golf balls and tees and for automatically positioning a tee in the ground at a predetermined height and a ball in balance thereon, by means of a movement of one hand on the part of the player in the standing position. Said instrument consists primarily of a main body (10) serving as a storage unit (12) for balls (Bn), a multi-purpose shuttle (20) and a retaining clamp (P). After setting the desired height of the ball on the thumbwheel (50), the alternating movement of the shuttle (20) from abutment to abutment, using the knob (21), first upward, then downward and finally upward, enables the result to be achieved. Any golfer who has difficulty bending down or squatting, and those who do not wish to bend down or squat, may be interested in owning such an instrument.