Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device for a solar module, comprising a housing, at least one contact rail which is arranged in the housing, and at least one contacting device for contacting an electrical conductor, the contacting device being able to be fitted to the contact rail and being able to be moved at least between an initial position (AS) and an end position (ES).

Abstract: An electrical terminal includes a contact portion having a contact portion base with at least three sides forming a generally polyhedron structure. At least one contact arm extends from at least some of the sides, and are arranged to receive a mating electrical component. A spring arrangement includes a plurality of spring arms extending from a spring base. Each of the spring arms includes a spring head in contact with at least one respective contact arm near a distal end of the contact portion for applying a force thereto in a direction toward a central axis of the terminal. The spring base includes a support structure configured to support the mating electrical component.

Abstract: An electrical terminal is provided and includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a pair of connecting face portions, a coupling portion, and a plurality of serrations. The pair of connecting face portions face each other in a substantially V shape such that a gap between inner faces of the pair of connecting face portions gradually becomes smaller from a wider-gap side to a narrower-gap side. The coupling portion connects the pair of connecting face portions at ends of the narrower-gap side of the inner faces. The plurality of serrations are disposed on the pair of inner faces and extend along intersecting directions. The second member has a substantially U shape that mates with the pair of connecting face portions and can displace outer side faces of the pair of connecting face portions inward to urge the inner faces closer to each other.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stand-up pedal board wherein propulsion is provided to the stand-up pedal board by applying alternating downward force to foot pedals to swing a fin side to side through transfer of energy from foot pedal shafts rotating around a T brace, swinging the bottom of the T brace, with the forward end of the fin rotating around a connector.

Abstract: A steering system for a marine vessel which has a primary propulsion unit and an auxiliary propulsion unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cable extending through a tilt tube of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. In another embodiment, a cable extends through a support cable extending through a support rod of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system for a marine vessel having a first marine propulsor that propels the marine vessel, a first internal combustion engine that selectively powers the first marine propulsor, and a first electric motor that selectively powers the first marine propulsor. The system also has first and second user input devices and a control circuit that controls operation of the system in at least a first control mode and a second control mode. In the first control mode, the control circuit controls operation of both the first internal combustion engine and the first electric motor based upon actuation of the first user input device. In the second control mode, the control circuit controls operation of the first internal combustion engine based upon actuation of the first user input device and the control circuit controls operation of the first electric motor based upon actuation of the second user input device.

Abstract: A water drop muffler for use in a marine exhaust system to silence exhaust noise while separating entrained water from exhaust gas using hydro-dynamic centrifugal separation principles enhanced by turbulent flow. A muffler housing defines an internal volume bounded by a generally vertically disposed cylindrical inner surface formed about a longitudinal axis. An exhaust inlet receives a mixture of exhaust gas and entrained cooling water. A flow channel transitions the flow for discharge through an opening thereby creating vortex flow within the housing to maximize the generation of centrifugal forces. Water is drawn toward the cylindrical inner surface and allowed drain from the housing.

Abstract: A drilling vessel or drilling platform comprising: a hull with a moonpool; and a hydraulic riser tensioner system configured to apply a tension force from the drilling vessel or drilling platform upon a riser string, the riser tensioner system comprising: a riser ring, wherein the riser tensioner system is fastened to the riser string via the riser ring; a set of sheaves provided at each lateral side of the moonpool; a plurality of cables configured to extend between the drilling vessel or drilling platform to the riser ring via the sheaves; and a set of hydraulic cylinders actuating upon the sheaves and thereby applying the tension force to the cables, wherein the hydraulic cylinders are arranged substantially horizontally at the lateral sides of the moonpool.

Abstract: A stand up paddle surfboard (SUPS) and associated paddle is provided. The SUPS may have up to two containers affixed generally towards the bow. A first container is designed to retain refuse and a second container is designed to retain game ball(s). The paddle includes a removable handle on a first side of a shaft and a paddle with a securable net and hook on the second side of the shaft. The securable net and hook may be employed to remove refuse found in the water and place such in the first container. The removable handle may be replaced with a game net permitting a host of ball toss games and the like to be played, using the second container to retain such balls. The SUPS and associated paddle may be modified for watersports as well as environmental cleanup activities.

Abstract: A substrate attachment device of a display device and a method for manufacturing the display device using the same are disclosed. The substrate attachment device of the display device includes a guide unit which is curvedly disposed, a first support unit which moves forward and backwards along the guide unit and transfers a cover substrate having a curved surface, a second support unit which is disposed on the guide unit, moves forward and backwards, and transfers a display panel, and a roller unit which rotates so that the cover substrate having the curved surface is attached to the display panel.

Abstract: A remote controlled flying toy figure has a thrust-powered, weight shifting rudder head. The flying toy figure comprises a head, a body, a propulsion system, and a control system. The head is attached to the body by a flexible support member, making the head securely fixed in flexible relation to the body, thus permitting a yawing motion of the head relative to the body. The propulsion system comprises two independently operable motorized propellers, each of which is attached to opposite ends of a steering bar. The steering bar and head form an integral steering unit. Increasing the thrust from one of the propellers causes the figure to turn in the opposite direction. This increased thrust causes the steering bar to yaw, which moves the center of gravity of the head to the opposite side of the center line of the body, which causes the figure to bank towards the turn.

Abstract: A remote controlled flying toy figure has a thrust-powered, weight shifting rudder head. The flying toy figure comprises a head, a body, a propulsion system, and a control system. The head is attached to the body by a flexible support member, making the head securely fixed in flexible relation to the body, thus permitting a yawing motion of the head relative to the body. The propulsion system comprises two independently operable motorized propellers, each of which is attached to opposite ends of a steering bar. The steering bar and head form an integral steering unit. Increasing the thrust from one of the propellers causes the figure to turn in the opposite direction. This increased thrust causes the steering bar to yaw, which moves the center of gravity of the head to the opposite side of the center line of the body, which causes the figure to bank towards the turn.

Abstract: A toy figure display stand displays a toy figure behind a transparent fluid-retaining wall, thus simulating immersion of the toy figure within the transparent fluid. The simulated immersion provides an additional level of engagement between the toy figure and a child or collector. The wall may include an interior transparent shell portion and an exterior transparent shell portion. The interior transparent shell portion and the exterior transparent shell portion may together define a cavity. A fluid may be received within the cavity.

Abstract: A toy which simply yet uniquely varies the height and curvature of a flexible ramp uniquely supported on a pivoting ramp frame. The toy includes a frame for resting on a horizontal surface, spaced apart horizontally and extending upwardly from the frame defining an open area therebetween above the frame, and first and second pivoting assemblies at the frame engaging first and second arm members for adjustably pivoting the arm members between varying angles with respect to the frame. A bendable ramp is adjustably supported at the frame, secured to the arm members and sitting in the open area defined by the arm members.

Abstract: This present invention relates generally to an infant seat and, in particular, to an infant seat that provides a stable, enhanced seating position for an infant and includes a sensory stimulus unit with a slide switch that, when actuated, effectuates a change in visual appearance of the stimulus unit and a corresponding change in the sensory output.

Abstract: A reconfigurable toy assembly includes an external component having a first portion releaseably coupled to a second portion, the first and second portions forming a cavity when coupled together, and an internal component. A trigger is coupled to the external component. The internal component is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The internal component is retained in the retracted configuration via a latch and released from the retracted configuration upon actuation of the latch. The internal component is receivable in the cavity in its retracted configuration. The latch is actuatable by activating the trigger, so that the internal component is primed to reconfigure from the retracted configuration to the deployed position upon decoupling of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A toy vehicle system having interchanging wheels, tires and axles for altering ground clearance features a pair of anterior axle mount projections and a pair of posterior axle mount projections angularly located on a vehicle underside. Interchangeable anterior and posterior axle units are designed to position the toy vehicle at a ground clearance that proportionally resembles a full size vehicle ground clearance. The system features a first size plurality of wheels, a second size plurality of wheels, and a third size plurality of wheels, each having a tire located on an outer periphery thereon. The system features a plurality of fasteners for securing the anterior axle or the posterior axle. The system features a plurality of nuts located on wheel studs for securing a wheel on a hub. The system features a perpendicular wrench having four projections located thereon, radially projecting from a central hub.

Abstract: A method of controlling a polishing operation includes measuring a plurality of spectra at a plurality of different positions on a substrate to provide a plurality of measured spectra. For each measured spectrum of the plurality of measured spectra, a characterizing value is generated based on the measured spectrum. For each characterizing value, a goodness of fit of the measured spectrum to another spectrum used in generating the characterizing value is determined. A wafer-level characterizing value map is generated by applying a regression to the plurality of characterizing values with the plurality of goodnesses of fit used as weighting factors in the regression. A polishing endpoint or a polishing parameter of the polishing apparatus is adjusted based on the wafer-level characterizing map, and the substrate or a subsequent substrate is polished in the polishing apparatus with the adjusted polishing endpoint or polishing parameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a slurry distribution system having a distribution tube connected between a mixing tank and a CMP tool. The mixing tank is configured to generate a polishing mixture comprising a diluted slurry having abrasive particles that enable mechanical polishing of a workpiece. The polishing mixture is transported between the mixing tank and a CMP tool by way of a transport piping. An energy source, in communication with the transport piping, transfers energy to the abrasive particles within the polishing mixture, thereby preventing accumulation of the abrasive particles within the transport piping.

Abstract: A polishing pad auxiliary plate including: a lower auxiliary plate overlapping a top surface of a rotating surface plate of a polishing device; a first adhering member adhering the lower auxiliary plate to the rotating surface plate; an upper auxiliary plate with a pad support surface on which the polishing pad is overlapped and adhered, while overlapping a top surface of the lower auxiliary plate; a second adhering member adhering the upper auxiliary plate to the lower auxiliary plate; and an alignment member for mutually aligning the lower and upper auxiliary plates and matching center axes thereof. By removing the upper auxiliary plate from the lower auxiliary plate, the polishing pad is removed from the rotating surface plate while being adhered to the pad support surface of the upper auxiliary plate, and the removed upper auxiliary plate is reattached and aligned to the lower auxiliary plate by the alignment member.

Abstract: A knife having a hook incorporated into the blade for skinning, wherein the hook is a belly hook that is positioned on the belly side or under side of the knife opposite a finger guard area. Methods of the using the knife include steps for using the cutting edge to cut and using the hook to cut by pressure applied away from the user's body.

Abstract: A shoulder blade removal device of bone-in meat includes: a bottom holder which is configured to be in contact with a lower side of the bone-in meat such that the lower side of the bone-in meat is lifted upward and moved in a horizontal direction; a support member for bending the bone-in meat in cooperation with the bottom holder such that an end of the shoulder blade; and a chuck unit attached to a robot arm and gripping the tip part of the shoulder blade in cooperation with the robot arm. The chuck unit includes: a base member fixed to the robot arm; a grip member; and a lock member supported by the base member such that the lock member can be advanced or retracted toward or away from the lateral plate part, the lock member pinching the shoulder blade in cooperation with the lateral plate part.

Abstract: A coin sorting device comprising a housing and a first rotary disc in the housing and rotatingly drivable by a rotary drive for receiving coins to be sorted with different diameters, the first rotary disc is surrounded by a guide wall and a coin discharge area delimited by a wall section, coins on the first rotary disc arrive at a coin conveyor track connecting to the coin discharge area, a conveying device is provided for conveying coins, wherein the coin conveyor track is delimited by a guide edge, and wherein at least one opening is provided to the coin discharge area and/or along and/or next to the coin discharge track, through which the coins travel to an area below the first rotary disc, at least one additional rotary disc rotatingly drivable by a rotary drive is arranged below the first rotary disc.

Abstract: A coin processing device includes a rotating member that has an annular rib provided annularly along a circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion, which transports a coin upon a transport path using a cutout portion formed upon a lower portion of the annular rib. An open position intersects the annular rib. An opening and closing member, when positioned at the open position, is positioned adjacent to the annular rib in a radial direction of the rotating member so as to allow rotation of the rotating member.

Abstract: A ventilator (10) is disclosed which includes a ventilator intake hood (11), a pressure relief valve block (12), and a nozzle plate (13). The pressure relief valve block includes a field of pressure relief valves (19) positioned within air channels (20). The nozzle plate includes a field of fourteen nozzles (22) which are aligned with an air channel of the block. Each nozzle defines an interior passage (23) which tapers inwardly as it extends outwardly along the direction of airflow. The nozzles accelerate the airflow so that moisture within the air entering the cooled enclosure does not immediately freeze upon the adjoining enclosure to form an ice block.

Abstract: A windrow door assembly for controlling a direction of flow of crop residue expelled from a combine is disclosed. The window door assembly may generally include a door panel extending between a first end and a second end. The door panel may be moveable between a closed position, wherein the crop residue being expelled from the combine is directed along the door panel into a spreader of the combine, and an opened position, wherein the crop residue is directed along the door panel towards a rear opening of the combine. In addition, the windrow door assembly may include a deflector panel rotatably coupled to the door panel. The deflector panel may be configured to alter the direction of flow of the crop residue when the door panel is in the opened position.

Abstract: A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game is provided. The video game processing apparatus determines whether a predetermined command is received at least a predetermined number of times when a predetermined period of time is measured from a time when a time measuring start condition is satisfied. A specific process corresponding to the fact that the predetermined command is received for the predetermined number of times is carried out when the predetermined command is received the predetermined number of times. In this case, it is confirmed whether a reception number reaches the reception upper limit number when the predetermined command is received, and it is determined that the predetermined command is received when the reception number does not reach the reception upper limit number.

Abstract: A gaming system and device, operable upon a wager, has a plurality of outcome systems. In one embodiment, the initial outcome system has one or more initial outcome generators, and the secondary outcome system has an intersection evaluation and grid outcomes.

Abstract: A gaming system having a first skill, partial skill, or pseudo skill based game having a plurality of individually activatable designated components and a plurality of second chance based games each respectively associated with a different one of the individually activatable components of the skill based game. When each designated component of the first game is activated through one or player inputs, a corresponding chance based game associated with that designated component is activated. Each chance based game randomly determines whether the player wins an award. In one embodiment, the likelihood of activating each designated component is different and the chance based game associated with each different designated component is different.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which receives a wager amount on a play of a primary game, outputs an audio/video programming clip in association with the wagered on play of the primary game, tracks occurrences of at least one designated event outputted in association with the audio/video programming clip, determines if a quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event outputted is at least equal to a designated quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event, the designated quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event being at least two, and when the quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event is at least equal to the designated quantity, causes an occurrence of one selected from the group consisting of: a trigger of a secondary game and a generation of a negative outcome.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which: (a) for a first play of a game of a gaming session: determines one of a plurality of different outcomes, displays the determined outcome, determines any award associated with the determined outcome, displays any determined award, and outputs a first audio/video programming clip, the first audio/video programming clip including content associated with a first point in time of an event, and (b) for a second, subsequent play of the game of the gaming session: determines one of the plurality of different outcomes, displays the determined outcome, determines any award associated with the determined outcome, displays any determined award, and outputs a second, different audio/video programming clip, the second audio/video programming clip including content associated with a second, subsequent point in time of the event.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive primary wagers and secondary wagers. The systems and methods may bank a portion of a multiplier for future utilization.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a game including a path of different symbol display positions. The gaming system generates one or more symbols (and/or one or more awards) at one or more of the symbol display positions of a matrix or grid. The gaming system then randomly forms a path including a plurality of the symbol display positions and determines an award for the player based on which symbol display positions are included in the formed path.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU displays a difficulty level setting screen on a second LCD prior to a start of the virtual game. On the difficulty level setting screen, a player sets a difficulty level so as to be higher or lower than an initial value by using coins that a player character obtains by playing a virtual game. For example, in a case that the difficulty level is high, the virtual game is made difficult, but a possibility of obtaining a rare item is made high. On the other hand, in a case that the difficulty level is low, the virtual game is made easy, but a possibility of obtaining a rare item is made low.

Abstract: A method for tracking an event of an externally controlled interface (ECI) is described. The method includes generating the externally controlled interface independent of an outcome of a wager-based game regulated by a regulatory authority, and logging the event of the externally controlled interface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for facilitating the funding of gaming and preferably the purchase of gaming vouchers (slot vouchers) with commercial bank cards and/or with casino and/or new credit accounts (private label and/or affiliate/Networking permanent or temporary) and/or the prompting of opening of a new credit account, including an automated kiosk located on a gaming floor proximate to gaming machines but separate from particular gaming machines, and including method and apparatus for the purchase and redemption of vouchers at a gaming table, including reading and printing equipment in communication with a voucher host; also including a prompt to open new a gaming oriented line of credit, associated with a refusal of an EFT transaction, preferably a credit/debit card cash advance request, and including a preferred gaming oriented credit card account and card (private label and/or affiliate/Networking permanent or temporary) (including a patron selection coded card) having cash advance limits commensurate with

Abstract: A gaming system and method is disclosed which provides variable payback or hold amounts for a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. The gaming system includes a central controller that changes at least one aspect of the game to provide a variable payback or hold for a gaming device in the gaming system. The gaming system includes a plurality of different paytables or award sequences each having a different average expected payback. The gaming system selects one of the paytables or award sequences for the game based on a player ranking assigned to each player. The player ranking is associated with a player tracking status obtained through a suitable player tracking system. The selection of one of the paytables or award sequences and its associated average expected payback is based on the player ranking (i.e., the player tracking status) of the player.

Abstract: A gaming system and method for use in one or more casino establishments for offering a secondary game initiated after a loss. The gaming machine and method are offered on electronic gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines, but may also be deployed in other forms such as on a general purpose computing device in stand-alone form or connected to a network such as the internet.

Abstract: A system apparatus and method which provides a player of a gaming system the ability to modify the wager of a future play of the gaming system. The system apparatus and method may also allow a player of the gaming system to exchange the ability to modify a future wager for a reduced amount of cashable credits. A system apparatus and method which provides a player of a non-wagering or social gaming system the ability to modify a future offer to play the non-wagering or social gaming system is also contemplated.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for rewarding players of games of chance, including, for example, a lottery-type game or a casino game. Individuals are provided the opportunity to earn extra rewards by forming teams or special groups of individuals; the team or special group must perform a particular task to obtain the extra reward. Such methods may help to maintain or increase the interest of a frequent lottery or game player, may provide a new or different incentive to attract new players, and may offer a means for a game operator to differentiate its player's club or rewards program from those of other operators. These organizations may include bingo hall operators (such as churches, senior centers, and charitable organizations), lottery agencies (such as those of United States of America state governments, or multi-state agencies), and on-line and/or land-based casinos.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game having a paytable selection feature which may be implemented with a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. In one embodiment, the gaming device employs an initial paytable and enables a player pay a fee to purchase a different paytable for a plurality of plays of the game. If the player chooses to purchase a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for a plurality of plays of the game and provides any awards based on the different paytable. If the player does not choose to select a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for each of those plays and provides any awards based on the initial paytable. In one embodiment, the player has the opportunity to see the different paytable prior to paying the fee to purchase it.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods of placing real-world wagers, obtaining outcomes of the real-world wagers, facilitating user interactions with various interactive media, and revealing the outcomes of the real-world wagers using guaranteed and partner promotion reveals 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. The system may provide guaranteed reveals that may guarantee a payout of some value (e.g., the outcome of a real-world wager). The system may provide reveals that are tied to promotions from the partner promotions provider. For example, the system may provide a reveal that includes a promotional coupon or other value from a retailer. The promotional coupon may be provided as a bonus and/or a consolation.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods of providing an integrated wagering and interactive media platform. The system may allow various types of third party interactive media providers such as video game publishers (including smartphone and tablet game publishers, console game publishers, etc.), video and other multimedia download or streaming services, and others to access outcomes of real-world wagers associated with users so that the outcomes may be revealed in association with interactive media. Other types of systems may also access the reveal mechanisms to reveal outcomes of real-world wagers such as, for example, retail systems, kiosks, vending machines, and/or other user touch points that can identify a user, obtain wager outcomes from the system, and provide the wager outcomes to the user. Furthermore, in-house developed games and other interactive media may use the reveal mechanisms described herein to reveal outcomes of real-world wagers associated with the user.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for providing a game is disclosed, including memory (2) for storing data indicative of a game credit value (3), an input device (4) responsive to an input message from one of a plurality of input terminals (7) for providing a game credit value adjustment message, a controller (9) for adjusting the game credit value in response to the game credit value adjustment message, and a game trigger device (10) selectively operable to generate a game trigger message for causing the game to be executed using at least a portion of the game credit value as a stake value.

Abstract: A gaming system that executes a web browser to display games produced by the at least one server, take over processing from the web browser using a plug-in for the web browser upon detection of a predetermined player interaction with the web browser, carries out a game transaction, using the plug-in for the web browser, including a game bet and an amount wagered for each game played, commits each game transaction, using the plug-in for the web browser, by sending at least the game bet and the amount wagered to the at least one server and to receive a validation transaction corresponding to the committed game transaction back from the at least one server, and relinquishes control, using the plug-in for the web browser, back to the web browser upon receipt of the validation transaction from the at least one server.

Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes a respective current position of each of one or more game objects (e.g., billiard game objects) in relation to a playing surface (e.g., a playing surface of a billiard table) defining a boundary of a field of play of a game involving use of the one or more game objects in the field of play. A graphical interface image is displayed on the playing surface. Whether the position data in relation to the displayed graphical interface image satisfies an input instruction predicate is determined. In response to a determination that the position data satisfies the input instruction predicate, the input instruction is executed on a machine.

Abstract: A system for allowing an alternative action in a virtual world may include a processor and a module operable on the processor for allowing an alternative action in a virtual world in response to a request for an original action for an avatar of a user being unavailable in the virtual world. A queue stores the request in response to the original action being unavailable. Another module may determine if an alternative action is available for the avatar in response to the original action being unavailable. A further module may present an interface to permit the user to accept the alternative action. The avatar is permitted to perform the alternative action in response to the user accepting the alternative action while the request for the original action is still in the queue.

Abstract: A game system includes a game device and a terminal device. The game device obtains operation data representing an operation on the terminal device. Moreover, the game device generates a first game image and second game images based on a game process based on the operation data. The first game image is output to, and displayed on, a television separate from the terminal device. The second game image is wirelessly transmitted to, and displayed on, the terminal device. The game device calculates an attitude of the terminal device based on data output from an inertia sensor of the terminal device, and switches between second game images in accordance with the attitude of the terminal device.

Abstract: A wearable display device, system and method are described. The display system includes a wearable display to be worn by a person; a display buffer to receive display data from a graphics engine, which data includes data regarding position of a wearer in a virtual environment; a display processor unit to process vision direction data using the display data from the graphics engine, wherein the display processor unit sends the display data to the wearable display. In an example, the display system is a component to a gaming system or environment.