| 19th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 44 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20110111792 | System and method for effectively implementing a composite antenna for a wireless transceiver device - A system and method for implementing a wireless transceiver device includes a composite antenna that is configured to include both a low-frequency antenna and a high-frequency antenna that are connected in a series configuration. The composite antenna is supported by an integrated circuit that includes a low-frequency circuit, a high-frequency circuit, and an impedance matching circuit. The low-frequency circuit supports low-frequency communications over the low-frequency antenna without high-frequency suppression from the high-frequency circuit or high-frequency antenna. The high-frequency circuit supports simultaneous high-frequency communications over the high-frequency antenna without low-frequency suppression from the low-frequency circuit or low-frequency antenna. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111793 | Devices, Systems and Methods for Identification Through a Mobile Device - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to a smart cover for a mobile communications device. The smart cover includes a housing plate, a secure element coupled to the housing plate, a transceiver in communication with the secure element, and an antenna coupled to the transceiver. The transceiver and the antenna are coupled to the housing plate as well. The housing plate couples to the mobile communications device to provide protection for electronics in the mobile communications device, to make the mobile communications device more aesthetically pleasing, etc. A user having a mobile communications device with a smart cover may enter secure areas, pay funds from an account, or anything else requiring positive identification. The user holds the mobile communications device up to a smart cover reader. The smart cover reader communicates with the smart to cover to identify the user. The user may allow others to use the smart cover by decoupling the smart cover from the user's mobile communications device and coupling it to the other's mobile communications device. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111794 | MEDICATION INJECTION SITE AND DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM - A medication injection site is provided that includes a medication port and an identification sensor. The medication injection site, when coupled to a medication container, can wirelessly transmit data characterizing the contents of the medication container to a remote data collection system. The housing of the medication injection site has a shape and size enabling it to be held by a first hand of a user while the user administers medication from the medication container via the medication port using his or her second hand. The housing can include a disposable sub-housing and a reusable sub-housing such that the reusable sub-housing is used by many patients. In some implementations, the medication injection site can be placed on an IV drip line. Related apparatus, systems, and kits are also disclosed. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111795 | MOBILE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING BROADCAST IN MOBILE TERMINAL - A mobile terminal and a method for controlling broadcast in a mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal extracts broadcast guide receiving associated information for receiving broadcast guide information corresponding to a specific data type selected by a user from broadcast guide receiving associated information and receives broadcast guide information corresponding to the selected specific data type by using the extracted broadcast guide receiving associated information. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111796 | End-User Platform Having an Integral Basin to Operationally and Physically Receive a Portable Cellular-Telephony Transceiver - An apparatus comprises at least a first display, an end-user input interface, and a control circuit that operably couples to both this first display and this end-user input interface. The apparatus can further comprise a housing that houses these components. By one approach this housing also has a basin formed therein. This basin is of sufficient size to at least substantially fully receive a portable cellular-telephony transceiver (where, for example, this portable cellular-telephony transceiver has its own display and its own end-user input interface). | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111797 | PORTABLE TELEPHONE EQUIPPED WITH KEY BACKLIGHTS AND INFORMATION NOTIFICATION METHOD USING KEY BACKLIGHTS - A portable telephone includes key backlight light-emitting units | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111798 | REGISTRATION METHOD OF REFERENCE GESTURE DATA, DRIVING METHOD OF MOBILE TERMINAL, AND MOBILE TERMINAL THEREOF - The present invention relates to a reference gesture registering method, a mobile terminal ( | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111799 | Systems and Methods for Predicting Battery Drain Time Caused by Smartphone Applications - Predicting battery drain time that would be caused by a new application being considered for a smartphone. The battery drain time prediction is based on the type of smartphone and type of battery, the battery age, and hardware subunit usage levels. The system may provide a watchdog service for monitoring and storing data of user's smartphone which may then be used to create a user profile. Upon receiving a request for a battery drain time prediction, the system matches the profile of the user's smartphone with an existing profile in the repository having pre-installation and post-installation data for the application being considered. The matching user profile can be used to predict battery drain time that will be caused by the new application. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111800 | Cellular Phone Memory Card With Voice Activated Component - The present invention is a cellular phone card used in combination with a user's and a user's cellular phone. The cellular phone card includes a voice activated component that includes a voice receiver to receive the user's voice commands and instructions and a voice converting unit that receives and converts the user's voice commands and instructions into an electronic signal transmitted over a bus to a processing unit to process and execute the user's voice commands and instructions. There is also memory storage with operating software to store data and run any of the user's voice commands and instructions associated with the cellular phone card. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111801 | CONNECTOR FOR CONNECTING AT LEAST ONE OUTPUT DEVICE TO A RENDERING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONNECTIONS - The present invention relates to a connector for connecting at least one output device ( | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111802 | PORTABLE DATA CARRIER COMPRISING A CAT INTERPRETER - The invention relates to a method on a portable data carrier ( | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111803 | RADIO BASE STATION DEVICE - A radio base station device | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111804 | Tower top amplifier directly and detachably attached to antenna - Disclosed is a tower top amplifier directly and detachably attached and electrically connected to an antenna of a base station for mobile communication. The tower top amplifier includes a tower top amplifying unit ( | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111805 | SYNTHESIZED AUDIO MESSAGE OVER COMMUNICATION LINKS - A communication device establishes an audio connection with a far-end user via a communication network. The communication device receives text input from a near-end user, and converts the text input into speech signals. The speech signals are transmitted to the far-end user using the established audio connection while muting audio input to its microphone. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111806 | MOBILE TERMINAL AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A method for controlling a mobile terminal, and which includes receiving, via an input unit, a selection signal indicating a selection of a predetermined button among multiple predetermined buttons on the mobile terminal, in which the multiple predetermined buttons corresponding to different preset functions executed on the mobile terminal; capturing, via a camera included on the mobile terminal, a preview image of an object upon receiving the selection signal; recognizing, via a controller included on the mobile terminal, a character string included in the captured preview image; and performing, via the controller, a preset function using the recognized character string and that corresponds to the selection of the predetermined button. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111807 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND FLAT DISPLAY MODULE - Disclosed is electronic device including a case body including a front surface side portion of the case body and a rear surface side portion of the case body; a flat display module accommodated in the case body; a conductive layer formed on an internal wall of one of the front surface side portion of the case body and the rear surface side portion of the case body, the internal wall being around a contact portion of both portions of the case body; a circuit board having electrical components mounted thereon; and a ground means that electrically connects the conductive layer to a GND of the circuit board. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111808 | MOBILE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE TO DISPLAY CLOSED CAPTIONS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A mobile wireless communications device includes a display, at least one input device, and a processor. The processor is connected to the display and at least one input device, and is configured to display on the display video from at least one video media file, the at least one video media file also having closed captions associated with the video. The processor is further configured to display on the display closed captions with a position thereof being selectable responsive to the at least one input device. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111809 | MOBILE TELEPHONE - Provided is a mobile telephone which can easily be found when called in case the mobile telephone is placed on a desk or a floor. An image display plane of a display ( | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111810 | MOBILE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WITH REDUCED MICROPHONE NOISE FROM RADIO FREQUENCY COMMUNICATIONS CIRCUITRY - A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and circuit board in the housing and having radio frequency (RF) circuitry and a power amplifier and microphone mounted thereon. An antenna is carried within the housing and operative with the RF circuitry. An RF shield surrounds and isolates the microphone from the RF circuitry, power amplifier and antenna and shields the microphone from radiated energy generated from the RF circuitry, antenna or power amplifier. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111811 | MOBILE PHONE POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT - A mobile phone power supply circuit for a mobile phone, including a super capacitor, a photovoltaic module, a comparator, a battery power source, and a single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) switch. The photovoltaic module buffers solar power in the super capacitor. The comparator compares voltage of the super capacitor and a reference voltage and outputs a control signal according to the comparison. The SPDT switch selects either the super capacitor or the battery power source to supply power to the mobile phone according to the control signal. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111812 | SWING TYPE COVER OPENING AND CLOSING DEVICE FOR MOBILE PHONE - According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a swing-type cover opening and closing device for a mobile phone, in which in which the mobile phone that is composed of a main body and a cover and where a hollow shaft formed in the cover is pivotably supported on the main body to pivot the cover in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around the hollow shaft, includes: i) a fixation plate that is fixed to one side of the main body in correspondence with the hollow shaft, and includes a through-hole through which the hollow shaft passes and a ring-shaped protrusion integrally formed on the periphery of the through-hole; ii) a rotating body that has a disk shape with a hollow space, is pivotably joined to the ring-shaped protrusion, and is locked to the cover with the hollow shaft fitting in the hollow space; iii) a cover member that includes a support hole corresponding to the hollow space and is joined to the fixation plate while supporting the outer periphery of the rotating body through the support hole; and iv) an elastic unit of which both ends are pivotably joined to the fixation plate and the rotating body, respectively, to provide elastic force to the rotating body by rotation of the rotating body through the cover. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111813 | TERMINAL AND SLIDING APPARATUS OF TERMINAL - A terminal may include a first body, a second body connected to the first body, and a sliding apparatus to operate the first body and the second body between a first position in which the second body is disposed on the first body, and a second position in which the second body is inclined with respect to the first body. The sliding apparatus may include a connection body having a first end connected to the first body and a second end connected to the second body, and an operator to semi-automatically operate the second body relative to the first body between the first position and the second position. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111814 | MOBILE WIRELESS DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED ANTENNA AND AUDIO TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHODS - A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, a circuit board carried by the portable housing, a wireless communications circuit carried by the circuit board, and an audio circuit carried by the circuit board. The device may further include an antenna assembly including an antenna carrier frame coupled to the circuit board and defining a cavity therein, and at least one antenna element carried on the carrier frame and coupled to the wireless communications circuit. The device may also include an audio output transducer carried within the cavity of the antenna carrier frame and coupled to the audio circuit. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111815 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FANTASY MIXED MARTIAL ARTS GAME - Embodiments for a system and method for establishing a plurality of MMA fantasy leagues to a plurality of participants utilizing an automated web-based platform are disclosed. In each embodiment, participants register into the web-based platform in order to create or join a fantasy league organized to play an MMA fantasy fighter game in accordance with game rules, including scoring metrics based on the outcomes of real-world MMA fight events; holding period, transactional (add/drop), or fight quantity restrictions; a predefined course of time; and a predefined method of victory. Participants can draft fighters from real-world MMA fighters to create fantasy teams. Depending on embodiment, league winners may be determined by total points scored throughout the season or just during a final playoff period. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111816 | METHOD AND SOFTWARE FOR MAKING NUMBER PLACE PUZZLES - A method and computer software are provided for making number place puzzles. Numbers and unknown are represented by variables that are assigned values such as in a plurality of nested loops. Instructions within each loop limit access to embedded loops until all assigned values form a valid solution. When some of the variables are pre-assigned values to create a number place puzzle, the output will be all valid solutions, if any. Multiple solutions provide information that assists in modifying the pre-assigned values to obtain a single solution. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111817 | Game apparatus and method of play for manual or computer application - A game apparatus for play by at least two players, having game pieces that are manually rotated in at least four slideably mounted, apertured slats, each having at least four apertures with a rotating game piece, and a base assembly for slideably mounting the slats, such that the slats can be moved, and the game pieces rotated in the apertures, at the option of each of the players who take turns in playing the game. The game pieces are generally grouped in two different colors. The number of slats are generally the same as the number of apertures, and are preferably four or eight in number. The method of play by two players of apparatus involves each of the players taking turns that are selected from two possible moves: rotating a game piece in one of the apertures on one of the slats or linearly displacing one of the slats one stop. The game commences with all pieces on the board rotated to a neutral color, and with no home area for determining opening and winning of the game. A winner is determined when a player has a predetermined number of game pieces in a predetermined arrangement, generally four or eight in a row, or in a diamond or other configuration and where the configuration is not a home area. Also included is a virtual game board in which the game is controlled by a computer or group of computers as well as on the Internet. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111818 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME HAVING A DYNAMIC AWARD SCHEME - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide gaming systems, gaming devices and methods which have casual games with dynamic award schemes. Each game has a designated number of elements such as positions, moveable elements, or the combination of positions and moveable elements. For each play of the wagering game, the gaming system: receives a wager from a player; determines a number of the designated number of elements which will function as or be designated as payout elements; determines which of the designated number of elements to make the payout elements; for each payout element, determines the payout value associated with that payout element; and (e) determines a game ending condition. The gaming system enables the player to play the wagering game in accordance with the predetermined rules of the wagering game. This includes enabling the player to employ the elements until the game ending condition occurs. For each payout element, if the payout element is employed in that play of the wagering game in a designated manner in accordance with the predetermined rules of the wagering game, the gaming system provides the player the payout value associated with that payout element. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111820 | GAMING SYSTEMS, GAMING DEVICES AND METHODS HAVING TIME BASED GAMES AND MAGNITUDES ASSOCIATED WITH WAGERING EVENTS IN THE TIME BASED GAMES - A gaming system receives a total wager for a game session which occurs over a designated period of time. The game session includes a plurality of different wagering events. Each of the wagering events is associated with one of a plurality of different magnitudes. For each of the plurality of different wagering events, the gaming system determines: a portion of the total wager amount, and a wager by modifying the determined portion by the magnitude associated with that wagering event. The gaming system causes the wagering event to occur, determines at least one outcome for the wagering event, determines any awards based on the determined wager and the at least one determined outcome, and provides any of the determined awards to the player. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111821 | Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance - A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a dice game in which the result is revealed. In another example, the dice game is coupled with a second level game in which at least a portion of the result is revealed. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111822 | Spinner game of chance and skill - A game of chance and skill whereby players deposit credits in exchange for the ability to spin at least one rotatable spinning mechanism. The spinning mechanism rotates through a plurality of zones assigned varying numeric, alphabetic or symbolic values. In a preferred embodiment, the player is able to exert limited control over both the positive and negative acceleration of the spinning mechanism within predetermined parameters. When the spinning mechanism ceases to spin, the player is awarded the value assigned to the zone identified by the spinning mechanism. The player may then continue play in the same manner, redeem earned value, or exchange the same for a chance to spin a second more advantageous spinning mechanism. Progressive redemption rates encourage continued play. Various game limitations may apply to control length and duration of play. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111823 | Gaming Machine with Special Symbols that Change Other Symbols - In one embodiment, a base game played on a gaming machine may be a conventional 5×4 video reel-type game, where awards are granted for winning symbol combinations in the base game. If a bonus trigger has occurred, a number of free games are awarded. The symbols on the reel strips are then changed to at least include directional wild symbols, where wild symbols are associated with one of a variety of directions such as up, down, left-down-diagonally, right, etc. Obtaining such a directional wild symbol during a free game causes all symbols along that direction to be converted to a wild symbol. Overlapping wild symbols also act as award multipliers. Awards are then granted based on the symbol combinations and multipliers. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111824 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN INCREMENTAL WAGERING GAME - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming device which enables a player to purchase the game in stages or increments. The gaming device enables the player to place a first wager for a play of the game. After receiving the first wager, the gaming device randomly generates and displays a first outcome. The gaming device evaluates the displayed first outcome to determine whether the displayed outcome includes any winning symbol combinations. The gaming device provides the player with any awards associated with any determined winning symbol combinations. After providing the player with any awards based on the displayed first outcome, the gaming device offers the player the opportunity to make a second wager for the play of the game. If the second wager is placed, the gaming device generates and displays the second outcome, while the first outcome remains displayed. The gaming device evaluates the displayed second outcome in combination with the displayed first outcome to determine whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed. The gaming device provides the player with any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations. If the player chooses not to make the second wager for the play of the game, the play of the game terminates. In this manner, the present disclosure enables a player to decide when to continue building on an outcome that is good and when to stop the play of the game. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111825 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME INCLUDING SHIFTING SYMBOLS ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONAL INDICATORS - The disclosed gaming system displays an arrangement of symbols including a plurality of symbol positions. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a randomly generated symbol in each symbol position. One or more of the symbols are displayed as associated with a directional indicator indicating a shift direction for that symbol. If any winning symbol combination is displayed, the gaming system shifts at least one symbol within the symbol matrix according to the directional indicator associated with that symbol, such as by shifting the symbol as designated distance in the shift direction indicated by the symbol's directional indicator. In one embodiment, the gaming system removes one or more symbols in the shift path of a shifting symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming system generates and displays new symbols in the then-empty symbol positions of the symbol matrix and repeats the determination, shifting, and generation. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111826 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SYMBOL COMBINATIONS WITH DYNAMIC AWARDS - The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of symbol combinations that are each associated with a dynamic award. Such dynamic awards increase based, at least in part, on one or more random events which occur in association with one or more plays of a game. In one embodiment, the gaming system increases the dynamic award of a designated symbol combination based on the random generation of another, different symbol combination. In this embodiment, if the gaming system randomly generates the other symbol combination, the gaming system: (i) provides any award associated with this other symbol combination, and (ii) increases the dynamic award of the designated symbol combination. Additionally, if the gaming system randomly generates the designated symbol combination, the gaming system provides to a player the dynamic award of the designated symbol combination. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111827 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME IN WHICH PLAYERS POSITION SELECTORS WITHIN A FIELD OF SELECTIONS BASED ON VALUES MASKED BY THE SELECTIONS - A gaming system displays a plurality of spaced-apart selections each associated with a masked award. One or more selectors are each associated with one or more players, and are visible to each player. The selectors are moveable amongst the spaced-apart selections based on a plurality of player inputs. For a play of the game, the players provide inputs to move the selectors amongst the spaced-apart selections. During such movement, the gaming system temporarily reveals the award associated with any spaced-apart selection in the vicinity of any selector to at least one player, such as the player whose selector is near the selection. After the play of the game has ended (e.g., based on an amount of elapsed time), the gaming system provides awards to the players based on the ending positions of the one or more selectors with respect to the plurality of spaced-apart selections. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111828 | GAMING SYSTEMS, GAMING DEVICES AND METHODS WITH VOLATILITY CONTROL GAMES - Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods that provide games that control volatility. In one embodiment, the gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to select values, or cells associated with values, that are displayed in a particular arrangement. The player selected values are distributed to other values or cells according to one or more predefined rules. In one embodiment, one or more of the player selectable values are progressive award values. At some point during the game, the gaming system randomly picks one of the remaining values that have not been selected and provides an award to the player based at least in part on the selected value. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111829 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming at a gaming machine. The method includes designating a symbol display position of a plurality of symbol display positions as having a bonus symbol set applying to it for a game round, and selecting and displaying a symbol from the bonus symbol set at the designated symbol display position. The method also includes selecting symbols for display at the other symbol display positions from a base symbol set independently of the selection of the symbol from the bonus symbol set, and evaluating the symbols displayed at the plurality of symbol display positions to determine whether to make an award for the game round. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111830 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PLAYING A GAME - In a gaming apparatus, a player places a wager and plays a game. A game controller determines an outcome for the game and controls a display to represent the game outcome. If the game outcome is a winning game outcome, the game controller controls the display to display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of spaces on a game board. Primary winning combinations are indicated and corresponding prizes are awarded before clearing those symbols from the game board. The remaining symbols are then redistributed and prizes for any secondary winning combinations may be indicated and awarded. The process of clearing the symbols, redistributing and determining winning combinations may continue for a predetermined number of redistributions, until all the symbols have been cleared, or until no more winning combinations are formed. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111831 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PLAYING AN INTERSECTING SYMBOL GAME - In a gaming apparatus, a player places a wager and plays a game. A gaming controller determines an outcome for the game and controls a display to represent the game outcome. If the game outcome is a winning game outcome, the display displays symbols from a first set of symbols, such as musical notes and symbols from a set of award symbols, such as credit symbols, multiplier symbols, etc. The display depicts movement of the musical notes and/or award symbols to create intersections between the musical notes and award symbols, with the intersections representing awards earned by the player for the game outcome. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111832 | GAMING MACHINE - When a predetermined amount of credits have been inserted into a slot machine, the game mode is switched from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode according to the player's input operation via a touch panel. In the insurance mode, determination is made whether or not the amount of bet credits matches the maximum bet amount. When determination has been made that the amount of bet credits matches the maximum bet amount, the number of games is counted after switching of the game mode to the insurance mode. When the counted number of games reaches a predetermined number, a predetermined amount of credits is paid out. Furthermore, in this case, only in a case where determination has been made that the amount of credits bet on the game matches the maximum bet amount, the difference between the counted number of games and the predetermined number is displayed. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111833 | Electronic gaming system - The present invention relates to a gaming system for providing a random number, comprising a touch screen, and a control unit connected to the touch screen, wherein the control unit is configured to identify a user movement on the touch screen corresponding to an activation signal for generating a random number, provide the activation signal to a random number generator, receive a random number from the random number generator, and display the random number on the touch screen, wherein the random number generator is an externally arranged hardware random number generator configured to receive a gambling device for generating the random number. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111834 | METHOD OF PLAYING A GAME AND COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FOR PLAYING THE GAME - A computer based game is played in a plurality of rounds on a matrix having a plurality of cells typically forming a rectangular matrix. A plurality of tokens is generated with each token defining a first indicator and a second indicator. The user places at least one of the tokens into one of the unoccupied cells of the matrix. When the user requests a new round, each token on the matrix is temporarily locked to its cell. An award is awarding based on the positional relationship between the indicators of the tokens with respect to one another when the user requests a new round. The tokens may be removed from the matrix based on the positional relationship between the indicators of the tokens with respect to one another. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111835 | RECONCILING PAYBACK PERCENTAGE OF A GAMING DEVICE WITH TRANSFERABLE RETURN - An electronic gaming machine (EGM) is configured to run a persistence game having one or more recordable persistence states transferable to another EGM. The EGM includes a logic system, a computer readable memory including instructions executable by the logic system for running on the EGM a persistence game having persistence states leading to a persistence award redeemable when persistence criteria are satisfied, each persistence state having a persistence value representing a portion of the persistence award, a verification interface configured for determining whether to initiate play of the persistence game at a previously recorded persistence state, a coin-in meter, a coin-out meter, and a theoretical coin-out meter storing in the memory unawarded persistence values accumulated by the machine from advancing the persistence game during game play among the one or more persistence states, and calculating a value for theoretical coin-out as a sum of the accumulated coin-out value and a difference between the persistence value of a current persistence state and the persistence value of a previous persistence state. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111836 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING GAMING PLAYER BEHAVIOR - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to analyzing recorded game information to determine information about a player's behavior. This is accomplished by analyzing the player's actions following a positive increase in credits within credit meter data. This analysis can be utilized in automatically altering a game parameter of the gaming device being played by the player or in providing operators trend information that can be used in modifying the game device or designing future gaming devices. An analysis station may be included in a gaming system using this analysis process to allow an operator to view and manipulate a graphical representation of the credit meter data. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111837 | Gaming System Having Controllable Dynamic Signage - A gaming system comprises a first gaming device displaying a first primary wagering game in response to receipt of a first wager from a first player and a second gaming device displaying a second primary wagering game in response to receipt of a second wager from a second player. The system further comprises a community display having a plurality of display regions thereon, and at least one controller operative to (i) detect activation of a first supplemental feature by the first player, (ii) detect activation of a second supplemental feature by the second player, (iii) determine in which of the plurality of display regions to display the first and second supplemental features in accordance with at least a first rule set, and (iv) display the first and second supplemental features on the community display. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111838 | Thermal Management Systems For Wagering Game Terminals - According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming terminal for playing a wagering game comprises a game cabinet containing an electronics component that is used in conjunction with the wagering game. The electronics component produces heat. An air duct is located within the cabinet. The air duct defines an air-flow passageway. The air duct has an intake port, an outtake port and at least one first vent between the intake port and the outtake port. The intake port is configured to receive air into the air duct and the outtake port is configured to exhaust air out of the game cabinet. The at least one vent receives air heated by the electronics component. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111839 | GAMING MACHINE CHAIR AND WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS AND MACHINES WITH A GAMING CHAIR - Gaming machine chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a gaming chair are presented herein. A gaming chair is disclosed that includes a base, a seat portion supported by the base, and at least one actuator attached to the seat portion to selectively move the seat portion. A movable shroud at least partially circumscribes the base and the actuator(s) to inhibit access thereto. The movable shroud is attached to the actuator(s) for concurrent movement therewith. Optionally, the base may be attached to both the seat portion and the actuator(s). In this instance, the actuator(s) may be pivotably mounted to a chair support structure, whereas the base may lack a direct connection to the chair's support structure. An optional flexible boot at least partially circumscribes the base and the actuator(s). The moveable shroud and flexible boot cooperate to substantially conceal and inhibit access to the base and the actuator(s). | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111840 | Methods of Receiving Electronic Wagers in a Wagering Game Via a Handheld Electronic Wager Input Device - A gaming system for conducting a multi-player wagering game includes a multi-touch table surface that is touched by a handheld electronic wager input device (EWID) carried by a player for placing wagers on a wagering game displayed on the multi-touch table surface. Each EWID carried by a player has an associated unique identification code, linked to the respective player's account. Players indicate an amount to be wagered by touching the EWID to designated wager amount areas, then place the wager by touching the EWID to a designated wagering area. Because each EWID is uniquely associable with distinct player accounts, the gaming system can support any number of players placing wagers. The funds remain safe in the player account and no funds are stored on the EWID. Only the identification code is detected, which is compared with the associated player account before allowing that player to place wagers. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111841 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AN ADVANTAGE TO A PLAYER IN A BONUS GAME - A gaming method includes receiving a wager from a player, displaying an image representative of a primary game, determining if a bonus event trigger has occurred, displaying an image representative of a bonus game, the bonus game including a representation associated with the player and a representation associated with an opponent, the representations each having at least one attribute associated with the bonus game, if the bonus event trigger occurs, and determining a payout associated with an outcome of the bonus game. The method also includes offering the player at least one advantage option, the at least one advantage option affecting at least one of the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the player and the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the opponent. A gaming machines and system may be provided to carry out such a method. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111842 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING A PLAYER TO SIMULTANEOUSLY CONTROL GAME PLAY WITH MULTIPLE GAMING DEVICES - In accordance with at least one embodiment, a gaming system is operable to determine a first gaming device being operated by a player and select a second gaming device to be controlled, via the first gaming device, by the player. In some embodiments, the gaming system is further operable to configure the second gaming device to be controlled via an interface of the first gaming device. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111843 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY GROUPING GAMING DEVICES TO PROVIDE PROGRESSIVE AWARDS - A gaming system enables players of a group of gaming devices to wager on progressive or other awards for that group and tracks an amount of player activity at the group. If player activity of the group exceeds an upper reconfiguration threshold, the gaming system disassociates one or more gaming devices from the group to reduce the amount of player activity. If the player activity of the group falls below a lower reconfiguration threshold, the gaming system associates one or more additional gaming devices with that group to increase player activity. Reallocation of gaming devices can occur following a player winning the award for the group. The system can incrementally increase an award reset amount, while reducing the odds of winning the award, to maintain a desired range of gaming experiences. The system can also enable a player to select an initial groups based on a characteristic of that player. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111844 | PRESENTING AND CONTROLLING PROGRESSIVE WAGERING GAME INFORMATION - A network browser and toolbar objects are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar objects can be on a toolbar that is a part of the network browser. The toolbar objects can indicate information associated with wagering games. Specifically, the toolbar objects can receive and display progressive game content from a progressive wagering game server. The toolbar objects can include progressive jackpot meters, progressive game branding, and other information about the progressive game content. The toolbar objects can also include settings that indicate player preferences regarding the presentation of the progressive game content on the toolbar objects. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111845 | Gaming System Having Banking And Redemption Of Progressive Award Enhancements - A method of operating a wagering game comprises displaying the wagering game and at least one progressive award, receiving a wager to play the wagering game, and upon the occurrence of a first triggering event, offering the at least one progressive award. The method further comprises determining whether or not the at least one progressive award has been accepted, and if the at least one progressive award has not been accepted, banking a progressive enhancement. The method further comprises, upon the occurrence of a second triggering event, applying the progressive enhancement to the at least one progressive award. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111846 | AMUSEMENT POD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER - A method of providing entertainment including providing a game cell bounded by walls comprising, a first video game console system, a screen that interacts with the video game console system and displays images generated by the video game console system, wherein an inside face of at least one wall is decorated with a theme that corresponds to a game playable on the video game console system, checking for the availability of the cell for use by a player, upon availability of the cell, accepting payment from the player for rental of the cell for a period of time, and providing at least one controller to the player for use in the cell, the controller interacting with the video game console system. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111847 | GAMING MACHINE CHAIR AND WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS AND MACHINES WITH A GAMING CHAIR - Gaming machine chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a gaming chair are presented herein. A gaming chair is disclosed that includes a base, a seat portion supported by the base, one or more speaker assemblies, and a backrest assembly. The backrest assembly includes a backrest and a mounting frame. The mounting frame has a polymeric honeycombed body comprising a plurality of ribs that define an array of compartments. Optionally, the mounting frame body has at least one contoured face. The mounting frame is attached to the backrest and speaker assembly, coupling both the backrest and speaker assembly to the base. The mounting frame may be fabricated with numerous fastening regions that are integrally formed with the polymeric body. In this optional configuration, at least some of the fastening regions lie in a respective plane divergent from the other fastening regions. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111848 | Gaming device having a second separate bonusing event - A gaming system wherein a second game is triggered once a specific event occurs in a first game. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111849 | Spatially Aware Mobile Projection - A spatially aware apparatus includes a projector. Projected display contents can change based on the position, motion, or orientation of the apparatus. The apparatus may include gyroscope(s), accelerometer(s), global positioning system (GPS) receiver(s), radio receiver(s), or any other devices or interfaces that detect, or provide information relating to, motion, orientation, or position of the apparatus. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111850 | BONUS TRIGGER SOUNDS BUILDING INTO A SONG - A system and method of playing a multi-track musical composition during a wagering game in which musical tracks are successively added as bonus triggers occur, starting from an introduction portion of the musical composition and culminating in a main theme or chorus of the musical composition. Upon receipt of a wager input at a gaming terminal, a base wagering game is initiated during which several bonus triggers can occur, satisfying eligibility to conduct a bonus game. As each bonus trigger occurs, the musical composition adds a musical track to the introduction being played through audio speakers of the gaming terminal, increasing its instrumentation density to create a richer and denser sound. When the last bonus trigger occurs during the base wagering game, the music launches seamlessly from the introduction that has just been built up into the main theme or chorus of the music, which serves as the accompaniment music for the bonus game. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111851 | COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM HAVING GAME PROGRAM STORED THEREON, GAME APPARATUS, AND GAME CONTROL METHOD - Manual operation means controls a motion of an operation target character in accordance with operation data outputted from an input device. Automatic motion control means controls the motion of the operation target character in accordance with a series of pieces of operation data which are prepared in advance. Game control means performs a first process when a first condition is satisfied as a result of control of the motion of the operation target character by the manual operation means only in a predetermined interval in a game in progress, performs a second process which is different from the first process when a second condition is satisfied, and executes the first when the control of the motion is performed by the automatic motion control means in at least a part of the interval regardless of whichever condition is satisfied. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111852 | TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAYS WITH PHYSICAL BUTTONS FOR GAMING DEVICES - Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems implementing techniques for providing input for playing a game of chance. A gaming machine includes a touch screen display. The touch screen display is configured to display input selections, auxiliary input selections, and auxiliary data. The touch screen display is further configured to receive game input corresponding to the input selections and auxiliary input corresponding to the auxiliary input selections. The received game input and auxiliary input are transmitted to a controller of the gaming machine. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111853 | UNIVERSAL BUTTON MODULE - The present invention relates to a universal button module for use in connection with a machine, including a gaming machine. The universal button module is adaptable to perform particular functions in gaming machines such as controlling the selection of the number of pay lines to play or the number of credits to bet per pay line. Additionally, the universal button module comprises a display button positioned between the first button portion and the second button portion, wherein the display button portion displays information and may be manipulated to activate a function. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111854 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GAMING - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to collect one or more user-generated remarks from each of a plurality of computing devices where the one or more user-generated remarks are temporally associated with media content in the form of a gaming session presented at the plurality of computing devices and present the one or more user-generated remarks as an overlay combined with the gaming session as a presentation to at least a set among the plurality of computing devices. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111855 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING PLAYER INCENTIVES - A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location, where the game has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome, and if the person obtains a winning outcome, requiring the person to redeem the at least one outcome at the gambling location. In one embodiment, the method includes the acts of qualifying a person, and in response to the act of qualifying the person, performing acts of providing an award to the qualified person and inviting the person to visit a gambling location to redeem the award. A method is provided for incentivizing players to return to a gambling location after a previous visit. One aspect relates to a method for providing additional incentives to a frequent player program member to visit a gambling location such as a casino. In one example, the ease of using the Internet or other remote technologies is combined with advantages of a frequent player program to encourage players to return to the casino. A prize may be revealed in an online game, and the prize may need to be redeemed at the location of the casino. In one example game format, the player may be provided game credits to a player to play one or more online games that reveal prizes. The prizes may include, for example, an amount of non-cashable credit that may be used by the player to play one or more games located at the gambling location, thus encouraging player return. Other prizes, such as, for example, complimentary offers and/or promotional prizes may be awarded that can only be redeemed by the player by returning to the gambling location. Further, another aspect relates to providing special incentives for remote entry of casino affiliation or membership cards. The special incentives may include providing a prize or award to frequent player program members that remotely use his or her membership. In one example, the player is provided an indication of winning an incentive during play of an online game. In another example, the player may be required to obtain the winnings at the casino to encourage players to return to the casino. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111856 | Slot machine group tournament management and scoring system - It is a software system to manage the registration and scoring process for running casino-based slot machine tournaments (FIG. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111857 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING A FANTASY SPORTS GAME - A system comprising a processor and computer executable instructions readable by the processor and operative to solicit at least one selection of at least one coach. A system comprising a communications module to solicit at least one selection of at least one coach, and a processor module to determine a coach's score based on at least one action of at least one member of a team. A method comprising using a processor to perform at least a portion of one or more of the following: soliciting at least one selection of at least one coach, monitoring at least one action of at least one member of a team, and determining a coach's score based on the at least one action. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111858 | Gaming Machine and System Having Secondary Game - A gaming system comprises a plurality of gaming machines (EGMs) and a secondary game control section. The secondary game control section is provided with a plurality of data sets having different target investment amount between two triggerings of the secondary game. The secondary game control section is adapted to receive a bet contribution from each of the EGMs and calculate an average bet amount from the received bet contributions. The secondary game control section selects one of the data sets depending on the calculated average bet amount, and determines whether the secondary game is triggered for each bet contribution from the EGMs using the target investment amount associated with the selected one of the data sets and a random number, and if it is determined that the secondary game is triggered, pays out a secondary game award to an EGM of which bet contribution triggered the secondary game. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111859 | Level Server System For Peer-To-Peer Cooperative Games - Methods and systems are described for a multiplayer video game on a peer-to-peer network in which players' game consoles can pass off or accept server or other management responsibilities for individual rooms, levels, or other virtual areas from other game consoles. Each player's game console can be either a ‘level server’ or a ‘level client,’ the level server's responsibilities including spawning and directing non-player characters, tracking objects, and/or conducting other management responsibilities of the room for the level clients. The level server can send updates such as save game states and other level checkpoints to its level clients for the specific virtual area that it manages. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111860 | Gaming Systems Including Viral Gaming Events - Gaming machines and systems are configured to present viral gaming events. Once a viral gaming event is triggered, it is presented at one or more first gaming machines at a first time. The viral gaming events spreads to other gaming machines, such as one or more second gaming machines where it is presented at a later time. The viral gaming event may continue to spread to numerous gaming machines. The viral gaming event may comprise a game or a bonus or secondary event, such as a bonus award event to a base wagering game presented by the gaming machine. Feedback or metrics may be used to control the machines to which the viral gaming event spreads and/or the rate of spread. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111861 | GAMING DEVICE ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED COMPONENTS - A gaming platform for a gaming machine includes a game application having non-shared, executable game objects and game specific information. The game application comprises at least one game manager interface, at least one library routine for receiving commands from the game manager and sending commands to gaming machine drivers, and at least one I/O server comprising a plurality of gaming machine hardware drivers. The gaming platform also includes an operating system having an operating system application and data that are used to provide a plurality of general gaming features, wherein the operating system runs the game application and executes general gaming features in response to requests from the game application. The gaming platform further includes a testing manager in communication with the game manager, wherein the testing manager communicates with an external test client to determine operability of one or more components within the gaming machine. In this embodiment, the game manager interface receives an I/O stream to the game application and communicates with at least one of the library routine, the I/O server, and the operating system to facilitate game application functions. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111862 | MEDIA PROCESSING MECHANISM FOR WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include transmitting game content from a wagering game server to a gaming machine via a network to present a wagering game at the gaming machine for a player, and generating and storing video of one or more rounds of the wagering game. The operations can also include receiving, at the wagering game server via the network, video of the player playing the one or more rounds of the wagering game. The operations can further include combining the video of the one or more rounds of the wagering game with the video of the player playing the one or more rounds of the wagering game, and storing and providing access to the combined video via the network to a player account associated with the player. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111863 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING NETWORKED GAMING DEVICES - Embodiments are described for a system operating a plurality of gaming devices. A central gaming computer having a trusted node daughterboard having operational software is configured to be loaded on a gaming computer, a network coupled to the central gaming computer, and a plurality of gaming computers coupled to the network with each of the plurality of gaming computers including an operational node motherboard operable to load operational software sent from the central gaming computer to affect a change in gameplay in the gaming computer. Upon completion of desired computer processing on the operational node, the trusted node causes the operational node to reboot to remove the pre-boot data and the operating system software from the operational node such that no rewrite functions are performed on the operational node. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111864 | Wagering Game With Shared Outcome Providing Individual Awards To Players - A method for conducting a community wagering game on a plurality of gaming terminals includes conducting base wagering games on the plurality of gaming terminals and triggering a community event in which at least one randomly selected outcome is shared by all participating gaming terminals. Upon triggering the community event, the first gaming terminal is entered in the community event if wagering criteria is met by the first gaming terminal, and a first enhancement is received at the first gaming terminal in accordance with additional wagering criteria being met by the first gaming terminal. Upon triggering the community event, the second gaming terminal is entered in the community event if wagering criteria is met by the second gaming terminal, and a second enhancement is received at the second gaming terminal in accordance with additional wagering criteria being met by the second gaming terminal. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111865 | BACKGROUND MEMORY VALIDATION FOR GAMING DEVICES - Various embodiments are directed to a gaming device including a background memory validation system. The background memory validation system includes a background kernel thread that validates read-only pages on the gaming device. Additionally, the background kernel thread also minimizes potential timing problems because this process only validates page content in memory that is fully-loaded and functional. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111866 | CASHBOX SECURITY MECHANISM AND GAMING MACHINES WITH A CASHBOX SECURITY MECHANISM - Cashbox security mechanisms, gaming machines with a cashbox security mechanism, and methods for securing and removing a portable cashbox from a gaming machine are presented herein. The cashbox security mechanism stores and secures a cashbox, which stows currency received, for example, from a currency processing device. The cashbox security mechanism includes an outer housing, such as a gaming machine cabinet or a substructure mounted inside a cabinet. An inner chassis mates with and retains the cashbox. The inner chassis and a security door are pivotably mounted with respect to the outer housing. The security door and inner chassis are positionable to cooperatively secure the cashbox within the cashbox security mechanism. Likewise, the security door and inner chassis are respositionable to cooperatively define an access chute through which the cashbox is removable from the cashbox security mechanism. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111867 | BALL SPLINE - There is provided a ball spline in which a difference between a P.C.D. of loaded balls and a P.C.D. of circulating balls can be made smaller, without making a spline shaft different in diameter. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111868 | Method for manufacturing fitting including blind nut and tap tool for use in this method - The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a fitting that has a configuration where a fitting plate and a blind nut are integrally formed and also provides a tap tool for use in this method. According to the present invention, performing tap processing to an internal diameter portion to integrally form a portion corresponding to the blind nut, when a tap tool having a protrusion at an end thereof is utilized to be inserted into the bag-like blind hole at a planned part of the blind nut and the tap processing is carried out, the protrusion provided at the end of the tap tool comes into contact with an inner wall at the end of the bag-like blind hole, and a pressed material thereby forms a convex shape on an outer side of the bag-like blind hole. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111869 | SPACER NUT MANUFACTURING METHOD - To provide a spacer nut manufacturing method which uses no NC lathe, which allows machining using existing press working equipment, which involves a low parts supply cost, and which helps to achieve a high production efficiency at a low production cost. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111870 | Amusement Apparatus - An amusement apparatus has a platform with a slot that follows a continuous course including both clockwise and counterclockwise turns, a plurality of cars each supported by respective wheels that ride on the platform, an elongate flexible drive member that translates along a path corresponding to the slot, a plurality of couplers corresponding to the plurality of cars, each respective coupler including a member which couples a corresponding car to the drive member with the couplers allowing the corresponding cars to move away from the slot in opposite directions in response to whipping forces resulting from translational movement of the drive member in clockwise and counterclockwise turns of the path, and springs for the cars that act on the cars to move the cars toward the slot in order to counteract the movement of the car away from the slot as caused by the whipping forces. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111871 | Bumper Boat Amusement Attractions, Methods and Systems and Water Effect Device Usable in Same - An amusement device that is added to a new or existing bumper boat attraction, consisting of a singular or plurality of targets, lights, water effect devices, and a control system or module. The target may be comprised of a mechanical switch, pressure switch, sensor, optical beam, or any other device for detecting a participant signal. When a participant operating a bumper boat, bumps (or sprays if equipped with onboard squirt guns), or enters into the sensor area of pool, a signal is sent to a control module or control system. The control module or system will in turn send a signal to a water effect device, actuating a singular or plurality of valves. The water effect device will be directed over the pool or arena area such that there is a possibility of other participants getting wet. A water effect device may consist of a water cannon, water blast, mist, air assisted mist, dumping of water or water spray. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111872 | Method And Apparatus For Analyzing A Golf Swing - This disclosure relates to a method for analyzing a golf swing, and an associated apparatus for use in the method. More specifically, this disclosure relates generally to a method of analyzing a golf swing by impacting a deformable medium with a golf club head. In the method, a club head impacts the deformable medium, causing the deformable medium to change shape. The change in shape may then be correlated to the value of a swing profile characteristic. Alternatively, the deformable medium may include a sensor, such that the sensor senses a measurement that is correlated to a value of a swing profile characteristic. Also disclosed are a deformable medium and a kit for use in the method. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111873 | CLUB FITTING SYSTEM - A method of determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, comprises providing a first hitting surface and a second hitting surface, the first hitting surface being different from the second hitting surface; providing a test club comprising a data acquisition device; directing the player to swing the test club relative to the first hitting surface, whereby initial information is collected by the data acquisition device; determining whether the initial information collected by the data acquisition device satisfies a pre-set condition; if the condition is satisfied, directing the player to swing the test club relative to the second hitting surface, whereby supplemental information is collected by the data acquisition device; and evaluating the supplemental information collected by the data acquisition device to determine the reference lie angle. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111874 | Orientation Marker For Golf Club Having Releasable And Interchangeable Head And Shaft Connections - A golf club may have an orientation marker located on the golf club that indicates at least a relative orientation between the golf club head and shaft. The orientation marker may be located, for example, on the golf club head or shaft. A key member provides additional information with respect to the relative orientation between the golf club head and the shaft. The key member may be located, for example, on the golf club head, shaft, or grip portion, or on a head cover for the golf club head. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111875 | Golf Alignment Device and Method - A portable, expandable golf training device that can be placed on the ground to provide alignment. The present invention can supply a plurality of light beams produced by lasers or other light sources or a plurality of extendable tapes to provide alignment both in the direction of play and perpendicular to it. The device can be used by placing it on the ground in front of the golfer (between the golfer's feet and the ball. Two lines can project outward perpendicular to the direction of play, and two or four lines can project into and away from the direction of play. These lines provide alignment for the golfer. The tape can be a flat, elongated flexible tape similar to a measuring tape. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111876 | Golf Training System and Method - The training system comprises a base assembly, an upright extension, a chin support member, and a putter. In use, the training system positions the user's overall-body prior to and throughout the execution of a putt, and teaches proper putting technique, thus improving the user's putting accuracy. The chin support engages the chin of the user, preventing movement of the user's head. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111877 | Golf training aid - A golf training aid for practicing and learning to maintain a steady head and keeping the head down during the golf swing. The training aid comprises a ground mounting base which inserts and secures to the natural ground, or an alternative mounting base which allows the golf training aid to be secured to, and be used with, a conventional golf practice mat, an adjustable telescopic tube assembly which fastens to the ground mounting base, and a head rest which attaches to the upper end of the adjustable telescopic tube assembly. In use, the golf training aid is inserted into the ground at an angle in front of the golfer or is secured beneath a conventional golf training mat. The golfer adjusts the training aid to the appropriate height to allow their forehead to gently rest upon the cushioned head rest. The golfer commences to make practice swings. During the swing, any lateral or upward head movement is quickly detected, allowing the golfer to train themselves in correcting the unwanted head movement, and, further allowing the golfer to learn to maintain a steady head and keep their head down during the golf swing. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111878 | SHAFT CAP ASSOCIATED WITH GOLF CLUBS AND METHODS TO MANUFACTURE GOLF CLUBS - A golf club comprising a grip, a shaft having a first end and a second end, with the first end of the shaft having the grip disposed upon it, a shaft cap disposed at the second end of the shaft, and a head having a face portion and a hosel portion with the second end of the shaft having the shaft cap disposed on the shaft coupled to the head. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111879 | Golf Club, Golf Club Head And Golf Club Grip Structures - Golf club, golf club head and/or golf club grip structures include portions formed of a recycled regrind material. For instance, a golf club head, such as a putter head, may include a ball striking surface at least partially formed of regrind. In some examples, the golf club grip, such as a putter grip, may be at least partially formed of the recycled regrind material. For example, the grip may have an interior grip portion formed of regrind to provide a firm, sturdy grip structure, and it may include an exterior portion wrapped around the interior grip portion and formed of a softer material. In other examples, portions of the exterior surface of the grip may be formed of regrind while other portions may be formed of a different material that may, in some examples, be softer than the regrind. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111880 | Golf club grip with an axial seam structure - A single sheet golf club grip comprises a single sheet layer wrapped around and adhered onto a sleeve body of an inner lining sleeve, an inner surface dimension of the sheet layer being longitudinally narrower than an outer surface dimension of the sleeve body to form an axial gap between two axial margins of the sheet layer, an axial seam structure including a seam strip and a plurality of flat binding surfaces along each side of the axial gap between the seam strip and each of the two axial margins to be strong enough to hold a single natural leather sheet to give the grip a soft, firm look and feel for slip resistance, a dense structure for torque resistance, and a durable gripping surface. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111881 | Releasable And Interchangeable Connections For Golf Club Heads And Shafts - Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so they may be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft orientation with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include a shaft adapter and a head adapter. The shaft adapter may have an exterior surface extending along a first axis and a bore having a cross-sectional shape along a second axis configured to attach to a shaft member. The second end of the shaft adapter may have a cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon or a cross-sectional shape defined by splines. The head adapter has a first end and a second end along a first axis and a bore having either a shape of a regular polygon or a cross-sectional shape defined by splines along a second axis that is shaped to receive the second end of the shaft adapter in a plurality of orientations. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111882 | SHAFT FITTING SYSTEM - A method of selecting a preferred golf shaft for a player who uses an existing golf shaft, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may comprise gathering a plurality of empirical data sets, each data set corresponding to an individual golf shaft selected from a plurality of golf shafts; providing a plurality of specification codes, each associated with an individual empirical data set of the plurality of empirical data sets; from the plurality of specification codes, identifying a first specification code associated with the existing golf shaft; gathering feedback associated with the existing golf shaft from the player; and using the feedback to select, from the plurality of specification codes, a second specification code corresponding to the preferred golf shaft. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111883 | GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH GROOVES - The present invention discloses a golf club head having a plurality of grooves. On the face of the golf club head is a first and second plurality of grooves. The second set of plurality of grooves is smaller in width and depth than those of the first set of plurality of grooves. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111884 | Structure of a Golf Club Head or Other Ball Striking Device - Ball striking devices, such as golf club heads (including putter heads), have a high moment of inertia about their center, to help prevent twisting and mis-hits, particularly when the ball striking device hits the ball at a somewhat off-center position. The ball striking head of the ball striking device may be structured and/or weighted (optionally with separately attachable weight elements) to have a moment of inertia about a center of the ball striking surface of at least 10,000 g/cm | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111885 | GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH REPLACEABLE FACE - A golf club head having a replaceable striking face is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head where at least a portion of the frontal striking surface of the face is detachable and replaceable to improve performance. A golf club head in accordance with the present invention may generally have a thinned striking face with a thickness of less than about 3.0 mm yielding a golf club head with a larger sweet spot that's greater than 6% of the frontal striking surface; defined as an area of the frontal striking surface having at least 99% of the maximum characteristic time between about 239 microseconds to about 257 microseconds. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111886 | GOLF BALLS HAVING TWO OR MORE CORE LAYERS FORMED FROM HNP COMPOSITIONS - The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core consists of an inner core layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition and an outer core layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition. The outer core layer has an outer surface hardness less than the outer surface hardness of the inner core layer. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111887 | GOLF BALL WITH DIMPLES HAVING CONSTANT DEPTH - A golf ball having an improved dimple pattern is disclosed. The dimples may have a regular or irregular polygonal perimeter, an undimpled land surface and a depression therein. The perimeter may alternatively comprise a number of linear sides and at least one curved side. At least a portion of the bottom of the depression is convex such that its curvature is substantially identical to the curvature of the land surface making the depth of that portion constant along its surface relative to the land surface. The depression may further comprise a sub-depression. Alternatively, the depression may further comprise a projection. Additionally, the depression may have a polygonal or circular perimeter. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111888 | GOLF BALL | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111889 | SPORTS TRAINING KIT AND APPARATUS - The present invention is a training apparatus that includes a weighting device combined with a sport stick, such as a lacrosse or hockey stick, designed to secure the weighting device and other apparatus for performing sports-specific weight resistance and plyometric training. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111890 | SPORTS THROWING TRAINING DEVICE - A sports training device is worn by the trainee for developing skill and minimizing risk of injury in pitching, passing, swinging, kicking, and other such sports-related body movements. An illustrative embodiment includes an anchor member adapted for wear on the torso of a trainee, and elongate member coupled between the anchor member and a forearm or thigh of the trainee, the elongate member being resiliently bendable along its length, inelastic relative to its longitudinal axis, and freely movable relative to the anchor member upon movement of the trainee's arm or leg. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111891 | Device for playing with a water balloon and method of use - A device for playing with a water balloon includes a target area which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the water balloon. A plurality of water balloon-bursting teeth are disposed around the target area. A player holds the device and attempts to position the target area so that an incoming airborne water balloon lands completely within the target area and does not land on one or more of the teeth. If the water balloon does land on one or more teeth it will burst. | 2011-05-12 |
| 20110111892 | BAT WITH HANDLE HAVING INTERNAL CORE MEMBER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A bat is provided including a handle portion, a barrel portion and a core member. The barrel portion has an interior cavity with an interior surface. The core member is disposed in the interior cavity of the barrel portion. The core member has an exterior surface engaged with the interior surface of the barrel portion. The handle portion extends into the interior cavity of the barrel portion and is coupled to the core member. The coupling of the core member to the handle allows the impact of the barrel portion on a ball to be transmitted to the user through the core member and the handle portion. The bat may thereby provide the user with an increased sense of the quality of the contact with the ball. | 2011-05-12 |
