Abstract: A wagering game that deals a hand to a player and a dealer. A numerical total of the player's hand is compared to a numerical total of the dealer's hand in order to determine which hand, the player's or the dealer's, is higher (and hence the winner). Before reaching the comparison, the player must make at least one additional raise wager(s) before being dealt an additional card(s).

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable storage to provide a wagering game that awards bettors who correctly predict which of several parties in competition will be the last to successfully meet the requirements of a predetermined sequence of outcomes. Bettors can also wager on the length of the sequence achieved.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a video poker game allowing a player to double (or increase) his or her initial bet. After the initial deal, the player can decide to double the initial bet before drawing new cards. Both the initial bet and optional doubled bet are paid to the player.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a lending system for use with electronic commerce web sites such as auction sites. A seller may receive a cash loan for items placed for sale but not yet purchased by a buyer. The seller can be required to pay back the loan after a predetermined amount of time or as soon as the item for sale is sold and payment is received from the buyer. The lender would charge interest or commission for the loan. In this manner, sellers can receive cash for items listed on auction sites before those items are actually sold, generating additional cash flow for the seller.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to drive an auxiliary game using resultant reel stops on a slot machine. Reel stops can have an action or property associated with them which affects the auxiliary game. When a player spins reels on the slot machine, the player can win a standard prize based on a resulting combination of symbols displayed on the slot machine and the player can also win an auxiliary prized based on the auxiliary game which can be controlled, in whole or in part, by where the reels stop.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a bonus round of a slot machine game. A plurality of concealed elements are displayed, and a player can reveal each element one by one, until a terminating symbol is revealed. Combinations are formed and a player is awarded a highest combination upon revealing a terminating symbol.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a wagering game which uses a random number generator to affect outcomes. The random number generator can be weighted by the player in exchange for a change in payouts. The random number generator can also be weighted in exchange for a cash purchase from the player or a cash payment to the player.

Abstract: A method to implement a variation of casino blackjack wherein if the dealer's up-card is a not an ace, then the player can place an optional side wager. If the player places the optional side wager, and the dealer's hole-card is either a 10-valued card or an ace, then the player wins a payout on the side wager otherwise the player loses the side wager.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a disbursement of potential awards in a wagering game that have not been fully awarded yet. In a wagering game that comprises multiple states, a value of a favorable state relative to a prior state can be banked for later redemption by a player.

Abstract: A knitting tool that has a measuring tape, a retractable crochet hook, a cutting blade, a counter, and a compartment for scissors, rings, and other knitting accessories combined in a single tool. The crochet hook can be retractable.

Abstract: An Internet marketing system which can generate a user contact information window in a non-intrusive manner. The user contact information window allows the user to enter his or her contact information, which is then transmitted to the operators of the web site so that they can contact the user at a later time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to implement a trolling device. The trolling device can assist maritime sports fishermen in defining the actual water depth and/or water temperature of the location at which a lure is situated in troll. The readings from the device enable an angler to adjust variables such as boat speed, length of line deployed and ballast weight to adjust to desired depth. The device comprises a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a micro-controller chip, a printed circuit board, an LCD display, and a cycle switch, all housed within a dense metal (for ballast), water-proof body designed specifically for deep marine submersion and in-line trolling. The device has a pre-programmed data-logging algorithm that is activated by a fisherman via a magnetic controlled reed switch prior to letting out trolling line with the device set in-line to the trolling gear. Upon retrieving the device, the fisherman can view the data to place or reset the trolling lures/rigs, as necessary, at the appropriate zone.

Abstract: A stack or assembly of fluid, mechanical, and/or electrical components permits removal of some components for maintenance, without compromising the fluid integrity of the remainder of the assembly. A fastening bolt, attached to at least one fluid component, is screwed into a stacking bolt, attached to another fluid component, the bolts being screwed together inside the bore of an adapter plate. A resilient insert sits between the head of the stacking bolt and the bore. At least a portion of the bore has a continuous taper, such that the diameter of the bore decreases in the vicinity of the insert. The taper creates a reduced diameter hole on one surface of the adapter plate, thus preventing interference between fluid ports on an adjacent fluid component. The taper also prevents loss of the insert during transportation and storage, and prevents undesired extrusion of material of the insert when the components are fastened together.

Abstract: A stack or assembly of fluid, mechanical, and/or electrical components permits removal of some components for maintenance, without compromising the fluid integrity of the remainder of the assembly. A fastening bolt, attached to at least one fluid component, is screwed into a stacking bolt, attached to another fluid component, the bolts being screwed together inside the bore of an adapter plate. A resilient insert sits between the head of the stacking bolt and the bore. At least a portion of the bore has a continuous taper, such that the diameter of the bore decreases in the vicinity of the insert. The taper creates a reduced diameter hole on one surface of the adapter plate, thus preventing interference between fluid ports on an adjacent fluid component. The taper also prevents loss of the insert during transportation and storage, and prevents undesired extrusion of material of the insert when the components are fastened together.

Abstract: A slot machine gaming device and method to target advertisements and promotions on cashless tickets. Players can be identified by their player's card, and a record associated with a ticket can be associated with the identified player. Upon redemption, the player, based on his or her player profile, can be presented with a targeted message and/or a special bonus offer.

Abstract: A stack or assembly of fluid, mechanical, and/or electrical components permits removal of some components for maintenance, without compromising the fluid integrity of the remainder of the assembly. A fastening bolt, attached to at least one fluid component, is screwed into a stacking bolt, attached to another fluid component, the bolts being screwed together inside the bore of an adapter plate. A resilient insert sits between the head of the stacking bolt and the bore. At least a portion of the bore has a continuous taper, such that the diameter of the bore decreases in the vicinity of the insert. The taper creates a reduced diameter hole on one surface of the adapter plate, thus preventing interference between fluid ports on an adjacent fluid component. The taper also prevents loss of the insert during transportation and storage, and prevents undesired extrusion of material of the insert when the components are fastened together.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a video poker game allowing a player to double (or increase) his or her initial bet. After the initial deal, the player can decide to double the initial bet before drawing new cards. Both the initial bet and optional doubled bet are paid to the player.

Abstract: The following is an aircraft warning light adjustment system. Levels of ambient light and/or reflected light can be detected by detectors and transmitted to a processing unit. A processing unit, based on the received detections, can make automatic decisions concerning whether to turn on or off automatic warning lights located on the aircraft. If the aircraft is flying at night in cloudy conditions, the warning lights can be automatically turned off before the reflections from the clouds can cause pilots to experience night blindness, vertigo, or other problems caused by the reflected light.