Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a display, a digital camera device, a credit input mechanism, and a processor programmed to perform operations comprising: (i) receiving, from the digital camera device, a digital image of the player; (ii) determining an emotional state of the player by performing facial expression analysis on the digital image; (iii) determining an emotion level of the player by categorizing the emotional state of the player based on the determined emotional state, the categorizing includes a first state representing a positive emotional level and a second state representing another emotional level; (iv) determining that the emotional level is the other emotional level; and (v) automatically initiating a game session action during the game play session, the game session action is configured to cause the player to transition to the positive emotional level.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a display, a digital camera device, a credit input mechanism, and a processor programmed to perform operations comprising: (i) receiving, from the digital camera device, a digital image of the player; (ii) determining an emotional state of the player by performing facial expression analysis on the digital image; (iii) determining an emotion level of the player by categorizing the emotional state of the player based on the determined emotional state, the categorizing includes a first state representing a positive emotional level and a second state representing another emotional level; (iv) determining that the emotional level is the other emotional level; and (v) automatically initiating a game session action during the game play session, the game session action is configured to cause the player to transition to the positive emotional level.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine may include an illuminable notification mechanism, which may be disposed on a rear surface of the electronic gaming machine in a position or location that makes the notification mechanism visible to a casino operator. The notification mechanism may include a display, such as, for example, a display that includes at least one tri-color light emitting diode (LED). The display of the notification mechanism may be selectively illuminated in a variety of lighting configurations based, for example, upon gameplay activity of a player of the gaming machine. For instance, in some embodiments, the notification mechanism may be selectively illuminated in any of an inactive lighting configuration, an active lighting configuration, or a privileged lighting configuration. In the privileged lighting configuration, the notification mechanism may indicate that a player of the gaming machine is entitled to a complimentary item (e.g., a free or reduced-price item or service).

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a display, a digital camera device, a credit input mechanism, and a processor programmed to perform operations comprising: (i) receiving, from the digital camera device, a digital image of the player; (ii) determining an emotional state of the player by performing facial expression analysis on the digital image; (iii) determining an emotion level of the player by categorizing the emotional state of the player based on the determined emotional state, the categorizing includes a first state representing a positive emotional level and a second state representing another emotional level; (iv) determining that the emotional level is the other emotional level; and (v) automatically initiating a game session action during the game play session, the game session action is configured to cause the player to transition to the positive emotional level.

Abstract: A system for directing and compelling cleaning of the keys of the keyboard by a user carrying out a wipe-down process by detecting the keys as they are pressed during wipe-down, and analyzing the key depression data to determine the thoroughness and completeness of the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A system for directing and compelling cleaning of the keys of the keyboard by a user carrying out a wipe-down process by detecting the keys as they are pressed during wipe-down, and analyzing the key depression data to determine the thoroughness and completeness of the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A thermodynamic apparatus, such as a Stirling engine or a Vuilleumier heat pump, has a heat exchanger in which energy is exchanged between a working fluid and an exhaust gas stream. On top of the cylinder of the thermodynamic apparatus is a dome-shaped section. By incorporating the heat exchanger within the dome, the flow paths can be simplified, the number of separate components reduced, and overall weight reduced. Flow passages for the working fluid are embedded in the dome. Channels for the exhaust gases are formed in an outer surface. The passages and the channels are helically arranged, one clockwise and one counter clockwise. The dome can be cast with a core for the casting fabricated via three-dimensional printing. In some embodiments, the dome is made of fiber-reinforced material.

Abstract: A thermodynamic apparatus, such as a Stirling engine or a Vuilleumier heat pump, has a heat exchanger in which energy is exchanged between a working fluid and an exhaust gas stream. On top of the cylinder of the thermodynamic apparatus is a dome-shaped section. By incorporating the heat exchanger within the dome, the flow paths can be simplified, the number of separate components reduced, and overall weight reduced. Flow passages for the working fluid are embedded in the dome. Channels for the exhaust gases are formed in an outer surface. The passages and the channels are helically arranged, one clockwise and one counter clockwise. The dome can be cast with a core for the casting fabricated via three-dimensional printing. In some embodiments, the dome is made of fiber-reinforced material.

Abstract: A system for directing and compelling cleaning of the keys of the keyboard by a user carrying out a wipe-down process by detecting the keys as they are pressed during wipe-down, and analyzing the key depression data to determine the thoroughness and completeness of the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: Regenerators for Stirling engines and Vuilleumier heat pumps are difficult to reliably manufacture. A regenerator is disclosed in which edges of the regenerator wire meshes are coated with a stabilizing material. The regenerator wire meshes are then sufficiently stable to be machined to the dimensions of the housing. In some embodiments, the material on the outer surface of the edges of the regenerator is relatively thermally insulating to limit heat transfer to the housing.

Abstract: A computer keyboard is designed to accommodate a variety of security features that may be installed in the keyboard during manufacturing, whereby various combinations of devices that impart selected security features or other functions may be assembled. The keyboard assembly includes a base extension for accommodating the security devices, and a number of interchangeable modular tops supporting various discreet input technologies. This modular design is tooled to accommodate different combinations of technologies, such as biometric fingerprint readers, NFC-RFID receivers, auto locking sonar, game cartridges, and connector-supporting modules. Each interchangeable modular top can hold independent modular technology that can be used to construct an integrated device that meets the customer requirements without any substantial modification of the keyboard base or extension.

Abstract: A computer keyboard is designed to accommodate a variety of security features that may be installed in the keyboard during manufacturing, whereby various combinations of devices that impart selected security features or other functions may be assembled. The keyboard assembly includes a base extension for accommodating the security devices, and a number of interchangeable modular tops supporting various discreet input technologies. This modular design is tooled to accommodate different combinations of technologies, such as biometric fingerprint readers, NFC-RFID receivers, auto locking sonar, game cartridges, and connector-supporting modules. Each interchangeable modular top can hold independent modular technology that can be used to construct an integrated device that meets the customer requirements without any substantial modification of the keyboard base or extension.

Abstract: A terminal for a computer system includes a keyboard incorporating modules for performing two factor authentication (TFA) for log-on of a user. TFA preferably combines a fingerprint scan with the proximity of a previously enrolled Bluetooth device that typically accompanies the user, such as a wireless phone or headset. The keyboard also includes an ultrasonic proximity detector aimed to detect the presence of the user at the keyboard and to terminate log-on when the user leaves the keyboard. The keyboard processor may be used as an encryption engine to encode all keystroke data and authentication/log-on transactions with the computer system.

Abstract: A brewable beverage making machine includes a brewing chamber assembly for holding a brewable substance therein, the brewing chamber assembly including inlet openings for supply of an input liquid therein, an outlet opening at an upper end thereof, and a discharge opening for discharging the brewed liquid, the inlet openings being sized and oriented to cause turbulent agitation; a heater which heats the input liquid supplied to the brewing chamber assembly; an pump for supplying heated liquid from the heater through the inlet openings; a first valve connected with the outlet opening; and a microprocessor which opens the first valve during initial filling of the brewing chamber assembly with the heated liquid and closes the first valve when the heated liquid reaches a predetermined level in the brewing chamber assembly to cause pressurization of the heated liquid in the brewing chamber assembly during a brewing operation.

Abstract: A computer keyboard is designed to accommodate a variety of security features that may be installed in the keyboard during manufacturing, whereby various combinations of devices that impart selected security features or other functions may be assembled. The keyboard assembly includes a base extension for accommodating the security devices, and a number of interchangeable modular tops supporting various discreet input technologies. This modular design is tooled to accommodate different combinations of technologies, such as biometric fingerprint readers, NFC-RFID receivers, auto locking sonar, game cartridges, and connector-supporting modules. Each interchangeable modular top can hold independent modular technology that can be used to construct an integrated device that meets the customer requirements without any substantial modification of the keyboard base or extension.

Abstract: A computer keyboard supports an ultrasonic user presence detector (UPD) that is rotatable and supported on the upper surface of the keyboard, adjacent to the uppermost row of keys and located adjacent to one corner of the keyboard. The UPD is aimed at an elevation of 20°, and rotates to sweep through an angle of approximately +35° to ?20° to be selectively directed toward the most-likely position of an individual using the keyboard, so that the proximity detection error rate is very low. In one embodiment the UPD housing is rotatably supported on a modular interchangeable top secured to the keyboard at the upper margin thereof adjacent to the uppermost row of keys.

Abstract: A brewable beverage making machine includes a brewing chamber assembly for holding a brewable substance therein, the brewing chamber assembly including inlet openings for supply of an input liquid therein, an outlet opening at an upper end thereof, and a discharge opening for discharging the brewed liquid, the inlet openings being sized and oriented to cause turbulent agitation; a heater which heats the input liquid supplied to the brewing chamber assembly; an pump for supplying heated liquid from the heater through the inlet openings; a first valve connected with the outlet opening; and a microprocessor which opens the first valve during initial filling of the brewing chamber assembly with the heated liquid and closes the first valve when the heated liquid reaches a predetermined level in the brewing chamber assembly to cause pressurization of the heated liquid in the brewing chamber assembly during a brewing operation.

Abstract: A modular identity authentication apparatus for a computer system includes at least two different authentication technologies, such as biometric fingerprint readers, NFC-RFID receivers, and BYOD sensors. Each modular apparatus provides multiple authentication sensors that are connected through a single port at a computer terminal location. System software permits terminal use when all module devices are authenticated, and shuts down the terminal whenever the module is disconnected.