Abstract: A token repository apparatus that facilitates management of tokens is disclosed. The token repository apparatus can receive tokens, capture images and/or other metadata pertaining to the tokens, and retain the tokens in a repository. For example, the tokens can be gaming tokens, and the token repository apparatus can be coupled to a multi-player gaming apparatus (e.g., gaming table) supporting wager-based games. Advantageously, gaming tokens, such as pertaining to table commissions or tips, can be securely and reliably deposited. The imaging and/or metadata pertaining to the tokens can be used to validate the tokens being deposited. The token repository apparatus can also facilitate recording of values of various gaming tokens being deposited.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus that facilitates wagers (or bets) for gaming apparatus. The electronic apparatus can be referred to as an electronic betting assistant (or electronic wager assistant). The electronic apparatus can assist dealer and/or players in placing wagers. In one embodiment, the electronic apparatus can include an electronic scale that is configured to weigh one or more objects representing a wager (e.g., chips) and then utilize at least the weight to determine a value of the wager. The electronic apparatus can be used with a multi-player gaming apparatus such as a gaming table that provides a wager-based game. Advantageously, wagers are able to be more rapidly and conveniently placed such that wager-based games are able to operate more efficiently.

Abstract: A token repository apparatus that facilitates management of tokens is disclosed. The token repository apparatus can receive tokens, capture images and/or other metadata pertaining to the tokens, and retain the tokens in a repository. For example, the tokens can be gaming tokens, and the token repository apparatus can be coupled to a multi-player gaming apparatus (e.g., gaming table) supporting wager-based games. Advantageously, gaming tokens, such as pertaining to table commissions or tips, can be securely and reliably deposited. The imaging and/or metadata pertaining to the tokens can be used to validate the tokens being deposited. The token repository apparatus can also facilitate recording of values of various gaming tokens being deposited.

Abstract: A token repository apparatus that facilitates management of tokens is disclosed. The token repository apparatus can receive tokens, capture images and/or other metadata pertaining to the tokens, and retain the tokens in a repository. For example, the tokens can be gaming tokens, and the token repository apparatus can be coupled to a multi-player gaming apparatus (e.g., gaming table) supporting wager-based games. Advantageously, gaming tokens, such as pertaining to table commissions or tips, can be securely and reliably deposited. The imaging and/or metadata pertaining to the tokens can be used to validate the tokens being deposited. The token repository apparatus can also facilitate recording of values of various gaming tokens being deposited.

Abstract: A token repository apparatus that facilitates management of tokens is disclosed. The token repository apparatus can receive tokens, capture images and/or other metadata pertaining to the tokens, and retain the tokens in a repository. For example, the tokens can be gaming tokens, and the token repository apparatus can be coupled to a multi-player gaming apparatus (e.g., gaming table) supporting wager-based games. Advantageously, gaming tokens, such as pertaining to table commissions or tips, can be securely and reliably deposited. The imaging and/or metadata pertaining to the tokens can be used to validate the tokens being deposited. The token repository apparatus can also facilitate recording of values of various gaming tokens being deposited.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus that facilitates wagers (or bets) for gaming apparatus. The electronic apparatus can be referred to as an electronic betting assistant (or electronic wager assistant). The electronic apparatus can assist dealer and/or players in placing wagers. In one embodiment, the electronic apparatus can include an electronic scale that is configured to weigh one or more objects representing a wager (e.g., chips) and then utilize at least the weight to determine a value of the wager. The electronic apparatus can be used with a multi-player gaming apparatus such as a gaming table that provides a wager-based game. Advantageously, wagers are able to be more rapidly and conveniently placed such that wager-based games are able to operate more efficiently.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device including an optical fiber whose distal end is disposed within a hollow tube with a sharp or needle shaped distal end, which can penetrate tissue. The distal end of the optical fiber and the hollow tube are configured so as to emit, by refraction (total internal reflection) or reflection from a metal surface, laser energy at an angle of about 80° to about 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber and hollow tube. The hollow tube is mounted to a housing and may be surrounded by a sheath.