Abstract: A model airplane engine starting stick is provided with a blade edge engaging roller having a roller surface of a material which will grip the blade edge of the propeller when against the blade edge of the propeller to cause the roller to roll along the blade edge without sliding over and damaging the blade edge as the starting stick is moved with respect to the blade edge to rotate the propeller. The starting stick of the invention includes a handle by which the starting stick can be held and manipulated by a user and a roller attached to the handle to freely rotate or roll with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A skill game that is playable on a casino type display is provided that employs methods to hold a player's interest by dynamically changing an awards table as well as providing payout without subtraction from player buy-in to provide an operator hold. The awards table can include a variable pay line with values changed either before or after start of the skill game to offer the player a variety of possible payouts depending on the game results. In one example, the dynamic pay line is provided as the bottom line in the award table that provides the minimum payout otherwise not available for a combination of spinning reel symbols. To provide payout without subtraction for operator hold from the player buy-in at least one additional line is added to the awards table with a hit frequency (HF) set so that the hit frequency of all award lines totaled 1. The total award amount (AA) that is then paid for each line is then set to maintain an operator hold.

Abstract: A skill game is provided that can be played on a casino gaming display that employs methods to hold a player's interest after normal completion of the initial game. In a first embodiment, an up/down selection is provided to the player for one or more reels of the spinning reel game that have stopped spinning. The one up/down feature allows the player to move the reel one position up or down to increase the reward level. To assure skill is involved, the available up or down motion for the reel is displayed for a short time prior to when the wheel stops and the player must remember the available state correctly. If the player remembers correctly, the award for the game can be increased. In a second embodiment, a bonus game is provided with the frequency of offer of the bonus game randomly set to assure operator profit while maintaining player interest and enjoyment.

Abstract: A skill game additively combines at least one determinative process with a random process and/or a fixed process. The skill game can include at least one casino style award generation device that displays various awards for which the skill game is played. The skill game is, for example, a traditional game of chance modified so that a player's skill substantially determines the outcome of the game. In one embodiment, the amount of skill required is adjustable to meet varying regulatory and gaming guidelines and/or operator goals.

Abstract: A method of constructing a link progressive meter system to increase participation and generate additional player excitement during a progressive type game. Each interface or monitor to a gaming machine or monitored point can act and process decisions independently of other monitors. Each monitor contains in computer data memory the status of the entire network and this is replicated throughout the entire network. A method for a bonus game that may be implemented upon an individual gaming apparatus or upon a link progressive network connecting a plurality of gaming machines is described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing awards to players of skill games where the awards are selected, based upon various factors, prior to playing the skill game. The method includes paying, by the player, a buy-in fee, selecting an award, playing the skill game, and providing the award to a player if the player successfully completes the skill game. The award may be randomly selected, may be selected from a predetermined table of awards, may be adjusted based upon an adjustment pool, may be adjusted based upon the difficulty of the skill game and may be adjusted as play progresses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for computer memory protection and verification. In one example, the apparatus is a secure memory device (SMD) including means to independently read the program memory device and compute and store a signature or other means of verification of binary content of the program memory device, means to compare binary program memory content to binary program memory content stored in the program memory device, and means to disable reading and writing of the program memory device if predetermined conditions do not occur. A previously stored signature of program memory content may be used as means of verification of previous program memory content. A secure memory device may be constructed as a single securely enclosed unit that is tamperproof and that has electrical connections available only for purpose of connection with an apparatus that accepts a program memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing awards to players of skill games where the awards are selected, based upon various factors, prior to playing the skill game. The method includes paying, by the player, a buy-in fee, selecting an award, playing the skill game, and providing the award to a player if the player successfully completes the skill game. The award may be randomly selected, may be selected from a predetermined table of awards, may be adjusted based upon an adjustment pool, may be adjusted based upon the difficulty of the skill game and may be adjusted as play progresses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for computer memory protection and verification. In one example, the apparatus is a secure memory device (SMD) including means to independently read the program memory device and compute and store a signature or other means of verification of binary content of the program memory device, means to compare binary program memory content to binary program memory content stored in the program memory device, and means to disable reading and writing of the program memory device if predetermined conditions do not occur. A previously stored signature of program memory content may be used as means of verification of previous program memory content. A secure memory device may be constructed as a single securely enclosed unit that is tamperproof and that has electrical connections available only for purpose of connection with an apparatus that accepts a program memory.

Abstract: A method for operating a microprocessor controlled, reel type slot machine in which payoff is determined before a final game outcome is displayed to a player. A pre-defined count of random numbers is generated and presented to a digital filter having tap outputs which correspond to paytable payline equations. The minimum number of payline equations is equal to the number of distinct paylines in the paytable plus one. Any changes in game outcome are taken into account by modifying variables in computer memory and as such do not require a change in tables stored in computer memory. Several features for attracting players to the apparatus and increasing the enjoyment of playing a game are included.

Abstract: A removable liner for lining a forehead-contacting portion of a headgear of a protective head covering such as a hard hat includes a piece of material configured with a bottom edge, side edges extending outwardly and upwardly from the bottom edge to a top edge, and a top edge with top edge end portions sloping upwardly to a central top edge portion. Fastening means, such as snaps, are provided at the ends of and intermediate the top edge of the liner with respective mating fastening means at the ends of and intermediate the bottom edge so that the liner can be folded around the forehead-contacting strap and flap and the fastening means fastened to hold the liner in position. The fastening means along the bottom edge of the liner are all offset inwardly or toward one another from their respective mating fastening means along the top edge so as to provide a good fit around the strap and flap with a minimum of bunching and wrinkling.

Abstract: A disposable liner to be placed inside a hard hat, or similar protective head covering, so as to be in direct contact with a wearer's forehead. The liner is formed of an absorbent material such as terry cloth which has a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side thereof. The adhesive removeably secures the liner to the normal forehead contacting flap of the hard hat. The liner absorbs sweat, cushions from minor protrusions, and insulates from cold temperatures.