Abstract: A method for processing demineralized bone fibers, comprising a centrifuging step, and following the centrifuging step hydrated in sterile water to create a slurry; providing a tray to receive said fiber slurry; freezing the tray and fiber slurry; and lyophilizing the fiber slurry to create dried fibers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method, apparatus and associated mathematics for the implementation of a hidden jackpot into a mystery jackpot and the use of the funds in the hidden jackpot to contribute to the startout value to be used in the next mystery jackpot. Various embodiments include parameter selection criteria and operating considerations intended to ameliorate concerns associated with volatility, player fairness and harm minimisation.

Abstract: The gaming apparatus includes a plurality of communicatively interlinked electronic gaming machines (EGM 1 to EGM 5). The gaming apparatus also includes a central controller 20, which is communicatively connected via a local area network 21 to the EGM's. Each of the EGMs is configured to execute a game that may generate winnings. The gaming apparatus is configured so as to allow a definition of a group of EGM's from amongst the plurality of EGM's. Each of the EGM's is configured to contribute at least some of the winnings generated by the EGM whilst the EGM is in the group into a group pool. At the conclusion of the grouped gaming session, the gaming apparatus is configured to execute a group cash out routine.

Abstract: If it is desired to convert an EGM 2 into an EGM that is configured to provide a stand-alone progressive jackpot, then the conversion device 1 is retrofitted into the EGM 2. The conversion device 1 includes a processor 6 that is configured to administer the stand-alone progressive jackpot. The processor 6 is communicatively connected to both the plurality of input ports 3 and the plurality of output ports 5. The processor 6 is also communicatively connected to memory 8. A flowchart setting out the steps performed in a first method of using the conversion device 1 to provide a stand-alone progressive jackpot is illustrated in FIG. 2.

Abstract: The gaming machine (1) includes a processor (4) with associated memory (5) implementing one of the games, a communications bus (6), a game display (7) for displaying information related to the progress of the game, a game identification display (8) for displaying an image—forming part of the game's resource data set—to allow a potential user to identify the game presently being provided as well as game specific information such as payouts, rules and so on, and a user interface device (9) as user-operable buttons. An output device (10) outputs to the central controller (2) machine performance messages (11) containing machine performance information as time since last play, total drop, total drop over a period of time, total return to player, return to player over a period of time, technical aspects of the gaming machine, and the like.

Abstract: If it is desired to convert an EGM 2 into an EGM that is configured to provide a stand-alone progressive jackpot, then the conversion device 1 is retrofitted into the EGM 2. The conversion device 1 includes a processor 6 that is configured to administer the stand-alone progressive jackpot. The processor 6 is communicatively connected to both the plurality of input ports 3 and the plurality of output ports 5. The processor 6 is also communicatively connected to memory 8. A flowchart setting out the steps performed in a first method of using the conversion device 1 to provide a stand-alone progressive jackpot is illustrated in FIG. 2.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for determining the award of a set of prizes where each prize in the set has a respective prize value. The apparatus includes memory for storing prize data indicative of the prize values in the set. An input device is responsive to input signals from a respective plurality of gaming terminals for providing an increment signal. An increment device accesses the prize data to select at least two prize values from the set to define respective current prize values, and is responsive to the increment signal for incrementing in parallel a plurality of accumulated values toward the respective current prize values. A comparator is responsive to the current prize values and the accumulated values for determining if one of the current prize values is to be awarded and, if so, generating an award signal and removing from the set the prize value corresponding to the one of the current prize values.

Abstract: The invention provides a gaming apparatus including a first electronic gaming machine EGM 1 communicatively interlinked to a second EGM 2. The first and second EGM's are each configured so as to store respective credit values. The first EGM 1 has a player operable input module 7 for causing the first EGM 1 to send a credit transfer proposal message to the second EGM 2. The second EGM 2 is responsive to receipt of the credit transfer proposal message so as to provide a player of the second EGM 2 with an option to accept or decline the proposal. The first and second EGM's are responsive to an acceptance of the proposal so as to transfer credit from the first EGM 1 to the second EGM 2. As best shown in FIG.

Abstract: The gaming machine (1) includes a processor (4) with associated memory (5) implementing one of the games, a communications bus (6), a game display (7) for displaying information related to the progress of the game, a game identification display (8) for displaying an image—forming part of the game's resource data set—to allow a potential user to identify the game presently being provided as well as game specific information such as payouts, rules and so on, and a user interface device (9) as user-operable buttons. An output device (10) outputs to the central controller (2) machine performance messages (11) containing machine performance information as time since last play, total drop, total drop over a period of time, total return to player, return to player over a period of time, technical aspects of the gaming machine, and the like.

Abstract: A method for conducting tournament game play in a gaming network comprising a plurality of inter-linked gaming machines. The method comprise determining whether a tournament trigger condition has been met during a non-tournament play period during which players of the gaming machines are able to play respective primary games thereon. Responsive to determining that the tournament trigger condition has been met, a tournament entry period is commenced during which players of the gaming machines that meet a tournament participation criterion are offered the opportunity to enter a tournament in which a major tournament prize is awardable. Upon the tournament entry period closing, a tournament play period is commenced during which players of each of the inter-linked gaming machines are able to continue play of the respective primary games.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling prize funds won by a user in a gaming system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a credit meter memory (1) for storing data indicative of an amount of credit available to a user to be played on a primary game, a won funds meter (2) for storing data indicative of a value of funds won by the user in playing a primary or secondary game, a prize message receiver (3) for receiving a message indicative of a quantum of a prize won by the user, a processor (4) responsive to the prize message receiver for modifying the stored data to augment the value of funds by quantum of the prize, a user input message receiver (13) for receiving a message indicative of the user's desire to use at least a portion of the funds won by the user as a stake for a tertiary game; and a tertiary game interface (14) for communicating with a tertiary game controller (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for providing a game is disclosed, including memory (2) for storing data indicative of a game credit value (3), an input device (4) responsive to an input message from one of a plurality of input terminals (7) for providing a game credit value adjustment message, a controller (9) for adjusting the game credit value in response to the game credit value adjustment message, and a game trigger device (10) selectively operable to generate a game trigger message for causing the game to be executed using at least a portion of the game credit value as a stake value.

Abstract: An embodiment of the inventive method commences with the provision of a plurality of secondary games, which may be default secondary games and/or user-initiated secondary games. The latter may have aspects that are dependent upon data entered by the initiating user into their gaming terminal 5. The method proceeds with the provision to the users of information 32 regarding each of the available secondary games (or at least a subset thereof). This assists the users to make informed decisions regarding in which of the secondary games they wish to participate. The method further includes the step of allowing each of the users to register and/or deregister their respective gaming terminal 5 for participation in a selected one of the secondary games.

Abstract: An embodiment of the method commences with some initialization steps 10 and 11, which include defining parameters for first and second jackpots. A loop commences at steps 12 and 13 at which current values of the first and second jackpot prize pools are calculated. At step 14 the CPU 2 determines whether storage criterion has been met. If so, the process flow moves to steps 15, 16 and 17. If not, the process flow moves directly to step 18. At step 15 the current value of the second jackpot prize pool is stored as a “pending prize”. Steps 16 and 17 effectively reset the second jackpot. At step 18 the CPU 2 determines whether the award criterion has been met. If not, the process flow loops back to step 12. If so, the first jackpot prize pool is awarded at step 19, along with one or more of any pending jackpot prizes, in accordance with a jackpot prize distribution scheme, then the pending jackpot prizes are deleted.

Abstract: The apparatus includes memory for storing prize values and an input device being responsive to a plurality of gaming terminals for providing an increment signal which adjusts an accumulated value. A comparator determines when the current prize value to be awarded, reaches the accumulated value generates an award signal and removes from the one of the sets the prize awarded. A controller responsive to the award signal determines if the one of the sets includes at least one remaining prize value and, if so, actuating the increment device to define the current prize value as the at least one remaining prize value.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) is disclosed for determining the award of a prize. The apparatus includes memory (2) for storing prize data indicative of a prize value for the prize. An input device (4) is responsive to input signals from a respective plurality of gaming terminals (6) for providing an increment signal. An increment device (8) is responsive to the increment signal for incrementing an accumulating value. A comparator (15) is responsive to the prize data and the accumulating value for determining if the prize is to be awarded and, if not, generating a continue signal. A processor (15) is responsive to the continue signal for refreshing the prize data.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus including a plurality of gaming machines (2) for providing respective players with a respective primary game and for providing primary game information to a gaming server (11) in communication with each of the gaming machines. The gaming server is responsive to the primary game information for providing a secondary game in which prizes are allocated to gaming machines selected from among the plurality of gaming machines, the probability of a prize being allocated to a gaming machine being dependent upon gaming activity at that gaming machine. The value of any prize allocated to a gaming machine is also dependent upon gaming activity at that gaming machine.

Abstract: A secondary game system for a gaming terminal network, including at least one secondary game controller for providing at least one secondary game; a communications device for receiving secondary game registration request messages and secondary game deregistration request messages from a gaming terminal; the system being responsive to a received secondary game registration request message from a gaining terminal by causing said gaming terminal to be registered in one of said at least one secondary game; the system being further responsive to a received secondary game deregistration request message from a gaming terminal by causing said gaming terminal to be deregistered from one of said at least one secondary game.

Abstract: An embodiment of the inventive method commences with the provision of a plurality of secondary games, which may be default secondary games and/or user-initiated secondary games. The latter may have aspects that are dependent upon data entered by the initiating user into their gaming terminal 5. The method proceeds with the provision to the users of information 32 regarding each of the available secondary games (or at least a subset thereof). This assists the users to make informed decisions regarding in which of the secondary games they wish to participate. The method further includes the step of allowing each of the users to register and/or deregister their respective gaming terminal 5 for participation in a selected one of the secondary games.

Abstract: A system for providing a plurality of games is disclosed in which a plurality of user-operable terminals (1) provide respective players with a primary game, and generate primary game information messages relating to the primary game. A second game controller (2) receives the primary game messages and uses the information contained therein to administer a secondary game having an associated prize. The secondary game controller generates a tertiary game trigger message when the secondary game is won, and a tertiary game controller (5) responds the tertiary game trigger message by offering the secondary game winning player an opportunity to play a tertiary game using all or a portion of the secondary game prize as a stake.