Abstract: For binding a stack of perforated sheets, an elongated binding element having separable stacking pins disposed on the binding elements to separate and fix the positions of the binding elements. The stacking pins are preferably in the form of nesting pins disposed at opposite ends of an elongated spine of the binding element to maintain the binding element in a stable position relative to surrounding binding elements. Nested or stacked binding elements may be so utilized in automatic binding processes such that the stacking pins may be severed from the binding element either before, during, or after the binding process itself.

Abstract: A spinning reel slot machine comprises a plurality of mechanical rotatable reels and a video display. In response to a wager, the reels are rotated and stopped to randomly place symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. The video display provides a video image superimposed upon the reels. The video image may be interactive with the reels and include such graphics as payout values, a pay table, pay lines, bonus game features, special effects, thematic scenery, and instructional information.

Abstract: A spinning reel slot machine comprises a plurality of mechanical rotatable reels and a video display. In response to a wager, the reels are rotated and stopped to randomly place symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. The video display provides a video image superimposed upon the reels. The video image may be interactive with the reels and include such graphics as payout values, a pay table, pay lines, bonus game features, special effects, thematic scenery, and instructional information.

Abstract: A gaming machine controlled by a processor in response to a wager comprises a display and a unitary touch screen. The display includes a video portion and a non-video portion. The unitary touch screen overlaps both the video portion and the non-video portion. The video portion includes player-selectable first indicia selectable via the unitary touch screen. The non-video portion includes player-selectable second indicia selectable via the unitary touch screen.

Abstract: A reel assembly for a gaming machine includes a reel structure adapted for rotation about a motor output shaft. A drive lever is adapted for connecting the output shaft to the reel structure at a point radially spaced from the output shaft to provide a resilient, radially extending coupling between the output shaft and the reel structure. The drive lever is of sufficient length to allow flexing thereof and is capable of storing energy at the start of rotation to cause the reel structure to be suddenly rotated by the restored energy. The drive lever has a terminal end mounted to said reel structure in a manner that prevents tangential movement of said terminal end relative to said reel structure.

Abstract: The improved coin escalator of the invention includes a smoothly curved coin transport channel positioned on the outside circumference of an arcuate back plate. The channel is defined by spacer plates which are attached to the outer curved surface of the back plate and edge plates integral with the spacer plates. Downtime of the gaming device is minimized because the smoothly curved shape of the transport channel prevents coins from becoming jammed therein.

Abstract: A pouch for containing a food product such as shredded cheese, and a novel method and apparatus for forming, filling and sealing the pouch. The method involves providing one or more webs of material to define a pair of walls for the pouch, orienting the web material so that the walls are substantially vertical, with the web having a horizontal longitudinal axis; providing interengageable strips of reclosable fastener material along the web adjacent the lower edges of the walls; forming vertical side seals; filling the pouches through their open bottoms while in inverted orientation; and sealing the bottoms of the pouches. Each of the strips of reclosable fastener material has one or more fastener members thereon. A peelable seal is provided between the product contained in the interior of the pouch and the reclosable fastener members. The peelable seal is preferably formed on the fastener strip material.

Abstract: A pouch for containing a food product such as shredded cheese, and a novel method and apparatus for forming, filling and sealing the pouch. The method involves providing one or more webs of material to define a pair of walls for the pouch, orienting the web material so that the walls are substantially vertical, with the web having a horizontal longitudinal axis; providing interengageable strips of reclosable fastener material along the web adjacent the lower edges of the walls; forming vertical side seals; filling the pouches through their open bottoms while in inverted orientation; and sealing the bottoms of the pouches. Each of the strips of reclosable fastener material has one or more fastener members thereon. A peelable seal is provided between the product contained in the interior of the pouch and the reclosable fastener members. The peelable seal is preferably formed on the fastener strip material.

Abstract: The video game machine of the invention consists of a space located in the game cabinet for receiving the video monitor where a support plate is located on either side of the space and where each support plate includes a pair of tracks. The video monitor is provided with lugs extending from the sides of the monitors that face the support plates. The lugs engage the tracks such that the video monitor is supported and can be lowered into the cabinet gradually. A blind mating connector connects the video monitor to the logic for controlling the game.

Abstract: The invention consists of a slant top cabinet for a video game where the video monitor is located beneath a door. The side edges of the door mate with gutters such that liquid spilled into the seam of the door will drain into the gutters away from the monitor. A rubber seal is attached to and surrounds the monitor such that liquid spilled on the screen or game top will drain into the rubber seal. The rubber seal includes a port that connects to a conduit for draining liquid from the rubber seal away from the monitor.

Abstract: The gaming machine consists of a cabinet supporting a game display and pay out trough. Located to one side of the game display is a dollar bill validator and stacker supported on a pivoting door such that when the door is opened the bill validator is pivoted out of the game cabinet to access a large coin receptacle. To resupply coins, the game operator simply opens the door and pours the coins into the top of the machine. Located below the receptacle is a coin hopper and escalator assembly for delivering coins from the hopper to the pay out trough. The coin hopper and escalator are mounted to one another and are supported on a sled removably supported on an inclined ramp. To service the coin escalator or hopper, the operator opens a door on the game cabinet and the sled supporting the coin hopper and escalator is rolled off of the ramp and out of the cabinet.