Abstract: A method for playing a stand-alone and a bonus casino poker dice having X dice, each of the X dice having F faces with a different symbol thereon so as to form a set {S} of symbols on each of the X dice. The method of the present invention includes the steps of placing a wager; rolling the dice; holding none, any, or all of the rolled dice; ending the casino poker dice game when the dice are all held or when re-rolling occurs Y times; paying any winning combinations of symbols based on the placed wager and in response to the step of ending the game; re-rolling the non-held dice when less than all the X dice are held; and repeating various of these steps until the game ends. Variations on this basic method are set forth for stand-alone games, bonus games, used in conjunction with underlying gaming machines, and playing a bonus game of the present invention in parallel with an underlying game so that a number of hands are played.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect network provides wavelength routing of optical channels between two arrays of optical fibers carrying WDM signals using interconnected arrays of optical wavelength switches based on combinations of a 1×2 wavelength switch architecture. For example, a cross-connect network can be made by interconnecting two arrays of 1×4 wavelength switches, each of which is made by combining three 1×2 wavelength switches. Each 1×2 optical wavelength switch has polarization separation element (e.g., a first birefringent element) that decomposes and spatially separates the input WDM signal into two orthogonally-polarized beams. A first polarization rotator selectably rotates the polarization of one of the beams to match the polarization of other beam, based on an external control signal. A wavelength filter (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating an interior surface of a conduit. The apparatus has a center rod with a substantially square cross-section that extends axially along the interior surface of the conduit. An index carriage slidably engages the substantially square cross-section of the center rod so that the index carriage maintains a fixed rotational orientation relative to the center rod. An index motor having a variable index position is carried by the index carriage. A coating device for coating the interior surface of the conduit is rotatably attached to the index carriage and connected to the index motor. As such, the coating device has an elevation position that corresponds to the index position of the index motor. A drive motor carried by a drive carriage propels the drive carriage longitudinally along the center rod.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system for grading meat transmits an ultrasonic signal into the meat and detects the resulting back-scattered signal. The envelope of the back-scattered signal is determined. A decaying exponential curve having the form y=exp(−Dt) is fitted to the envelope, where D is the attenuation factor for the curve and t is time. A grade of the meat is then determined as a function of the attenuation factor. It may be possible to improve the accuracy of this approach by measuring the total back-scattered energy from the back-signal and generating a grade for the meat based on a polynomial function of both the attenuation factor and the total back-scattered energy. Optionally, accuracy may be further enhanced by removing any anomalies in the back-scattered signal resulting from fat deposits in the meat before calculating the attenuation factor.

Abstract: A system for combining virtual images with images of the real world. A range scanner determines the shape and distance of real-world objects within a field of interest to the observer using the apparatus. Virtual masking objects, which are simplified computer models of real-world objects, are derived from the range data. Virtual entities that are not present in the real world are simulated in an electronic computer. Images of the virtual entities and the virtual masking objects are combined into masked virtual images. The masked virtual images show the portions of virtual entities that would be visible if these entities actually existed in the real world. The masked virtual images and images of the real world scene are combined in such a manner that the virtual images appear to be obscured, when appropriate for their simulated, virtual location by real-world objects. The resulting combined image is presented in an electronic or optical display.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing device is presented utilizing a polarization-based filter to obtain a flat-top filter response which can be utilized to create a flat-top slicer which separates out odd and even wavelengths, or upper and lower channels of an input signal. The polarization-based filter provides superior peak flatness and isolation for narrow channel spacings over what can be obtained in traditional interferometric devices. The flat-top slicer can be used as the first stage of a cascade of WDM devices in which following stages can be based on polarization-based filters or traditional interferometric WDM devices, which are adequate due to the increased channel spacing obtained in the first stage of the cascade.

Abstract: A safety bracket for a vehicle used on a monorail having a top and bottom is disclosed. The vehicle includes a trolley that engages the monorail and propels the vehicle along the monorail. A load portion is attached to the trolley. The load portion can perform predetermined tasks. The safety bracket is connected to the vehicle between the trolley and the load portion. The safety bracket fully supports the vehicle on the monorail when the trolley separates from the monorail. The safety bracket is adapted to move with the trolley and the load portion. The safety bracket includes an attachment piece attached to the vehicle and positioned between the trolley and the load portion. An arm piece is attached to the attachment piece and extends over and above the top of the monorail. The arm piece has an hook section that extends a predetermined distance below the top of the monorail.

Abstract: A stitching guide for enabling designs to be stitched onto fabric comprises a flexible sheet into which perforations are cut to form a desired design. The perforations preferably have a predetermined length between about 0.10 inch and about 1 inch (about 0.254 cm and about 2.54 cm), and most preferably between about 0.214 inch and about 0.25 inch (about 0.544 cm and about 0.635 cm). The predetermined width of the perforations is preferably between about 0.01 inch and about 0.08 inch (about 0.0254 cm and about 0.2032 cm). The connectors between the perforations preferably have a predetermined length between about 0.01 inch and about 0.1 inch (about 0.0254 cm and about 0.254 cm). The stitching guide is attached to the fabric, and stitching is sewn along the perforations. When the design is completely stitched, the stitching guide is removed from the fabric by breaking the connectors apart along the line of the perforations.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is used for heating a chromatographic column assembly containing a microwave absorbing material. The microwave heating apparatus includes an antenna transmitting a microwave signal and a resonant cavity containing the chromatographic column assembly and the antenna. The chromatographic column assembly extends relative to predetermined electromagnetic field strength contours within the resonant cavity to provide a predetermined heating profile along the length of the chromatographic column assembly. For example, a single-mode chromatographic column microwave oven can be used to heat a coiled chromatography column to a desired temperature gradient along its length. Oven design embodiments utilizing coaxial transmission line structures, coaxial resonators, and cylindrical resonators are described. To control the electromagnetic field gradient in the axial direction, the oven designs provide for varying some part of the oven geometry in the axial direction.

Abstract: A system for producing virtual camera motion in a motion picture medium in which an array of cameras is deployed along a preselected path with each camera focused on a common scene. Each camera is triggered simultaneously to record a still image of the common scene, and the images are transferred from the cameras in a preselected order along the path onto a sequence of frames in the motion picture medium such as motion picture film or video tape. Because each frame shows the common scene from a different viewpoint, placing the frames in sequence gives the illusion that one camera has moved around a frozen scene (i.e., virtual camera motion). In another embodiment, a two-dimensional array of video cameras is employed. Each camera synchronously captures a series of images in rapid succession over time. The resulting array of images can be combined in any order to create motion pictures having a combination of virtual camera motion and time-sequence images.

Abstract: A codec supports PCM modem communications (e.g., V.90, X2, or K56flex protocols) over a universal digital loop carrier (UDLC) having an analog interface to the central office (CO). The codec includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that is synchronized to the CO clock, and an equalizer that has been trained to provide a transfer function to compensate for the distortion introduced by the CO line interface reconstruction filter and connecting circuits, to minimize resampling error. The features allow the codec to output a PCM stream that accurately reproduces the PCM data at the central office, at data rates sufficient to support PCM modem communications, as well as voice and conventional modem communications.

Abstract: A method of operating of controller-based progressive gaming system having a plurality of gaming machines wherein each gaming machine generates unit bet information indicative of a number of unit bets supplied to a machine for playing a game. The method comprises the steps of randomly selecting a bonus mode activation value between a high and low limit, providing a current value, providing a base value, incrementing the current value when the gaming machines are played so that the current value is incremented by a fixed amount of each unit bet received by each gaming machine. A bonus mode time period is entered when the incremented current value is equal to or exceeds the bonus value. Eligible machines are locked-in and random bonus jackpots are made during the bonus time period. Each bonus award decrements the current value by the amount of each award and the bonus mode time period is ended when the current value is less than or equal to the base value.

Abstract: A Pachinko bonus game system for an underlying game machine. The Pachinko bonus game has a playing field with a plurality of rows of pegs. A ball is launched onto the playing field by a launch mechanism when an initiate condition occurs during play of the underlying game. A row of lanes are provided on the playing field. The ball, after traversing among the pegs on the playing field, eventually travels through one of the lanes. At each lane is randomly displayed a bonus payoff value. The lane the ball travels through senses the presence of the ball and the value displayed for that lane is added to the credit meter in the underlying game. The bonus payoff values are randomly changed from game to game which eliminates any mechanical bias present in the Pachinko game. A stand-alone Pachinko game as well as using a Pachinko game as a coin dispenser is also provided.

Abstract: A programmable wavelength router having a plurality of cascaded stages where each stage receives one or more optical signals comprising a plurality of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) channels. Each stage divides the received optical signals into divided optical signals comprising a subset of the channels and spatially positions the divided optical signals in response to a control signal applied to each stage. Preferably each stage divides a received WDM signal into two subsets that are either single channel or WDM signals. A final stage outputs optical signals at desired locations. In this manner, 2.sup.N optical signals in a WDM signal can be spatially separated and permuted using N control signals.

Abstract: A translation memory for computer assisted translation based upon an aligned file having a number of source language text strings paired with target language text strings. A posting vector file includes a posting vector associated with each source language text string in the aligned file. Each posting vector includes a document identification number corresponding to a selected one of the source language text strings in the aligned file and a number of entropy weight values, each of the number of weight values corresponding to a unique letter n-gram that appears in the selected source language text string. Preferably, the translation memory further includes an inverted index comprising a listing of source language letter n-grams and a pointer to each of the posting vectors including an entry for the listed letter n-gram.

Abstract: A system for modifying job control language (JCL) parameters optimizes data storage allocations for datasets by collecting historical data concerning actual data storage space requirements and use patterns for each dataset. JCL statements are parsed to find references to datasets and their requested data storage space allocations. The system then generates revised JCL statements with revised space allocation requests and dataset migration information for each dataset based on historical space requirements and usage patterns. Optionally, the system can display each proposed change to the JCL statements for approval by the user. The system can also revise JCL statements requesting allocation of space for each dataset in predetermined data storage areas grouped by predetermined size ranges. Alternatively, some operating systems include a JCL interpreter that translates JCL statements into control blocks having predetermined parameter fields.

Abstract: An apparatus enables a conventional bicycle to be interfaced to a computer to serve as a controller for electronic games and the like. The apparatus includes a rear wheel support that removably holds the bicycle in an upright position while allowing rotation of the rear wheel. A rear wheel sensor detects rotation of the rear wheel of the bicycle as the rider peddles and generates an electrical signal indicating the rotational speed of the rear wheel. The apparatus also includes a front wheel sensor that detects the direction of the front wheel of the bicycle for the computer through the computer interface. For example, the front wheel of the bicycle can be removably supported by a front support member that rotates about a vertical axis as the front wheel is turned by the handle bars. A potentiometer is used to measure rotation of the front support member, and therefore the direction of the front wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: Contrast agents developed specifically for x-ray diagnostics provide dose-enhanced radiotherapy and radiosurgery. The presence of heavy elements from these contrast agents, even small quantities, leads to a major dose increase in target tissue. When combined with in vivo calibration of the amount of contrast agent, the procedure is quick, accurate, and safe. The technique can also be used in combination with other techniques, such as focused x-rays, to achieve further enhancement of therapeutic ratio. Through optimization of the equipment it is possible to achieve very large ratios of dose in target to dose in healthy tissue up to 10:1.

Abstract: A system for modifying job control language (JCL) statements optimizes data storage allocations for datasets by collecting historical data concerning actual data storage space requirements and use patterns for each dataset. JCL statements are parsed to find references to datasets and their requested data storage space allocations. The system then generates revised JCL statements with revised space allocation requests and dataset migration information for each dataset based on historical space requirements and usage patterns. Optionally, the system can display each proposed change to the JCL statements for approval by the user. The system can also revise JCL statements requesting allocation of space for each dataset in predetermined data storage areas grouped by predetermined size ranges.

Abstract: A game table system, adapted for multiple sites under a central control, for providing a progressive jackpot in a live card game played at each gaming table between a dealer and a player. Each gaming table has an ante bet region, a dealer card region, and a player card region. The game table system of the present invention includes a sensor located at each bet region for detecting the value of the ante placed by the player at that location, a reader identifying each card dealt during the play of the game to the player and to the dealer, a computer connected to the sensor and the reader and the progressive jackpot for adding a predetermined percentage of the value of the ante to the progressive jackpot when a predetermined game event (such as the dealer going bust during the game of blackjack) occurs while preserving the value of the ante during the conventional play of the game.