Abstract: A gaming system is provided in which a plurality of gaming terminals have gaming outcomes that are provided in response to a game outcome seed sent, to the gaming terminals, from a central computer. The game outcome seeds are individualized in the sense that not all gaming terminals in the system use the same seed at the same time. Preferably, seeds are addressed to individual gaming terminals or groups of terminals. Seeds may be transmitted to terminals in response to seed requests output by terminals. In one approach, seeds are generated as needed and/or substantially continuously. In another approach, batches, pools or lists of seeds are generated and a seed request is responded to by drawing a seed from a pre-defined list, until the list is depleted, whereupon a new list or batch is generated. In one approach, one or more lists are generated for each type of game or pay table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryoablation catheter, comprising an outer tubular body with a closed distal end to form a fluid cooling chamber and an inner tubular member having a proximal end adapted to receive fluid suitable for cryoablation and a distal end coupled to a fluid expansion nozzle wherein the inner tubular member is movable in an axial direction to thereby change the position of the nozzle within the fluid cooling chamber.

Abstract: An electronic memory which cannot be modified or erased, such as one-time programmable or add-only (OTP/AO) memory is used for storing direct or indirect indications of characteristics of a gaming terminal or its components. Preferably, a plurality of gaming terminal boards includes memory that has one or more rows of OTP/AO memory for storing information such as memory or board serial numbers, manufacture date, processor speed or type, software or hardware version numbers, and the like. Such information is preferably used in connection with assuring the appropriateness of modifications or configurations of the gaming terminal, such as downloading software or other software modification and/or changes to hardware configuration. OTP/AO information can be used in connection with verifying identity or characteristics of software or hardware, e.g. for warranty purposes.

Abstract: A single-player casino-style electronic gaming method and apparatus uses a deck of (simulated) number of cards and wild cards. The number cards each have a number and a color. In response to a wager, a number of, such as seven, cards are displayed to the player. The player may choose to discard any, all or none of the initially-dealt cards. Any discarded cards are replaced, to form a final hand. Prizes are awarded including based on how many cards of the same number and/or how many cards of the same color are in the final hand.

Abstract: A touch screen having a high or fine resolution at relatively low cost is provided. In one embodiment, electrodes are placed directly on the surface of a CRT screen without the need for an electrode positioned on the rear surface. The touch screen may include a conductive coating and a protective coating which are preferably provided in a single vacuum chamber step. A high gain system including a high-frequency sampling bandpass filter provide discrimination of the desired signal over noise. A screen calibration technique is used to achieve linearization in order to convert the electric signals obtained from the screen into data indicative of the position of a touch on the screen.

Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided which comprises a steerable catheter including a distal portion and a proximal portion. An ablation electrode is carried by the distal portion, with the ablation electrode having structure defining an interior space and having at least one aperture. A positional sensor is located in the interior space, wherein the proximal portion is connected to a source of cooling liquid which flows out of the aperture. The ablation catheter provides a suitable flow of fluid through the aperture while providing a space or volume sufficiently large for placement of a positional sensor.

Abstract: A gaming terminal with one or more input devices in the form of a programmable display switch is provided. The programmable display switch is preferably configured to provide different types of labels, legends, unction indications, instructions and the like depending on the state of the game and/or the type of game being played. In this way, a wide variety of game functions, game themes or types of games can be implemented while reducing the total number of switches on the gaming terminal. In some embodiments, programmable display switches replace some or all functions normally provided by less cost-effective devices such as CRTs or touch screens.

Abstract: A gaming machine offers a first base game to a player, in the nature of a spinning reel game. Three spinning reels spin in accordance with each play of the game. On the occurrence of certain winning combinations, constituting a triggering event, a bonus game is entered. In the bonus game three rows, respectively of two, three, and four playing cards, are arranged face down. A player is required to select one of the rows and then choose one card from that row, seeking to choose a winning card, such as a Joker. The respective odds of winning between three lines of cards are unique integer multiples of each other.

Abstract: A gaming terminal provides at least a portion of at least one prize in the form of at least one or more free game rounds. A benefit may be calculated as the difference between the value of the prize if paid out in coins or other monetary value and the value paid out as free game rounds. In one aspect, the benefit is redistributed in the paytable, preferably so as to provide a game in which the overall, long-term averaged payback amount is unchanged by the process of converting monetary payouts to free game payouts and redistributing the benefit thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus concerning the operation of gaming machines is provided. The method generally comprises providing a gaming machine having a plurality of simulated spinning reels capable of displaying a wild card symbol at any of the reels. According to the present invention, upon the appearance of a first wild card symbol, additional wild card symbols may appear, providing the player with additional opportunities to win a prize, or to win an additional prize. The apparatus of the present invention is directed to a gaming machine capable of displaying simulated spinning reels having a plurality of symbols, and capable of displaying a wild card symbol. If a first wild card symbol has been displayed, the apparatus then displays an additional one or more wild card symbols, providing the player with an additional opportunity to win a prize, or to win an additional prize.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for playing a table game is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base, a table-top, and a payline display proximate the table-top. The table-top is adjustable into first and second positions relative to the base. The table game is intended to be played when the table-top is in its first position.

Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided which comprises an elongated catheter body, a plurality of electrodes, and a thermal monitoring circuit. The thermal monitoring circuit is comprised of a plurality of thermocouples joined in series. The thermocouples thermoconductively coupled to the electrodes. The thermal monitoring circuit will require only two wires to travel through the elongated catheter body in order to monitor a plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: In a gaming system, a central computer generates a plurality of game win-loss outcome stacks, each stack having at least one “win” (preferably, large-prize) outcome. Sub-stacks, from among the plurality of stacks, are transmitted to casino or other group controllers or computers, each casino controller being coupled to a plurality of gaming terminals. In response to placing a large-prize wager, in addition to normal, local game wager, a gaming terminal requests a large-prize outcome from the sub-stack which is stored in the casino controller. Whenever a casino controller's sub-stack is depleted, it requests a new sub-stack from the central computer. Preferably the central computer selects a new sub-stack for transmission according to a selection process which is weighted so as to maintain the ratio of winning outcomes to all outcomes in a predetermined range. When all sub-stacks of a given stack have been transmitted, the central computer generates a new stack to replace the depleted stack.

Abstract: A hand tool for providing increased force and accuracy for a variety of applications comprising a tool head, a first shaft and second shaft is provided. The first and second shaft each have a proximal end and a distal end, the distal ends of the shafts are adapted for connecting to a tool head. A handle having a first end and a second end is provided. The first end of the handle is attached to the first shaft and the second end of the handle is attached to the second shaft, forming a generally H-shaped configuration. A brace, generally a flexible strap, is attached to the first shaft, near the proximal end of the first shaft, and the second end of the strap is attached to the second shaft, near the proximal end of the second shaft, such that the handle and strap are generally parallel to each other. The flexible strap is adjustable such that the tool user's arm may be aligned with the first and second shafts when the handle is grasped and the tool head is applied to a work application.

Abstract: Pressure is sensed in blood flow tubing by placing an aqueous, preferably isotonic, substantially cell-free solution into branch connection tubing that connects in branching relation with the blood flow tubing at one end. The branch connection tubing also connects in use with a pressure transducer unit at its other end. An air volume is maintained, occupying a portion of the branch connection tubing which is adjacent to the other end. One flows positively or negatively pressurized blood through the blood flow tubing, with the result that the pressure of the blood is communicated through the aqueous solution and the air volume in the branch connection tubing to the pressure transducer unit, with the blood being spaced from the air volume. Preferably, substantially all of the branch connection tubing containing the aqueous solution and air volume has an inner diameter of substantially no more than 5 mm.

Abstract: An implantable rotary sealless blood pump includes a housing having an inlet tube on one end and an impeller casing on the other end. A rotor is mounted for rotation within the housing, with the rotor having an elongated shaft portion and an impeller attached to the shaft portion. The impeller is located within the impeller casing. Radial magnetic bearings are carried by the shaft portion and radial magnetic bearings are carried by the housing for maintaining the shaft portion of the rotor within the inlet tube of the housing. A rotor motor includes a plurality of permanent magnets carried by the impeller and a motor stator including an electrically conductive coil located within the housing. A ring of back iron is carried by the impeller to aid in completing a flux return path for the permanent magnets. A plurality of hydrodynamic thrust bearings are located outside of the axis of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: An electronic gaming terminal includes a game portion which allows a user to select one component from among a plurality of components, in each of a plurality of categories. Preferably, at least one category relates to an entertainment component such a selecting a song, video or the like, and/or selecting an artist, performer and the like. A bonus prize is awarded in an amount correlating with the degree of correspondence with the selections made by the user and a final, preferably randomly selected, combination. In one aspect, one prize is awarded if a player correctly guessed only the artist and a higher prize or bonus is awarded if the player selected correctly both the artist and the song. In one embodiment, the player's selected song is performed during at least a portion of the bonus procedure.