Abstract: The present specification discloses a mobile cashier terminal adaptable for use with cash or cashless voucher gaming system having a LAN interconnecting cashier terminals, a central voucher-record database server, one or more logical gaming controllers, and a plurality of player terminals in order to play games of chance at each player terminal. The system provides voucher printers at the cashier terminal and preferably at the player terminals as well. The vouchers include unique bar codes printed on the vouchers, and the bar codes are readable by scanners at the cashier terminal and at the player terminals. The player terminals are preferably adapted to provide the player with the option of receiving at least certain amounts of cash rather than a voucher, but to also ensure that at least a voucher is provided to the player in the event that the player terminal fails to dispense cash when earned by the player and payable to the player under the game rules at the player terminal.

Abstract: An interactive astronomical model includes a geocentric module, a heliocentric module, and a housing. The geocentric module has a central body configured to represent Earth. The heliocentric module has a central axis configured to represent the sun. A housing is used to couple both the geocentric module and the heliocentric module. The invention also includes a method for generating an interactive astronomical model comprising the steps of providing a geocentric module having a central body configured to represent Earth, providing a heliocentric module having a central axis configured to represent a sun; and coupling the geocentric module with the heliocentric module with a shared housing. A horizon apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses a preferred embodiment of a door assembly, which is adapted to engage and disengage a door from a wall aperture. The door assembly has at least one faceplate attachable to a door. The faceplate has a mount substantially transverse from the faceplate. The door assembly has a door handle attached to the mount. At least one faceplate cap is attached to the faceplate. The faceplate cap has a vertical portion substantially parallel with the mount. The faceplate cap further has a substantially horizontal portion wherein the door handle and the horizontal portion of the faceplate cap defines a substantially flat surface substantially perpendicular to the mount. The specification further discloses certain embodiments of the door handle assembly having a bolt.

Abstract: A switch device and method is disclosed that is capable of switching wavelength division multiplexed optical signals. The device comprises a switch element that includes a two-dimensional micro-electromechanical mirror. The two-dimensional micro-electromechanical mirror is adapted to reflect an optical signal so that it is directed to a selected target. The switch element may also comprise a beam splitter and a plurality of wave plates. The beam splitter is adapted to transmit light in one polarization and reflect light in another polarization. The wave plates are adapted to change the polarization of the light so that the beam splitter either reflects or transmits the light.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of playing a gaming device by a user. The method includes inserting a voucher having a voucher value into the gaming device and accessing a database having voucher data associated with the voucher. The voucher value is verified. The user is queried for a credit value of a base wagering denomination. Calculations of full game credits and partial game credits are performed based upon the voucher value and the credit value. The full game credits, the partial game credits, and the voucher value are displayed on a game display. The method allows partial or all credits to be played at any time. The method provides for recording of game events to a database. The method also allows for the user to change the base wagering denomination during game play.