Abstract: A reel mechanism for use with a gaming system that includes at least one support member and at least a first and second reel assembly attached to the support member. Each reel assembly comprises at least one chassis attached to the support member and at least one reel rotatably attached to the chassis. The reel includes a first side and a second side. The first side is attached to the chassis. The first and second reel assemblies are positioned side-by-side on the support member. The second sides of the reels of the reel assemblies are positioned proximately to each other. Another embodiment is disclosed that positions two reel assemblies at an angle relative to each other. This allows a portion of each reel to be adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A lockable security cabinet for game controllers of the type used to operate electronic slot and card games in gambling casinos. The cabinet includes multiple key locking doors and key operated control switches to allow access to specific areas and controls of a main cabinet thereof housing the computers and other electronics only by authorized persons having the proper key for reach particular area or control switch. The cabinet is slidably mounted to a locking base which bolts into a recess in a gaming table allowing the main cabinet to also be recessed therein yet slide out in a cantilevered fashion to access the doors and controls. The base includes a side or rear cable locking enclosure allowing access to and disconnecting of ends of cables connected to the game controller only upon unlocking of the base and outward sliding of the main cabinet.

Abstract: A towbar for a vehicle. The towbar includes a yoke and a drawbar rotatably connected to the yoke. The drawbar is attached to the towing vehicle. A pair of connecting bars is attached to the yoke and to the vehicle being towed. A lock assembly is connected between the yoke and the to drawbar. The lock assembly is adapted to move from a first position in which the drawbar is free a to rotate and a second position in which the drawbar is retained to the yoke.

Abstract: A device for dispensing awards includes a housing having a set of compartments, the contents of which are visible from the outside. Each compartment contains a small but valuable award, such as a diamond. The housing is part of, or connected to, a gaming machine. When a player wins a game which entitles the player to select a tangible award, the device signals this fact to the player. The player then selects a compartment by pressing a input device located on the housing. An attendant opens an external door, and inserts an electronic key into a receptacle associated with the selected compartment, and enters a required code into the key. The compartment then opens, and the player obtains the award. The device provides enhanced security, because the compartment will not open unless the player has won the required game and has pressed the input device, and the attendant has properly opened the external door and has entered the correct code with the electronic key.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus has rotatable disks turning about a common axis of rotation and having annular bands of indicia of different diameters on faces of the disks which extend toward the axis of rotation. A player's winnings are determined by alignment of particular indicia along one or more radii of the disks after a period of rotation. In one form of the invention, the disks are supported, driven and held in a centered relationship with the axis of rotation by gear sets situated at angular intervals around the periphery of the disks which engage gear teeth at the rims of the disks. In another form, the disks are axially spaced apart flat plates of progressively greater diameter extending from drive shafting at the axis of rotation. In another form, the disks are at least partially formed of transparent material enabling viewing of indicia on disks which are behind other disks.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for switching signals between at least one optical fiber and a plurality of nodes through free space. The invention includes a switch that comprises at least one switch element. The switch element can detect signals transmitted by the optical fiber, at least one node, or both. The switch element can also transmit signals to the optical fiber, at least one node, or both. A mirror is provided for reflecting signals to and from the nodes through free space. An imaging telescope may also be provided for imaging light on to the mirror from the switch element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animated gaming system and animated display system, comprising a housing, an animated figure and an animated element. The housing for the animated gaming system include having a symbol which represents a prize. The animated figure has a three-dimensional form. The animated element is operatively coupled to the animated figure and is controlled by a control system which manages the operations of the animated figure. The control system includes one or more controlled outputs which are forced to change in a desired manner as time progresses.

Abstract: An optical switching system, device, and method are disclosed that are capable of providing high throughput optical signal switching. Bandpass filters are provided for narrow-band demultiplexing of an optical signal to a plurality of switching elements. The system includes a demultiplexing device for wide-band wavelength demultiplexing to a plurality of optical switching devices.

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.