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 gaming device for playing a game. The device has a game display with several display sections. A game controller controls several fractional images that are displayed in the display sections. The game controller randomly selects the fractional image to display in each display section. A winning combination results when the fractional images are aligned such that they form a complete image. The game display can be a set of rotatable reels with each reel carrying the fractional images or the game display can be a video display. The game controller selects a number of times to play the game for the same wager. The number of times to play the game is displayed on a game play meter. Each play of the game generates a base award. The base award of each game is added to obtain a cumulative award. In another embodiment, the game generates a multiplier that is multiplied by the base award or the cumulative award to obtain a total prize.

Abstract: The specification discloses a multiple game-of-chance. The game occupies the same floor space as a traditional slot machine but has a spinning reel game mounted below a spinning wheel game. The game also an outcome bank for storing outcomes from the spinning wheel game. The spinning reel game may provide an outcome that activates the upper spinning wheel game, and the outcomes in the spinning wheel game can alter the outcome of the lower spinning reel game and also provide a bank of outcomes in the outcome bank, which can also be utilized to alter the outcome, or likely future outcomes, in the spinning reel game. The game also utilizes a flexible, resilient, Z-shaped radial drive gear to drive each of the three wheels in the upper wheel game independently.

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.

Abstract: A photoacoustic sensor that measures carbon black particles emitted in the exhaust gas of a vehicle traveling on a road or being tested on a dynamometer or engine stand. The sensor includes an acoustic waveguide and a pump mounted to an outlet of the waveguide. The pump pulls the gas through the waveguide. A critical orifice is mounted between the pump and the outlet. The critical orifice prevents noise generated by the pump from entering the waveguide. Optical windows are mounted at opposite ends of the waveguide. A modulated source of light is located adjacent one of the windows and irradiates the waveguide. A microphone is attached to the waveguide. The microphone detects an acoustic signal generated by absorption of the light by the particles in the gas. The acoustic signal is proportional to the mass concentration of particles in the gas. The microphone generates an electrical signal proportional to the acoustic signal.

Abstract: A display device comprising a plurality of prize balls, a ball holder adapted to hold the balls in an individually controlled manner, a controller adapted to select a prize ball, a display mechanism adapted to display the selected prize ball to the player; and a positioning mechanism in communication with the controller adapted to position the selected prize ball relative to the display mechanism. The display device may be combined with a jumbled ball display wherein the balls displayed by the display device appear to originate from the jumbled ball display. The display device may also be combined with a game apparatus that is adapted to allow players to play a game. In this embodiment, the display device may provide a bonus award for the player. Several games are also provided that may be used with the display device. In an alternative embodiment, the jumbled ball display is replaced with a video display device that displays the balls in video form.