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: The invention provides a highly attractive and entertaining device for displaying bonus prize objects. In addition, it provides players with the ability to participate in the selection of a bonus prize. The invention provides a gaming device having a gaming apparatus and a bonus display. The bonus display indicates at least one of a plurality of bonuses using a mechanical bonus indicator. Each position of the indicator includes at least two bonus prizes, which may be selected by the player.

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: An associative search methodology is presented whereby words, phrases, entire documents or technical jargon are input to the system for the purposes of searching a database for like items. A self-organizing associative data structure utilizing Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) combined with a Hierarchical Mixture of Experts (HME) neural network learning system tracks relationships between words and word groupings as well as user significance feedback to automatically expand the search so that data elements can be found which cross technological/taxonomic boundaries. This results in an increase in both recall and precision parameters for each individual user's search.

Abstract: A linked progressive gaming system and method of operation is disclosed that is capable of accepting wagers in different currencies and different denominations of the same currency and allowing players in diverse locations to play for common progressive prizes. The system periodically computes each current prize value using the data acquired from each gaming device, and displays the values at each location where participating gaming devices are located, in the currency used at each particular location. Multiple prizes may be supported simultaneously. Each gaming device may be linked to one or more prizes. Progressive prize award events may be triggered by random events associated with play based on wagers made on gaming devices or by the central system based on prize criteria exceeding a boundary limit. A Free Play apparatus is disclosed that allows non-progressive gaming devices, as well as other traditional games, to participate in progressive play.

Abstract: This specification discloses various types of games that preferably utilize a game ticket to provide a first game with a base award. A second or other succeeding game may provide the opportunity to multiply the award or otherwise provide additional or different (including possibly reduced or less valuable or desirable) prize. The specification discloses game tickets that preferably have hidden indicia for at least one of the games played in conjunction with the ticket, and the hidden indicia are preferably determined by scratching off a removable material. In one embodiment, the ticket includes hidden indicia for both a first game and a second game, and the second game includes a group of such indicia from which the player must pick to procure a single award multiplier. Portions of the game may be determined in conjunction with other gaming activities such as publicized multiplier determination games, announcements, or drawings.

Abstract: A switch device and method is disclosed that is capable of switching wavelength division multiplexed optical signals. The device comprises a switch element, which may include a detector, an emitter array, and a switch controller. The detector is adapted to detect optical signals and is positioned to receive light from a source. The emitter array is positioned to transmit light to a plurality of targets. The emitter comprises a plurality of emitters, each emitter being adapted to generate light signals. The light signals generated by each emitter are transmitted to at least one predetermined target. The switch controller is in communication with the detector and the emitter array. The switch controller is adapted to cause the emitter array to generate the detected signal. The switch elements are grouped in an array and dichroic beam splitters may be used to reflect predetermined ranges of wavelengths to the individual switch elements.

Abstract: A circuit for flashing a fluorescent lamp. The circuit includes a first and second terminal for coupling the circuit to a fluorescent lamp circuit. The terminals receive an AC power source. A switching circuit is coupled between the first and second terminals for switching the AC power source. An isolation circuit is coupled to the switching circuit. A control circuit is coupled to the isolation circuit. The control circuit controls the switching circuit in response to an external control signal. The circuit can flash higher power rated lamps or multiple lamps.

Abstract: The specification discloses a multi-wheel game-of-chance having at least two groups of spinning wheels, wherein each group includes at least two concentric spinning wheels having a viewable surface face thereon. A plurality of indicia are positioned on the peripheral of the viewable surface face of each wheel such that all indicia on each wheel is viewable to the user. Bet areas are positioned at various locations around at least a portion of each group of wheels; along a line joining the center of any two groups of wheels; and/or a junction between various radially positioned lines extending from the center of two or more groups of wheels. Each bet area represents a possible payline with various pay ratios depending on the probability of various predetermined combinations.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring particles in an exhaust gas of a vehicle. A transmitter is adapted to provide a source of ultraviolet radiation. The radiation travels through the gas and impinges upon the particles in the gas generating a backscattered radiation. The transmitter also generates a timing signal. A receiver is located in proximity of the transmitter. The receiver is adapted to receive the backscattered radiation and to generate a backscattered signal indicative of the quantity of particles entrained in the gas. A data system is connected to the receiver, the data system is adapted to receive the timing signal and the backscattered signal as an input and to calculate a quantity of particles in the gas at a location from the transmitter.

Abstract: This invention enables a plurality of switch elements, each capable of receiving and transmitting a specific wavelength of light, to exchange information and to multiplex temporally-encoded information in time from two or more of the local processors. The process is accomplished by the use of an intermediate plane that has one or more ports that can detect light over a broad band of wavelengths, and that can transmit light at one or more specific wavelengths back to the local processors. The ports may be used to transmit time multiplexed and/or wavelength multiplexed signals.

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: 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: A ball selector and 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 ball selector and display device may be combined with a jumbled ball display wherein the balls displayed by the ball selector and display device appear to originate from the jumbled ball display. The ball selector and display device may also be combined with a game apparatus that is adapted to allow players to play a game. In this embodiment, the ball selector and display device may provide a bonus award for the player. Several games are also provided that may be used with the ball selector and display device.