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.

Abstract: An illuminated display for use with a gaming machine. The display has a case mounted to the gaming machine. A panel is mounted in the case. Animated objects are located on the panel. Several optical fibers have an end mounted in and around the animated objects. The other ends of the optical fibers are mounted adjacent several light sources. The light sources transmit visible light along the optical fibers. A controller is in communication with the light source. The controller causes the light sources to emit light in a predetermined sequence such that the animated objects on the panel are viewed by a game player as moving.

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.

Abstract: A modular printer system comprising a support frame, a chassis, a media holder, and a printer assembly. The support frame supports the other components and may be attached to other devices. The chassis is slidably attached to the support frame so that it may be at least partially removed from the support frame thereby exposing components attached to the chassis. The chassis is adapted to hold the media holder and the printer assembly. The media holder holds media that may be printed on by the printer assembly. The printer assembly may be removed from the chassis to service the printer assembly and give fall access to the media path. The printer assembly comprises a printer for printing on the media and a controller for controlling the printer and communicating with other devices.

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.