Abstract: Information sought, with associated attributes, is stored in the form of data records. Embodiments provide for inquiry of search arguments for several attributes stored in a data record; comparison of the input search arguments with search arguments stored; selection of a number of hits of storage search arguments corresponding to the respective input search argument, for each of the search argument inputs; weighting of the selected search arguments with scores, which weighting indicates the probability with which the respective selected stored search argument agrees with the actually input search argument; selection of suitable data records from the database via the selected number of hits; weighting of the selected data records with overall scores indicating the probability of the respective selected data record agreeing with the actually input search arguments, depending on the scores of the individual selected search arguments; and output of the data record with the highest overall score.

Abstract: The invention provides circuitry for carrying out a square root operation and a division operation. The circuitry utilizes common iteration circuitry for carrying out a plurality of iterations and means for identifying if an square root operation or a division operation is to be performed. The iteration circuitry is controlled in accordance with whether a square root or division operation is to be performed.

Abstract: Reagents for detecting an analyte are described. A reagent comprises (a) an enzyme selected from the group consisting of a flavoprotein, a quinoprotein, and a combination thereof; and (b) a mediator selected from the group consisting of a phenothiazine, a phenoxazine, and a combination thereof. In addition, reagents having good stability to radiation sterilization are described. Electrochemical sensors and sampling devices comprising such reagents, methods of producing a sterilized device including such reagents, and methods for detecting an analyte which utilize such reagents are described as well.

Abstract: A spinning reel slot machine comprises a plurality of mechanical rotatable reels and a video display. In response to a wager, the reels are rotated and stopped to randomly place symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. The video display provides a video image superimposed upon the reels. The video image may be interactive with the reels and include such graphics as payout values, a pay table, pay lines, bonus game features, special effects, thematic scenery, and instructional information.

Abstract: A power conversion device includes a first and second input terminal for connection to a transformer winding and at least an output terminal. A first and second synchronous rectifier are associated with the first and second input terminals, respectively. An inductor within an output stage is connected between the first input terminal and the output terminal. A driving circuit includes first and second output terminals connected to respective control terminals of the first and second synchronous rectifiers. An adjustable threshold control block is connected between the first and second input terminals and is connected to the inductor. The control block is enabled responsive to a control signal on the first output terminal of the driving circuit. The control block operates to clamp the voltage of the first input terminal to a preset value during at least a dead time period of the device operation.

Abstract: An optical power or energy-switching device, comprising an optical waveguide having an input section and an output section, the two sections forming a pair of opposed surfaces extending transversely through the axes of said waveguide sections, and a thin, substantially transparent layer of electrically conductive material disposed between said opposed surfaces, said layer of conductive material forming a plasma when exposed to optical signals propagating within said optical waveguide with an optical power level above a predetermined threshold, said plasma damaging said opposed surfaces sufficiently to render said surfaces substantially opaque to light propagating within said optical waveguide so as to prevent the transmission of such light.

Abstract: A compact system for processing currency bills and coins comprises a compact currency bill processing device, a coin scale, and a processor communicatively linked to the currency bill processing device and the coin scale. The compact currency bill processing device counts currency bills of a plurality of denominations. The compact currency bill processing includes an evaluation unit being that is adapted to determine the denomination of each of the currency bills. The coin scale is adapted to receive at least one group of coins of a single denomination and to determine a coin total for the at least one received group corresponding to the value of the coins in the received group. The processor is adapted to receive a currency bill total from the currency bill processing device and the coin total from the coin scale and to determine an aggregate total corresponding to the sum of the received currency bill total and the coin total.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic recording head comprising: a bottom shield; a top shield; and AMR device with MR and SAL separated by a thin insulating layer; a first insulting gap layer between said bottom shield and said AMR; a second insulating gap layer between said AMR and said top shield; a conductive layer contact at one end region of said MR and SAL. Furthermore, magnetic recording heads with GMR device free of electric-pop noise also are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wagering on game outcomes allow a player to wager on game outcomes resulting from linked gaming devices linked to a primary gaming device being played by the player. A primary game display shows game plays and outcomes and allows wagering on a primary game and a linked game display shows game plays and outcomes and allows wagering on linked games. Both the primary and linked gaming devices may be the same type of gaming device, or they may be two different types of gaming devices, such as gaming devices for playing slot games, card games, keno, and the like. Further, either or both of the primary and linked games may allow bonus game outcomes resulting in a bonus game having bonus game awards.

Abstract: A Programmable Logic Device provides efficient scalability for configuration memory programming while requiring reduced area for implementation. The device includes an array of configuration memory cells, a Vertical Shift Register (VSR) connected to the vertical lines of the array of configuration memory cells, a Select Register (SR) connected to the horizontal lines of the array of configuration memory cells, a Horizontal Shift Register (HSR) providing the enable input to the Select Register (SR), and a Configuration State Machine (CSM) which synchronizes the operations of the VSR, SR and HSR.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for optimizing use of a plurality of different approaches to communicating data. The device includes a plurality of different components, each component capable of being utilized by the device in communicating data with other devices in the network. Each component generates, when an opportunity for communicating data occurs, a decision relating to the communication using a distinct rule set. A decision handler, coupled to the components, generates a final decision relating to the communication of data based upon each decision generated by the components and upon the correctness of prior decisions generated by the components. The correctness of the final decision is used subsequently in generating additional final decisions.

Abstract: A readhead for use in the determination of the concentration of an analyte in a sample comprises a read area for receiving the sample, a light source including a plurality light emitting elements for outputting light at a plurality of wavelengths, a light guide having an input end and an output end, a lens for receiving light from the output end of the light guide and for illuminating the sample with a substantially collimated beam of light, and a detector for detecting light from the sample in response to illuminating the sample. The input end of the light guide being optically coupled to the light source for receiving light output by the plurality of light emitting elements. The input end of the light guide has a center that is offset from the center of at least one of the plurality of light elements. The light guide guides a substantial portion of the light received from the light source to the output end of the light guide.

Abstract: A stacked array of low profile heat pipes each with a plurality of micro tubes extended therethrough. The stacked low profile heat pipes are placed into thermal connection with heat producing components. A heat transfer fluid is contained in the micro tubes of the low profile heat pipes and removes the heat from the heat producing components.

Abstract: A high impedance circuit includes a diode-connected MOSFET circuit. This circuit may be used in a buffer amplifier of a hearing aid microphone, coupled across an input of the buffer amplifier and providing a high input impedance.

Abstract: A toroidally shaped LPE with a plurality of microtubes extending through the LPE is disclosed. The LPEs are placed into thermal connection with heat producing components. A heat transfer fluid is contained in the microtubes of the LPEs and removes the heat from the heat producing components. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.

Abstract: An apparatus for currency discrimination comprises first and second stationary scanheads, disposed on opposite sides of a bill transport path, for scanning respective first and second opposing surfaces of a bill traveling along the bill transport path and for producing respective output signals. The bill travels along the transport path in the direction of a predetermined dimension of the bill. A memory stores master characteristic patterns corresponding to associated predetermined surfaces of a plurality of denominations of genuine bills. Sampling circuitry samples the output signals associated with the respective first and second opposing surfaces of the scanned bill. A signal processor is programmed to determine which one of the first and second opposing surfaces corresponds to the associated predetermined surfaces of the plurality of denominations of genuine bills.

Abstract: A wagering game is conducted on a gaming machine. The wagering game includes a basic game and a special feature triggered by a start-feature outcome in the basic game. In the special feature, the machine randomly selects a plurality of outcomes and provides a payout multiplier for each of the respective outcomes. Each of the outcomes includes a plurality of symbols placed in a symbol array. The payout multiplier for each of the respective outcomes is modified (e.g., increased) based on any occurrences of a predetermined symbol among the plurality of symbols included in a preceding one of the outcomes. The machine awards payouts for the respective outcomes according to a pay table and multiplies each payout by the respective payout multiplier.

Abstract: An oxygen scavenging packet containing an iron-based oxygen scavenger and an electrolyte is set forth in which the rate of uptake of oxygen is increased by virtue of the introduction into the packet of an oxygen uptake accelerator containing water. Methods of increasing the rate of oxygen absorption by use of the iron-based oxygen scavenging packet are also set forth.

Abstract: A lancing device comprising a movable parallelogram-shaped rack. The rack rotates a linearly fixed pinion which drives a slider-crank system. The slider-crank system in turn drives a lance holder. The parallelogram-shaped rack defines one or more predetermined paths along which the pinion moves. The lance holder is prevented from being extended beyond a predetermined depth when the pinion reaches a predetermined position along the one or more predetermined paths. The pinion is mechanically stopped from further progress by intersecting two legs of the parallelogram-shaped rack. Teeth of the rack may be modified to reduce the chance the pinion may jam in the rack.