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 general, computational-mathematical modeling method for the solution of large, boundary-coupled transport problems involving the flow of mass, momentum, energy or subatomic particles is disclosed. The method employs a modeling processor that extracts a matrix operator equation (or set of equations) from a numerical transport code (NTC). The outputs of software codes, available for modeling physical problems governed by conservation laws in the form of differential equations, can be processed into closed-form operator equations with the method. Included is a numerical transport code functionalization (NTCF) model which can be determined numerically, based on a system of solutions of an NTC, evaluating outputs for a given set of inputs. The NTCF model is a linear or nonlinear, multi-variable operator equation or set of such equations. The NTCF model defines relationships between general, time-variable inputs and outputs, some known and some unknown, considered as boundary values.

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 reels are aligned vertically, horizontally, diagonally, a combination thereof, or in other ways.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a mobile cashier terminal adaptable for use with cash or cashless voucher gaming system having a LAN interconnecting cashier terminals, a central voucher-record database server, one or more logical gaming controllers, and a plurality of player terminals in order to play games of chance at each player terminal. The system provides voucher printers at the cashier terminal and preferably at the player terminals as well. The vouchers include unique bar codes printed on the vouchers, and the bar codes are readable by scanners at the cashier terminal and at the player terminals. The player terminals are preferably adapted to provide the player with the option of receiving at least certain amounts of cash rather than a voucher, but to also ensure that at least a voucher is provided to the player in the event that the player terminal fails to dispense cash when earned by the player and payable to the player under the game rules at the player terminal.

Abstract: A game and gaming device for playing a game by a game player. The game includes a table having a card betting layout located on a surface of the table. A roulette like betting layout is also located on the surface of the table. A roulette wheel is mounted to above the table facing the game player. The game allows wagering on and playing a card game and a roulette like game at the same time.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game, which is based upon a long-duration, multi-step game is disclosed. The method utilizes an underlying game that allows the player to perform predefined chargeable actions while the player is playing the underlying game. The player is charged for each chargeable action the player performs. The player is awarded a prize if a predefined prize event or condition occurs during the game. A player's skill could determine the amount of credits charged for chargeable actions as well as the duration of the underlying game. The method of the present invention may be applied to solitaire, poker, blackjack, slot machines, keno, bingo, and many other kinds of games.

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: 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: 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 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 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.