Abstract: A system and method are set for providing a progressive bonus to eligible devices in a set of linked gaming machines. A server is linked to the machines and from wagers accumulates a bonus pool. Each machine has a designated bonus outcome which, if obtained, causes the system to select from a set of displays, a bonus display for the machine. The bonus display remains until another bonus outcome is obtained and another bonus display is selected or the machine falls from the set of eligible machines based upon lack of play or the like. The system periodically selects a bonus prize and compares it to the bonus pool to make sure the pool is sufficient to award the prize. If the pool is greater than or equal to the selected prize, the system selects a winning bonus corresponding to a bonus display of the set and awards the prize to any eligible machine displaying the selected bonus display.

Abstract: A system for expanding the operation and play of gaming devices such as slot machines is disclosed. It employs an enhanced gaming device including an audio and a video channel between the gaming device and a central location manned by one or more concierges who can communicate with the player, answer questions, make reservations and, in general, attend to the requests of the player. Selected video displays under the control of the concierge are substituted for the normal video display such as a pay table at the gaming device. Communication is initiated by the player by lifting a handset, operating a call button or by inserting a club card into a card slot. Any of these actions will place the call in a queue for answering. If a club card was inserted, player data is displayed before a concierge and the player views an image of the concierge. Player requests may then be addressed. Other calls are likewise addressed. Machine malfunction, jackpot win and coin in/coin out data also trigger concierge response.

Abstract: A time entry and accounting system permitting employees to clock in and clock out from work at computerized time clocks located adjacent to their workstations using an individually encoded identification card. The time clock is configured to have a normally closed state and an opened state and to move between states in response to a supervisor scanning his identification card. The computerized time clocks are interactively linked to a central computer and, upon an employee clocking in or out, the central computer receives appropriate signals from the time clock, and stores information corresponding to these signals in memory. The information stored in the memory of the computer is subsequently used to develop accounting records and reports, to generate payroll data, and to send signals to the time clocks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a hardware system in a wall is provided. A mounting bracket and bezel assembly and a rectangular wall frame device are attached to a wall. The bezel plate has a cam lock inserted through its upper portion. The wall frame device has a depth adjustment set screw through the top of the frame. That fits into the cam lock in the bezel plate. At least two angled T-shaped metallic tabs are located on the bottom of the wall frame device to receive the angled base of the assembly, which rests directly on these tabs. The method includes attaching the wall frame device around a suitably sized recessed rectangular hole in a wall. The assembly is attached to a rear portion of an electronics box with finger screws, and the angled base of the assembly is placed onto the lower edge of the wall frame device. The assembly is pushed into the wall frame device and the set screw is adjustable to ensure the assembly fits snugly against the wall.

Abstract: A time entry and accounting system permitting employees to clock in and clock out from work at computerized time clocks located adjacent to their workstations using an individually encoded identification card. The time clock is configured to have a normally closed state and an opened state and to move between states in response to a supervisor scanning his identification card. The computerized time clocks are interactively linked to a central computer and, upon an employee clocking in or out, the central computer receives appropriate signals from the time clock, and stores information corresponding to these signals in memory. The information stored in the memory of the computer is subsequently used to develop accounting records and reports, to generate payroll data, and to send signals to the time clocks.