Abstract: A gaming console configured with an auxiliary flexible display unit, e.g., a flexible LCD unit, providing different viewing angles for viewing displayed messages of advertisements is provided. The flexible display unit may comprise a plurality of individual flexible display modules which may be oriented as to define separate viewing windows or corridors to display related or unrelated messages, viewable from different directions. Corridors of viewing may be defined by software so that the flexible display unit may present messages uniquely to each defined corridor, which corresponds to one or more flexible display modules or portions thereof.

Abstract: A touch screen assembly for use with a display, such as, for example, a flat panel display. The touch screen assembly includes a transparent panel, preferably in the form of a panel of tempered glass adhered to a touch screen panel. Consoles having touch screen assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming console configured with an auxiliary flexible display unit, e.g., a flexible LCD unit, providing different viewing angles for viewing displayed messages of advertisements is provided. The flexible display unit may comprise a plurality of individual flexible display modules which may be oriented as to define separate viewing windows or corridors to display related or unrelated messages, viewable from different directions. Corridors of viewing may be defined by software so that the flexible display unit may present messages uniquely to each defined corridor, which corresponds to one or more flexible display modules or portions thereof.

Abstract: A touch screen assembly for use with a display, such as a flat panel display. The touch screen assembly includes a transparent panel, preferably in the form of a panel of tempered glass adhered to a touch screen panel. Consoles having touch screen assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Frames suitable for mounting flat panel displays are provided. The frame is adapted to engage and secure a flat panel display. One or more flanges on at least one side of the frame are adapted to attach to sides of an opening within a console. Also provided are methods for mounting a flat panel display in a frame and mounting the display and frame assembly within a console.

Abstract: Frames suitable for mounting flat panel displays are provided. The frame is adapted to engage and secure a flat panel display. One or more flanges on at least one side of the frame are adapted to attach to sides of an opening within a console. Also provided are methods for mounting a flat panel display in a frame and mounting the display and frame assembly within a console.

Abstract: A gaming console configured with picture-in-picture (PIP) capability for use to gain entry into a group level or competitive level of play. The PIP window is used to form teams or provide information related to group play. The PIP screen may also be used to make request for special services such as making hotel or restaurant reservations, advanced request for getting a car from the concierge, and may also be used to send information about the location of the game console being used by a player so that others may know where the player is currently located.

Abstract: A video signal converter converts a color graphics array (CGA) video signal to a video graphics array (VGA) video signal without a horizontal sync spike. The converter includes an input interface, a conversion circuit and an output interface. The input interface is configured to receive a color graphic array (CGA) video signal. The conversion circuit is configured to convert the CGA video signal to a video graphic array (VGA) video signal. The output interface is configured to output the VGA video signal with a reduced horizontal sync spike.

Abstract: A gaming console bezel with protrusion to open the gaming console in order to access the internal components. The protrusion is positioned on the bezel for a user to grasp in order to easily open the bezel, including under the circumstance when the bezel is stuck. Bezels for flat panel displays in bar-top and table-top gaming consoles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a mulching arrangement for a rotary, motor lawnmower. The attachment comprises a base plate on which a motor mower can be removably mounted. A feed hopper is provided for receiving vegetable matter to be comminuted, the feed hopper being provided with one or more feed inlets. The feed hopper includes a substantially planar base, downwardly angled relative to the ground surface and also includes a feed passage through which vegetable matter passes before entering into a cutting region of the lawnmower to be comminuted into mulch and discharged from the mower. The feed passage of the feed hopper is so formed and attached or mounted to the base plate, that on operation thereof a vibratory moment is imparted from the lawnmower to the base of the feed hopper and the feed passage.

Abstract: An optical position determining apparatus for detecting radiant energy reflected from a target zone includes an emission device for generation and emission of radiant energy, a device for redirecting radiant energy across the target zone, a reflecting device for reflecting the radiant energy back from the target zone, and a detector device for sensing the presence of radiant energy reflected from the target zone. The emission device is stationary and emits a beam of radiant energy toward the redirecting device, which redirects the radiant energy along a primary beam path. The redirecting device also is configured for permitting a return beam of light from the target zone to impinge upon the detector device, which is located therebehind with respect to the direction of travel of the return beam. The detector device includes a CCD (charge coupled device) linear sensor formed of a plurality of sensor elements.

Abstract: A lens arrangement for redirecting beams of light which diverge in a generally conical pattern from a fixed light source comprises a lens member configured and located relative to the light source for passing the diverging beams of light from the fixed light source therethrough substantially without changing the direction of the beams in a first plane, and for redirecting others of the diverging beams of light from the light source into substantially parallel beams of light as they pass through the lens member in substantially any one cross-sectional plane through the lens member which is substantially perpendicular with the first plane.

Abstract: A regulated switching power supply is disclosed in which the high current set point, during regulation, is the peak (170a) of the regulated current instead of the peak (170) of the line frequency noise. The alternating current (14) is rectified (44, 46) and filtered (52, 54) and the output voltage is sensed and fed back (80) to an error amplifier (86) which provides an error signal that is repsponsive to the output voltage. The current levels is sensed (160) and a current sensing signal is provided to a first comparator (172) which is set to a first reference level prior to regulation. Once regulation occurs, the error amplifier (86) provides an error signal to a second comparator (180), which operates to change the reference level of the first comparator (172).

Abstract: A telephone answering system utilizes a single stereophonic eight-track cartridge type tape player/recorder for playing a telephone answering message and for recording messages received from up to four callers. The eight-track player/recorder is modified so that one of the two stereophonic channels may be operated in a playback mode to play the telephone answering message recorded on one track of the tape, while the other channel is simultaneously operated in a recording mode for recording an incoming message on a companion track of the tape. The cartridge contains a short length of recording tape having a playing time sufficient to contain the answering message and one incoming message per pass. A conductive strip on the tape causes the player/recorder to step to another pair of tracks after each incoming message has been recorded to condition the machine to play another answering message and to record another incoming message upon receipt of a subsequent telephone call.