Abstract: A method for playing a game of chance having one or more primary reels for a base game and one or more secondary reels for a bonus game, comprises the following steps of, initiating the base game; drawing one or more symbols of the primary reels; if the drawn symbols of the primary reels comprise one or more bonus symbols, adjusting the secondary reels to draw symbols as a function of the bonus symbols; and evaluating the drawn symbols of the secondary reels for a winning combinations.

Abstract: A manipulator tool for installing and retrieving objects from a fixed or floating structure in a subsea tidal environment includes an articulated arm attached to the fixed or floating structure. The tool may be configured to compensate for movement of the objects due to tidal forces. In one embodiment, a stewart platform is used as a compensator to maintain the objects in a substantially stationary position in the tidal environment.

Abstract: A method for playing a game of chance having one or more primary reels for a base game and one or more secondary reels for a bonus game, comprises the following steps of, initiating the base game; drawing one or more symbols of the primary reels; if the drawn symbols of the primary reels comprise one or more bonus symbols, adjusting the secondary reels to draw symbols as a function of the bonus symbols; and evaluating the drawn symbols of the secondary reels for a winning combinations.

Abstract: A scintillator radiation detector system according to one embodiment includes a scintillator; and a processing device for processing pulse traces corresponding to light pulses from the scintillator, wherein pulse digitization is used to improve energy resolution of the system. A scintillator radiation detector system according to another embodiment includes a processing device for fitting digitized scintillation waveforms to an algorithm based on identifying rise and decay times and performing a direct integration of fit parameters. A method according to yet another embodiment includes processing pulse traces corresponding to light pulses from a scintillator, wherein pulse digitization is used to improve energy resolution of the system. A method in a further embodiment includes fitting digitized scintillation waveforms to an algorithm based on identifying rise and decay times; and performing a direct integration of fit parameters. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A scintillator material according to one embodiment includes a bismuth-loaded aromatic polymer having an energy resolution at 662 keV of less than about 10%. A scintillator material according to another embodiment includes a bismuth-loaded aromatic polymer having a fluor incorporated therewith and an energy resolution at 662 keV of less than about 10%. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A method for operating a game of chance comprises the steps: initiating a base game by a player; triggering a feature mode from the base game upon the occurrence of a first triggering event, wherein a first number of feature games are provided in the feature mode; playing the feature games in the feature mode, wherein each of the feature games has an opportunity to win a progressive award; and returning to the base game upon the termination of the feature games.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises at least one upright joined to a cross bar provided with a limb support means. The limb support comprises an upright connecting cross bar of such a length that the cross bar is spaced from the floor sufficiently such that, in use, the legs of the user can rest on the cross bar when the user is positioned beneath the cross bar. The cross bar also being sufficiently spaced from the floor such that, in use, the limb support comprises a handgrip to enable a user to push down on the exercise apparatus so that the exercise apparatus supports at least some of the user's weight. The limb support comprises two outer concave regions that are relatively spaced along the longitudinal axis of the cross bar. The cross bar is provided with a third inner concave region in between the two outer concave regions.

Abstract: Described is a method for retracting an instant message from a receiver in an instant messaging session. A request is made to retract the instant message from the receiver. If the receiver is present in the session, the instant message is removed from the user interface of the receiver. Notification is sent to the requestor to indicate whether the instant message was successfully retracted and whether the instant message was saved by the receiver. Optionally, the method allows an entry made in an instant messaging log to be retracted when the corresponding instant message is retracted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for playing wagering games on an electronic video gaming device in which a player controls an amusement feature of the device by use of a pointing device, such as a trackball. In an exemplary currently preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic video gaming device comprises a virtual reel video type slot machine including reel symbols or indicia pertaining to a bowling theme, and the amusement feature comprises an electronic video simulation of at least a portion of a bowling frame, in which the player at least partially controls a position of a video representation of a bowling ball by use of a trackball pointing device. Preferably, the amusement feature becomes operative only under certain predetermined or randomly determined conditions, such as when a player obtains one of one or more predetermined winnings of reel symbols operative to initiate a bonus opportunity.