Abstract: Systems and methods for communication using a plurality of data link standards through a common operator interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes components configured to select and establish communication with an air traffic control center using one of a plurality of data link standards. The system further includes components configured to format at least one downlink page to only allow appropriate data inputs based on one or more functionalities of the data link standard, and encode one or more entered data inputs based on the selected data link standard and transmit the inputs to the air traffic control center. In a particular embodiment, the system further includes a components configured to receive and display each of the decoded uplink data transmission in a text message on a corresponding uplink display page according to one or more message text conventions of the selected data link standard.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display and a top box display. The game display is for displaying the wagering game. The top box display includes a standard substructure for attaching subassemblies. The substructure contains fixed connection points allowing subassemblies to be developed in a fashion consistent with the substructure, thus simplifying the ability to swap components and reducing the dependence on unique internal part designs.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for providing an automatic strategic offset function are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for enhancing the collision avoidance capability of an aircraft includes determining a flight plan, determining a boundary for the flight plan, generating a variable offset from the flight plan that is within the boundary, the variable offset including a lateral offset distance, and navigating an aircraft based on the variable offset.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display and a top box display. The game display is for displaying the wagering game. The top box display includes a standard substructure for attaching subassemblies. The substructure contains fixed connection points allowing subassemblies to be developed in a fashion consistent with the substructure, thus simplifying the ability to swap components and reducing the dependence on unique internal part designs.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a pendant lighting assembly coupled to the gaming machine cabinet. The pendant lighting assembly includes a light source mounted to the gaming machine cabinet and at least one light conduit mounted to the gaming machine cabinet. The at least one light conduit is adjustable to direct and redirect light from the light source to one or more locations external to the gaming machine cabinet. The color and/or timing of the light directed at each location may be synchronized with events occurring in the wagering game.

Abstract: A system for converting an existing aircraft communication system to a wireless communication system has a wireless headset for transmitting and receiving communication signals. At least one aircraft transceiver having a connector to plug the transceiver to a headphone jack in the existing aircraft communication system is provided. The transceiver sends communication signals from the existing aircraft communication system and wirelessly transmits the communication signals to the transceiver and wirelessly receives communications signals from the wireless headset.

Abstract: A Data Link Clearance Alerting System is enabled, either manually or automatically, as soon as the flight crew establishes a data link connection with air traffic control. Once a connection is established, the system stores each ATC clearance that has been positively acknowledged, and accepted, by the crew. The system monitors the aircraft in relation to the clearance. An alert is provided to the flight crew as soon as, in some cases just prior to, the airplane is not in compliance with a clearance. In addition, an alert is provided when estimates (e.g. estimated time of arrival at a point) or intent data passed to ATC by data link communication or data link surveillance systems no longer reflect the aircraft's predicted flight path.

Abstract: A system for generating tailored trajectories for aircraft operating in an airspace includes a trajectory generation program. In operation, the system receives real-time data from various aircraft operating in the airspace and stores the real-time data in a medium accessible to the trajectory generation program. The trajectory generation program accesses the real-time data and flight characteristics data associated with a corresponding aircraft to generate a trajectory for the corresponding aircraft that is at least partially tailored to the real-time data and the flight characteristics data.

Abstract: A Data Link Clearance Alerting System is enabled, either manually or automatically, as soon as the flight crew establishes a data link connection with air traffic control. Once a connection is established, the system stores each ATC clearance that has been positively acknowledged, accepted, by the crew. The system monitors the aircraft in relation to the clearance. An alert is provided to the flight crew as soon as, in some cases just prior to, the airplane is not in compliance with a clearance. In addition, an alert is provided when estimates (e.g. estimated time of arrival at a point) or intent data passed to ATC by data link communication or data link surveillance systems no longer reflect the aircraft's predicted flight path.

Abstract: A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a cabinet, a playfield mounted to the cabinet, and a backbox extending upwardly from a rear portion of the cabinet. To facilitate modification of electronics controlling the operation of the pinball machine, a controller box assembly is installed in the backbox. The controller box assembly comprises a rail structure mounted within the backbox and a controller box movably mounted relative to the rail structure to open and close the controller box. The controller box containing the electronics may be pivoted downwardly while remaining in engagement with the rail structure to provide easy access into the controller box.

Abstract: A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. One of these features is a novel playfield assembly for the pinball machine. For ease of movement of the playfield into and from a cabinet of the pinball machine, the playfield has skid rails which extend substantially along the length of the playfield. The skid rails are spaced from the lower side of the playfield by a distance that is greater than the distance by which components protrude from the lower side of the playfield. Thus, the playfield can be placed on the ground without any chance for damage of its components. The playfield may also include a slide stop at one or both of its ends. The slide stops engage the front molding of the cabinet to ensure the playfield does not fall into the cabinet or fall from the cabinet as the skid rails are being slid across the front molding.

Abstract: A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a cabinet, a playfield, a panel, an electronics system, and a video display. The playfield is mounted in the cabinet with the panel mounted to the cabinet and overlaying at least a portion of the playfield. The video display is mounted generally above the cabinet and is disposed to project video images onto the panel for viewing by the player. The electronics system includes a control unit and a plurality of input/output elements which are mounted to the playfield. The control unit, which includes a controller and memory for storing game instructions and video images, is coupled to the plurality of input/output elements. The controller executes the game instructions to cause the video images to be displayed upon the video display.

Abstract: A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily serviceable and is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. One of these features is a novel mounting mechanism for a playfield of the pinball machine. The pinball machine includes a cabinet to which the playfield is mounted. The cabinet includes slides rails having notches for mating with corresponding pieces of the playfield thereby permitting easy rotation of the playfield within the cabinet during servicing or game conversion. Thus, the electronics and mechanical components below the playfield can be readily accessed.