Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, and a spindle motor configured to rotate the disk, wherein the spindle motor comprises a plurality of windings. During a power failure the head is unloaded by generating a periodic signal, shorting the windings of the spindle motor based on the periodic signal in order to generate a power voltage, and adjusting the periodic signal based on an amplitude of the power voltage.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, and a spindle motor configured to rotate the disk. A first driving voltage is applied across a first and second windings of the spindle motor connected in series while measuring a first mutual inductance voltage across a third winding, wherein the first driving voltage comprises a first amplitude and a first polarity. A second driving voltage is applied across the first and second winding connected in series while measuring a second mutual inductance voltage across the third winding, wherein the second driving voltage comprises the first amplitude and a second polarity opposite the first polarity. The first measured mutual inductance voltage and the second measured mutual inductance voltage are combined to generate a first mutual inductance signal, and an angular position of the spindle motor is estimated based on the first mutual inductance signal.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a spindle motor configured to rotate a disk, and a first voice coil motor (VCM) configured to actuate a head over the disk. During at least fifty percent of a seek of the head over the disk, a spindle control signal is generated based on a continuous function of a current flowing through the first VCM, and the spindle control signal is applied to the spindle motor.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a voice coil motor (VCM) configured to actuate a head over a disk. The head is used to read data recorded on the disk to generate a read signal, and the read signal is processed to generate a current command signal at a servo sample rate having a servo sample interval. A current flowing through the VCM is detected, and a current error signal is generated based on a difference between the current command signal and the detected current flowing through the VCM. An analog command signal is generated based on the current error signal, and the analog command signal is applied to the VCM. A saturation in the analog command signal is detected, and a first deglitch window is generated during which the saturation detection is disabled, wherein the first deglitch window is programmed relative to the servo sample interval.

Abstract: The gaming system disclosed herein provides a player one or more chances or opportunities to win the same progressive award. In these embodiments, the gaming system provides the player one or more opportunities to win a progressive award in association with a first game sequence. If the player does not win the progressive award in association with the first game sequence, the gaming system determines whether to provide the player any additional chances or opportunities to win the same progressive award in a second game sequence.

Abstract: The gaming system disclosed herein provides a player one or more chances or opportunities to win the same progressive award. In these embodiments, the gaming system provides the player one or more opportunities to win a progressive award in association with a first game sequence. If the player does not win the progressive award in association with the first game sequence, the gaming system determines whether to provide the player any additional chances or opportunities to win the same progressive award in a second game sequence.

Abstract: A door latch blocker safety strike plate has a strike plate, a latch blocker, and a hinge pivotally coupling the latch blocker to the strike plate. The strike plate has a generally planar plate and a curved section. The generally planar plate has spaced apart mounting holes, and a keeper hole adapted to operatively align with a keeper opening in a door jamb. The keeper hole is interposed between mounting holes. The latch blocker also has a generally planar plate and a curved section. The latch blocker pivots about the hinge through approximately 270 degrees to selectively cover the keeper, and thereby block the door bolt, or pivot away from and expose the keeper, to allow the door bolt to engage first with the strike plate and subsequently with the keeper.

Abstract: The gaming system disclosed herein provides a player one or more chances or opportunities to win the same progressive award. In these embodiments, the gaming system provides the player one or more opportunities to win a progressive award in association with a first game sequence. If the player does not win the progressive award in association with the first game sequence, the gaming system determines whether to provide the player any additional chances or opportunities to win the same progressive award in a second game sequence.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides gaming systems, devices, and methods providing a multi-stage bonus game. When a first stage triggering event occurs, the gaming system initiates a first bonus game stage. During the first stage, the gaming system enables the player to roll dice, and determine any first stage awards based on the outcome or outcomes of the rolls. When a second stage triggering event occurs, the gaming system initiates a second bonus game stage. During the second stage, the gaming system enables the player to roll dice, and may provide the player with elements, which the player accumulates during the second stage, based on the outcome or outcomes of the rolls. When a second stage termination event occurs, the gaming system determines any second stage awards based on a total quantity of elements accumulated by the player, provides the player with any determined awards, and terminates the bonus game.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides gaming systems, devices, and methods providing a multi-stage bonus game. When a first stage triggering event occurs, the gaming system initiates a first bonus game stage. During the first stage, the gaming system enables the player to roll dice, and determine any first stage awards based on the outcome or outcomes of the rolls. When a second stage triggering event occurs, the gaming system initiates a second bonus game stage. During the second stage, the gaming system enables the player to roll dice, and may provide the player with elements, which the player accumulates during the second stage, based on the outcome or outcomes of the rolls. When a second stage termination event occurs, the gaming system determines any second stage awards based on a total quantity of elements accumulated by the player, provides the player with any determined awards, and terminates the bonus game.

Abstract: A method for administrating healthcare services allows providers to select cost-sharing levels for each service. Cost-share selections and other provider practice characteristics are stored in a dynamic, cost-sharing database. Individuals seeking a provider can access the database through a network and perform a provider search based on selected criteria. Individuals that receive services from a provider pay the appropriate cost-share at the time of service, and an administrator pays an additional amount based on a fee schedule specifying the amount the administrator will pay for the specified service.

Abstract: Gaming devices comprising a gaming unit configured for play of a primary game and a bonus game. The bonus game portion of the gaming unit includes at least a outcome display element with an associated, cooperative outcome indicator element. The outcome display element may be rotatable about a substantially upright axis and comprise a sphere, a gem or other suitable element for displaying potential game outcomes for the bonus game, the game outcome being indicated by a portion of the outcome display element aligned with the outcome indicator element upon cessation of rotation of the former. Employing visually perceptible representations of rotation of the outcome display element rather than physical rotation thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods where qualification for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a base game. Multiple players may qualify for the bonus game by achieving preselected criteria associated with play of the base game. The qualified players may participate in the bonus game and achieve a bonus game outcome based on the player's skill or strategy. The bonus game outcome may allow the player to accumulate bonus awards. In addition, the bonus game outcome may impede or terminate the player's movement in the bonus game. Each player's movement in the bonus game may depend on his or her continued play in the base game. Each qualified player may also eliminate other qualified players by occupying the same space in the bonus game.

Abstract: Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices and systems comprising a display of a plurality of symbols where at least one symbol may be interchanged with another symbol of the plurality of symbols. After a combination of symbols is randomly generated and the results are displayed to a player, the player may have the opportunity to interchange at least one displayed symbol with another symbol in order to configure a more advantageous symbol arrangement. Interchanging may include transposing, sliding, or moving one or more symbols that are generated by way of a random process. Furthermore, interchanging may include a slide game or wraparound type movement of symbols or trading a symbol for another symbol provided by an exterior source. Additionally, the interchanging opportunity may be limited by way of constraints applied to movement of the symbols, time for interchanging, or other criteria, and may be conditioned on placing an additional or side bet.

Abstract: Gaming devices comprising a gaming unit configured for play of a primary game and a bonus game. The bonus game portion of the gaming unit includes at least a outcome display element with an associated, cooperative outcome indicator element. The outcome display element may be rotatable about a substantially upright axis and comprise a sphere, a gem or other suitable element for displaying potential game outcomes for the bonus game, the game outcome being indicated by a portion of the outcome display element aligned with the outcome indicator element upon cessation of rotation of the former. Employing visually perceptible representations of rotation of the outcome display element rather than physical rotation thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for administrating healthcare services allows providers to select cost-sharing levels for each service. Cost-share selections and other provider practice characteristics are stored in a dynamic, cost-sharing database. Individuals seeking a provider can access the database through a network and perform a provider search based on selected criteria. Individuals that receive services from a provider pay the appropriate cost-share at the time of service, and an administrator pays an additional amount based on a fee schedule specifying the amount the administrator will pay for the specified service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented providing high-performance lossless data compression implemented in hardware for improving network communications. A compression module useful in a switching platform is also presented capable of compressing data stored in buffer memory. Instructions for a compression task are assigned to the compression module by a microprocessor writing a control block to a queue in stored local memory. The control block informs the compression module of the size and location of the unprocessed data, as well as a location in the buffer memory for storing the processed data and the maximum allowed size for the compressed data. Using this technique, the microprocessor can limit the compression of data to those data streams allowing compression, to those segments that are susceptible to compression, and to those segments that are large enough to show a transmission speed improvement via compression.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods where qualification for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a base game. Multiple players may qualify for the bonus game by achieving preselected criteria associated with play of the base game. The qualified players may participate in the bonus game and achieve a bonus game outcome based on the player's skill or strategy. The bonus game outcome may allow the player to accumulate bonus awards. In addition, the bonus game outcome may impede or terminate the player's movement in the bonus game. Each player's movement in the bonus game may depend on his or her continued play in the base game. Each qualified player may also eliminate other qualified players by occupying the same space in the bonus game.

Abstract: Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices and systems comprising a display of a plurality of symbols where at least one symbol may be interchanged with another symbol of the plurality of symbols. After a combination of symbols is randomly generated and the results are displayed to a player, the player may have the opportunity to interchange at least one displayed symbol with another symbol in order to configure a more advantageous symbol arrangement. Interchanging may include transposing, sliding, or moving one or more symbols that are generated by way of a random process. Furthermore, interchanging may include a slide game or wraparound type movement of symbols or trading a symbol for another symbol provided by an exterior source. Additionally, the interchanging opportunity may be limited by way of constraints applied to movement of the symbols, time for interchanging, or other criteria, and may be conditioned on placing an additional or side bet.

Abstract: Gaming devices comprising a gaming unit configured for play of a primary game and a bonus game. The bonus game portion of the gaming unit includes at least a outcome display element with an associated, cooperative outcome indicator element. The outcome display element may be rotatable about a substantially upright axis and comprise a sphere, a gem or other suitable element for displaying potential game outcomes for the bonus game, the game outcome being indicated by a portion of the outcome display element aligned with the outcome indicator element upon cessation of rotation of the former. Employing visually perceptible representations of rotation of the outcome display element rather than physical rotation thereof is also disclosed.