Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto.

Abstract: Several techniques are described for reducing or mitigating the formation of seams and/or voids in electroplating the interior regions of microscopic recessed features. Cathodic polarization is used to mitigate the deleterious effects of introducing a substrate plated with a seed layer into an electroplating solution. Also described are diffusion-controlled electroplating techniques to provide for bottom-up filling of trenches and vias, avoiding thereby sidewalls growing together to create seams/voids. A preliminary plating step is also described that plates a thin film of conductor on the interior surfaces of features leading to adequate electrical conductivity to the feature bottom, facilitating bottom-up filling.

Abstract: A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes reel displays and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the reel displays in a slot machine. In one system for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reel displays at any time, even while the reel displays are spinning. The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel display.

Abstract: A faucet includes a spout body formed by joining an upper body and a lower body to one another. A one-piece spout tube is secured to the upper body. For example, only a cartridge seat and an aerator of the faucet are used to hold the spout tube in the upper body. Water supply hoses connected to the cartridge seat bring hot and/or cold water from a water supply source to a valve cartridge interfaced with the cartridge seat. The water flows from the water supply source, through the water supply hoses, the cartridge seat, the valve cartridge, and the spout tube, and out the spout body through the aerator. The valve cartridge allows a user to control a flow rate and/or temperature of the water delivered through the spout tube and out the spout body.

Abstract: A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes reel displays and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the reel displays in a slot machine. In one system for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reel displays at any time, even while the reel displays are spinning. The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel display.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a gesture enhanced game play system that includes a display system, a sensor system, a feedback system, and one or more computing systems. The sensor system is configured to detect at least one touch gesture when the touch gesture is at least proximate the virtual game layout. During play of the base game, when a player makes a touch gesture the touch gesture is evaluated as either a direct gameplay touch gesture or an indirect gameplay touch gesture. Each direct gameplay touch gesture relates directly to reaching an outcome of a current game. Each indirect gameplay touch gesture may be associated with a feedback system that responds to the indirect gameplay touch gestures by the player with visual, audio, and/or tactile feedback.

Abstract: A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one system for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel.

Abstract: Several techniques are described for reducing or mitigating the formation of seams and/or voids in electroplating the interior regions of microscopic recessed features. Cathodic polarization is used to mitigate the deleterious effects of introducing a substrate plated with a seed layer into an electroplating solution. Also described are diffusion-controlled electroplating techniques to provide for bottom-up filling of trenches and vias, avoiding thereby sidewalls growing together to create seams/voids. A preliminary plating step is also described that plates a thin film of conductor on the interior surfaces of features leading to adequate electrical conductivity to the feature bottom, facilitating bottom-up filling.

Abstract: A method for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one method for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The method may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing semiconductor wafers sequentially. Sequential processes employ multi-station processing modules, where particular encompassing wafer processes are divided into sub-processes, each optimized for increasing wafer to wafer uniformity, result quality, and overall wafer throughput. In one example, a copper electroplating module includes separate stations for wetting, initiation, seed layer repair, fill, overburden, reclaim, and rinse.

Abstract: Deployment of a workstation includes receiving data related to the computing environment of workstations, organizing the workstations into groups based on at least one selectable common attribute among the data, and producing a deployment schedule based on the groups.

Abstract: A method for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one method for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The method may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel.

Abstract: An edible ice cream stick includes a support member having a first inner layer that is generally rigid and constructed of a hard candy substance. The support member also includes a second intermediate layer having a cereal substance. A third outer layer is situated atop the second layer that consists a firm flavor coating that provides moisture protection to the second cereal layer.

Abstract: A faucet includes a spout body formed by joining an upper body and a lower body to one another. A one-piece spout tube is secured to the upper body. For example, only a cartridge seat and an aerator of the faucet are used to hold the spout tube in the upper body. Water supply hoses connected to the cartridge seat bring hot and/or cold water from a water supply source to a valve cartridge interfaced with the cartridge seat. The water flows from the water supply source, through the water supply hoses, the cartridge seat, the valve cartridge, and the spout tube, and out the spout body through the aerator. The valve cartridge allows a user to control a flow rate and/or temperature of the water delivered through the spout tube and out the spout body.

Abstract: A hybrid valve body is a multi-piece valve body formed of a brass component and a first non-brass component. The brass component and the first non-brass component are held together by a second non-brass component, such that the brass component and the first and second non-brass components need not be screwed together or otherwise fastened or moved against one another in a manner which could contribute to corrosion. The hybrid valve body realizes a substantial reduction in the amount of brass that would otherwise be used to form the valve body.

Abstract: Liquid detection sensors are attached to both sides of a robotic arm end effector of a semiconductor wafer process system. The sensor mechanism or probe is situated on the front side and backside of the end effector, designed with electrical lines that are traced onto a polyester base material. The electrical lines are positioned in a serpentine formation. The high conductance of the sulfuric acid in the copper sulfate solution acts as the conductor between the traced lines. When the conductive liquid comes in contact with the traced lines, the lines short and the sensor activates or turns on.

Abstract: The orientation of a wafer with respect to the surface of an electrolyte is controlled during an electroplating process. The wafer is delivered to an electrolyte bath along a trajectory normal to the surface of the electrolyte. Along this trajectory, the wafer is angled before entry into the electrolyte for angled immersion. A wafer can be plated in an angled orientation or not, depending on what is optimal for a given situation. Also, in some designs, the wafer's orientation can be adjusted actively during immersion or during electroplating, providing flexibility in various electroplating scenarios.

Abstract: A water delivery component includes a fitting that can accommodate different types of connections. For example, a spout shank assembly or a valve assembly includes a fitting that can interface with hosing, piping or other conduit using a quick-connect method or a PEX connect method.

Abstract: A spout shank allows a spout to be mounted on one side of a mounting surface and then connected to a water supply source disposed on the other side of the mounting surface. The spout shank has a length that is adjustable over a range of lengths to accommodate mounting surfaces with different thicknesses.