Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a Pai Gow gaming table (352) is equipped with a system (460) that implements real-time tracking of gaming tiles (366) to mitigate risk of dealer or player cheating behavior during game play. Each gaming tile has a machine-readable tile identifying tag. The gaming table has a playing surface (350) that includes a pre-assigned woodpile position (358) and multiple pre-assigned player positions (54). Multiple woodpile position tile tag identification readers (362) configured to read the tile identifying tags are located in the pre-assigned woodpile position. Multiple player position tile tag identification readers (360) operatively associated with different ones of the pre-assigned player positions and configured to read the tile identifying tags are located in associated ones of the pre-assigned player positions. A controller (68, 464) operatively associated with the tile tag identification readers performs during game play real-time tracking of movement of the gaming tiles.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring events in a casino. The system combines chip monitoring, card monitoring and video monitoring to identify problems, both in real-time as well as for historical review. The system uses the card information to transition between various game states in order to determine whether the chip actions are allowed, and to generate alerts when the chip actions are not allowed. The system also uses the card information to identify winning and losing bets in order to verify that the collections and payouts of chips are correct.

Abstract: A system and method of locating gaming tokens on a gaming table. Two sets of overlapping antennas are arranged in intersecting directions. The system uses the data from intersecting antennas to determine the positions of the gaming tokens. Having overlapping antennas reduces dead spots.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes an RFID gaming token with a ferrite core. When the RFID gaming tokens are stacked, the ferrite cores steer the flux field from the excitation antenna through the center of the annular antennas in each token. The resulting flux field increases the efficiency of the energy transfer from the excitation antenna to the passive tags. This increased efficiency also improves the data transfer to and from the passive tags. This increased efficiency allows for reading RFID gaming tokens at a higher stack height (or at a better error rate for a given stack height) as compared to existing air core gaming tokens.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system with a shorting loop. The shorting loop at least partially surrounds the antenna. The shorting loop distorts the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna to improve the definition of the border of the read region of the antenna. In this manner, the RFID system provides more accurate discrimination between RFID tags inside the read region versus RFID tags outside the read region (i.e., improves the accuracy of determining that a particular RFID tag is inside the read region).

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a Pai Gow gaming table (352) is equipped with a system (460) that implements real-time tracking of gaming tiles (366) to mitigate risk of dealer or player cheating behavior during game play. Each gaming tile has a machine-readable tile identifying tag. The gaming table has a playing surface (350) that includes a pre-assigned woodpile position (358) and multiple pre-assigned player positions (54). Multiple woodpile position tile tag identification readers (362) configured to read the tile identifying tags are located in the pre-assigned woodpile position. Multiple player position tile tag identification readers (360) operatively associated with different ones of the pre-assigned player positions and configured to read the tile identifying tags are located in associated ones of the pre-assigned player positions. A controller (68, 464) operatively associated with the tile tag identification readers performs during game play real-time tracking of movement of the gaming tiles.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes an RFID gaming token with a ferrite core. When the RFID gaming tokens are stacked, the ferrite cores steer the flux field from the excitation antenna through the center of the annular antennas in each token. The resulting flux field increases the efficiency of the energy transfer from the excitation antenna to the passive tags. This increased efficiency also improves the data transfer to and from the passive tags. This increased efficiency allows for reading RFID gaming tokens at a higher stack height (or at a better error rate for a given stack height) as compared to existing air core gaming tokens.

Abstract: An electrifiable heating blanket for patients, particularly including small animals, undergoing surgery. Heating of the blanket is varied in accordance with patient body temperature changes. Control of the heating is provided by a control unit made accessible to a care giver (surgeon or assistant), and blanket temperature is varied by increasing/decreasing electrical current flow to the blanket via the control unit. A primary conductor path is provided from the electrical source to a base control unit and from the base control unit to the blanket covering the patient. The invention provides a secondary conductor path from a position along the primary conductor path and independently extended to a position of convenience to the surgeon or assistant. An electronic break out feature is provided at the point of diversion enabling electronics push button control from the hand control.

Abstract: A diagnostic instrument distinguishes primary arcs from other electrical discharges in an electric power system based on pulse time density of radio frequency noise caused by the discharges. The instrument counts a maximum number of noise pulses in any small time window over a period, and identifies the discharges as primary arcs if the pulse time density is in a range characteristics of primary arcs.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes an RFID gaming token with a ferrite core. When the RFID gaming tokens are stacked, the ferrite cores steer the flux field from the excitation antenna through the center of the annular antennas in each token. The resulting flux field increases the efficiency of the energy transfer from the excitation antenna to the passive tags. This increased efficiency also improves the data transfer to and from the passive tags. This increased efficiency allows for reading RFID gaming tokens at a higher stack height (or at a better error rate for a given stack height) as compared to existing air core gaming tokens.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention improves the efficiency of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems and helps to extend the effective read range for certain configurations of closely spaced RFID tags. Specifically, an embodiment helps to minimize energy losses that result when there is excess energy from the excitation source. This excess energy has the potential to damage the circuitry in RFID tags. A shunt regulator is often used to protect the RFID circuitry by clamping the voltage, but has the undesirable effect of converting this excess excitation energy into heat. Various embodiments are directed toward using only as much of the excitation energy as necessary to power the RFID circuitry.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system with a shorting loop. The shorting loop at least partially surrounds the antenna. The shorting loop distorts the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna to improve the definition of the border of the read region of the antenna. In this manner, the RFID system provides more accurate discrimination between RFID tags inside the read region versus RFID tags outside the read region (i.e., improves the accuracy of determining that a particular RFID tag is inside the read region).

Abstract: A diagnostic instrument for sources of electrical system discharges provides a map interface for controlling playback of collected signal traces. A map pane of the interface displays a map of an area illustrating a path along which signal data was collected. A double click input selecting a location on the path causes playback of a waveform for the recorded signal in a signal pane commencing from the selected location.

Abstract: A model train system including a track interface unit for bi-directional communication with one or more trains; and a communication circuit installed in the one or more trains that communicates with the track interface unit in a bi-directional manner, the communication circuit communicating to the track interface unit information regarding a current speed of said one or more trains, the communication circuit being configured so as to be capable of receiving an integrally formed command/power signal and processing the command signal independently of the power signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The RFID system includes a reader system that generates electromagnetic energy, reader antennas that communicate information with RFID tags using the electromagnetic energy, switches that are coupled to the reader antennas. The reader system selectively controls the switches to short adjacent reader antennas. In this manner, the target (RFID tag) may be located with improved positional accuracy.

Abstract: A diagnostic instrument distinguishes primary arcs from other electrical discharges in an electric power system based on pulse time density of radio frequency noise caused by the discharges. The instrument counts a maximum number of noise pulses in any small time window over a period, and identifies the discharges as primary arcs if the pulse time density is in a range characteristics of primary arcs.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system with a shorting loop. The shorting loop at least partially surrounds the antenna. The shorting loop distorts the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna to improve the definition of the border of the read region of the antenna. In this manner, the RFID system provides more accurate discrimination between RFID tags inside the read region versus RFID tags outside the read region (i.e., improves the accuracy of determining that a particular RFID tag is inside the read region).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention improves the efficiency of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems and helps to extend the effective read range for certain configurations of closely spaced RFID tags. Specifically, an embodiment helps to minimize energy losses that result when there is excess energy from the excitation source. This excess energy has the potential to damage the circuitry in RFID tags. A shunt regulator is often used to protect the RFID circuitry by clamping the voltage, but has the undesirable effect of converting this excess excitation energy into heat. Various embodiments are directed toward using only as much of the excitation energy as necessary to power the RFID circuitry.