Abstract: A hand-held device for joining fishing line segments of monofilament, fluorocarbon, and/or braid lines of similar or differing sizes or combinations. The device is electrically powered and is portable. The device includes an encasement for orienting the fishing line segments in a closed chamber in close, tensioned, non-contacting orientation. A material is injected into the closed chamber to encase the lines. This material can be adhesive material or a flowable polymer material having, typically, a melting temperature lower than the line segments to be bonded. Alternatively, A pre-formed, flexible polymer sheath (or sleeve) is used to retain the line segments in the chamber. A heater heats the polymer sheath (or sleeve) within the encasement to allow the polymer to flow and encase the line segments without melting the line segments. Bonding of the line segments can be achieved without melting, abrading, compressing, or impairing the integrity the line segment(s) to be encased.

Abstract: A method for verifying the age or location of a player of an Internet-based lottery game entails providing lottery tickets for purchase by players at an authorized retail location, the lottery tickets having a game authorization code that is entered by the initiate play of the Internet-based lottery game on an internet enabled device. The age of the player is verified at the retail location and a separate verification password is entered via a terminal that is in communication with to the lottery system central computer, with the password linked to the game authorization code. Upon initiating play of the game via a web site, the player enters the verification password separately from the game authorization code. An Internet game server communicates with the lottery system central computer to ensure that the entered verification password corresponds to the linked verification password prior to permitting play of the Internet-based lottery game.

Abstract: A method for verifying the age or location of a player of an Internet-based lottery game entails providing lottery tickets for purchase by players at an authorized retail location, the lottery tickets having a game authorization code that is entered by the initiate play of the Internet-based lottery game on an internet enabled device. The age of the player is verified at the retail location and a separate verification password is entered via a terminal that is in communication with to the lottery system central computer, with the password linked to the game authorization code. Upon initiating play of the game via a web site, the player enters the verification password separately from the game authorization code. An Internet game server communicates with the lottery system central computer to ensure that the entered verification password corresponds to the linked verification password prior to permitting play of the Internet-based lottery game.

Abstract: A method for verifying the age or location of a player of an Internet-based lottery game entails providing lottery tickets for purchase by players at an authorized retail location, the lottery tickets having a game authorization code that is entered by the initiate play of the Internet-based lottery game on an internet enabled device. The age of the player is verified at the retail location and a separate verification password is entered via a terminal that is in communication with to the lottery system central computer, with the password linked to the game authorization code. Upon initiating play of the game via a web site, the player enters the verification password separately from the game authorization code. An Internet game server communicates with the lottery system central computer to ensure that the entered verification password corresponds to the linked verification password prior to permitting play of the Internet-based lottery game.

Abstract: A method and associated system for Internet play of an instant lottery game includes supplying instant lottery tickets for purchase by players, with each of the instant lottery tickets having a game authorization code. The winning or loosing status of the instant lottery tickets is unknown to the players at the time of purchase. Each of the instant lottery tickets is provided with a unique prize claim code separate from the game authorization code. A web site is provided wherein a player enters the game authorization code via an Internet device to initiate play of the instant lottery game. The outcome of the game is then randomly determined and presented to the player via the web site. The value of a winning outcome is credited to a running tally associated with the lottery ticket and, upon the player cashing out to end the lottery game, a monetary value is assigned for the running tally associated with the unique prize claim code.

Abstract: A method and associated system for Internet play of an instant lottery game includes supplying instant lottery tickets for purchase by players, with each of the instant lottery tickets having a game authorization code. The winning or loosing status of the instant lottery tickets is unknown to the players at the time of purchase. Each of the instant lottery tickets is provided with a unique prize claim code separate from the game authorization code. A web site is provided wherein a player enters the game authorization code via an Internet device to initiate play of the instant lottery game. The outcome of the game is then randomly determined and presented to the player via the web site. The value of a winning outcome is credited to a running tally associated with the lottery ticket and, upon the player cashing out to end the lottery game, a monetary value is assigned for the running tally associated with the unique prize claim code.

Abstract: Described is a player activated game system, particularly adapted for playing instant lottery type games, that includes a game device having a computer containing at least one game, an electronic display and a card interface adapted to receive a game card having data that represents a particular game outcome such that connection of the card to the interface can result the game being played by the device with the particular outcome displayed on the display. Also described are lottery tickets or game cards that are adapted use with the game devices along with methods of manufacturing the game cards.

Abstract: An electron game machine is provided that may be used in association with standard or special type lottery tickets to enhance a lottery players game experience. The machine may be configure for single or plural play options and may be recharged for reuse. Game play data may be entered manually or automatically. Game machines may be manufactured as generic devices and programmed with game specific information as needed.

Abstract: Described is a player activated game system, particularly adapted for playing instant lottery type games, that includes a game device having a computer containing at least one game, an electronic display and a card interface adapted to receive a game card having data that represents a particular game outcome such that connection of the card to the interface can result the game being played by the device with the particular outcome displayed on the display.

Abstract: A lottery game played on an electronic game machine using a pre-printed lottery ticket is disclosed. The lottery ticket is embedded with game and prize information that can be read by the game machine. After inserting the lottery ticket into the game machine, the player may play a game using the game machine based upon the information on the lottery ticket. If the player is a winner, an award is given to the player. The player can redeem the award for cash with the lottery authority.

Abstract: Described is a player activated game system, particularly adapted for playing instant lottery type games, that includes a game device having a computer containing at least one game, an electronic display and a card interface adapted to receive a game card having data that represents a particular game outcome such that connection of the card to the interface can result the game being played by the device with the particular outcome displayed on the display.

Abstract: A method of embedding an optical signature in a document and document produced therefrom. The optical signature uses an invisible optical pattern or covering that can reflect light in non-visible wavelengths, such as light in infrared, or fluoresces when exposed to a particular wavelength of light, such as ultra-violet light. The invisible optical pattern can be a covering over another optical pattern, or a base pattern upon which a second optical pattern is embedded.

Abstract: A method of embedding an optical signature in a document and document produced therefrom. The optical signature is an optical pattern preferably being a series of discrete marks that can be aligned in a grid that generates a known value, and the same value can be generated from examination of a document by aligning at least an X-Y coordinate grid over the embedded optical pattern. The document can be validated, authenticated, or the determination of a valid copy of an original document with the embedded optical signature made through comparison of the known value and the value generated from the optical pattern on the document. The optical pattern can also be generated from other identification codes on the document.

Abstract: A method of embedding an optical signature in a document and document produced therefrom. The optical signature is an optical pattern generated from a known value, such as a mathematical, geometric, trigonometric, size, phase, and the like, and the same value can be generated from examination of a document having the embedded optical pattern. The document can be validated, authenticated, or the determination of a valid copy of an original document with the embedded optical signature made through comparison of the known value and the value generated from the optical pattern on the document. The optical pattern can also be generated from other identification codes on the document.