Abstract: A system for diagnosing errors and defects of components of a machine and detecting and diagnosing environmental conditions in a hazardous workspace surrounding the machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine and a machine mounted locator located on the machine. Locating means for determining the coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system are also provided, The system also includes error detection means for determining whether the coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system are within programmed parameters.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing errors and defects of components of a machine and detecting and diagnosing environmental conditions in a hazardous workspace surrounding the machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine and a machine mounted locator located on the machine. Locating means for determining the coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system are also provided, The system also includes error detection means for determining whether the coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system are within programmed parameters.

Abstract: A system for detecting the angle of articulation at an articulating point between a first section and a second section of an articulating machine is provided. The system includes a controller positioned on the articulating machine for generating a uniquely encoded signal. A plurality of drivers are positioned on the second section of the articulating machine such that they are in communication with the controller for transmitting the uniquely encoded signal. A machine mounted locator is positioned on the first section of the articulating machine such that it is in communication with the drivers. An algorithm based on the uniquely encoded signal and a radio frequency signal generated by the machine mounted locator is performed at the controller to generate the uniquely encoded signal.

Abstract: An actuator includes a ram structure slidably mounted within a cylinder structure bore and defines with the cylinder structure a gap therebetween. A fluid passageway structure in the ram structure defines a path for fluid to flow through the ram structure and includes an outlet in a sidewall of the ram structure. A cushioning seal located between the ram structure and the cylinder structure can engage the ram structure and a cylinder cap during ram structure extension such that the seal substantially closes off a first portion of the gap extending from the seal toward an open end of the cylinder structure. The cushioning seal can move during ram structure retraction in a direction of ram structure retraction such that fluid flowing out of the ram structure sidewall outlet, when the outlet is in the gap first portion, flows between the seal and the cylinder cap.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring the distance and determining the coordinate position of one or more target transceivers relative to a set of anchor transceivers with known locations is provided. The position of the target transceiver is determined by using a time-of-flight (TOF) initialization signal generated by the master anchor transceiver, a TOF response transmission generated by the target transceiver, calculation of the distances between the target transceiver and each anchor transceiver, and transmission of a TOF distance report by the master anchor transceiver. The system and method of the present invention permit the accurate locating of a target transceiver that is located “outside the box.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring the distance and determining the coordinate position of one or more target transceivers relative to a set of anchor transceivers with known locations is provided. The position of the target transceiver is determined by using a time-of-flight (TOF) initialization signal generated by the master anchor transceiver, a TOF response transmission generated by the target transceiver, calculation of the distances between the target transceiver and each anchor transceiver, and transmission of a TOF distance report by the master anchor transceiver. The system and method of the present invention permit the accurate locating of a target transceiver that is located “outside the box.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a position of a person or second machine relative to a machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine, a locator for being carried by the person, means for determining the position of said locator relative to the transmitter system, means for defining one or more safety zones around the machine; and warning means for generating a signal when said locator enters into any of said one or more safety zones. The transmitter system includes a controller for generating a uniquely encoded magnetic signal and a plurality of drivers in communication with the controller for transmitting the uniquely encoded magnetic signal. According to the method a uniquely encoded magnetic signal is generated and transmitted around the machine from a transmitter system located on the machine. The magnetic signal is received and processed at a locator carried by the person.

Abstract: An actuator may comprise: cylinder structure, ram structure and a cushioning seal. The cylinder structure may comprise a cylinder tube, a cylinder base and a cylinder cap. The ram structure is slidably mounted within a cylinder structure bore and defines with the cylinder structure a gap therebetween. The ram structure may comprise fluid passageway structure for defining a path for fluid to move internally through the ram structure. The path may communicate with an outlet in a sidewall of the ram structure. The cushioning seal may be located between the ram structure and the cylinder structure and engage the ram structure and the cylinder cap during ram structure extension such that the seal substantially closes off a first portion of the gap extending from the seal toward the cylinder structure outer open end.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides methods and apparatus for wirelessly communicating between devices within the gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a gaming machine housing to which a master gaming controller and one or more gaming peripherals can be mounted. The master gaming controller is adapted for executing a game of chance played on the gaming machine and communicating wirelessly with the one or more gaming peripherals used to play the game of chance. Furthermore, the gaming machine includes a wireless communication manager that can manage wireless communications between the master gaming controller and the gaming peripherals, between the gaming peripherals, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for making, storing and retrieving electronic representations of payment documents such as payment tickets used for gaming machines. Some implementations sort currency and non-currency payment documents. According to some embodiments, electronic representations are made only of non-currency payment documents. After an electronic representation of a non-currency payment document is made, the payment document is preferably voided. Voided payment documents may be stored in a non-secure storage area, may be automatically disposed of, or may simply be ejected. Some implementations provide devices and methods for resolving payment disputes by reference to stored electronic representations of payment documents. Other embodiments read information from a payment document and make an electronic representation of the payment document without retaining the payment document. Voiding information is transmitted to, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for making, storing and retrieving electronic representations of payment documents such as payment tickets used for gaming machines. Some implementations sort currency and non-currency payment documents. According to some embodiments, electronic representations are made only of non-currency payment documents. After an electronic representation of a non-currency payment document is made, the payment document is preferably voided. Voided payment documents may be stored in a non-secure storage area, may be automatically disposed of, or may simply be ejected. Some implementations provide devices and methods for resolving payment disputes by reference to stored electronic representations of payment documents. Other embodiments read information from a payment document and make an electronic representation of the payment document without retaining the payment document. Voiding information is transmitted to, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for making, storing and retrieving electronic representations of payment documents such as payment tickets used for gaming machines. Some implementations sort currency and non-currency payment documents. According to some embodiments, electronic representations are made only of non-currency payment documents. After an electronic representation of a non-currency payment document is made, the payment document is preferably voided. Voided payment documents may be stored in a non-secure storage area, may be automatically disposed of, or may simply be ejected. Some implementations provide devices and methods for resolving payment disputes by reference to stored electronic representations of payment documents. Other embodiments read information from a payment document and make an electronic representation of the payment document without retaining the payment document. Voiding information is transmitted to, e.g.

Abstract: A gaming system which maintains a count of the consecutive plays of a game. The system produces a same player stimuli for a designated quantity of the consecutive plays, and the system produces a different player stimuli for one or more of the plays which occur after the designated quantity is reached.

Abstract: A control lever mechanism is provided for being mounted to a cowl of a main body of a materials handling vehicle. The control lever mechanism may comprise at least one lever structure including a control lever having a section which falls within or is approximately parallel with a lowermost view plane of a view zone of an operator, wherein the operator view zone includes at least one view plane positioned above the lowermost view plane, and apparatus for mounting the lever structure to the main body cowl.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for making, storing and retrieving electronic representations of payment documents such as payment tickets used for gaming machines. Some implementations sort currency and non-currency payment documents. According to some embodiments, electronic representations are made only of non-currency payment documents. After an electronic representation of a non-currency payment document is made, the payment document is preferably voided. Voided payment documents may be stored in a non-secure storage area, may be automatically disposed of, or may simply be ejected. Some implementations provide devices and methods for resolving payment disputes by reference to stored electronic representations of payment documents. Other embodiments read information from a payment document and make an electronic representation of the payment document without retaining the payment document. Voiding information is transmitted to, e.g.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may comprise a display unit, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a second display unit and a light valve coupled to the gaming machine to hide and reveal the second display unit. The gaming machine capable of displaying gaming indicia upon on the second display unit. The gaming machine further capable of controlling the transparency of the light valve so as to hide and reveal the gaming indicia as desired.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides methods and apparatus for wirelessly communicating between devices within the gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a gaming machine housing to which a master gaming controller and one or more gaming peripherals can be mounted. The master gaming controller is adapted for executing a game of chance played on the gaming machine and communicating wirelessly with the one or more gaming peripherals used to play the game of chance. Furthermore, the gaming machine includes a wireless communication manager that can manage wireless communications between the master gaming controller and the gaming peripherals, between the gaming peripherals, or a combination thereof.