Abstract: A gaming machine stand is constructed from a plurality of modules. In one embodiment the gaming machine stand comprises a pair of end modules and one or more intermediate modules. Variations in the number of intermediate modules permit the length of the gaming machine stand to be varied. The modules themselves may be modular in construction. The gaming machine stand may include other features, such as venting for routing cooling air to players of the supported gaming machines. The modular gaming machine stand permits construction of differing stands having various sizes, but having a common appearance and characteristics.

Abstract: A video display for a gaming machine has pairs of outwardly extending mounting pins or bushings. The mounting pins may extend outwardly from opposing sides of a frame supporting the display. The pins are configured to mate with corresponding slots in at least one display mount. The display mount may be connected to a cabinet or door of a gaming machine. The display mount has corresponding slots for accepting the mounting pins.

Abstract: A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated.

Abstract: A gaming system includes multiple gaming machines. The gaming machines are configured to issue value tickets, such upon cash-out. The tickets may be presented at the same gaming machine that issued the ticket or at other of the gaming machines. In particular, each gaming machine generates its own tickets, including associated ticket records. The ticket records generated at each gaming machine, however, are transmitted to other gaming machines so that when a ticket is presented at any of the gaming machines, any of the gaming machines can directly validate the ticket and credit the associated value.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a number of gaming machines comprises providing a first number of gaming machines having a first appearance and configured to present at least one first game. Game play is monitored at the gaming machines and if the game play reaches a threshold level, a number of the gaming machines are changed to have a second appearance and configured to present at least one second game. Preferably, the appearance of the gaming machines is modified by changing certain door/frame coverings and/or the number or arrangement of visible components, permitting the gaming machine itself to be reused.

Abstract: A gaming machine door latch comprises a slide having one or more associated catches, and lock or latch strikes. The slide may be mounted to the gaming machine housing for vertical movement. The catches are mounted to the slide and may be configured to pivot. The strikes are mounted to the door. When the gaming machine door is closed, the catches automatically engage the strikes, thus latching the door. The door may be opened by raising the slide, causing the catches to move out of engagement with the strikes. The latch may include a lock which locks and unlocks the slide.

Abstract: A configurable gaming machine includes a door defining a component area. The component area is configured to accept multiple components, such as displays and player tracking elements, in multiple arrangements, permitting the gaming machine to be constructed in multiple configurations. Other aspects of the invention include an internal component mounting configuration, a door biasing mechanism, a venting configuration, a backlight enclosure, a speaker mount, and a gaming machine stand with integrated footrest.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a bumper which is preferably positioned at the front-most portion of a play area of the gaming machine. The bumper defines a recessed area. Gaming machine components such as player input devices including a keypad, buttons, and/or card reader slot, or other components such as a ticket printer slot and/or bill validator slot, are located at or in the recessed portion of the bumper of the gaming machine.

Abstract: The present invention is an intelligent metering system for currency-activated devices having an electromechanical meter. The intelligent metering system includes an inductive pickup winding associated with the electromechanical meter. An amplifier is coupled to the inductive pickup winding to boost a signal detected from the inductive pickup winding when electromechanical meter is actuated. A pulse detector, coupled to the amplifier, detects pulses, false triggerings and filters out EMF spikes. A microprocessor is coupled to the pulse detector for counting the pulses detected by the pulse detector and for storing meter data related to the counted pulses in a memory device. An interface is coupled to the microprocessor for transmitting the meter data from the memory device.

Abstract: A gaming device and gaming system utilize an external outcome generator for use in determining game outcomes. The external outcome generator may comprise an ever-changing, uncontrollable, public source of data, such as the stock market average. Information, such as numerical values, are obtained from the external outcome generator or source and used in determining game outcomes. In one embodiment, numerical data is utilized to determine secondary game information, such as video poker card data or video slot symbols or outcomes.

Abstract: A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated.

Abstract: A configurable beverage container includes a holder which may be configured to directly contain a beverage. In this configuration, the holder may be closed at a bottom with a base member, and may have a lid connected to a top thereof. Alternatively, the holder may support a separate container or cup. The cup may be lowered into the holder. A lid may be mounted directly to the cup. A lock ring may be used to secure the cup to the holder. A cover may be connected to the lock ring to cover the lid and cup there under. The container may store supplies such as cups, lids or beverage condiments. The container is easy to clean and permits multiple configurations.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a media dispenser, such as a ticket printer. The media dispenser is located in a belly portion of the gaming machine below a console portion. The media dispenser may be located in front of a cabinet portion of the gaming machine and behind a door thereof. The media dispenser preferably extends horizontally through the gaming machine. A portion of the media dispenser may be located in front of a currency box of a currency acceptor of the machine. The location of the media dispenser simplifies the configuration of the gaming machine as well as access to the media dispenser.

Abstract: A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated.

Abstract: A gaming device has a housing with at least one air inlet vent and at least one air exhaust vent. In one aspect of the invention, the vents are configured with a duct or flange having at least one upwardly sloping portion configured to prevent the entry of contaminants such as liquids into the gaming device. In another aspect of the invention, a gaming machine cooling system includes at least one air flow device such as a centrifugal blower or squirrel-cage air handling device which provides high volumetric air flow at positive pressure. The air flow device is coupled to the exhaust vent, whereby the air flow device exhausts air from the interior to the exterior of the gaming device. A low pressure condition in the gaming machine causes cool air to be drawn into the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A vent cover is provided for use with a gaming machine. The vent cover comprises a body for location over a vent in a housing of the gaming machine. The vent cover cooperates with the housing to define a vent space through which air flows to and from an interior of the gaming machine via the vent. The vent cover has air ports in communication with the vent space. The vent cover also has one or more drains which direct water from the vent space. The vent cover is preferably used with an exhaust vent of a gaming machine, directing heated air upwardly away from the gaming machine and preventing foreign material from entering the gaming machine through the vent.

Abstract: A gaming device has a housing with at least one air inlet vent and at least one air exhaust vent. In one aspect of the invention, the vents are configured with a duct or flange having at least one upwardly sloping portion configured to prevent the entry of contaminants such as liquids into the gaming device. In another aspect of the invention, a gaming machine cooling system includes at least one air flow device such as a centrifugal blower or squirrel-cage air handling device which provides high volumetric air flow at positive pressure. The air flow device is coupled to the exhaust vent, whereby the air flow device exhausts air from the interior to the exterior of the gaming device. A low pressure condition in the gaming machine causes cool air to be drawn into the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A method and device are configured to remove or reduce the quantity of one or more contaminants from a beverage, such as an alcoholic beverage. A contaminant removing material may be formed into an object or be associated with an object for contact with a beverage. The invention has particular applicability to removing or reducing the sulfite content of an alcoholic beverage and may change other properties of the beverage, such as its color. The contaminant removing material may be associated with a pour spout. The spout may also include one or more air inlets, an aeration mesh or both to aerate a beverage as it is poured. In addition, the pour spout may include one or more magnets to remove contaminants and change other properties of the beverage, such as its taste.

Abstract: A gaming machine is configured for improved component accessibility. In one embodiment, the gaming machine has a component area having at least one display and a console located below the component area and extending outwardly towards a player of the gaming machine. At least one gaming machine component such as a currency validator and/or media dispenser is associated with the console and is accessible at a front of the console. In another embodiment, one or more components are located behind an access door located at a belly of the gaming machine.