Abstract: A bar-top gaming unit includes a housing having a top panel which is movable between open and closed positions. Components of the gaming unit are configured to minimize the size of the unit and maximize component access. A display is mounted to the movable top. A gaming controller is located inside the housing beneath the display, the controller providing or generating game play information for display by the display. Peripheral devices are located at either end of the housing on either side of the gaming controller and peripheral. The peripheral devices may comprise a receipt printer and a currency validator. In one embodiment, the gaming unit includes access points besides the top panel, as well as a number of security features including a locking or latching mechanism for individual elements such as the top panel and a cash box associated with a current validator.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for presenting a game comprises a cabinet and a door connected to the cabinet. In one embodiment of the invention, a door shock is mounted between the door and the cabinet. The door shock includes a piston selectively extendable from a body. The door shock dampens the closing of the door. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a display mount. At least one bracket extends inwardly from a door, the bracket including one or more apertures. The display or a frame connected to the display includes one or more apertures. In one embodiment, fasteners such as screws generally affix the display to the door by engaging the bracket and the apertures in the display or display frame. In another embodiment, the apertures in the bracket comprise slots and bushings extend from the display or display frame and engage the slots.

Abstract: A game having a bonus feature and a gaming apparatus for presenting the game are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises the steps of a player placing a wager, spinning a plurality of first reels having indicia thereon, determining if indicia displayed by the plurality of first reels associated with a first pay line comprises a predetermined winning combination, and if so, paying a first award and then associating that first award with at least one bonus reel, permitting a player to spin the at least one bonus reel or otherwise participate in the bonus event, and determining if an award associated with the at least one bonus reel is associated with a second pay line, and if so, paying a bonus award.

Abstract: A game having a bonus feature and a gaming apparatus for presenting the game are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises the steps of a player placing a wager, spinning a plurality of first reels having indicia thereon, determining if indicia displayed by the plurality of first reels associated with a first pay line comprises a predetermined winning combination, and if so, paying a first award and then associating that first award with at least one bonus reel, spinning the at least one bonus reel, and determining if an award associated with the at least one bonus reel is associated with a second pay line, and if so, paying a bonus award. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes three first mechanical or video-generated reels for playing the first game, one second mechanical or video-generated reel for playing the bonus event, and associated mechanisms for accepting wagers, paying winnings, and associating win amounts from the first game with the at least one bonus reel.

Abstract: A push-button actuatable electrical switch is disclosed. In one embodiment, the push-button electrical switch includes a body having a first end and a second end, an actuator associated with the body, a push-button lens cap mounted to the actuator and extending from the first end of said body, an electrical switch having a switch button for activating the switch, and a mount adapted to support a lamp and the electrical switch. In one embodiment, the body includes a latch extending outwardly from the bottom end of the body in a direction generally opposite the top end and the mount includes a surface for engagement by the latch for connecting the mount to the body in position such that movement of the actuator with the push-button lens cap causes the switch button to be activated. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the body adjacent the push-button lens cap is transparent and illuminated by the lamp.

Abstract: A push-button actuatable electrical switch is disclosed. In one embodiment, the push-button electrical switch includes a body, a push-button lens cap extending from a first end of the body, and an electrical switch. Depression of the push-button lens cap causes the electrical switch to be activated. An electrically conductive pathway is defined through the body to a support structure whereby electrical discharges are routed to ground rather than through the lamp and electrical switch. In one embodiment, the pathway is defined by conductive carbon particles dispersed through a plastic forming parts of the switch, such as the body and the lens cap.

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 game having a bonus feature and a gaming apparatus for presenting the game are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises the steps of a player placing a wager, spinning a plurality of first reels having indicia thereon, determining if indicia displayed by the plurality of first reels associated with a first pay line comprises a predetermined winning combination, and if so, paying a first award and then associating that first award with at least one bonus game, permitting at one or more times the player to participate in the bonus event, and determining if the outcome of the bonus event is a winning outcome and if so, paying a bonus award. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes three first mechanical or video-generated reels for playing the first game, one second mechanical or video-generated reel for playing the bonus event, and associated mechanisms for accepting wagers, paying winnings, and associating win amounts from the first game with the at least one bonus reel.

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 unit which is adapted to be mounted to or in a support surface such as a bar top is disclosed. In one embodiment the gaming unit includes a housing having a top panel which is movable between an open and closed position for accessing the interior of the housing. At least one display is mounted to the top panel and viewable through an opening in the panel. A gaming controller is located in the housing beneath the display. The gaming controller is adapted to generate game information, such as game play information to be displayed by the display and game outcome information. In one embodiment, a first gaming unit peripheral is located between the gaming controller and a first end of the housing, and a second gaming unit peripheral is located between the gaming controller and a second end of the housing. The first peripheral may comprise a receipt printer and the second a currency validator and storage container.

Abstract: A push-button actuatable electrical switch is disclosed. In one embodiment, the push-button electrical switch includes a body having a first end and a second end, an actuator associated with the body, a push-button lens cap mounted to the actuator and extending from the first end of said body, an electrical switch having a switch button for activating the switch, and a mount adapted to support a lamp and the electrical switch. In one embodiment, the body includes a latch extending outwardly from the bottom end of the body in a direction generally opposite the top end and the mount includes a surface for engagement by the latch for connecting the mount to the body in position such that movement of the actuator with the push-button lens cap causes the switch button to be activated. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the body adjacent the push-button lens cap is transparent and illuminated by the lamp.

Abstract: A game having a bonus feature and a gaming apparatus for presenting the game are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises the steps of a player placing a wager, spinning a plurality of first reels having indicia thereon, determining if indicia displayed by the plurality of first reels associated with a first pay line comprises a predetermined winning combination, and if so, paying a first award and then associating that first award with at least one bonus game, permitting at one or more times the player to participate in the bonus event, and determining if the outcome of the bonus event is a winning outcome and if so, paying a bonus award. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes three first mechanical or video-generated reels for playing the first game, one second mechanical or video-generated reel for playing the bonus event, and associated mechanisms for accepting wagers, paying winnings, and associating win amounts from the first game with the at least one bonus reel.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for the delivery, holding, storing, and dispensing of coins and the like from coin-operated machine, such as a gaming machine into which coins are deposited and, when an award is indicated, coins are dispensed as all or part of an award or prize is disclosed. After depositing coins in the coin slot of the gaming machine, the coins are deposited into one or more coin hoppers located in the front or the rear, or the top or bottom, or to the left or right of the coin counting and moving mechanism in the slot machine. Once deposited into the coin hoppers, the coins can then be dispensed as awards to the gaming machine customer, or, alternatively, further deposited into a coin drop consisting of one or more containers, such as coin bags, mounted beneath the coin hoppers on a motorized carousel thereby improving security and minimizing customer play interruption on payout and coin service intervals.

Abstract: An improved cathode ray tube (“CRT”) positioning apparatus and method for use in a video display terminal. In particular, it solves the problem of precisely locating each of the four corners of the CRT at a predetermined distance from the inner edges of the bezel, such that a predetermined sealing pressure is achieved between the bezel and the CRT.

Abstract: The invention describes an improved currency handling machine for use with a vending machine cabinet having at least one access door, said currency handling machine comprises a combination of: 1. a currency funnel mounted on the access door, 2. a frame mounted for rotation about an axis in spaced relationship to the access door, 3. a currency acceptor mounted on the rotating frame, 4. a currency stacker mounted on the rotating frame and mounted in currency receiving relationship to the currency acceptor, and 5. locking means to align an input lip of the currency acceptor with an output lip of the currency funnel to maintain a predetermined alignment and predetermined gap between the currency funnel and the currency acceptor when the access door is closed.