Abstract: A method includes receiving one or more primary game inputs at a gaming machine, each primary game input defining a wager for a respective play of a primary game presented through the gaming machine and also initiating the respective play of the primary game. Each qualifying wager in the primary game offered through the gaming machine is applied in a predefined fashion toward an entry fee in one or more gaming machine tournaments. Ultimately, the value of the tournament entry fee account may reach a first level which is predefined as a level required for participation in a tournament. Once this level has been reached, the method includes enabling the affected player to participate in the tournament. Thus the player need not stop play of the wagering game to pay any entry fee which may be required for participation in a tournament game.

Abstract: A process for adsorbing hydrogen chloride (HCl) from a regeneration vent gas. The regeneration vent gas from a regeneration zone is cooled, and the cooled regeneration vent gas is passed to an adsorption zone that is spaced apart from the regeneration zone. HCl from the regeneration vent gas is adsorbed onto a spent catalyst in the adsorption zone to enrich the spent catalyst with HCl to provide HCl-rich spent catalyst and deplete HCl from the regeneration vent gas to provide HCl-lean regeneration vent gas. The HCl-lean regeneration vent gas is purged as an effluent gas. The HCl-rich spent catalyst is passed to the regeneration zone.

Abstract: A method includes receiving one or more primary game inputs at a gaming machine, each primary game input defining a wager for a respective play of a primary game presented through the gaming machine and also initiating the respective play of the primary game. Each qualifying wager in the primary game offered through the gaming machine is applied in a predefined fashion toward to an entry fee in one or more gaming machine tournaments. Ultimately, the value of the tournament entry fee account may reach a first level which is predefined as a level required for participation in a tournament. Once this level has been reached, the method includes enabling the affected player to participate in the tournament. Thus the player need not stop play of the wagering game to pay any entry fee which may be required for participation in a tournament game.

Abstract: A method includes receiving one or more primary game inputs at a gaming machine, each primary game input defining a wager for a respective play of a primary game presented through the gaming machine and also initiating the respective play of the primary game. Each qualifying wager in the primary game offered through the gaming machine is applied in a predefined fashion toward to an entry fee in one or more gaming machine tournaments. Ultimately, the value of the tournament entry fee account may reach a first level which is predefined as a level required for participation in a tournament. Once this level has been reached, the method includes enabling the affected player to participate in the tournament. Thus the player need not stop play of the wagering game to pay any entry fee which may be required for participation in a tournament game.

Abstract: A system for anonymously negotiating the price of a particular product to be purchased at a later time from a particular vendor. The system uses at least one consumer terminal, an intermediary entity, and at least one vendor terminal to (1) identify a particular item for sale at a Brick and Mortar Retailer, whereby the particular item has a stated purchase price that was decided by the Brick and Mortar Retailer, (2) anonymously place an offer for the particular item at a desired price, whereby the desired price is less than the stated purchase price, (3) purchase the item at the Brick and. Mortar Retailer at the stated price, and (4) receive a credit equal to the difference between the stated price and the desired price upon submitting proof that the transaction at the Brick and Mortar Retailer has been completed.

Abstract: A method of producing a print medium to reduce problems associated with the gradual dye-fade and color-shift of inks over time, and to provide improved resistance to physical handling is provided Specifically, a method can comprise steps of coating a media substrate with a porous coating composition of semi-metal oxide or metal oxide particulates to form a porous ink receiving layer, coating the porous ink-receiving layer with a latex layer configured to allow an ink-jet ink to be received at the porous ink-receiving layer, printing ink-jet ink on at least a portion of the latex layer to form ink-associated latex regions exclusive of non-printed latex regions, and heating the latex layer. The ink-jet ink can include an ink vehicle, a colorant, and a film promoting additive that lowers the film forming temperature of the latex particulates in the ink-associated latex regions. Upon heating, the ink-associated latex regions form a continuous film, and non-printed latex regions do not form a continuous film.