Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.

Abstract: A rotary seal is provided. The rotary seal includes an annular seal element having a sealing surface. The seal element further includes a surface opposite of the sealing surface including a first coupling portion. The rotary seal also includes an annular energizer including a second coupling portion complementary to the first coupling portion. The first and second coupling portions engage so as to inhibit relative rotation between the seal element and the energizer.

Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method provides for determining data associated with a player of a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one established criterion; and providing an offer to the player if the data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer including a condition and a description of a product to be provided to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the condition.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method may include providing a periodical index customized for a subscriber. The method may comprise, for example, determining first data corresponding to content of at least one issue of a periodical, determining customized index data, in which the customized index data is based on the first data and at least one preference associated with a subscriber to the periodical, and outputting a customized index for the subscriber, the customized index including the customized index data, in which the customized index is separate from the content of the at least one issue.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for managing reward offers. A first performance target that is associated with a financial account is determined. Transaction data that is associated with the financial account is received, and a second performance target for the financial account is determined based on the transaction data.

Abstract: A customer may be permitted to use a gaming device such as a slot machine to manage various transactions related to a hotel, such as checking in and/or checking out of the customer's room at the hotel. A customer may receive a benefit in exchange for using a gaming device for a transaction.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for managing reward offers. A first performance target that is associated with a financial account is determined. Transaction data that is associated with the financial account is received, and a second performance target for the financial account is determined based on the transaction data.

Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for determining a first gaming session; determining a rank of the first gaming session; determining at least one gaming session, each at least one gaming session of the first set having a respective rank that is not higher than the rank of the first gaming session, determining data corresponding to the at least one gaming session; determining at least one bonus based on the data; and applying the at least one bonus to the first gaming session.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for receiving a wager for a secondary game at a gaming device that offers a primary game, in which the wager indicates at least one parameter corresponding to a potential outcome of the secondary game; determining an outcome of the secondary game; and providing a payout for the secondary game.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method provides for determining data associated with a player of a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one established criterion; and providing an offer to the player if the data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer including a condition and a description of a product to be provided to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the condition.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for determining a first gaming session; determining a rank of the first gaming session; determining at least one gaming session, each at least one gaming session of the first set having a respective rank that is not higher than the rank of the first gaming session, determining data corresponding to the at least one gaming session; determining at least one bonus based on the data; and applying the at least one bonus to the first gaming session.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides for receiving a call from a caller, the call being associated with a first merchant; placing the call in a queue; determining a second merchant; and establishing a connection, the connection enabling communication between the caller and the second merchant while the call is in the queue.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of playing a game provides a player with at least one option for playing at least one round of the game in accordance with at least one advantage and/or disadvantage. For example, a player may agree to play a current round of play and/or at least one future round of play in accordance with a revised rule.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for use with a reciprocating or rotating shaft includes a shaft seal, a lubricant-storing ring, and a retainer. The retainer and ring can be formed as a subassembly and then combined with a shaft seal. The assembly provides a lubricated shaft and seal that improves the effective life of the shaft seal.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method provides for determining data associated with a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one established criterion; and providing an offer to a player if the data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer including a condition and an amount of credit to be provided to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the condition.

Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.