Abstract: A high-speed out-of-band signalling technique for transferring information such as station status information between stations in a communication network, typically a local-area network, involves sequentially generating a plurality of n-bit sequence segments, where n is at least 3. Each bit is either a first binary value or a second binary value. Each sequence segment is coded with one of a plurality of different n-bit code groups divided into a first code group and a set of second code groups. The n bits in the first code group are all the first binary value--e.g., all "1s". None of the second code groups contain a pair of non-contiguous bits of the second binary value--e.g., none of the second code groups contains two "0s" separated by at least one other bit. The sequence segments are outputted in the order that they were generated to produce a special bit sequence which carries the desired information.

Abstract: A roulette game is modified by electronic circuitry, including a microprocessor, to determine which one of a set of numbered, red or black compartments receives a ball and displays the play results via a lighted, marked roulette table upon which stakes are placed. The invention includes light emitting sensors that are placed beneath the roulette wheel, each compartment of which has an aperture formed therein, to monitor the compartment by detecting light passing through the apertures. Timing marks placed on the wheel are monitored by detector circuitry to determine the direction of rotation and angular rotation of the wheel, relative to a predetermined position. A microprocessor receives the information provided by the sensors and detector circuitry to determine which compartment received the ball, calculates winning wagers, and illuminates the corresponding spaces of the roulette table to inform players of the results.