Abstract: A recessed push-button actuatable switch is disclosed. In one embodiment, the recessed switch includes a body having a first end and a second end, a push-button supported by the body having a user-actuatable portion, a switch activated by actuation of the push-button, and a protector mounted to the body and extending around at least a portion of the push-button. The protector prevents the push-button from being accidentally or inadvertently pressed by allowing the button to be pressed only from a substantially perpendicular direction. At the same time, the button remains easily accessed. The recessed switch is also disclosed mounted to a housing such as a gaming machine and a method is disclosed to retrofit existing buttons to have the protection afforded by the protector of the recessed switch.

Abstract: A novelty item has a base and a display extending upwardly from the base. The display comprises at least a first segment and at least a second segment each having an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall, the inner and outer walls separated from one another thereby defining a first interior space, and the inner cylindrical wall defining a second interior space. A divider is located between the first and second segments, the divider supporting the second segment over the first segment in generally vertical alignment, the display having a generally open top leading to an interior of the display defined by the second interior space of said first and second segment. The novelty item may have the appearance of a gaming machine “top” light and may be also be configured for utilitarian use, such as a writing utensil holder or mug.

Abstract: A poker game is disclosed. In one embodiment, a set of cards is dealt to a player who chooses cards to select as hold cards and discards non-selected cards from the set. Replacement cards are dealt to the player in a first draw to replace the non-selected cards. If the set of cards after the first draw is one or two cards short of a high-ranked hand, a second draw occurs where the player tries to obtain the perfecting card(s). In a further embodiment, during a draw for the perfecting card(s), the card is revealed to the player at a slower speed than occurs with the original deal or other draws. In one embodiment, the set of cards is a five-card poker hand and the game is implemented on a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the game is initiated by the player making a wager.

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 tool for use in removing and replacing a bulb of a push-button type actuatable switch comprises a tool body having a first end defining a bulb-accepting opening. A plurality of tines surround at least a portion of the opening. When the tines are in a first position, the opening is sufficiently large to accept a bulb. When pressed inwardly, the tines reduce the size of the opening and engage a bulb located therein. Movement of a sleeve over the outside of the body presses the tines inwardly. In one embodiment, a flexible sleeve is located in the opening for gripping and protecting a bulb. A stop extends into the insert, limiting the extent to which a bulb may be pressed into the tool. An opposing end of the tool may include a prong or blade for engaging and removing a lens cover over a bulb.

Abstract: A tool for use in removing and replacing a bulb of a push-button type actuatable switch comprises a tool body having a first end defining a bulb-accepting opening. A plurality of tines surround at least a portion of the opening. When the tines are in a first position, the opening is sufficiently large to accept a bulb. When pressed inwardly, the tines reduce the size of the opening and engage a bulb located therein. Movement of a sleeve over the outside of the body presses the tines inwardly. In one embodiment, a flexible sleeve is located in the opening for gripping and protecting a bulb. A stop extends into the insert, limiting the extent to which a bulb may be pressed into the tool. An opposing end of the tool may include a prong or blade for engaging and removing a lens cover over a bulb.

Abstract: A gaming machine illuminated push-button switch includes a body for mounting to the gaming machine. A switch is mounted to the body. A push-button is movably supported by the body. An actuator is configured to actuate the switch in response to movement of the push-button. The body is configured to accept a lamp and provide power to inputs of the lamp. The lamp includes a light emitting element and a polarity matching module. When power is applied to the inputs of the lamp, the light emitting element illuminates part of the switch. In one embodiment, the light emitting element is a light emitting diode and the polarity matching module comprises a diode bridge. In one embodiment, diodes of the bridge are associated with a circuit board which is located in a housing of the lamp.

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 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.