Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed. The gaming system includes at least two gaming components. Each gaming component includes a controller and a communications interface. The gaming system also includes a communication link to allow the controllers of the gaming components to communicate with other controllers of other gaming components on a peer-to-peer basis through the communication interfaces.

Abstract: A casino receives activity from a player, both in-house and on-line. The player's activities are combined in a single account stored by the casino. The combined activities can then be used to the player's benefit, for example by awarding benefits to the player, allowing the player to access his activity across a network, or by preparing for the player a tax statement based on his year-to-date activities.

Abstract: In general, the invention facilitates improved inter-module communication within a medical device system, such as an automated external defibrillator (AED), by using a serial data interface based on the USB specification to transfer data between modules. As a result, data transmission rates may be improved significantly, thereby providing ample communication bandwidth for a variety of medical device applications. Further, the serial interconnect nature of the USB interface reduces the number of physical interconnects that are needed to support the interface, thereby reducing the design constraints on the medical device system.

Abstract: A composition comprising from 0.005% to 0.02% bimatoprost by weight and from 100 ppm to 250 ppm benzalkonium chloride, wherein said composition is an aqueous liquid which is formulated for ophthalmic administration is disclosed herein. A method which is useful in treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension related thereto is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a self-service center upon which patrons and casino personnel can perform many casino related functions. For instance, after identifying themselves, a patron could access their player account to determine an account balance, or redeem some or all of their accumulated points for benefits, such as “comps”, promotions, coupons, cash, etc. Additionally the patron could “buy” additional bonus points, thereby increasing the number of accumulated bonus points in their account. The service center could also be connected to an ATM for dispersing funds or transferring funds to a player account.

Abstract: A top tensioned riser extends substantially vertically from a platform hull to the seabottom. The riser includes length adjustment at its upper end and is detachably connected to an anchor pile at its lower end. Riser tension is monitored via load cells incorporated in the riser porch. The riser is connected to one or more import/export flowlines or pipelines.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imageable composition including an acid curable composition, an acid generator, an infrared absorber having a counter anion derived from a non-volatile acid, and a strong acid such as a sulfonic acid. The imageable composition may include components such as a crosslinkable binder or a colorant. In one embodiment, the imageable composition further includes a colorant having a counter anion derived from a non-volatile acid. The present invention further provides an imageable element, which includes a substrate and an imageable coating on a surface of the substrate. Also provided is method of producing an imaged element according to the invention.

Abstract: An interface structure for use in a semiconductor integrated circuit tester for connecting a test head interface to a DUT interface includes a first frame member having first and second opposite main faces, a second frame member having first and second opposite main faces, and a spacer securing the first and second frame members together in spaced relationship. A first cable assembly header is received in an aperture of the first frame member and includes a conductive element and electrically conductive terminal members exposed at a main face of the first frame member and electrically insulated from the conductive element of the first header. A second cable assembly header is received in an aperture of the second frame member and includes a conductive element and electrically conductive terminal members exposed at a main face of the second frame member and electrically insulated from the conductive element of the second header.

Abstract: A riser centralizer for transferring lateral loads from the riser to a platform hull includes a keel centralizer mounted on a keel joint. The keel centralizer is received within a keel guide sleeve secured in a support mounted at the lower end of the platform hull. The keel centralizer includes a nonmetallic composite bearing ring having a radiused peripheral profile for minimizing contact stresses between the keel centralizer and the keel guide sleeve in extremes of riser and platform motion. The internal surface of the keel guide sleeve is clad with a corrosion resistant alloy and coated with a wear resistant ceramic rich coating.

Abstract: A gaming system, comprising a plurality of gaming machines operating over a network, includes a bonus server for providing a promotion implementing a mystery award. The method for delivering a mystery award to a player over the computer gaming network comprises determining an award is to be delivered. A group of players eligible for the determined award is selected and notified of their eligibility to win the award. A portion of the group is then eliminated, thereby resulting in remaining eligible members. The eliminated members are notified of their elimination and the remaining eligible members are again eliminated from eligibility in subsequent steps until one or more award winners are selected. The one or more award winners are awarded the mystery award, and the eliminated players can be awarded a celebration (e.g. consolation) prize.

Abstract: A gaming system has at least two gaming components. Each gaming component has controller, a communications interface, a communication link to allow the controllers of the gaming components to communicate with internal components in either a wired or wireless fashion, a communication link providing for a wireless communications to external systems and/or components, a wireless identification mechanism used to uniquely and automatically identify the gaming device to appropriate sensors, and a positioning system that can relay precise positional data to host systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides top-bedding that has a head-end delimited by a head-end edge; a foot-end opposite the head-end, the foot-end delimited by a foot-end edge substantially parallel to the head-end edge; at least one pair of opposing sides delimited by side-edges; a first head-end corner and a second head-end corner; and a reversible expansion means for reversibly converting the top-bedding from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the closed configuration being approximately rectangular, and the open configuration having the shape of an irregular, simple polygon, whereby the distance between the first head-end corner and the second head-end corner is greater when the top-bedding is in the open configuration than when it is in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A gaming machine award system acts over a gaming machine network having a plurality of gaming devices coupled thereto. The award system includes a bonus server coupled to the network and having stored thereon a trigger condition. A game play tracker tracks game play across the network of gaming devices and detects an occurrence of the trigger condition. The bonus server sends out a selection signal over the network to a selected gaming machine responsive to the detected trigger condition. A printer associated with the selected gaming machine is structured to generate printed output responsive to receipt of said selection signal. The printed ticket is a cashless instrument that may be redeemed or played per the nature and characteristics of the award given.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a ladder to a vehicle mounted carrier. The apparatus includes a platform assembly to which a ladder is mounted. The platform assembly includes a plurality of v-notch shaped clips that are positioned to grasp rungs of the ladder. The clips are curved in a similar shape to the claw end of a hammer and biased in a direction to hold the ladder firmly on the vehicle carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention allow a player to have a unique gaming experience, different than other players, even when playing on the same network. A game may span several gaming sessions. States of a game, for example a bonus game, may be stored when the player decides to stop playing the game. When the player initiates a next gaming session, at the same or another location, the previous state of the game is re-loaded onto the gaming machine and the player returns to the previous state. Further, additional bonuses can be implemented because the network knows the identity and other information about the player. The additional bonuses may be unique to that player. Messages particular to a player are exchanged between a gaming device and a gaming network.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing semiconductor integrated circuit devices in wafer form includes a test head, a probe card support mechanism attached to the test head for supporting a probe card beneath the test head, a wafer prober for presenting successive wafers to be tested to the test head from beneath the test head, and a lifting mechanism attached to the wafer prober for lifting the test head above the wafer prober. Upon lifting the test head above the wafer prober, the probe card support mechanism can move horizontally relative to the test head between an inserted position in which the probe card support mechanism is positioned to enable the probe card to engage contact elements of the test head and an extended position in which the probe card can be removed from the probe card support mechanism.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed. The gaming system includes at least two gaming components. Each gaming component includes a controller and a communications interface. The gaming system also includes a communication link to allow the controllers of the gaming components to communicate with other controllers of other gaming components on a peer-to-peer basis through the communication interfaces.

Abstract: A method and system for processing patterning compositions such as those applied to printing plates are disclosed. An Infrared (IR) oven, instead of a conventional convection oven, is used for preheating image-wise exposed patterning composition before the exposed image is developed. In one embodiment of the invention, a substrate is coated with a layer of a patterning composition. The layer is then image-wise exposed. The coated substrate is then passed under one or more IR emitter tubes to preheat the image-wise exposed patterning composition, which is subsequently developed. The use of an IR oven offers the advantages of more precise and rapid temperature control, smaller system footprint, lower energy consumption and higher throughput as compared to the conventional methods and systems.

Abstract: In general, the invention facilitates improved inter-module communication within a medical device system, such as an automated external defibrillator (AED), by using a serial data interface based on the USB specification to transfer data between modules. As a result, data transmission rates may be improved significantly, thereby providing ample communication bandwidth for a variety of medical device applications. Further, the serial interconnect nature of the USB interface reduces the number of physical interconnects that are needed to support the interface, thereby reducing the design constraints on the medical device system.

Abstract: Provided herein are articles by which the visibility of remote control units used in conjunction with television sets, stereos, video cassette recorders and the like is increased, so as to reduce or totally eliminate the propensity for such remote units to become lost within the environment in which they are used, such as in a den or living room. Articles according to the invention may be affixed to a wide variety of remote control units by virtue of their construction, and are thus universal in application.