Abstract: The present system provides an incentive for players to place maximum wagers in an effort to gain access to secondary games, the entry of which is controlled by the player's own wager amount, wager type, or wager source. In employing such games, gaming machine establishments are able to maximize the level of play on each of their gaming machines and thereby reduce operation costs and increase the number of machines available for play.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to networked gaming devices that can keep particularized records for identified players. A server can store records of player's present and past actions on the gaming network and can communicate with the gaming device using messaging. In some embodiments, status of games or awards can be stored from one gaming session to another, which allows a player to resume a previously started game or award at a later time. Some games include rewards that are collected over time that can be redeemed for personalized rewards.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a slot machine data collection and reporting system capable of operating with multi-denomination, multi-game machines. These machines allow the patron to select the denomination of the wager unit, the game type, and the exact game pay schedule to be played. Each possible combination of denomination, game type, and game pay schedule may result in a unique theoretical hold percentage. Each combination may also have differing levels of player acceptance. The described system allows for the computation and tracking of handle, game hold percentage, theoretical hold percentage, and net win for each of the possible combinations within a single slot machine cabinet, and for all the games coupled to a gaming network.

Abstract: A method for awarding a bonus to a player of an electronic gaming device at one of a plurality of casino properties is implemented with a slave server networked with gaming devices at each property. The slave servers are networked with a master server that accumulates a pool comprising a percentage of play on the gaming devices. The pool is initiated with a starting value, which defines the lower end of a range having a predetermined maximum number at the upper end. A number is randomly selected from within the range. As play progresses, the pool increases until it hits the random number. As a result, a slave server is randomly selected. The randomly selected slave server then awards the bonus to a randomly selected one of its associated gaming devices.

Abstract: To self-limit play, a player selects a trigger event and an associated action. During play, the game is monitored for the trigger event. If the trigger event occurs, the associated action is performed.

Abstract: A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices during certain off-peak hours comprises three types of periods: an earning period over which earned credits are accumulated responsive to the level of play on the gaming device, a redeeming period where the earned credits can be played, and a regular period where credits are neither earnable or playable. In this way, the player is given an incentive to play during certain times of the week which are otherwise off-peak playing times where the casino might be relatively empty. The amount of credits earned and redeemed can also be dependent upon the player level so that more valuable customers are given preferential bonuses to encourage play.

Abstract: A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices during certain off-peak hours comprises three types of periods: an earning period over which earned credits are accumulated responsive to the level of play on the gaming device, a redeeming period where the earned credits can be played, and a regular period where credits are neither earnable or playable. In this way, the player is given an incentive to play during certain times of the week which are otherwise off-peak playing times where the casino might be relatively empty. The amount of credits earned and redeemed can also be dependent upon the player level so that more valuable customers are given preferential bonuses to encourage play.

Abstract: A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices during certain off-peak hours comprises three types of periods: an earning period over which earned credits are accumulated responsive to the level of play on the gaming device, a redeeming period where the earned credits can be played, and a regular period where credits are neither earnable or playable. In this way, the player is given an incentive to play during certain times of the week which are otherwise off-peak playing times where the casino might be relatively empty. The amount of credits earned and redeemed can also be dependent upon the player level so that more valuable customers are given preferential bonuses to encourage play.

Abstract: A method for awarding a bonus to a player of an electronic gaming device at one of a plurality of casino properties is implemented with a slave server networked with gaming devices at each property. The slave servers are networked with a master server that accumulates a pool comprising a percentage of play on the gaming devices. The pool is initiated with a starting value, which defines the lower end of a range having a predetermined maximum number at the upper end. A number is randomly selected from within the range. As play progresses, the pool increases until it hits the random number. As a result, a slave server is randomly selected. The randomly selected slave server then awards the bonus to a randomly selected one of its associated gaming devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a game tailoring system that allows a gaming experience to be tailored to an individual player. Player data is tracked as an identified player plays at a gaming device. Additionally, other types of data, such as retail purchases, preferences, and experience are stored. The data is analyzed and triggering levels set which, when satisfied, cause the game tailoring system to modify the gaming experience. The triggering levels can be different for different players. Additionally, data about groups of players or groups of gaming devices can be tracked, stored, and used as reward triggers. Further, depending on the identified player or a group of selected machine, embodiments of the invention can cause messages, graphics,, or animations to appear on the game screen.

Abstract: A plurality of gaming machines, such as slot machines or the like, are networked together in communication with a bonus server. The bonus server identifies each machine on the network and transmits a bonus token across the network to a machine control interface within a selected one of the machines. The bonus token is preferably a message packet containing the unique address of the gaming machine selected as well as various parameters which govern aspects of a bonus session initiated at the machine. Receipt of the bonus token signal at the machine causes additional lighting and sound effects beyond that enabled by the normal operation of the game. The bonus token also enables additional bonuses within the game that are awarded to a player of the selected machine. At the end of a bonus period, the bonus token is returned to the bonus server, processed to introduce new parameters, and then transmitted to a second one of the plurality of gaming machines at the proper time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a time-based bonus system that can be pre-configured to award a certain amount of money to players of networked gaming devices over a certain time period. The amount of bonus money in a bonus pool is predetermined by a casino or other gaming network operator. Additionally, the total amount of bonus money in a particular bonus pool can be divided into multiple smaller bonuses, which can be distributed to many players over the time period in which the bonus pool is operating.

Abstract: A plurality of gaming machines, such as slot machines or the like, are networked together in communication with a bonus server. The bonus server identifies each machine on the network and transmits a bonus token across the network to a machine control interface within a selected one of the machines. The bonus token is preferably a message packet containing the unique address of the gaming machine selected as well as various parameters which govern aspects of a bonus session initiated at the machine. Receipt of the bonus token signal at the machine causes additional lighting and sound effects beyond that enabled by the normal operation of the game. The bonus token also enables additional bonuses within the game that are awarded to a player of the selected machine. At the end of a bonus period, the bonus token is returned to the bonus server, processed to introduce new parameters, and then transmitted to a second one of the plurality of gaming machines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for awarding bonuses over a gaming network having a plurality of gaming machines, such as slot machines, interconnected by a network. Play is allowed to occur on a plurality of gaming machines as the bonus pool, common to the gaming machines over the network is incremented responsive to play on the plurality of gaming machines. The total number of eligible gaming machines is detected responsive to play on each of the plurality of gaming machines. A first threshold value is set in consideration of the total number of eligible gaming machines detected. A bonus period would be initiated when the bonus pool satisfies the first threshold value. Accordingly, the threshold necessary to start the bonus period would be low if few players are detected, and high if many players are detected. Bonus amounts are paid from the bonus pool to the eligible gaming machines after which time the bonus period would end.

Abstract: A distributed players' club network comprised of a plurality of games positioned in a plurality of locations that are interconnected by a wide area network to a central computer which has files for each player who has enrolled to play in a bonus club system. The gaming machines have communication devices which send information to the central computer indicative of a player playing at the game and also receive information from the central computer. The communication devices are configured to allow the player to enroll directly at the game by selecting a member ID number and a personal identification number which are then transmitted to the central computer causing the central computer to open a file for the particular player. Further, the gaming machine provides information to a processor within the communication device while the player is playing the game and the processor, in conjunction with the central computer, determines whether the player is entitled to receive a bonus award based upon his or her play.

Abstract: A system whereby a plurality of players can play a plurality of different gaming machines. The performance of the plurality of players is recorded through multiple rounds of the game and awards are provided based upon the performance of a player over multiple rounds of the game. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of gaming machines are video poker machines and the players play these machines in order to obtain the well-known winning combinations. The gaming machines provide signals to a central computer that records in files for each of the players the winning combinations received by the players and the number of rounds played by the players. The central computer also determines whether the player has received a set of winning combinations, e.g., all thirteen possible different four-of-a-kinds, within a pre-selected number of rounds.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting fault conditions, such as missing or improper hardware, in the operation of a fastener press. It includes a workpiece die that is aligned with and cooperates with a punch assembly in the insertion of the fasteners into holes in the workpiece. The die has a linear displacement member mounted for reciprocal movement in response to the operation of the punch assembly. The position of the linear displacement member, which represents whether or not a fault condition exists, is detected and an alarm indication is generated when there is a fault.

Abstract: A ski mounting assembly for an aircraft landing gear having a ski with a pedestal attached to it to be placed on each side of the landing gear wheel and fork, an extended wheel axle to serve as an axle for the wheel, a mounting for the wheel in the landing gear fork and to serve as a pivotable support for the ski by extending through journals in the ski pedestals, a ski attitude control arm pivotably mounted on one end of the extended wheel axle and provided with a clamp to secure the ski attitude control arm to the landing gear fork, a stop attached to the ski attitude arm so as to act against the ski to limit the downward motion of the ski nose and a spring acting between the ski and the ski attitude control arm to urge the ski against the stop.