Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.

Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particles includes a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank and an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism The air distribution system includes a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes. The apparatus for dispensing particles also includes an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes, a sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal indicative of a value of a flow characteristic, and a controller operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism.

Abstract: A motion picture intermediate film has on one side of a support material, in order, an antihalation undercoat and at least one silver halide emulsion layer; and on the opposite side of the support a transparent, process surviving antistatic backing layer. The transparent, antistatic backing layer retains its antistatic properties after photographic film processing so that the motion picture intermediate film is protected from the generation of static charge during high speed printing of, for example, motion picture print films. The antistatic backing layer of the invention has a resistivity of less than about 1×1011 &OHgr;/□ after film processing. In a most preferred embodiment, the motion picture intermediate film of the invention is used to print images onto a motion picture print film that has a transparent antistatic backing layer.

Abstract: A slot machine comprises a spinning reel display and a bonus game. The spinning reel display shows a plurality of symbols on each of a plurality of rotatable reels. The reels are rotated and stopped to place the symbols of each reel in visual association with a pay line. The pay line is associated with at least one of the symbols on each of the reels. The bonus game is triggered in response to start-bonus symbols from the respective stopped reels appearing in the spinning reel display. The bonus game having different expected values based on different arrangements of the start-bonus symbols in the spinning reel display.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particles includes a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank and an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism. The air distribution system includes a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes. The apparatus for dispensing particles also includes an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes, a sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal indicative of a value of a flow characteristic, and a controller operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism.

Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.

Abstract: An air seeder for planting agricultural crops includes: a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed; a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank; an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism, the air distribution system comprising a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes; an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes; a particle velocity sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal corresponding to a measured particle velocity; and a control mechanism operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism for selective adjustment of the flow rate in the bank of tubes, the control mechanism being adapted to receive the sensor output signals, normalize the values corresponding to the sensor output signals, and display the normalized values.

Abstract: A transfer case is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer case includes an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch for controlling speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential. A mode shift mechanism is provided for selectively coupling one or more components of the interaxle differential to the input shaft for establishing a full-time four-wheel drive mode, a locked four-wheel drive mode, and a Neutral mode. A controller controls actuation of the transfer clutch and the mode shift mechanism in response to a mode signal indicating which drive mode has been selected by the vehicle operation.

Abstract: A spinning reel slot machine which gives a multiplied payoff when certain conditions are fulfilled. Wins including a special symbol on the pay line are multiplied by an incremental multiplier when the machine is in a particular mode. A counter value is increased by one every time a second special symbol appears on the visible sections of the reels. Whenever the counter reaches a predetermined value, the counter is reset and the multiplier is increased. Whenever a multiplied payout occurs, the multiplier is reset to a minimum value.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a transfer case equipped with a dual-planetary gear reduction unit and a synchronized range shift mechanism operable for permitting the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The transfer case is also equipped with an electronically-controlled slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a layshaft gear reduction unit that is operable for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios, and a synchronized range shift mechanism that is adapted to permit the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes an electronically-controlled slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a transfer case equipped with a single-planetary gear reduction unit and a synchronized range shift mechanism operable for permitting the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The transfer case is also equipped with an electronically-controlled slip limiting/torque biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved "on-demand" power transfer system of the type having a transfer case incorporated into the driveline of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer case is arranged to normally deliver drive torque to the driven wheels so as to establish a two-wheel drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for selectively delivering drive torque to the non-driven wheels for establishing an on-demand four-wheel drive mode of operation. The transfer mechanism is also equipped with a rotary actuator and a drive mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The power transfer system further includes sensors for detecting various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle and generating sensor input signals indicative thereof. A controller is provided for processing the input signals and controlling actuation of the rotary actuator in response thereto.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a transfer case equipped with a dual-planetary gear reduction unit and a synchronized range shift mechanism operable for permitting the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The transfer case is also equipped with an electronically-controlled slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle adapted to provide two- to four-wheel drive on-demand in the high range or four-wheel drive in the low range. The transfer case includes an input shaft coupled to the sun gear of a planetary gear set, a main drive shaft, a first output and a second output. Provided in fixed association with the main drive shaft is a viscous fluid coupling chamber, and associated with the chamber is a drive sprocket. A range clutch sleeve and locking clutch assembly is slidably disposed on the main drive shaft between the planetary gear set and the rotary member for selectively providing two- to four-wheel on-demand high range power, neutral, and four-wheel drive low range power. Inner and outer relatively rotational drum housings surround the aft end of the main drive shaft for defining an annular viscous fluid coupling chamber therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power transfer system of the type having a transfer case incorporated into the driveline of a full-time four-wheel drive vehicle. The transfer case includes an inter-axle differential for normally delivering drive torque to all four wheels so as to establish a full-time drive mode of operation. In addition, the transfer mechanism is equipped with a clutch assembly for controlling speed differentiation across the inter-axle differential and selectively varying the distribution ratio of the drive torque transmitted to the front and rear wheels. The transfer mechanism is also equipped with a rotary actuator and a drive mechanism for actuating the clutch assembly. The power transfer system further includes sensors for detecting various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle and generating sensor input signals indicative thereof. A controller is provided for processing the input signals and controlling actuation of the rotary actuator in response thereto.

Abstract: A process for patterned electroplating involves the steps of: (i) coating a substrate with a layer of amninoalkylpyridine which acts as an adhesion promoter; (ii) coating the adhesion layer with a radiation sensitive polymeric resist; (iii) imagewise exposing the film to radiation; (iv) developing the image to patternwise expose the substrate; (v) electroplating metal onto the exposed portions of the substrate; and (vi) removing the remaining polymeric film from the substrate.

Abstract: A process for patterned electroplating involves the steps of: (i) coating a substrate with a layer of hydroxyquinoline which acts as an adhesion promoter; (ii) coating the adhesion layer with a radiation sensitive polymeric resist; (iii) imagewise exposing the film to radiation; (iv) developing the image to patternwise expose the substrate; (v) electroplating metal onto the exposed portions of the substrate; and (vi) removing the remaining polymeric film from the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive vehicle which permits the vehicle operator to choose between operation in two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes or an "on-demand" four-wheel drive mode. The power transfer system is adapted for use in conjunction with automatic disconnect-type drivelines and is operable for disabling the on-demand four-wheel drive feature upon the vehicle operator subsequently shifting into any of the two-wheel drive and part-time four-wheel drive modes.