Abstract: A variable resolution grid provides a mechanism for focusing specific concentrations of risk exposure on a geographical grid to determine projected loss caused by a particular catastrophe. The geographic grid provides a stable base map by using latitudes and longitudes to define the grid points and cells. Each cell is assigned a geographic identifier or geocode that identifies the location of the cell and its associated resolution. The resolution of the grid may be varied depending in part, on the resolution of any available of hazard data.

Abstract: A gaming system (100) comprises a gaming server (system controller) (54), a plurality of gaming machines (10), and a communications system (63) connecting each of the plurality of gaming machines (10) to the gaming server (53). The gaming machines (10) each have a display (14), player controls (22), a player tracking device, such as a card reader (24.3) for reading player tracking cards (27), and a game processor (34) which displays sequential game images of a game being played on the respective display (14). Each game processor (34) plays a game initiated by the player, where the game is one of a plurality of games available on the gaming machine (10) and selectable by the player. Each gaming machine (10) includes game selection means (16) which displays a selection of games (211-216 & 311-316) available on the machine for the player to play.

Abstract: A gaming system having a server connected to a plurality of gaming consoles for playing a game in which a player wagers credits held in a credit meter. The gaming consoles having a player tracking apparatus to receive an identifier from a current player of the console. The gaming console can be reserved by a player, in which case play of the gaming console is prevented by any player other than a player with the same identifier for a predetermined period time. If the predetermined period of time expires, the credits on the console are automatically recorded by the server and associated with the current player, the credit meter is cleared, and the reserve on the gaming console ceases.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining speed or distance traveled of moving persons by utilizing sensors selectively insertable within shoes. Shoe based systems employing sensors (e.g., accelerometers) are disclosed to determine and report (e.g., via a watch or MP3 player) speed and/or distance traveled.

Abstract: A method for discovering a power level in a diode discovery circuit includes transmiting a pulse signal from a diode discovery device on a first line, receiving the pulse signal in the diode discovery device on a second line, measuring a time to charge a capacitor in response to applying power to determine the power level, and applying power in response to comparing the transmitted pulse signal to the received pulse signal and to measuring the time.

Abstract: Building means, having a main plate 1, a lower ledge 2 extending outwards of a first face of the plate, a first bolt portion 4 extending outwards of the first face of the plate and a second bolt portion 5 extending outwards of a second face of the plate opposite the first face; the building means being formed such that when it is in use a structural member can be fastened to the first bolt portion 4 while the plate 2 is arranged at least partially behind exterior cladding 8 of a building so that the ledge 2 extends to beyond the cladding 8, and wherein rainwater contacting the first face of the plate can run down the first face and be guided by the ledge 2 to a drain away position in front of the cladding.

Abstract: A gaming machine display (14) includes a game playing arrangement (16) mountable in a cabinet (62) of a gaming machine (10). An electronically controlled display element (50) overlies the game playing arrangement (16) so that, depending on a state of the display element (50), the game playing arrangement (16) is visible through the display element (50).

Abstract: An operating system for a gaming system includes a data producer which generates non-reproducible data relating to a transaction carried out in respect of the gaming system. A data consumer is in communication with the data producer for storing data relating to the non-reproducible data. A game controller is in communication with the data producer and the data consumer which effects communications between the data producer and the data consumer by means of a transaction-based protocol. The invention also relates to the use of data storage device for a gaming system that includes a local power supply.

Abstract: A low cost mechanism that may be used to extend Ethernet capability to low end devices provides sufficient capacity to support Ethernet communications using only a single twisted pair medium. Because only a single twisted pair is used, the overall cost, complexity and size associated with the integrating Ethernet functionality into an end device is reduced. A distributed power system delivers power to a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) device over the single twisted pair medium. With such an arrangement, Ethernet capability and power may be simultaneously delivered to low end devices at a reduced cost.

Abstract: A gaming machine graphics package includes a storage device for storing data relating to non-varying parts of an image, the non-varying parts of the image being independent of an outcome of a game played on the gaming machine. An image generator generates simulated three-dimensional additional parts of the image, the additional parts being dependent on the game outcome. A compositor merges the non-varying parts of the image and the additional parts of the image to provide to the player a composite image relating to the game outcome.

Abstract: Various embodiments and techniques are described to isolate a malfunction or faulty node in a network and to perform an action to address the malfunction.

Abstract: Various embodiments and techniques are described for discovery in a network.

Abstract: The invention provides a smart sensor (10) in the form of an adhesive bandage (32). The sensor (12) sticks to people and objects and wirelessly communicates with remote receivers (24). Internal detectors (12) sense conditions associated with movement or the environment of the sensor. Typically, sensors of the invention communicate by an RF transmitter or transceiver (16). Groups of sensors may be combined within a common canister that imparts date and time information and “power on” when dispensed.

Abstract: A hand rail support 1, having a substantially cylindrical shaped containment portion 2, a face plate 3, and a flange 4. The face plate 3 and the flange 4 facilitate securing the hand rail support 1 to a building construction. The containment portion 2 can receive a baluster of a hand rail together with a settable substance, for example a suitable grout, so that the baluster is securely held in the containment portion.

Abstract: A method for discovering a power level in a diode discovery circuit includes transmiting a pulse signal from a diode discovery device on a first line, receiving the pulse signal in the diode discovery device on a second line, measuring a time to charge a capacitor in response to applying power to determine the power level, and applying power in response to comparing the transmitted pulse signal to the received pulse signal and to measuring the time.

Abstract: A gaming machine graphics package includes a storage device for storing data relating to non-varying parts of an image, the non-varying parts of the image being independent of an outcome of a game played on the gaming machine. An image generator generates simulated three-dimensional additional parts of the image, the additional parts being dependent on the game outcome. A compositor merges the non-varying parts of the image and the additional parts of the image to provide to the player a composite image relating to the game outcome.

Abstract: FIG. 1 shows a hand rail support 1, having a substantially cylindrical shaped containment portion 2, a face plate 3, and a flange 4. The face plate 3 and the flange 4 facilitate securing the hand rail support 1 to a building construction. The containment portion 2 can receive a baluster of a hand rail together with a settable substance, for example a suitable grout, so that the baluster is securely held in the containment portion.