Abstract: A filtration covering apparatus for use covering diatomaceous earth filter grids for swimming pools. The filtration covering apparatus has a replaceable cover having two closed sides, a bottom opening, and a top opening. The replaceable cover is curved shaped to accommodate the filter grid. The filter grid fits within the top opening of the replaceable cover. The top opening includes a horizontal top edge having a zipper mechanism for securing the top opening closed for containing the filter grid therein.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention are directed to the use of legacy gaming software (or other non-native gaming software) in gaming machines that have a different architecture from that of the gaming machine for which the gaming software was written. Other implementations of the invention allow games of chance to be emulated, at least in part, on a device other than a gaming machine. The device may be, for example, a host device such as a workstation, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, etc. The device may be a wired or a wireless device and may be used in a gaming establishment or at a remote location. Some aspects of the invention provide novel methods for dispute resolution and troubleshooting via such devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for making, storing and retrieving electronic representations of payment documents such as payment tickets used for gaming machines. Some implementations sort currency and non-currency payment documents. According to some embodiments, electronic representations are made only of non-currency payment documents. After an electronic representation of a non-currency payment document is made, the payment document is preferably voided. Voided payment documents may be stored in a non-secure storage area, may be automatically disposed of, or may simply be ejected. Some implementations provide devices and methods for resolving payment disputes by reference to stored electronic representations of payment documents. Other embodiments read information from a payment document and make an electronic representation of the payment document without retaining the payment document. Voiding information is transmitted to, e.g.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may comprise a display unit, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device.

Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.

Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. In another embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of symbols displayed along a rearrangement path to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.

Abstract: A method of rendering a surface of a metal substrate substantially acid impervious. The method includes first placing the surface in a field of treatment, then depositing a mixture of a high-temperature resistant polymer particulate such as polyamide particulate and a curable powder adhesive on the surface, and finally subjecting the surface-coated metal substrate to a curing treatment sufficient to cure the powder adhesive and thereby adhere the polymer particulate as a film on the surface. A steel substrate coated in accord with the present methodology is particularly useful as a curing fixture upon which resin-impregnated fiber of polymer composite material is placed to thereby give molded parts made therefrom a desired shape. Production of a part is accomplished by vacuum bagging the composite material to the steel fixture and curing the so-produced part in place on the fixture in an autoclave at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a second display unit and a light valve coupled to the gaming machine to hide and reveal the second display unit. The gaming machine capable of displaying gaming indicia upon on the second display unit. The gaming machine further capable of controlling the transparency of the light valve so as to hide and reveal the gaming indicia as desired.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides methods and apparatus for wirelessly communicating between devices within the gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a gaming machine housing to which a master gaming controller and one or more gaming peripherals can be mounted. The master gaming controller is adapted for executing a game of chance played on the gaming machine and communicating wirelessly with the one or more gaming peripherals used to play the game of chance. Furthermore, the gaming machine includes a wireless communication manager that can manage wireless communications between the master gaming controller and the gaming peripherals, between the gaming peripherals, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of rendering a surface of a metal substrate substantially acid impervious. The method includes first placing the surface in a field of treatment, then depositing a mixture of a high-temperature resistant polymer particulate such as polyamide particulate and a curable powder adhesive on the surface, and finally subjecting the surface-coated metal substrate to a curing treatment sufficient to cure the powder adhesive and thereby adhere the polymer particulate as a film on the surface. A steel substrate coated in accord with the present methodology is particularly useful as a curing fixture upon which resin-impregnated fiber of polymer composite material is placed to thereby give molded parts made therefrom a desired shape. Production of a part is accomplished by vacuum bagging the composite material to the steel fixture and curing the so-produced part in place on the fixture in an autoclave at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for disposing of urine is described comprising a funnel-like basin connected to a pump housing. The housing contains a fluid pump connected to the drain of the basin and activated by a fluid pressure sensor when the fluid pressure in the basin exceeds a predetermined value. The housing also contains means for connecting an external fresh water supply to the basin when the fluid pressure in the basin drops below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A technique for creating "universally" calibrated dental articulators includes using a replica which simulates upper and lower dental models of a patient to properly align mounting plates to an articulator. The mounting plates are releasably attached to the replica before upper and lower frame members of the articulator are closed about the replica and fixed to the mounting plates. The replica is then detached from the mounting plates and used to form additional articulators identically calibrated with mounting plates. Base plates releasably attachable to the mounting plates are then used to form and mount the dental models. A first base plate is fixed to a first dental model and is then releasably attached to a mounting plate on the articulator. A second base plate is then releasably attached to the opposing mounting plate on the articulator.

Abstract: A dental articulator includes an upper frame member and a lower frame member modeled substantially after a maxilla and mandible of a human jaw, respectively. The upper frame member includes a mounting area for attachment of an upper or maxillary dental cast. Two opposing fossae on the upper frame member include downwardly opening sockets similar to the fossae of a human jaw. The lower frame member includes a mounting area for attachment of a lower or mandibular dental cast. Two opposing condyles extend upwardly from the lower frame member to fit within the sockets of the fossae on the upper frame member. An elastic band is placed around the upper and lower frame members to yieldingly maintain the condyles within the sockets of the fossae. Each condyle/fossa pair forms a temporomandibular joint similar to that in a human jaw and allows the lower frame member to undergo protrusive and excursive movements which closely simulate the movement of a human mandible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for removably supporting dental models on the upper and lower frame members of an articulator, the system including a base plate having one side adapted to support a die-stone dental replica, and an opposite side provided with shaped registration and socket structure, the system further including an adapter plate having one side adapted to be adhesively bonded to the upper or lower articulator frame-member, and the other side of each adapter plate structured for being snapped into engagement with the opposite side of the base plate to releasably hold it on the adapter plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base plate assembly for use in mounting a die-stone dental replica, the assembly including a base plate that has a configuration commensurate with at least one dental quadrant, and having a planar upper surface characterized by an array of transverse elongate rectangular sockets. A plurality of mounting blocks are assembled in side-by-side relationship along the plate planar surface, each block having a downward projection adapted to frictionally and releasably hold the block on the base plate, and extending from the tops of the blocks are anchoring tabs designed to be embedded in the wet positive mold of a dental impression and affixed therein when the mold material cures. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate has a modular configuration and is interconnectable with an identical modular unit to form a combined base plate having a configuration commensurate with full bilateral upper or lower dental quadrants.