Abstract: An electronic gaining system moderates payout rates by the processor randomly providing a first random outcome which determines whether the wager is initially resolved by the processor as a winning outcome, tie outcome or losing outcome. The processor recognizes specific ones of, but less than all of the tie outcomes and/or the losing outcomes as belonging to a provisional subset of the outcomes and/or losing outcomes. The processor recognizes a random outcome as within the provisional subset, the processor randomly selecting from among multiple additional outcomes stored in memory for at least individual ones of random outcomes within the provisional subset, and randomly selecting a final random outcome for the at least individual one of the random outcomes within the provisional subset from a second set of random outcomes that includes at least one winning outcome, and resolving the wager on the basis of the final random outcome.

Abstract: An electronic gaining system moderates payout rates by the processor randomly providing a first random outcome which determines whether the wager is initially resolved by the processor as a winning outcome, tie outcome or losing outcome. The processor recognizes specific ones of, but less than all of the tie outcomes and/or the losing outcomes as belonging to a provisional subset of the outcomes and/or losing outcomes. The processor recognizes a random outcome as within the provisional subset, the processor randomly selecting from among multiple additional outcomes stored in memory for at least individual ones of random outcomes within the provisional subset, and randomly selecting a final random outcome for the at least individual one of the random outcomes within the provisional subset from a second set of random outcomes that includes at least one winning outcome, and resolving the wager on the basis of the final random outcome.

Abstract: An apparatus enables play of a wagering game in which winning outcomes are determined by random appearance of specific predetermined symbols in which: a player places a wager worth monetary value on a single gaming event in the wagering game; the player purchases with monetary value a safeguard action useful only in the single gaming event; the player receives a first complete set of symbols; if one symbol in the first complete set of symbols prevents or limits an amount of award in the single gaming event, the player exercises the safeguard action to discard the one symbol and have that one symbol replaced with one randomly provided symbol to form a second complete set of symbols; and the wager is resolved against a paytable using the second set of complete symbols.

Abstract: An apparatus enables play of a wagering game in which winning outcomes are determined by random appearance of specific predetermined symbols in which: a player places a wager worth monetary value on a single gaming event in the wagering game; the player purchases with monetary value a safeguard action useful only in the single gaming event; the player receives a first complete set of symbols; if one symbol in the first complete set of symbols prevents or limits an amount of award in the single gaming event, the player exercises the safeguard action to discard the one symbol and have that one symbol replaced with one randomly provided symbol to form a second complete set of symbols; and the wager is resolved against a paytable using the second set of complete symbols.

Abstract: A wagering game is played on processor-based gaming apparatus including: providing a gaming apparatus of processor, video display and gaming input system; after a wager, the processor executes code to play a first wagering game and display images associated with the first wagering game on the video display; when the processor recognizes a predefined trigger outcome, bonus play of a second game different from the first wagering game begins; the processor identifies bonus points accumulated during bonus play distinct from any wagering credits; the processor displays at least two distinct bonus events of a first bonus event played on the first wagering game and a second bonus event played on the first wagering game. The first bonus event and the second bonus event being activated by the processor diminishing accumulated bonus points. An amount of bonus points needed to activate the first bonus event is different from an amount of points needed to activate the second bonus event.

Abstract: A control apparatus comprising a first control interface generating a display containing a plurality of function types and receiving a first function type selection. A second control interface generating a display containing a plurality of parameters associated with the selected function type and receiving a parameter selection. A chart interface displaying historical data for a variable and receiving a first and second cursor selection from a user interface device control and generating chart location data associated with the first and second cursor selection. A function controller receiving the location data associated with the first cursor selection and executing a second related function if the chart location data associated with the first cursor selection is within allowable location data and executing the selected function after execution of the second related function if the chart location data is within allowable location data associated with the first selected function.

Abstract: A wagering game is played on processor-based gaming apparatus including: providing a gaming apparatus of processor, video display and gaming input system; after a wager, the processor executes code to play a first wagering game and display images associated with the first wagering game on the video display; when the processor recognizes a predefined trigger outcome, bonus play of a second game different from the first wagering game begins; the processor identifies bonus points accumulated during bonus play distinct from any wagering credits; the processor displays at least two distinct bonus events of a first bonus event played on the first wagering game and a second bonus event played on the first wagering game. The first bonus event and the second bonus event being activated by the processor diminishing accumulated bonus points. An amount of bonus points needed to activate the first bonus event is different from an amount of points needed to activate the second bonus event.

Abstract: A leak detection system for detecting a leak within a duplex valve assembly is disclosed. The duplex valve assembly includes a first valve, a second valve and an intermediate fluid flow passageway fluidly interconnecting the first valve to the second valve. The leak detection system includes a means for indicating whether the first valve is maintained in a closed position or an open position, a means for indicating whether the second valve is maintained in a closed position or an open position, and a pressure change detector within the intermediate fluid flow passageway. The pressure change sensing means is at least partially positioned within the intermediate fluid flow passageway for detecting a pressure change within the intermediate fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: A leak detection system for detecting a leak within a duplex valve assembly is disclosed. The duplex valve assembly includes a first valve, a second valve and an intermediate fluid flow passageway fluidly interconnecting the first valve to the second valve. The leak detection system includes a means for indicating whether the first valve is maintained in a closed position or an open position, a means for indicating whether the second valve is maintained in a closed position or an open position, and a pressure change detector within the intermediate fluid flow passageway. The pressure change sensing means is at least partially positioned within the intermediate fluid flow passageway for detecting a pressure change within the intermediate fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: In a system including a gas source, a target cylinder for receiving gas, a conduit for carrying gas, and a valve for controlling the flow of gas, a method of dosing the target cylinder with gas is disclosed. The method comprises the step of calculating a mass flow rate for dosing the conduit and the target cylinder. The valve is biased to an open position to permit gas to flow through the conduit and into the target cylinder. The mass flow rate and the cumulative mass of gas flowing through the conduit are measured using a mass flow meter. The valve is biased to maintain the measured mass flow rate of gas flowing through the conduit substantially equivalent to the calculated mass flow rate. The valve is biased to a closed position once the measured cumulative mass of gas is substantially equivalent to the pre-determined mass of gas.

Abstract: A pressurized cylinder containment unit is provided. The pressurized cylinder containment unit comprises a support structure including means for receiving a shelf. The shelf receiving means is/are defined along at least a portion of a height dimension of the support structure. At least one shelf is provided for supporting the one or more pressurized cylinders. The at least one shelf is moveably positionable along the height dimension of the support structure. The at least one shelf includes mounting means for selectively mounting to the shelf receiving means of the support structure at different height elevations.

Abstract: In a system including a gas source, a target cylinder for receiving gas, a conduit for carrying gas, and a valve for controlling the flow of gas, a method of dosing the target cylinder with gas is disclosed. The method comprises the step of calculating a mass flow rate for dosing the conduit and the target cylinder. The valve is biased to an open position to permit gas to flow through the conduit and into the target cylinder. The mass flow rate and the cumulative mass of gas flowing through the conduit are measured using a mass flow meter. The valve is biased to maintain the measured mass flow rate of gas flowing through the conduit substantially equivalent to the calculated mass flow rate. The valve is biased to a closed position once the measured cumulative mass of gas is substantially equivalent to the pre-determined mass of gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on the gaming machine. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on the gaming machine. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage.

Abstract: Hydrogen generating method and apparatus. The apparatus comprises a mixed phase protonic-electron conducting cermet membrane (2), wherein said membrane is coated with porous metal or composite catalyst (1) effective to decompose hydro-carbon and water reactants into a hydrogen-rich syngas at elevated temperature and pressure. The hydrogen ions are continuously withdrawn in situ by diffusing them through the mixed phase conducting cermet membrane (2) to the second membrane side where the hydrogen ions can be reconstituted into molecular hydrogen with a supply of electrons. The method favorably shifts the equilibrium of steam reforming and water gas shift reaction by use a single stage, high efficiency and high purity membrane reactor.

Abstract: A wide area network that provides information with respect to casino properties and manufacturers including information with respect to awards, prizes, promotions, tournaments and the like to enable a player an independent source of information with respect to both different modes of entertainment that are available once one attends a casino property and the means by which an award, prize, etc. is to be pursued.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing the heart's mitral valve by using anatomic restoration without the need to stop the heart, use a heart-lung machine or making incisions on the heart. The method involves inserting a leaflet clamp through the heart's papillary muscle from which the leaflet has been disconnected, clamping the leaflet's free end and then puncturing the leaflet. One end of a suture is then passed through the hollow portion of the clamp, while the other end of the suture is maintained external to the heart. The clamp is then removed and the suture's two ends are fastened together with a securement ring/locking cap assembly to the heart wall exterior, thereby reconnecting the leaflet to the corresponding papillary muscle. The introduction of the clamp, puncturing of the leaflet, passage of the suture therethrough and removal of the clamp can be conducted a plurality of times before each suture's two ends are fastened to the securement ring/locking cap assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials used as electrodes and/or catalysts, as well as methods associated with the same. The materials may comprise an alloy or intermetallic compound of a transition metal (e.g., Ni) and a metal additive (e.g., Sn). The transition metal and additive are selected to provide improved electrode and/or catalytic performance. For example, the materials of the invention may have a high catalytic activity, while being less susceptible to coking than certain conventional electrode/catalytic materials. These performance advantages can simplify the equipment used in certain applications, as well as reducing energy and capital requirements. Furthermore, the materials may be manufactured using traditional ceramic processing methods, without the need for complex, unconventional fabrication techniques. The materials are particularly suitable for use in fuel cells (e.g., SOFCs electrodes) and in reactions that use or produce synthesis gas.

Abstract: A game play device supports a video display and processor control unit together with a plurality of user inputs. The control unit operates and plays a lotto type game having six cards arranged in pairs each of which defines a three-by-five number matrix. A plurality of ball spaces are positioned across the upper display and correspond to the numbered balls selected in game play. A second plurality of ball spaces corresponding to the colored and letter bearing balls of the game play are also positioned upon the display. During game play, a random number generator provides three-by-five number sets for each card and selects a random group of numbers from a number pool. The game play also selects a random number of colored letter bearing balls to be inserted during game play. Thereafter, numbered balls and letter bearing colored balls are presented and fill the spaces within the display. As each numbered ball is presented, the corresponding numbers on any of the three-by-five cards is illuminated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can access credits via a pin activated keypad located on the gaming machine. Real-time accounting allows the player to redeem credits and secure perquisites as a function of patronage.