Abstract: Methods and devices for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures are disclosed. An articulator in accordance with one exemplary embodiment comprises a first wire, a second wire, and a third wire. The third wire being disposed within a first lumen defined by the first wire and the second wire being disposed in a third lumen defined the third wire. A distal portion of the second wire is fixed to a distal portion of the second wire and a distal portion of the third wire is fixed to a distal portion of the first wire.

Abstract: System and system award a player of a gaming machine an incentive award. The gaming machine has first and second playable games. A computer is connected to the machine. The player chooses to play one of the first and second games and play on the gaming machine is tracked. The incentive award is awarded as a function of the tracked play on the gaming machine and a set of predetermined award criteria.

Abstract: System and method establish a progressive jackpot award associated with a machine useable by a user. The machine has an associated theoretical hold percentage. The user has a user account stored in a computer connected to the machine. The progressive jackpot award has an associated payout value. The user establishes an input value and an incremental number is added to the payout value of the progressive jackpot award as a function of the input value and the theoretical hold percentage.

Abstract: System and method establish a progressive jackpot award associated with a machine useable by a user. The user has a user account stored in a computer connected to the machine. The computer includes a database for storing user account data including bonus points associated with the user. The progressive jackpot award has an associated payout value. The user uses the bonus points on the machine and an incremental number is added to the payout value of the progressive jackpot award as a function of the number of bonus points used by the user.

Abstract: A system and method manages an electronic gaming environment. The gaming environment includes at least one gaming device. The system includes a database and a computer coupled to the database. The database stores system and user account data for at least one user and establishes a default language for the system. The computer is networked to the device. A user interface, associated with either the computer or the gaming device identifies a user, interacts with the user, and provides access to the system as a function of the identity of the user. The user interface is displayed in (a) in a preferred language of the identified user or (b) in the default language of the system if no preferred language is specified.

Abstract: A system and method for awarding predetermined comps awards to a player playing a gaming device. The comp awards are defined by a casino and stored in a player tracking account. In response to the player meeting a predetermined event or criteria, the player is issued the comp award through the gaming device. The player or the casino will select a delivery method for redeeming the award. The player or the casino will forward the award electronically to another station located in the casino where the comp award will be printed from a station as a comp voucher. The comp voucher may be redeemed at a direct point of redemption in the casino. The comp award may be in the form of a drawing ticket. The drawing ticket may be automatically submitted into a raffle or lottery from the gaming device. The player may also select to have the drawing ticket printed from a station and manually submitted into the raffle or lottery.

Abstract: A computerized gaming incentive system and method for redeeming bonus points from the system. The system includes a computer with a database for storing a plurality of vouchers. Each voucher includes a number of bonus points representing a monetary value. The system allows a user to select one voucher from the plurality of vouchers. When the voucher selected is a non-cashable voucher, the system produces a scrip wagerable at a table game and valued at the amount to be redeemed.

Abstract: An adjustable stylet includes a core wire having a portion surrounded by a compression member preferably comprised of a flat wire spring. Depending upon the configuration, compression or relaxation of the compression member in response to forces at the tip or handle of the stylet results in adjustments to the characteristics of the stylet. In a first embodiment, the stiffness of the stylet is adjustable. In a second embodiment, the length of the stylet is adjustable. In a third embodiment, both the stiffness and the length of the stylet are adjustable.

Abstract: An adjustable stylet includes a core wire having a portion surrounded by a compression member preferably comprised of a flat wire spring. Depending upon the configuration, compression or relaxation of the compression member in response to forces at the tip or handle of the stylet results in adjustments to the characteristics of the stylet. In a first embodiment, the stiffness of the stylet is adjustable. In a second embodiment, the length of the stylet is adjustable. In a third embodiment, both the stiffness and the length of the stylet are adjustable.

Abstract: An adjustable stylet includes a core wire having a portion surrounded by a compression member preferably comprised of a flat wire spring. Depending upon the configuration, compression or relaxation of the compression member in response to forces at the tip or handle of the stylet results in adjustments to the characteristics of the stylet. In a first embodiment, the stiffness of the stylet is adjustable. In a second embodiment, the length of the stylet is adjustable. In a third embodiment, both the stiffness and the length of the stylet are adjustable.