Abstract: A gaming system is provided with biometric facilities for identifying or verifying the identity of a player or perspective player. In one aspect reference biometric data is stored in a portable biometric data storage device such as a smart card, PCMCIA card or the like and is preferably left in the possession or control of the individual or individuals to whom the biometric data relates. The reference biometric data is read in individual gaming terminals and compared, in individual gaming terminals to measured biometric data of a player or perspective player. In one aspect, gaming terminals use biometric verification or indication to implement a practical and feasible cashless gaming terminal.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus, comprising: a display support structure; a display unit capable of generating video images and attached to said display support structure in a position that is non-rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to a plane formed by a front surface of said display unit, wherein said display unit comprises: a flat-panel display screen having a width and a height, said width of said flat-panel display screen being larger than said height of said flat-panel display screen, said width of said flat-panel display screen divided by said height of said flat-panel display screen forming an aspect ratio having a magnitude greater than or equal to 16/10; a value input device; a controller operatively coupled to said display unit and said value input device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor, said controller being programmed to allow a person to make a wager, said controller being programmed to cause a video image to be generated on said disp

Abstract: An anaerobic digester for use in wastewater treatment systems having a fixed cover including a central tower for controlling gas and foam. A constant operating level is maintained in the digester by utilization of an overflow weir located in the tower. The fixed cover having an under flat surface that is in direct contact with contents of the digester. The tower has a number of spray nozzles that operably direct movement of foam toward discharge locations.

Abstract: For a user having a user input actuator, a virtual interface device, such as for a gaming machine, for determining actuation of a virtual input by the input actuator is disclosed. The device comprises a position sensing device for determining a location of the user input actuator and a controller coupled to the position sensing device, the controller determining whether a portion of the user input actuator is within a virtual input location in space defining the virtual input.

Abstract: A gaming device having a card management system which is operable to manage a plurality of circulating data cards. The gaming device includes a card read-write device for reading data cards, a plurality of vertically-stacked card holders for holding a plurality of data cards and one or more card transporters for moving data cards to and from the card holders. The gaming device is operable with a portable card changeover machine. The present invention increases the convenience and efficiency for playing and managing gaming devices.

Abstract: A wagering gaming device having a three-dimensional display device which includes a plurality display screens. The display screens display three dimensional images having an height, actual width and depth.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides methods and apparatus for operating a wireless game player that presents a game of chance executed on a gaming machine in communication with the wireless game player. In one embodiment, the wireless game player is a hand-held mobile device, electronically linked to a licensed gaming machine via a wireless connection. All random number generation (RNG) events, game outcomes, meter information, game related information, and all cash transactions are maintained in the licensed (controlled) gaming machine and not the wireless game player. The wireless game player may be used anywhere within the legal areas of the casino and it has the capability of identifying who is using it. For example, a biometric input device, such as a finger print reader may be used on the wireless game player to identify the player. Thus, the issue of under-age or excluded players is addressed.

Abstract: A gaming device having a card management system which is operable to manage a plurality of circulating data cards. The gaming device, in one embodiment, preferably includes a card read-write device for reading data cards, one or more card holders for holding a plurality of data cards and one or more card transporters for moving data cards to and from the card holders. The gaming device processor preferably uses the read-write device to reset or change data on data cards. The present invention increases the convenience and efficiency for playing and managing gaming devices.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may include a display unit capable of generating a non-planar, three-dimensional video image, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The display unit may include a non-planar, three-dimensional display screen capable of displaying the non-planar, three-dimensional video images. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to convert two-dimensional image data into three-dimensional image data, to cause a non-planar, three-dimensional video image to be generated on the display unit, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of a game.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a value input device, a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a light array, an audio output device, and a controller operatively coupled to said value input device, said display unit, said light array and said audio output device, said controller including a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on said display unit, to determine a game event mode, to selectively perform one of: (i) to cause a sound segment to be generated on said audio output device and synchronize a light pattern to be generated on said light array with the sound segment and (ii) to control said light array directly to cause a light pattern to be generated on said light array according to the game event mode, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said game.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interfacing with a user at a casino gaming machine are disclosed. An input control panel with a plurality dynamic buttons is provided. The dynamic buttons may be activated by a player to select games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc. Each dynamic button may include a display area (e.g., an LCD), a transparent tactile feedback portion (e.g., a pliable polyurethane membrane), and an input detection portion (e.g., a transparent touch screen). A dynamic button may be depressed to make an input selection and may include a display area which is visible through the button. During operation of a dynamic button, the controller may send image data for display on the button and receive input signals from the input detection portion of the button when a user depresses the button.

Abstract: A wagering gaming device having a three-dimensional display device which includes a plurality display screens. The display screens display three dimensional images having an height, actual width and depth.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus, comprising: a display support structure; a display unit capable of generating video images and attached to said display support structure in a position that is non-rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to a plane formed by a front surface of said display unit, wherein said display unit comprises: a flat-panel display screen having a width and a height, said width of said flat-panel display screen being larger than said height of said flat-panel display screen, said width of said flat-panel display screen divided by said height of said flat-panel display screen forming an aspect ratio having a magnitude greater than or equal to 16/10; a value input device; a controller operatively coupled to said display unit and said value input device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor, said controller being programmed to allow a person to make a wager, said controller being programmed to cause a video image to be generated on said disp

Abstract: The direct reduced iron (DRI) which for at least 80 wt-% has a grain size of not more than 3 mm is melted in an electric arc furnace. The furnace contains a bath of liquid iron. During the operation of the furnace a foamy slag layer is formed on the bath and the DRI falls by gravity through at least one movable lance into the foamy slag layer on the iron bath. Preferably, the distance of the aperture of the lance to the iron bath is kept practically constant.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may comprise a cabinet having a first interior portion and a second interior portion, the cabinet further including an opening defining a viewing area. A partially reflective optical device may be supported inside the cabinet and positioned to transmit light from the first interior portion to the viewing area and reflect light from the second interior portion to the viewing area. A first display may be supported inside the cabinet in the first interior portion, and a second display may be supported inside the cabinet in the second interior portion. A controller may be operatively coupled to the first and second displays, the controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor.

Abstract: To increase the service life of a tuyere arrangement for the introduction of agents into a molten bath, comprising an apertured block (3) refractory material which can be fitted into the wall (1) of a vessel (12) and which includes a cylindrical body (4) with an inserted tuyere tube (6,7), the cylindrical (4) is axially displaceably fitted in the apertured block (3) the tuyere tip which is consumed is replaced by a follow-up movement of the cylindrical body (4).

Abstract: For heating sponge iron to temperatures of about 850.degree. C. without substantial oxidation losses, there are provided at least two separate preheating stages at different temperatures, to which the sponge iron is successively fed and in which the temperature and the gas atmosphere are respectively individually controlled in such a way that a chemically neutral gas atmosphere is set in the first preheating stage at the lowest temperature and a reducing gas atmosphere is set in the last preheating stage at the highest temperature. The hot gas for the preheater is obtained at least in part from the waste gas from the melting furnace, to which the preheated sponge iron is fed.

Abstract: To prevent burn-back at a coal dust injection lance which projects into a hot blast conduit of a blast furnace, cooling is effected using atomized coolant. Water is preferred as the coolant. The carrier gas used for the atomized water is either air or the oxygen which is injected through the lance for complete combustion of the coal dust.

Abstract: For the purposes of better cooling and improving the starting conditions of a direct current arc furnace, there is provided a hearth electrode which comprises at least one metal bar passing through the hearth wall and which is cooled by at least one cooling duct which extends along the metal bar to the inner end thereof and opens into the interior of the furnace.

Abstract: For the metallurgical treatment of a molten metal bath (1) in a metallurgical smelting and refining vessel (3), additive substances (43) which are capable of flow, in particular lime, are supplied in a granular to dust state, at least during a part of the refining phase, to the upper region of the inward side (15') of the vessel wall (11), distributed around the periphery thereof. At the vessel wall (11) the additive substances (43) form a barrier or protective layer which reduces the energy losses and increases the service life of the vessel (3).