Abstract: A water jet apparatus has a reverse gate which allows a boat or other marine craft to be steered in reverse in the same manner as an automobile. The reverse gate accomplishes this by reversing the flow exiting the steering nozzle. When the steering nozzle is positioned to the left, causing the rearward exit flow to be directed to the left side of a midplane of the water jet apparatus, the reverse gate redirects that leftward and rearward flow so that it flows rightward and forward. Conversely, when the steering nozzle is positioned to the right, causing the rearward exit flow to be directed to the right side of the midplane, the reverse gate redirects that rightward and rearward flow so that it flows leftward and forward.

Abstract: A mount assembly for a trolling motor is provided. The mount assembly includes a bracket adapted to support the trolling motor. A pivoting member, such as a link or an arm, has a first end pivotally coupled to the bracket. The pivoting member is also pivotally coupled to an abutment adjacent a boat deck or gunwale at its second end. A support member is rigidly affixed to a surface of the bracket such that the support member sustains the overhung load of the trolling motor while it is in the stowed position on the boat deck or gunwale. The support member is flat and unobtrusive when the motor is in its run position.

Abstract: A steering system for plural marine propulsion engines for steering primary and secondary marine propulsion engines. The system includes a steering apparatus kit includes a tilt tube shaft adapted for slidably mounting in the secondary tilt tube of the secondary engine. A slave drag link is adapted for linking a second end of the tilt tube shaft to the secondary marine propulsion engine. A first end of the slave drag link is adapted for pivotally mounting on the tilt tube shaft. A second end of the slave drag link is adapted for pivotally mounting on the secondary marine propulsion engine. A pivot mount is adapted for mounting on the secondary tilt tube. A pivot link is adapted for pivotally mounting on the pivot mount, and the pivot link is elongate with opposite ends. A pivot arm is adapted for pivotally mounting on a first end of the tilt tube shaft. A second end of the pivot arm is adapted for pivotally mounting on the second end of pivot link.

Abstract: A fuel filter for an internal combustion engine suitable for detecting water accumulated therein. The fuel filter has a holder that is mounted on the engine and holds a filter body. A vessel is detachably affixed to the holder. There is a space between the end of the filter body and the bottom of the vessel. An inlet and outlet are provided for inducing fuel into and discharging it from the vessel. The inlet and outlet are connected relative to each other through the filter body for admitting flow of the fuel. In one feature of this invention, a water detection mechanism is placed under the filter body in the vessel. In another feature of this invention, the vessel is made of a transparent material. In a further feature, the holder is mounted on the engine via a damping member.

Abstract: Embodiments of personal watercraft that incorporate improved exhaust silencing systems. The silencing systems include an exhaust silencer that silences higher frequency sounds that are difficult to silence with expansion chambers. The silencer is positioned between the water trap and the atmospheric discharge and is disposed substantially vertically so as to facilitate drainage of any water therefrom and to provide further assurances that water cannot enter the engine through the exhaust system.

Abstract: A method and system for developing a propulsive force which can be utilized for driving different types of water, air or land vehicles. The propulsive force is developed by rotating a propeller shaft with four generally flat propeller blades mounted on two perpendicular intercrossed axles, which are fixed to the propeller shaft in a plane perpendicular to its axis. The surface of each blade is lying in a plane perpendicular to the axle on which it is mounted and the blades are rotated in these planes around these intercrossed axles with the same speed in different directions, so that the adjacent propeller blades are rotated clockwise and counterclockwise not interfering with each other.

Abstract: A device for releasing a link between a first object and a second object is disclosed. The device comprises a body having a holding means for securing the body to the link; a releasing means for releasing the link; a pyrotechnic composition for actuating the releasing means; an igniting means for igniting the pyrotechnic composition, the igniting means being activatable by an increase in ambient pressure; and a pressure-sensing means for detecting a change ambient pressure. In one embodiment, the device can include a sliding blade actuatable by a pyrotechnic composition that is ignited by an electrical stimulus activated by an increase in ambient pressure, and the link may be for example, a cable securing an emergency position indicating radio beacon to a watercraft.

Abstract: A swim fin having a foot section with a foot cavity, a soft rubber foot pocket, and a blade section composed of blended cured layers of rubber sheet materials of selected durometer hardness. The swim fin is prepared by placing layers of sheet materials of different durometer hardness about a foot last and compression and heat molding the layers to form a molded, multiple layered, integral swim fin of selected durometer hardness.

Abstract: Inflatable objects such as (but not necessarily) chairs are disclosed. The objects may have enhanced stability for use in bodies of calm water such as swimming pools, including either or both of outrigger-style floats or pontoons and roll-up mattresses. Fittings, when present, may allow attachment and detachment of the pontoons and roll-up mattresses and connection of one inflatable object to one or more others.

Abstract: An actinic radiation source (20) includes an anode (36) upon which an electron beam from a cathode ray gun (24) impinges. The anode (36) includes a window area (52) formed by a silicon membrane. The electron beam upon striking the anode (36) permeates the window area (52) to penetrate into medium surrounding actinic radiation source (20). A method for making an anode (36) uses a substrate having both a thin first layer (44) and a thicker second layer (46) of single crystal silicon material between which is interposed a layer of etch stop material (48). The second layer (46) is anisotropically etched to the etch stop material (48) to define the electron beam window area (52) on the first layer (44). That portion of the etch stop layer (48) exposed by etching through, the second layer (46) is then removed. The anode (36) thus fabricated has a thin, monolithic, low-stress and defect-free silicon membrane electron beam window area (52) provided by the first layer of the substrate.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by adding soluble copper salts which are capable of being reduced to elemental copper which deposits on aluminum and other metal surfaces thereby inhibiting formation of oxidized forms of mercury by chemical reaction or amalgamation.

Abstract: An electrode structure for a display device comprising a gate electrode proximate to an emitter and a focusing electrode separated from the gate electrode by an insulating layer containing a ridge. When the focusing electrode is an aperture-type electrode, the ridge protrudes closer to the emitter than the sidewall of the gate electrode or the sidewall of the focusing electrode. When the focusing electrode is a concentric-type electrode, the ridge protrudes above the upper surface of the gate electrode or the upper surface of the focusing electrode. A method for making the aperture-type and concentric-type electrode structures is described. A display device containing such electrode structures is also described. By forming an insulating ridge between the gate and focusing electrodes, shorting between the two electrodes is reduced and yield enhancement increased.

Abstract: An electroluminescent display having top and bottom stripe-shaped electrodes extending in first and second directions perpendicular to each other so that a single electroluminescent organic thin film is sandwiched by the top and bottom electrodes, crossing regions of the top and bottom electrodes being aligned in matrix, and sub-pixels being formed in the crossing regions. Pixels are formed by a plurality of the sub-pixels, and shielding walls are provided at boundaries of the pixels. Shielding walls may also be provided at a boundary between each of the sub-pixels, and at least one sub-pixel in each pixel has a light emission dopant added to a host light-emission layer or region.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp comprising a ceramic discharge tube having an inner space filled with an ionizable light-emitting material and a starting gas, plugging members each at least partially fixed to an inner side of respective one of end portions of the ceramic discharge tube and each having a through-hole provided therein, conductive members inserted into or through the through-holes of the plugging members, respectively, and electrode units provided in said inner space, wherein a material of the plugging members is the same as that of the ceramic discharge tube, and each of the plugging members is gas-tightly joined to the corresponding conductive member with a metallizing layer.

Abstract: An activity belt to be worn by a cyclist has amusement devices attached. The amusement devices entertain a child riding in a child carrier seat behind the cyclist. The amusement devices may attach with clips so they can be changed to suit the age and interests of the child. The activity belt provides back support for the cyclist and a pocket for storing small items while cycling.

Abstract: An assembling structure for main wing of a model airplane. The main wing is composed of a left wing and a right wing. The mating faces of the left and right wings are disposed with complementary engaging seat and engaging block which are mated with each other and tightened by a conic screw. Therefore, the left wing and the right wing can be quickly firmly assembled to form the main wing. The screw can be easily untightened to quickly disassemble the left wing from the right wing for easy carriage or storage.

Abstract: A radio controlled aerial disc capable of flight in any direction when airborne. The invention provides upper and lower body portions which form a disc shaped housing when connected. Within the housing there is a servo motor and drive assembly coupled to a quadripartite blade to provide lift and motion to the aerial disc. A servo control mechanism and a rear prop assembly are also components of the invention for controlling the movement of the aerial disc. A receiver mounted on the aerial disc provides a method of receiving signals from a remote transmitter to control the movement of the aerial disc.

Abstract: A color coded set of building blocks including a plurality of nesting blocks with diamond cross sections and at least one octahedron cap block. The blocks in each set are progressively sized so that when the individual blocks are stacked, they nest within each other to form a four-sided pyramid. The largest of the diamond cross section blocks acts as the base of the pyramid while the top of the pyramid is capped with an octahedron cap block. The blocks are stored in a clear pedestal base. The pedestal is also utilized as a design platform from which to build complex geometric designs. Each pedestal has four flared legs that provide stability to the platform while designs are constructed vertically and horizontally within it. By using linking elements, the designs can also be used to join together a plurality of the pedestal bases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic searching device for toys, having at least two optical sensors to sense a target and a control circuit to compare the sensed signals of the two sensors and control a driver to move the toy, thus giving the toy dynamic movement.

Abstract: A toy figure includes a head, torso, arms and legs conforming generally to a plush figure. The head defines a mouth and the arms are pivotally secured to the torso. The arms each support a hand between which a simulated harmonica is secured. The arms and simulated harmonica are pivotable between and arms lowered position to an intermediate arms forward position and to an arms raised position. In the arms raised position, the simulated harmonica is placed against the mouth providing a harmonica play posture. A sound and control circuit within the torso of the toy figure respond to arm position to provide silence in the arms lowered position, speech or singing in the arms forward position, and harmonica music in the arms raised position. A light emitting diode is supported within the transparent body of the simulated harmonica and is caused to flash by the sound and control circuit when the arms are raised to the harmonica play posture.

Abstract: A doll includes a pair of arms, a pair of legs and a head supported by a doll torso. One of the doll arms is secured to the torso at a shoulder joint which includes the outer end of an arm movement mechanism. The arm movement mechanism includes an arm shaft pivotally supported at the shoulder joint of the doll at one end and having a ball at the interior end thereof. The arm movement mechanism within the doll further includes a slidably supported traveler having a spring urging the traveler toward one end of its motion. The traveler includes a rearwardly extending lever passing through an aperture formed in the doll torso. The traveler defines a socket which receives the ball end of the arm shaft in a pivotal attachment. As the user moves the lever upon the doll torso, the arm shaft is pivoted causing a corresponding pivotal movement of the doll arm.

Abstract: A knockdown style safety disk-shooting toy mainly comprises a gadget platform coupling with a handgrip which can be plugged in an insertion pillar to form a hand-held or an automatic shooting toy alternatively in virtue of a positive/negative electrode plate that extends sound and light effect to a machine base and a transmission device that drives a laser gun to sway back and forth for disk-shooting.

Abstract: An improved breast pad structure includes a forming cup and a stuffed pressure-resistant bag. The forming cup has a shell shape curving inwardly in a single direction, and is internally provided with a receiving space. The stuffed pressure-resistant bag is a sealed and tough sac containing therein a fluid or semi-fluid filling of a suitable amount and positioned in the receiving space of the forming cup. The stuffed pressure-resistant bag can, by means of the support of the forming cup, forms a contoured breast pad and, after formation, constitutes a supporting portion. The supporting portion can resist deformation, damage and has a real feel, and that can prolong useful life and effectively help make the user's breasts comfortable and look beautiful and firm.

Abstract: A workpiece alignment and shifting system for moving circular workpieces from a first inspection station to a second machining station, comprises workpiece holding means for attachment to the face of a disc workpiece to move the latter from one position to another. Robotic means controls the position of the workpiece holding means and is adapted to move in a least two orthogonal directions, both of which are parallel to the plane of the disc when it occupies the first station. The disc is rotated in the inspection station and in the machining station and inspection means determines the position of the geometric center of the disc as it is rotated. Computing means calculates from data delivered by the inspection means the two shifts required along the orthogonal directions of movement of the robotic means, to move the geometric center of the disc to a second desired position whose coordinates are known. The computing means includes memory means for storing the said coordinates.

Abstract: A multi-platen chemical-mechanical polishing system is used to polish a wafer. The wafer is polished at a first station. During polishing, an endpoint is detected. The endpoint is detected by generating optical radiation by a first light source. The first optical radiation travels through a translucent area in a surface of a first platen and travels through a first polishing pad. After being reflected by the wafer, the optical radiation returns through the first polishing pad through the translucent window to a first optical radiation detector. The first polishing pad has a uniform surface in that no part of the surface of the first polishing pad includes transparent material through which non-scattered optical radiation originating from the first light source can pass and be detected by the first optical radiation detector. Optical radiation that travels through the first polishing pad and is detected by the first optical radiation detector is haze scattered by inclusions within the first polishing pad.

Abstract: A temperature compensating unit is coupled to a linearly moving belt of a polisher for adjusting the temperature of the belt, which temperature is measured by a sensor situated proximal to the belt.

Abstract: A grinding machine includes a main spindle on which a grinding wheel is mounted, a spindle head movable relative to a workpiece, a dressing device body provided to be movable relative to the spindle head and a dresser supporting member provided to be movable relative to the dressing device body for rotatably supporting a dresser. The dressing device body is moved to a dressing position while the grinding machine grinds with continuous dressing. The dressing device body is moved to a retracted position while the grinding machine normally grinds except for the grinding with continuous dressing.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a workpiece finishing system impinges a grit and fluid slurry onto a workpiece and then recycles the slurry for subsequent reuse. In another aspect of the present invention, a recovery tank is used for generally settling and concentrating the grit in the slurry, and for separating out a portion of the fluid from the grit. A further aspect of the present invention provides a venturi-type nozzle for expelling the grit and fluid onto a workpiece, wherein the nozzle has a selectively movable inlet thereby varying the slurry concentration properties of the nozzle.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a polishing method having the steps of forming a film to be polished, having a depressed portion and a protruding portion on a surface of a substrate, and polishing the film to be polished by relatively moving the substrate and a polishing table, while pressing the substrate having the film to be polished, onto a polishing cloth of the polishing table and supplying a polishing solution containing polishing grains, between the film to be polished and the polishing cloth, wherein an organic compound having a molecular weight of 100 or more, and containing at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group consisting of COOM1 (M represents an atom or a functional group which can form a salt when substituted with a hydrogen atom of a carboxyl group), SO3H (sulfo group) and SO3M2 (M2 represents an atom or a functional group which can form a salt when substituted with a hydrogen atom of a carboxyl group) is added to the polishing solution.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical planarization process employs a microreplicated surface comprising a regular array of precisely shaped three-dimensional structures such as pyramids, cones, or cube-corners. In a preferred embodiment, asperities of the microreplicated surface employed in an advancing linear belt are allowed to ablate during processing, effectively resulting in a two-phase grinding/polishing operation that increases the material removal rate and increases workplace throughput.

Abstract: The invention includes polishing processes, methods of polishing materials, methods for slowing a rate of material removal of a polishing process, and methods of forming trench isolation regions. In one aspect, the invention includes a method comprising: a) forming a material over a surface of a substrate; b) providing a substantially nonporous polishing pad and a chemical composition proximate the material, the material being substantially wettable to the chemical composition, the substrate surface and substantially non-porous polishing pad being substantially non-wettable to the chemical composition; and c) polishing the material with the substantially non-porous polishing pad and the chemical composition.

Abstract: A method of producing an ocular lens, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a lens blank which gives an ocular lens, the lens blank having a concave back surface and a convex front surface, at least a portion of the front surface being tapered to give a tapered surface; (b) forming a back curved surface of the ocular lens by effecting a cutting operation on the concave back surface of the lens blank, while the lens blank is supported on a spindle of a back surface cutting device such that the tapered surface of the lens blank is drawn onto a tapered holding surface of the spindle under a negative pressure applied to the lens blank, the tapered holding surface following a profile of the tapered surface of the lens blank; and (c) forming a front curved surface of the ocular lens by effecting a cutting operation on the front surface of the lens blank whose back surface has been cut to form the back curved surface, while the lens blank is supported on a spindle of a front surface cutting device such that the bac

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sharpening a disc blade includes a grinding wheel mounted on a housing. The housing is mounted on a drive shaft so that the housing rotates with the drive shaft but can move axially relative to the drive shaft. A transversely extending projection on the housing extends into a space between two axially spaced spacers on the drive shaft. A spring is positioned between each spacer and the projection for resiliently biasing the housing in an axial direction.

Abstract: A tool is constructed by a plurality of diamond columns 22 arranged so as to protrude from a working surface and a conductive bond member 24 for integrally fixing the diamond columns. The conductive bond member is electrolytically dressed while a conductive liquid is supplied between the bond member and an electrode 4 which faces the bond member at a distance, thereby enabling the diamond columns 22 to protrude. By this construction, the tool can be applied to both an efficient rough cutting for a ductile material and a precise grinding for a brittle material without detaching or re-attaching a workpiece, the relatively soft ductile material such as aluminum, copper, or plastic can be worked with a deep cut, the brittle material such as monocrystal silicon, glass, or tungsten carbide can be efficiently and stably ground, so that a fluctuation of a working position due to wear can be compensated.

Abstract: A pad cleaning brush and method for making the same is used in conjunction with spray rinse water to thoroughly clean a polishing pad of a chemical-mechanical polishing apparatus after a wafer has been polished. The bristles of the brush are securely retained within the brush by a welding process. This prevents the bristles from remaining on the polishing pad after the cleaning operation, thereby preventing the remaining bristles from damaging a subsequently polished wafer.

Abstract: A pad sander skirt which flares out over the periphery of the sanding pad and which is coupled to a lower housing so that it swivels about the body of the sander. The skirt and lower housing can be selectively swivelled in a rotational manner to a position desired by the user. A further sander improvement disclosed relates to the protection of a user's hand. Palm-grip random orbit sanders are sometimes configured so that the sanding pad may begin spinning at high speed when the sander is lifted off of the work. To this end, the present application discloses a protective skirt which flares out over the periphery of the pad in a palm-grip random orbit sander. Also disclosed is an improved dust collection system comprising a filter housing formed of a rigid porous material for entrapping dust.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing of substrates, such as semiconductor wafers, which employ retaining rings to hold a substrate in place during the polishing process. The retaining rings have surface characteristics that may be used to improve polishing uniformity, especially at a wafer periphery, and/or to improve removal rate of a chemical mechanical polishing (“CMP”) system. The surface characteristics may be recesses and/or protrusions on the pad-facing surface of a CMP retaining ring, which during polishing contact and act to flatten a CMP polishing pad beneath the substrate. Near the edge the surface characteristics may also condition the surface of a polishing pad during polishing and may be further configured to improve slurry transport.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for machining flat or planarizing a fire deck of a bimetallic engine block includes providing a grinding wheel by disposing a series of abrasive inserts at spaced locations along a circumference of a circular head, so that during rotation of the head, the inserts form a notional annular grinding ring. The head is preferably a conventional milling head and the inserts are sized and shaped to fit within receptacles adapted to receive conventional milling inserts. In an alternate embodiment, a second series of abrasive inserts may be disposed radially inward of the first series of inserts to form an inner notional annular grinding ring disposed concentrically with the outer ring. Inner and outer inserts preferably comprise a single layer of diamond abrasive brazed onto a metallic substrate.

Abstract: A magnetic disc system for grinding or polishing metallographic test specimens on a movable platen includes a barrier that is magnetically attached to a movable platen. A grinding or polishing surface attaches to the barrier. The barrier magnetically attaches to the platen and is also capable of blocking or greatly reducing the magnetic field magnetism from passing through to the grinding or polishing surface and restricting or preventing swarf adhesion resulting from the polishing or grinding operation that could harm the prepared surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for storing and selectively sharpening a knife. The present invention includes a scabbard with opposing first and second ends. An opening is defined in the first end and a passage defined in the scabbard for receiving a knife blade. The device further includes a sharpening device and an engagement device, where the engagement device is in operable communication with the scabbard for selectively moving the sharpening device relative to the scabbard.

Abstract: Water and meat pieces (P) are pumped through a conduit (100), the walls of which are made of plastic having an acoustic impedance close to that of water. The conduit is immersed in a tank (400) full of water. A shock wave generator 200 (capacitor discharge through electrodes) creates a shock wave in the water. A preferably tubular wave guide directs the shock pulse onto the conduit. The shock wave passes through the conduit without substantial reflection because the impedance of the conduit wall matches the impedance of the water. The shock wave tenderizes and sterilizes the meat. Continual plasma discharges are repeated rapidly enough that all of the meat passing through is treated.

Abstract: A method for ordering subscriber records in a location database stored in at least one of a Visitor Location Register (VLR) or a Home Location Register (HLR) of a wireless communications network by ordering the subscriber records in subsets according to the access rates of the records. Records within the respective subsets are then ordered in a middle-rootage order based on the subscriber ID of each subscriber record. The subscriber records are then inserted into a binary tree in subset order beginning with the subset containing subscriber records having the highest access rate. This method enables subscriber records to be more economically stored and used than is possible using conventional binary trees and, thereby, increases network capacity.

Abstract: A climate control system for a vehicle is disclosed, in which an air flow direction flap 34 is arranged in use to operate in accordance with a control quotient so as to present an air flow in a range of orientations. The orientations are arranged in groups which comprise base orientation levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and at least one group of intermediate orientation levels 110, 111; 220, 222; 330, 333 between two neighbouring said base orientation levels 1, 2, 3, 4. In moving between said neighbouring base orientation levels 1, 2, 3, 4, said air flow directing flap 34 passes, at least transiently, through substantially each said intermediate orientation level 110, 111; 220, 222; 330, 333, whereby a variation in said presentation of said air flow A/F between said neighbouring base orientations appears to a user to be more gradual than would be a substantially stepped change if made directly therebetween.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a car window comprising a body housing 11, blocking plates A (13) and B (14′), and a plurality of airflow members (18, 19, 20, 21 and 55), wherein: the plurality of airflow members (18, 19, 20, 21, 55) are arranged in layers in an inner chamber following a ventilation opening 11a of the body housing (11); and a cover plate (56) which can be opened/closed to adjust the quantity of air flowing through all the airflow members (18, 19, 20, 21 and 55) is provided on a cover frame (52) to which the innermost airflow member (55) is attached, whereby a ventilating function is given to the car window so that the quantity of air flowing through the car window can be adjusted at option.

Abstract: An assembly 10 for controlling the temperature of air flowing into the passenger compartment of a vehicle has a frame 20, an arcuate door 40, and an actuation assembly 50. The frame 20 defines an opening 21 through which air flows into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The frame 20 also includes opposite arcuate tracks 25, 26. The arcuate door 40 moves to control airflow through the opening 21 and has side edges 41, 42 which are slidably received in the opposite arcuate tracks 25, 26. The arcuate door 40 and the opposite arcuate tracks 25, 26 maintain the same center of curvature during the sliding of the arcuate door 40 in the opposite arcuate tracks 25, 26. The actuation assembly 50 moves the arcuate door 40 along the opposite arcuate tracks 25, 26.

Abstract: A powered damper assembly in which closure of the damper blades is controlled by a powered actuator which can be powered by a pneumatic drive, an electric motor drive, or other suitable power source. The powered actuator moves a drive shaft attached to the damper blades which causes the damper blades to cycle between an open position and a closed position. The actuator can be controlled by sensors in a remote location, which allows the damper to be modulate it to set up pressure differentials and to be closed well in advance of oncoming smoke, fire, or other detected toxic fumes. The powered actuator maintains pressure on the damper blades to seal the damper tightly and prevent both smoke and fire from easily penetrating the damper. Optional remote placement of the sensors allow the damper be closed well in advance of the arrival of smoke, fumes, fire, etc. The remote sensors communicate with the dampers via direct wiring or, alternatively, via wireless transmission.

Abstract: A random prize awarding system associated with a gaming console is provided in which the gaming console is arranged to play a first game or a second game, the first game being a standard game normally offered on the console and the second game being a jackpot game offered for play when the player has achieved a trigger condition where the trigger means is arranged to test for the trigger condition and to initiate an instance of the second game when the trigger condition occurs. The second game is divided into a plurality of sub-games, each having an incremental prize such that a sum of the un-won incremental prizes equals the total currently available jackpot prize value of the second game. The player is awarded each sub-game after the first, only if the incremental prize was won in the previous sub-game. The jackpot prize value being decremented by the incremental prize value awarded with the occurrence of each winning sub-game.

Abstract: A slot machine is configured to have a main game comprising a multi-reel payline mechanical reel or video reel slot arrangement with at least five reels and five or more paylines and a secondary event game comprising a rotating wheel bonus game. Whenever the player achieves a combination of symbols on the main game that awards the player with the secondary event game, the number of spins provided to the player to play the secondary event rotating wheel game is based on the number of paylines that the player has played on the main game or by the number of credits wagered on each payline. Alternatively, the number of spins awarded to the player on the secondary event game can be determined by the symbol combinations achieved by the player on the main game. All spins of the rotating wheel bonus game are winning spins.

Abstract: A progressive gaming system comprises a plurality of gaming machines, each of which is constructed to perform a predetermined main game in response to an operation of a player and gives a prize to the player when a winning combination is formed in the main game; and a progressive unit for counting an amount of a progressive bonus based on an amount of a bet in the main game played in each of the gaming machines and controlling a payment of the progressive bonus in association with a result of the main game. Each of the gaming machines or the progressive unit is provided with a judging device for judging whether or not the result of the main game played in each of the gaming machines meets a predetermined bonus chance condition for proceeding to a lottery game.

Abstract: A high-score display system for a video game includes a memory and a display coupled to a game controller of a video game. The game controller causes the display to show active game play sequences responsive to player inputs and simulated game play during an attract mode. Information associated with prior plays of the video game, including high score player identifiers, are stored in the memory. The controller causes selected ones of the high score player identifiers to be displayed in a plurality of available display areas of the video game including static display areas, movable display areas and conditional display areas.