 Patent Application Title |
Patent App Num. |
Date |
| Wager residuals | 20110021267 | 20110127 |
| Techniques for handling wager residuals are described herein. Embodiments include a method that detects a residual from one or more wagers remaining in a first memory location for an electronic wagering game machine. The residual of the one or more wagers are transferred from the first memory location to a second memory location. Information about the residual is stored. The residual from the first memory location is cleared.
... |
| Gaming system having re-awarding of stored awards | 20110021266 | 20110127 |
| A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game, at least one display for displaying the wagering game, and at least one controller. The controller is operative to display a first outcome of the wagering game and award a first award associated with the first outcome, store the first award in a stored awards group, cause the at least one display to display the stored awards group, and re-award one or more awards in the stored awards group upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
... |
| Voucher gaming system | 20110021265 | 20110127 |
| A gaming system and method of playing a gaming device by a user. The method includes inserting a voucher having a voucher value into the gaming device and accessing a database having voucher data associated with the voucher. The voucher value is verified. The user is queried for a credit value of a base wagering denomination. Calculations of full game credits and partial game credits are performed based upon the voucher value and the credit value. The full game credits, the partial game credits, and the voucher value are displayed on a game display. The method allows partial or all credits to be played at any time. The method provides for recording of game events to a database. The method also allows for the user to... |
| Controlling event-driven behavior of wagering game objects | 20110021263 | 20110127 |
| A behavior controller system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting one or more events that occur within a wagering game. The wagering game can feature a wagering game object that can automatically (e.g., intelligently) respond to the one or more events. The behavior controller system can use event-driven behavior controllers, such as a behavior tree. The behavior controller system can determine, and activate, tasks on the behavior tree that cause the wagering game object to respond to the one or more events. In some embodiments, the behavior controller system can also prioritize tasks that may be performed by behavior trees to prevent conflicts between wagering game objects during a wagering game.
... |
| Wagering game with multiple episode-based bonus games | 20110021260 | 20110127 |
| A gaming machine for playing an episodic wagering game includes a game display and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of an episodic wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The display further displays creative material content in one or more episodes of the episodic wagering game. The controller is in communication with the game display and is programmable to provide an award based on the randomly selected outcome and, in response to collecting a predetermined number of game items in one or more of the game episodes, cause the display of new creative material content of the wagering game without affecting the expected value of the episodic wagering game.
... |
Subscribe to updates on this page: Wage RSS  |
| Sewage seperation generator | 20110020112 | 20110127 |
| A system is presented that can partially separate solids from liquids and produce energy simultaneously.
... |
| Emergency vision apparatus with distributed stowage space | 20110019297 | 20110127 |
| The present invention provides an emergency vision apparatus, comprising a blower; an inflatable enclosure remote from the blower, the enclosure being made of airtight material and having an expanded form when deployed and a deflated form when not in use; first and second clear members disposed at respective first and second ends of the enclosure to enable a user to see through the enclosure when expanded and observe a source of information at a distal end of the enclosure while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment; a switch operably associated with the blower to activate the blower and thereby inflate the enclosure when deployed; and an air passageway connecting the blower and the enclosure, the passageway being extendible from a shorter length to... |
| Seat locking device and stowable vehicle seat | 20110018326 | 20110127 |
| Rattling of a stowable vehicle seat in a stowed state during driving is prevented, and a seat locking device and a stowable vehicle seat that reduces a returning operation load and improves returning operability is provided. The seat locking device includes a stowage locking member disposed on the rear face side of a seat back and lockable to and unlockable from the vehicle body floor side in stowage of a seat, a pulling-up grip disposed on the rear face side of a seat cushion and operated in a returning operation of the seat, a movable member moved in conjunction with the pulling-up grip in the returning operation, and a stowage unlocking wire that connects the stowage locking member and the movable member, and lock of the... |
| Stowable vehicle seat | 20110018323 | 20110127 |
| A stowable vehicle seat includes a seat support portion that supports a seat cushion rotatably in the front-and-rear direction, a seat back provided with reclining elements that can be folded onto the seat cushion, a stowage recess portion disposed on the vehicle body floor side, a front-side leg portion disposed on the front side of the seat cushion, leg-portion locking elements that lock and unlock the front-side leg portion to and from the vehicle body floor side, a link mechanism connected to the reclining elements and the leg-portion locking elements, and a strap for operating the reclining mechanism and the leg-portion locking elements through the link mechanism, in which the seat back is locked in the folded state in a stowing operation by a pulling operation... |
| Using magnets or electromagnets to move sewage sludge | 20110017674 | 20110127 |
| In some domestic and industrial sewage treatment strategies, a powder of magnetized material is added to an aeration chamber, and aeration is conducted. The mixture is then sent to a sedimentation chamber, and solid-liquid separation is conducted. A portion of the precipitated sludge is returned to the aeration chamber as return sludge and reused. Sedimented sludge is highly concentrated, due to the density of the magnetized material. Traditionally, the settled sludge is removed from the sedimentation tank by slowly scraping the biomass towards a central hopper. The traditional sludge scraping mechanism is large, bulky and difficult to maintain. Magnets or electromagnets will be used to move the biomass to a predetermined destination for removal, thus eliminating the need for the bulky scraper mechanism.
... |
| System and method for monitoring a bet | 20110014974 | 20110120 |
| A method of monitoring one or more bets includes: (a) receiving an alert comprising at least one wager on at least one sporting event; (b) receiving real-time updates comprising data representative of the at least one sporting event; (c) transforming the data representative of the at least one sporting event into a real-time probability of success of the at least one wager; and (d) transmitting the real-time probability of success to be displayed at a computing device. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.
... |
| Gaming system having displays with integrated image capture capablities | 20110014975 | 20110120 |
| A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving at least one wager and a display for displaying a wagering game. The display includes an integrated image capture device for visually capturing objects proximate the display. The system further comprises at least one controller operative to (i) detect the presence of at least a first object proximate the display, (ii) cause the image capture device to visually capture the first object and create a stored image thereof, (iii) graphically integrate the stored image of the first object into the wagering game, and (iv) display one or more outcomes of the wagering game which include one or more symbols comprising at least a portion of the stored image.
... |
| Gaming system having operator configurable supplemental features | 20110014971 | 20110120 |
| A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager and at least one display for displaying a selected primary wagering game, the selected primary wagering game having a primary payback percentage. The system includes a control interface displayed on the at least one display, the control interface comprising a plurality of available supplemental features. At least one controller is operative to (i) receive an operator activation selection of a supplemental feature selected from the plurality of available supplemental features; (ii) receive an operator configuration selection of at least one parameter of the selected supplement feature, the at least one parameter including a feature payback percentage of the selected supplemental feature; (iii) active availability of the selected supplemental feature for the play by... |
Subscribe to updates on this page: Wage RSS |
| Award frequency analysis (afa) security auditor | 20110014969 | 20110120 |
| An award frequency analysis auditor is employed in wager based gaming systems and reduces the time necessary to detect award frequency and return to player that is out of a desired range. User configurable thresholds may be set with the auditor and user configurable actions may also be configured to be performed when the thresholds are reached. Increased accuracy and reduction of false positives are achieved.
... |
| Methods and apparatus for facilitating blackjack flat rate play sessions | 20110014963 | 20110120 |
| In accordance with one embodiment, a video roulette flat rate play session is facilitated. The flat rate play session may be associated with at least one of a wagering restriction applied to one or more bets during the flat rate play session and a net maximum payout per spin applicable to one or more bets during the flat rate play session. In one embodiment, a player is provided with a plurality of wagering units at the beginning of the session. A monetary value of the plurality of wagering units may be greater than a monetary value of a flat rate price paid for the flat rate play session.
... |
| Wide-area tournament gaming system | 20110014964 | 20110120 |
| A gaming system and method for concurrently playing a base game and an associated tournament game is disclosed. The system includes one or more gaming machines that are capable of stand-alone base game play. The gaming machines are coupled to a network that enables players of the gaming machines to place side wagers against other players of other gaming machines in the gaming system. As players at the gaming machines play stand-alone base games, the players are concurrently offered an opportunity to engage in side wagers on tournament play against other players at the gaming machines using scores from play of the stand-alone base games.
... |
| Vehicle seat with a stowable head restraint and an anti-whiplash system | 20110012400 | 20110120 |
| The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, in particular a backseat, comprising a head restraint (1) mounted on the backrest of the vehicle seat, wherein the head restraint (1) comprises a mechanism for folding the head restraint between at least one fixed operative position and at least one stowage position, characterised in that the vehicle seat further comprises an anti-whiplash system including a release mechanism associated with the head restraint (1), which release mechanism is adapted to, when the head restraint (1) is in an operative position, reduce the gap between an occupants head and the head restraint (1) in case of an accident.
... |
| Point poker card game | 20110012306 | 20110120 |
| Point Poker is a game which combines skill and luck in which players play against each other. It is also a game which provides several ways to win money from the house. The game features three ways for a player to win. The house deals a five card poker hand to the players who compete against other players at the table. Each card in the fifty two card plus one joker deck is assigned a point value. The player with the highest cumulative point total, based on the five cards dealt, wins the pot, less a percentage vigorish to the house. The pot consists of the wagers made by all the players during the game. The house also provides the players with the option to make... |
| Pump stand securable to a pump, such as a sump pump | 20110012008 | 20110120 |
| A pump stand for supporting pumps, such as sump pumps, effluent pumps, or sewage pumps within an container, such as a sump container, including an elongated platform, circular pipe-shaped legs secured to the elongated platform, adjustable leg extenders securable to the legs to extend the height of one or more legs, openings in the platform for screening rocks and other debris, a discharge pipe attachment brace secured in a discharge pipe attachment brace opening in one end of the platform and a discharge pipe clamp attached to the discharge pipe attachment brace for securing the platform to the discharge pipe of the sump pump.
... |
| Method for making a base plate for suspension assembly in hard disk drive | 20110011747 | 20110120 |
| A swage mount that includes a flange, having a first side and a second side, and a cylindrically shaped hub. The hub is primarily comprised of a metal (such as stainless steel), and extends from the second side of the flange, and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The surface of the swage mount is plated with one or more layers of metal, or a combination of metals, which provide a) increased retention torque, and b) increased part cleanliness. This invention may be used in conjunction with surface hardened swage mounts that contain surface protrusions. In this case the metal plating prevents separation of the protrusions from the swage mount, thereby preventing contamination.
... |
| Simulcast pari-mutuel gaming machine with casino and lottery styled wagers for continuous play | 20110009190 | 20110113 |
| An gaming machine for and method of par-mutuel wagering that allows individuals to continuously place multiple casino and lottery styled pari-mutuel wagers on simulcast live and/or recorded pari-mutuel race events. The gaming machine includes a display screen to provide a graphic display of a plurality of pari-mutuel gaming options to a player, and a selection device operable by the player to select at least one of the pari-mutuel gaming options displayed on the screen, the selection device operable by the player to input a wager corresponding to the selected at least one pari-mutuel gaming option. The gaming machine has the ability to be linked to a network of gaming machines in pari-mutuel and/or other wagering venues.
... |
| Controlling wagering transactions for multi-provider game content | 20110009188 | 20110113 |
| Described herein are processes and devices that control wagering transactions for multi-provider game content. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can process a plurality of wagering games from multiple wagering game providers on a single wagering game machine during a single wagering game session. The system can communicate wagering transaction information for the plurality of wagering games between the wagering game machine and an account server. The wagering game system can synchronize a session funds balance on the wagering game machine with an account balance on the account server. The system can utilize different modes of synchronizing the account information for the multiple wagering games.
... |
| Gaming system and method employing event eligibility - based equity for a wagering game | 20110009187 | 20110113 |
| A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes providing a first event eligibility-based equity relative to a first wagering game and converting the first event eligibility-based equity to an exchange medium. The exchange medium may be cash or a second event eligibility-based equity relative to a second wagering game. The first event eligibility-equity may be stored for later use on the first wagering game.
... |
| Fitting for metal pipe and tubing | 20110006521 | 20110113 |
| A tube fitting that uses only two components, namely a fitting body and a fitting nut. The nut and body are adapted to be threadably coupled together by relative rotation therebetween. The nut includes an integral tube gripping ring that cooperates with a camming surface on the body when the fitting is made-up. The camming surface preferably has a steep camming angle. The ring is radially compressed against the tube outer wall to form a seal and a tight tube grip. The ring also forms a line contact-type seal against the camming surface. The ring is designed to have a hinging action and to plastically deform during pull-up to embed into the tubing for excellent tube grip, and an axially adjacent swage or collet zone that... |
| Three card trumps card game | 20110006481 | 20110113 |
| A card game and a method of playing a card game. There is a dealer and at least one player, who must make a base wager. The dealer deals a hand of three cards to all players, who must then make a further wager in order to participate in play. A trump suit is determined. The dealer leads a card from his hand, and the players try to beat this card by playing a higher card of the same suit, or a trump card. The payout is calculated by a pre-determined formula based on the number of tricks won per player. An optional bonus wagering scheme is disclosed, whereby players can wager on the cards in their hands before having sight of them.
... |
| Apparatus and method for stowing suspension lines | 20110006161 | 20110113 |
| An apparatus for packing a parachute is presented, the apparatus including an expander member extending along a longitudinal axis and having at least a ramp portion that extends in the direction from a first end of the expander member to a second end of the expander member. The ramp portion has an outer surface expanding in perimeter shape from the first end to the second end of the expander member. A channel defined from inner surfaces of the ramp portion extends along the longitudinal axis from an opening at the second end of the expander member towards the first end. The first end of the expander member is configured to engage a substantially unexpanded loop of a stowage device and to expand the perimeter shape of... |
| Automotive adsorption heat pump | 20110005267 | 20110113 |
| An adsorber unit has an outer shell, a plurality of internal tubes extending through the shell for carrying heat transfer fluid, each tube having outwardly projecting fins along its entire length, and a solid adsorbent material in the shell surrounding the tubes such that the fins project into the adsorbent material, the fins being of a material (e.g., metal) of higher thermal conductivity than the adsorbent material. Metal wool loosely packed inside the tubes, or internal radial fins swaged into the tubes, increase internal surface area thereby enhancing convective heat transfer. Metal wool loosely packed between the external fins, or fine wire metal coils lightly squeezed between the external fins, further increase external surface area of the heat exchanger in contact with the adsorbent thereby enhancing... |
| Apparatus and method for swaging needles | 20110005058 | 20110113 |
| A method and apparatus for making armed sutures has a pair of opposed die assemblies that may be driven by actuating surfaces of a swaging machine to hold and swage a needle on a suture. The dies grip and confine the needle in the area of the suture receptacle. A pair of opposed swaging elements with offset stakes insert through passageways in the dies and impinge on the captured needle making a plurality of indentations in the needle barrel and gripping the suture in the suture receptacle. The indentations are offset and aligned generally in alternating peak-to-valley relationship, causing the suture receptacle and the contained suture to assume a serpentine configuration. The stakes and the resulting indentations can be dimensioned to result in a converging suture... |
| Recovering a persistent storage unit in a wagering game system | 20110003643 | 20110106 |
| Systems and methods include detecting the failure or imminent failure of a persistent storage unit for a wagering game machine. Upon detection of the failure, a flag is set to indicate that failed persistent storage unit is being replaced. After replacement, the wagering game machine is restarted. The flag indicating persistent storage unit replacement is read and wagering game machine software assets are automatically loaded onto the replacement persistent storage unit. The software assets to be loaded may be determined from an asset list maintained on the wagering game machine or on a server communicably coupled to the wagering game machine.
... |
| Wagering game having progressive amounts displayed in a matrix | 20110003636 | 20110106 |
| A method for playing a wagering game on a gaming terminal (10). The wagering game allows a player to be eligible to win a plurality of progressive jackpots. The plurality of progressive jackpots (28) can be arranged in columns and rows of a matrix, or can be displayed with other characteristics for identification (27), such has color, shapes, or alpha-numeric characters. The method includes conducting a wagering game having a randomly selected outcome. The player can be awarded two progressive jackpots in response to the randomly selected outcome being a single multiple-jackpot winning outcome. Further, the progressive jackpots that are achieved can be identified by their associated characteristics, which are displayed to the player.
... |
| System and method for monitoring a bet | 20110014974 | 20110120 |
| A method of monitoring one or more bets includes: (a) receiving an alert comprising at least one wager on at least one sporting event; (b) receiving real-time updates comprising data representative of the at least one sporting event; (c) transforming the data representative of the at least one sporting event into a real-time probability of success of the at least one wager; and (d) transmitting the real-time probability of success to be displayed at a computing device. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.
... |
| Gaming system having displays with integrated image capture capablities | 20110014975 | 20110120 |
| A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving at least one wager and a display for displaying a wagering game. The display includes an integrated image capture device for visually capturing objects proximate the display. The system further comprises at least one controller operative to (i) detect the presence of at least a first object proximate the display, (ii) cause the image capture device to visually capture the first object and create a stored image thereof, (iii) graphically integrate the stored image of the first object into the wagering game, and (iv) display one or more outcomes of the wagering game which include one or more symbols comprising at least a portion of the stored image.
... |
| Gaming system having operator configurable supplemental features | 20110014971 | 20110120 |
| A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager and at least one display for displaying a selected primary wagering game, the selected primary wagering game having a primary payback percentage. The system includes a control interface displayed on the at least one display, the control interface comprising a plurality of available supplemental features. At least one controller is operative to (i) receive an operator activation selection of a supplemental feature selected from the plurality of available supplemental features; (ii) receive an operator configuration selection of at least one parameter of the selected supplement feature, the at least one parameter including a feature payback percentage of the selected supplemental feature; (iii) active availability of the selected supplemental feature for the play by... |
| Award frequency analysis (afa) security auditor | 20110014969 | 20110120 |
| An award frequency analysis auditor is employed in wager based gaming systems and reduces the time necessary to detect award frequency and return to player that is out of a desired range. User configurable thresholds may be set with the auditor and user configurable actions may also be configured to be performed when the thresholds are reached. Increased accuracy and reduction of false positives are achieved.
... |
| Methods and apparatus for facilitating blackjack flat rate play sessions | 20110014963 | 20110120 |
| In accordance with one embodiment, a video roulette flat rate play session is facilitated. The flat rate play session may be associated with at least one of a wagering restriction applied to one or more bets during the flat rate play session and a net maximum payout per spin applicable to one or more bets during the flat rate play session. In one embodiment, a player is provided with a plurality of wagering units at the beginning of the session. A monetary value of the plurality of wagering units may be greater than a monetary value of a flat rate price paid for the flat rate play session.
... |
| Wide-area tournament gaming system | 20110014964 | 20110120 |
| A gaming system and method for concurrently playing a base game and an associated tournament game is disclosed. The system includes one or more gaming machines that are capable of stand-alone base game play. The gaming machines are coupled to a network that enables players of the gaming machines to place side wagers against other players of other gaming machines in the gaming system. As players at the gaming machines play stand-alone base games, the players are concurrently offered an opportunity to engage in side wagers on tournament play against other players at the gaming machines using scores from play of the stand-alone base games.
... |
| Vehicle seat with a stowable head restraint and an anti-whiplash system | 20110012400 | 20110120 |
| The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, in particular a backseat, comprising a head restraint (1) mounted on the backrest of the vehicle seat, wherein the head restraint (1) comprises a mechanism for folding the head restraint between at least one fixed operative position and at least one stowage position, characterised in that the vehicle seat further comprises an anti-whiplash system including a release mechanism associated with the head restraint (1), which release mechanism is adapted to, when the head restraint (1) is in an operative position, reduce the gap between an occupants head and the head restraint (1) in case of an accident.
... |
| Point poker card game | 20110012306 | 20110120 |
| Point Poker is a game which combines skill and luck in which players play against each other. It is also a game which provides several ways to win money from the house. The game features three ways for a player to win. The house deals a five card poker hand to the players who compete against other players at the table. Each card in the fifty two card plus one joker deck is assigned a point value. The player with the highest cumulative point total, based on the five cards dealt, wins the pot, less a percentage vigorish to the house. The pot consists of the wagers made by all the players during the game. The house also provides the players with the option to make... |
| Pump stand securable to a pump, such as a sump pump | 20110012008 | 20110120 |
| A pump stand for supporting pumps, such as sump pumps, effluent pumps, or sewage pumps within an container, such as a sump container, including an elongated platform, circular pipe-shaped legs secured to the elongated platform, adjustable leg extenders securable to the legs to extend the height of one or more legs, openings in the platform for screening rocks and other debris, a discharge pipe attachment brace secured in a discharge pipe attachment brace opening in one end of the platform and a discharge pipe clamp attached to the discharge pipe attachment brace for securing the platform to the discharge pipe of the sump pump.
... |
| Method for making a base plate for suspension assembly in hard disk drive | 20110011747 | 20110120 |
| A swage mount that includes a flange, having a first side and a second side, and a cylindrically shaped hub. The hub is primarily comprised of a metal (such as stainless steel), and extends from the second side of the flange, and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The surface of the swage mount is plated with one or more layers of metal, or a combination of metals, which provide a) increased retention torque, and b) increased part cleanliness. This invention may be used in conjunction with surface hardened swage mounts that contain surface protrusions. In this case the metal plating prevents separation of the protrusions from the swage mount, thereby preventing contamination.
... |
| Simulcast pari-mutuel gaming machine with casino and lottery styled wagers for continuous play | 20110009190 | 20110113 |
| An gaming machine for and method of par-mutuel wagering that allows individuals to continuously place multiple casino and lottery styled pari-mutuel wagers on simulcast live and/or recorded pari-mutuel race events. The gaming machine includes a display screen to provide a graphic display of a plurality of pari-mutuel gaming options to a player, and a selection device operable by the player to select at least one of the pari-mutuel gaming options displayed on the screen, the selection device operable by the player to input a wager corresponding to the selected at least one pari-mutuel gaming option. The gaming machine has the ability to be linked to a network of gaming machines in pari-mutuel and/or other wagering venues.
... |
| Controlling wagering transactions for multi-provider game content | 20110009188 | 20110113 |
| Described herein are processes and devices that control wagering transactions for multi-provider game content. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can process a plurality of wagering games from multiple wagering game providers on a single wagering game machine during a single wagering game session. The system can communicate wagering transaction information for the plurality of wagering games between the wagering game machine and an account server. The wagering game system can synchronize a session funds balance on the wagering game machine with an account balance on the account server. The system can utilize different modes of synchronizing the account information for the multiple wagering games.
... |
| Gaming system and method employing event eligibility - based equity for a wagering game | 20110009187 | 20110113 |
| A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes providing a first event eligibility-based equity relative to a first wagering game and converting the first event eligibility-based equity to an exchange medium. The exchange medium may be cash or a second event eligibility-based equity relative to a second wagering game. The first event eligibility-equity may be stored for later use on the first wagering game.
... |
| Fitting for metal pipe and tubing | 20110006521 | 20110113 |
| A tube fitting that uses only two components, namely a fitting body and a fitting nut. The nut and body are adapted to be threadably coupled together by relative rotation therebetween. The nut includes an integral tube gripping ring that cooperates with a camming surface on the body when the fitting is made-up. The camming surface preferably has a steep camming angle. The ring is radially compressed against the tube outer wall to form a seal and a tight tube grip. The ring also forms a line contact-type seal against the camming surface. The ring is designed to have a hinging action and to plastically deform during pull-up to embed into the tubing for excellent tube grip, and an axially adjacent swage or collet zone that... |
| Three card trumps card game | 20110006481 | 20110113 |
| A card game and a method of playing a card game. There is a dealer and at least one player, who must make a base wager. The dealer deals a hand of three cards to all players, who must then make a further wager in order to participate in play. A trump suit is determined. The dealer leads a card from his hand, and the players try to beat this card by playing a higher card of the same suit, or a trump card. The payout is calculated by a pre-determined formula based on the number of tricks won per player. An optional bonus wagering scheme is disclosed, whereby players can wager on the cards in their hands before having sight of them.
... |
| Apparatus and method for stowing suspension lines | 20110006161 | 20110113 |
| An apparatus for packing a parachute is presented, the apparatus including an expander member extending along a longitudinal axis and having at least a ramp portion that extends in the direction from a first end of the expander member to a second end of the expander member. The ramp portion has an outer surface expanding in perimeter shape from the first end to the second end of the expander member. A channel defined from inner surfaces of the ramp portion extends along the longitudinal axis from an opening at the second end of the expander member towards the first end. The first end of the expander member is configured to engage a substantially unexpanded loop of a stowage device and to expand the perimeter shape of... |
| Automotive adsorption heat pump | 20110005267 | 20110113 |
| An adsorber unit has an outer shell, a plurality of internal tubes extending through the shell for carrying heat transfer fluid, each tube having outwardly projecting fins along its entire length, and a solid adsorbent material in the shell surrounding the tubes such that the fins project into the adsorbent material, the fins being of a material (e.g., metal) of higher thermal conductivity than the adsorbent material. Metal wool loosely packed inside the tubes, or internal radial fins swaged into the tubes, increase internal surface area thereby enhancing convective heat transfer. Metal wool loosely packed between the external fins, or fine wire metal coils lightly squeezed between the external fins, further increase external surface area of the heat exchanger in contact with the adsorbent thereby enhancing... |
| Apparatus and method for swaging needles | 20110005058 | 20110113 |
| A method and apparatus for making armed sutures has a pair of opposed die assemblies that may be driven by actuating surfaces of a swaging machine to hold and swage a needle on a suture. The dies grip and confine the needle in the area of the suture receptacle. A pair of opposed swaging elements with offset stakes insert through passageways in the dies and impinge on the captured needle making a plurality of indentations in the needle barrel and gripping the suture in the suture receptacle. The indentations are offset and aligned generally in alternating peak-to-valley relationship, causing the suture receptacle and the contained suture to assume a serpentine configuration. The stakes and the resulting indentations can be dimensioned to result in a converging suture... |
| Recovering a persistent storage unit in a wagering game system | 20110003643 | 20110106 |
| Systems and methods include detecting the failure or imminent failure of a persistent storage unit for a wagering game machine. Upon detection of the failure, a flag is set to indicate that failed persistent storage unit is being replaced. After replacement, the wagering game machine is restarted. The flag indicating persistent storage unit replacement is read and wagering game machine software assets are automatically loaded onto the replacement persistent storage unit. The software assets to be loaded may be determined from an asset list maintained on the wagering game machine or on a server communicably coupled to the wagering game machine.
... |
| Wagering game having progressive amounts displayed in a matrix | 20110003636 | 20110106 |
| A method for playing a wagering game on a gaming terminal (10). The wagering game allows a player to be eligible to win a plurality of progressive jackpots. The plurality of progressive jackpots (28) can be arranged in columns and rows of a matrix, or can be displayed with other characteristics for identification (27), such has color, shapes, or alpha-numeric characters. The method includes conducting a wagering game having a randomly selected outcome. The player can be awarded two progressive jackpots in response to the randomly selected outcome being a single multiple-jackpot winning outcome. Further, the progressive jackpots that are achieved can be identified by their associated characteristics, which are displayed to the player.
... |
| Single account multi-bookmaker odds comparison gaming event online wagering | 20110003634 | 20110106 |
| A web page display the gaming odds of a bookmaker for a gaming event with corresponding prices to place a wager with the bookmaker. This information is also displayed for each of several different and unrelated bookmakers, thus allowing the user of the web page to comparison shop for the best odds on a particular gaming event that is offered by one of the displayed bookmakers. An interactive user interface of a client being served the web page sends and a web service receives the selection by the user of the best of the displayed odds that is being offered by one of the bookmakers. The user pays the selected bookmaker the displayed price in exchange for placing the wager. The wager is paid to the... |
| Wagering game with time control aspects | 20110003632 | 20110106 |
| Systems and methods provide time control aspects for a wagering game. A first portion of a wagering game may be presented at a first rate of motion through time and a second portion may be presented at a second rate of motion through time. Further, some graphical object may be displayed according to first rate of motion through time while other graphical objects are simultaneously display according to a second rate of motion through time. Additionally, a portion of a wagering game may be replayed from a previous point in time.
... |
| Gaming machine electrophoretic apparatus, systems, and methods | 20110003630 | 20110106 |
| Apparatus, system, and methods may include a value input device for receiving a wager, a housing attached to the value input device, at least one rotatable reel attached to the housing, the reel comprising a reel strip arranged about a periphery of a cage, and a controller attached to the housing and operatively coupled to an input device to alter appearance of a first part of an electrophoretic image display attached to at least one of a player tracking card or a credit ticket that can be read by the input device. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
... |
| Electrical connection in a split post of a wagering game chair | 20110003631 | 20110106 |
| In some example embodiments, an apparatus that includes a wagering game chair for a wagering game machine that is configured to present a wagering game. The wagering game chair includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat post that is part of a split-post configuration. The seat post has a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of the seat post is coupled to the seat bottom. The wagering game chair also includes a first electrical connector positioned within and approximately at the bottom end of the seat post. The wagering game chair includes a first electrical cable is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector, wherein the first electrical cable runs approximately a length of the seat post within the... |
| Gaming machine having enhanced game play scheme | 20110003629 | 20110106 |
| A gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme is provided where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option, a player is provided with enhanced game play. Enhanced game play may include (1) providing more frequent bonus game play, (2) providing a larger bonus game value payout, (3) providing more frequent bonus game play and providing a larger bonus game value payout, (4) providing a larger or multiplied game value payout, (5) providing a guaranteed value payout for a non-winning outcome, (6) providing game features (7) providing a larger game value payout based on a partial game outcome, (8) providing an extra wild symbol capable of repositioning, and (9) providing a possibility of an additional reel movement to reposition an extra... |
| Random credit generation lottery game system and method | 20110003626 | 20110106 |
| A gaming system and associated methodology include means for a player to place a wager to participate in play of a plurality of base games, the wager entitling the player to a block of credits. A central lottery computer system is configured to randomly divide the block of credits between the plurality of base games and to conduct the plurality of base games. Means are provided for the player to interact with the central lottery computer system for simulated play of each of the plurality of base games. A prize is awarded for a winning play of any one of the base games and is a function of the number of credits that were randomly assigned to the respective base game by the central lottery computer... |
| Bet the house blackjack | 20110001288 | 20110106 |
| A casino style card game, played in accordance with the standard rules of Blackjack, also known as “21,” and including an auxiliary component allowing additional wagering on the outcome of the dealer's hand for each participating player. Participating players are able to wager on the dealer having a non-breaking hand (i.e., a hand having a value less than 21 in accordance with the rules of Blackjack) containing two, three, four, five, six, or seven cards. Wagers may also be made on the dealer having an even or odd count, or an all read or all black hand. A return is paid on wagers in the auxiliary game only if the dealer hand does not “bust” (i.e, exceed a value of 21). The game is also playable... |
| Sewage ejector basin extension | 20110000924 | 20110106 |
| During installation and before a floor or foundation slab is put in place, a sewage ejector basin is set below grade and a basin extension of the present invention set in place around the basin. The basin extension of the present invention is rectangular in shape and comprises four basin extension sidewalls in communicable relation to each other at right angles; an opening within a top of the basin extension to allow access to the basin; and an opening within a bottom of the basin extension to accommodate a basin. An inlet pipe is routed underground and into the basin. A discharge pipe and a vent pipe are routed out of the basin and through a basin lid, oriented horizontally in relation to the floor, passed... |
| Non-collapsing built in place adjustable swage | 20110000664 | 20110106 |
| A swage is made from segments that slide relatively to each other to go from a run in dimension to a maximum or built dimension when the segments move into alignment. The angle of inclination of the sliding axis between the members is less than the swaging angle for the pipe on the exterior of the segments so that once the segments are aligned and driven into a tubular for swaging they are precluded from extending into misalignment to clear an obstruction. In this manner a minimum drift is provided or the swage simply stalls. To facilitate building the swage in a tubular to the predetermined maximum dimension, the sliding surfaces are configured at an angle to bear the radial reaction forces from the tubular more... |
| Electrical connector with rotatable fastener | 20110000075 | 20110106 |
| An electrical connector to mechanically and electrically connecting first and second electrical conduit assemblies. The first electrical conduit assembly has a first conductive contact and an aperture in the first conductive contact. A first fastener is rotatably received in the aperture. The first fastener has a head member and a body portion. A threaded passageway extends from the head member to a distal end of the body portion. The distal end of the body portion is swaged to prevent the first fastener from being accidentally removed from the aperture. A second electrical conduit assembly has a second conductive contact. A second fastener extends outwardly from the second conductive contact and is adapted to be threadably received by the passageway of the first fastener.
... |
| Method and system for facilitating charitable donations | 20090327122 | 20091231 |
| Disclosed is a system and method for facilitating charitable donations. A first possible outcome of a game is associated with a first charity, online wagers against the first possible outcome are accepted and in response to the first possible outcome actually occurring, all, or a portion, of the wagered sums are electronically credited to an account associated with the first charity.
... |
| Cash-out methods and systems yielding enhanced time-deferred value | 20090327060 | 20091231 |
| A method of exchanging assets within a wagering establishment computer-based marketplace layer including the acts of accessing a wagering establishment marketplace layer using a peripheral device, offering a first asset for exchange in the wagering establishment marketplace layer to all participants in the wagering establishment marketplace layer. The method also includes the acts of receiving an offer to exchange a second asset for the first asset from an anonymous one of the participants in the wagering establishment marketplace layer, accepting the offer to exchange the second asset for the first asset from the anonymous one of the participants in the wagering establishment marketplace layer, and transferring the first asset in exchange for the second asset.
... |
| Gaming machine with movable display screen | 20090325692 | 20091231 |
| A method, implemented by an electronic gaming machine (EGM), includes providing an electronic display mounted to the cabinet of the EGM and disposed in a normal operational position to portray a wagering game to a user, the display in the normal operational position having an orientation of one of landscape or portrait. The display is moved from the normal operational position to a maintenance position in order to permit access for a technician to components in a space in the cabinet behind the display when the latter is in the normal operational position, the display in the maintenance position having an orientation of the other of landscape or portrait, the display in the maintenance position displaying information to the technician.
... |
| Gaming machine having multi-touch sensing device | 20090325691 | 20091231 |
| A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a primary display that displays a randomly selected outcome. The gaming system includes a multi-touch input system having a multi-touch sensing device, a memory, and a local controller. The multi-touch sensing device includes an array of input sensors that detect a multi-point gesture. Each sensor detects a touch input made by a player of the wagering game. The memory includes gesture classification codes each representing a distinct combination of characteristics relating to the gesture. The local controller receives data indicative of at least two of the characteristics related to the multi-point gesture and determines whether the data corresponds to any of the gesture classification codes. A main controller is coupled to the local controller to... |
| Method and system for determining a progressive multiplier | 20090325688 | 20091231 |
| Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for determining a progressive multiplier in a bonus game associated with a networked game of chance played over a communication network. The progressive multiplier may be determined over the course of one or more rounds of the bonus game and may be awarded to a player who wagers in the game of chance or is awarded winnings in the game of chance. The value of the resulting progressive multiplier may then be applied to the player's wager or winnings to increase or decrease the value of the wager or the winnings. By offering players the opportunity to increase the yield of their wagers or winnings, an operator of the game of chance may increase the attractiveness of the game... |
| Distributed side wagering methods and systems | 20090325686 | 20091231 |
| Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating side wagering activities conducted at a casino which includes a casino gaming network. In at least one embodiment, the gaming network includes a plurality of gaming devices, including a first gaming device. A side wager request may be received for placing a first side wager relating to a first target. In at least one embodiment, the first target may be selected from a group of possible targets which, for example, may include, but are not limited to one or more of the following (or combination thereof): casino players, game tables, electronic gaming devices (EGDs), game themes, game denominations, game paytables, etc. An identity of a first player associated with generating the first side wager request may be determined. A first... |
| Gaming system having composite awards | 20090325682 | 20091231 |
| A gaming system comprises a wager input device and a display for displaying a first randomly selected outcome of a first wagering game. The first randomly selected outcome is selected from a first plurality of possible outcomes. The first plurality of possible outcomes includes a first winning outcome. The gaming system further comprises a controller operative to provide a first award to the player when the first randomly selected outcome is the first winning outcome. The first award comprises a fixed portion and a variable portion, the fixed portion having a predetermined value, the variable portion having an expected value for which the actual value is determined at least in part by a second randomly selected outcome of a second wagering game, wherein the second wagering... |
| Wagering game with enhanced wager-per-line feature | 20090325681 | 20091231 |
| A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game by a player includes a display, a credit indicator and a controller. The display is for displaying a wagering-game outcome having a plurality of symbols arranged in an array. The array includes a plurality of paylines for indicating symbol combinations in the array. The player is required to play all of the plurality of paylines in exchange for a minimum wager amount. The credit indicator indicates the number of available credits for making a wager amount. The controller is in communication with the display and the credit indicator. In response to the number of available credits being less than the minimum wager amount, the controller causes the display to display a group of player options for allowing the... |
| Wagering system with expanding wild feature dictated by direction indicator | 20090325678 | 20091231 |
| A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The display displays a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game including a plurality of reels with symbols forming an array. The symbols include a directional wild symbol having a direction indicator. The controller is coupled to the display and operative to (i) display the directional wild symbol on the display, (ii) provide a wild function to a symbol that is adjacent to the directional wild symbol and at a certain orientation relative to the directional wild symbol as indicated by the direction indicator, and (iii) provide an award based on the array with the adjacent symbol having the wild function.
... |
| Methods and systems for production of biofuels and bioenergy products from sewage sludge, including recalcitrant sludge | 20090325253 | 20091231 |
| The present invention provides methods and systems (SLUDFUEL system) for producing biofuel and bioenergy products using, as starting raw material, municipal, industrial, and/or farm sewage sludge, including recalcitrant sludge containing high concentrations of heavy metals, and produced after waste treatment. In accordance with the invention, municipal, industrial, and farm sewage sludge, including recalcitrant sludge, can serve as a carbon source to support the metabolism of synthetic microorganisms to produce biofuels and bioenergy products.
... |
| Maximizing utilization of municipal sewage treatment effluents to produce a biofuel, fertilizer and/or animal feed for environmentally sustainable minded communities | 20090324799 | 20091231 |
| Continuously produced algae is seeded into the waste streams by the use of 4 or more photo bio-reactors. The algae so produced manufacture oils and fats inside their cells from nutrients in the waste and the process of photosynthesis. Their growth is enhanced by the use of screens, both fixed and movable. These algae adhere to the screens or to the long chain algae attached there to. Algae removed from the raceway bio-reactor are killed by repeated application of heavy rollers over leveled out extracted algae cells. The dead algae are covered with recycled process waste water which goes to one of more oil/water separators and then to storage tanks that contain bio-diesel oil fraction, to waste water tanks and to storage bins for solid waste... |
| Stowage bin with shear fittings | 20090321566 | 20091231 |
| An aircraft stowage bin assembly includes shear fittings configured to route a content load from the bucket of the bin assembly to the airframe in the event of a forward load condition, such as a crash or severe turbulence. When the forward inertial load factor on the stowage bin is greater than about 1 g, the shear fittings create an efficient load path from the bucket to the airframe which bypasses the large metallic or composite endframes required by the designs of many conventional overhead stowage bins. As a result, significant reductions in overall bulk and weight, as well as lower manufacturing costs, can be realized.
... |
| Flowing water splitting apparatus, flowing water splitting method and sewage system | 20090320943 | 20091231 |
| A flowing water splitting apparatus 10 includes a first flowing water channel 20 including a weir 28 defining a water quantity of the flowing water flowing in from a confluent pipe 14 and leading the flowing water flowing in from the confluent pipe 14 to a dirty water pipe 16; a second flowing water channel 32 leading flowing water flowing over the weir 28 to a rainwater pipe 18; a partition wall portion 26 provided to block the flowing water flowing through the first flowing water channel 20 to form a plurality of water diversion chambers 28 partitioned in the first flowing water channel 20; and a flow throttle portion 30 formed in the partition wall portion 26 to throttle a flow quantity of the flowing... |
| Swage collar with internal sealing insert | 20090320259 | 20091231 |
| A swage collar and an internal sealing insert form a swage collar assembly used in combination with a structural fastener to prevent leakage through a connection of workpieces fastened together by the structural fastener. The swage collar has a hollow, generally cylindrical main body portion with a main central bore, and a base portion with an internal shoulder formed in the main central bore so as to form a seal receiving guide. The shaft of the fastener typically includes a threaded section and an unthreaded section, and the internal sealing insert interfaces with the threaded section and the unthreaded section of the shaft of the pin. In an alternate embodiment, the internal sealing insert interfaces with the unthreaded section of shaft of the pin. The swage... |
| Methodology of co-interference reduction through cable separation and shielding within a gaming machine | 20090318237 | 20091224 |
| According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a gaming cabinet having a first member and a second member. The first member is located physically separate from the second member. The gaming machine further comprises a plurality of high-voltage wires generally located within the first member. The gaming machine additionally includes a plurality of low-voltage wires generally located within the second member. The first member and the second member shielding the respective. plurality of high-voltage wires and low-voltage wires to reduce electrical interference between the plurality of high-voltage wires and the plurality of low-voltage wires.
... |
| Devices, systems, and methods for accessing a line of credit associated with a player wagering account | 20090318220 | 20091224 |
| A method of dynamically adjusting a player's line of credit associated with a wagering activity includes the acts of establishing a line of credit for a player and monitoring at least one factor associated with a player's wagering activity. The method further includes the acts of calculating a credit factor related to the monitored at least one factor and applying the credit factor to a player's line of credit to adjust a player's line of credit one of upwardly and downwardly responsive to the monitored at least one factor.
... |
| Wagering game with bonus game having enhanced player-selection features | 20090318218 | 20091224 |
| A system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a feature having a plurality of selectable elements associated with respective outcomes. The feature further includes a path having a plurality of spaces. The plurality of spaces is associated with respective special rules. Each respective special rule is capable of being active or inactive. One embodiment of a method includes (a) successively selecting different ones of the plurality of selectable elements; (b) for each selected element, identifying a space of the plurality of spaces to be associated with the selected element; and (c) modifying the outcome associated with each selected outcome with the special rule associated with the identified space if the special rule for the identified space is active.
... |
| Singular wagering apparatus for gaming device | 20090318214 | 20091224 |
| Embodiments of the present invention are directed to single button wagering on a gaming device. A one-touch button on the gaming device is used both to place a wager and to initiate a gaming session. The wager can be a pre-set amount or an amount that is determined based the individual player, the amount of credits on the gaming device, and other conditions.
... |
| Fuel farm | 20090317901 | 20091224 |
| Every generation of algae and bacteria makes new variations better able to deal with conditions and make more of what we want. Isolating superior strains is a simple, but never-ending process that is part of the Fuel Farm™ system. As well, the end-product is a wet mixture that cannot be recycled for algae culture as included butanol is poisonous to simple, green plants. This product may find other uses before we have to deal with it as garbage. It may be used to treat wood, protecting it from algae growth. It could be useful in clearing algae bound lakes, a problem yet unsolved.
... |
| Gas activated emergency vision device | 20090316390 | 20091224 |
| An emergency vision device, comprises a collapsible tube made of airtight material and having an expanded form and a deflated stowage form; first and second clear members disposed at respective first and second ends of the tube to enable a user to see through the tube and observe a source of information at a distal end of the tube while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment; and a portable gas cylinder having compressed clear gas and an outlet operably connected to the interior of the tube. The gas cylinder is operable to release the clear gas to fill the interior of the tube to expand the tube to the expanded form.
... |
| Seven-card poker game with pot game feature | 20090315264 | 20091224 |
| A method of playing a wagering game is disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a standard deck of playing cards. Each participating player makes a mandatory Ante wager and a mandatory Blind wager to participate in the game. A dealer deals a plurality of at least three cards to each individual player. The dealer deals at least one common card to a common card area on the table, wherein the at least one common card is dealt face down. Each player views at least a portion of the at least three cards and either checks or makes a Play wager that is a first multiple of the Ante wager. The dealer reveals at least one common card, and each player considers the at least... |
| Domino game | 20090315263 | 20091224 |
| A method of playing a domino match is disclosed in which the players of the match play a plurality of domino games, with each game including at least one hand. The players are awarded points throughout the first domino game. The players may risk the awarded points earned throughout the first domino game in a play-by-play side wager against the other players. Players attempt to win the match by being the first player to win two or more games. Additionally, players are rewarded for being the total point winner of the match or tournament.
... |
| Wagering game combining baccarat and poker | 20090315262 | 20091224 |
| A method, system, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a wagering game. The wagering game allows a player place an initial wager, and then to take initial cards subsequently dealt to him, and split it into two separate hands, a baccarat hand and a poker hand. The dealer is also dealt initial cards and splits his or her hand into a baccarat hand and a poker hand. The player plays a poker game against the dealer and also a baccarat game against the dealer. The player's initial wager is resolved based on the outcome of these two games.
... |
| Multiple round pokers | 20090315261 | 20091224 |
| A method of playing a casino wagering card game, featuring multiple rounds of dealing poker hands, out of the same deck(s), and before a new shuffle, and or a new deck(s) of cards being used. Joker(s) are not used in the preferred way of playing the game, but may be used in a different version. The method will use at least a 52 standard poker deck (s) of cards, and allow the players to wager against an Ante against the dealer, and or wager against a predetermined payout schedule, and or wager on a bonus event. Additional options of wagers may be made available. Multiple Round Poker will offer the method of playing a poker wagering game, wherein the number of rounds dealt to the players... |
| Metal-treated particles for remediation | 20090314719 | 20091224 |
| The invention relates to metal-treated particles, methods for their preparation and methods for using metal-treated particles for, e.g., remediation of process waste-water, sewage, contaminated groundwater aquifers, and soil containing harmful contaminants. Another aspect of the invention relates to a metal-treated particle comprising a ferrosoferric oxide core and a metal supported on the core, where the average diameter or other largest transverse dimension of the core is from about 75 nm to about 990 nm and the amount of metal supported on the core is from about 8% to about 22% by weight, based on the weight of the metal-treated particle.
... |
| Purification method for effluent | 20090314710 | 20091224 |
| A description is given of a sewage treatment plant, in particular a small sewage treatment plant, having at least one activation tank for wastewater and/or having at least one secondary clarification tank for wastewater, wherein the activation tank and/or the secondary clarification tank are charged with shaped bodies which are freely floating in the wastewater, which is distinguished in that it has at least one filtration appliance for wastewater purification, which filtration appliance comprises at least one ceramic-based membrane for separating off microorganisms. In addition a method of purifying wastewater is described, comprising a biological purification of the wastewater by microorganisms in at least one activation tank and/or comprising a secondary clarification of the wastewater in at least one clarification tank, wherein the at least one... |
| Persuasive environmental recovery system | 20090314351 | 20091224 |
| A sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device eliminates raw sewage spills by preventing pressure buildup in sewer drains. One or more sewage level sensors may be coupled to an alarm and/or to an automatic water main shut-off valve. The level sensor may detect excess fluid levels in a sewer lateral line. The sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device may include a joggle which is a component of a non-mechanical backflow prevention device. The level sensor may detect fluid levels in the lower portion of the joggle and activate the automatic water main shut-off valve and/or the alarm. The sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device may include at least one two-way, in-line cleanout tube which may extend vertically upwardly from the joggle. The level... |
| Hydrogen generation and distribution system | 20090313896 | 20091224 |
| A hydrogen production and distribution system which may exploit pre-existing energy infrastructure such as offshore hydrocarbon production facilities, sewage treatment plants, and natural gas pipelines. The offshore facilities and sewage treatment plants may have wind turbines, photovoltaic elements, and wave powered generators to generate electricity, which is then stored in batteries. Electrical power is drawn from the batteries to electrolyze water. Hydrogen collected from electrolysis is conducted to consumers through a system using the natural gas pipelines and optionally, tank trucks formerly used to deliver propane gas. A master computerized control system controls the hydrogen production and distribution system, and is isolated from public communications channels.
... |
| Limited risk wagering environment | 20090313144 | 20091217 |
| Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system for rendering returns to users on an online platform. The online platform allows users to wager stakes for an event. The wagered stakes are pooled in a combined pot. Stake groups of users are created based on predetermined outcomes of the event. A winning stake group is determined out of stake groups at completion of a predetermined period of time. Time frame groups are identified from the winning stake group based on time of entry into the event. The time value appreciated returns to be rendered to the time frame groups are calculated. If the allotment of the time value appreciated return is possible, winning stakes and the time value appreciated returns are rendered to time frame... |
| Wagering game with simulated mechanical reels | 20090312095 | 20091217 |
| A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine... |
| Device for holding water bottle or other object in watercraft or other mobile conveyance | 20080314310 | 20081225 |
| A stowage device for a mobile conveyance such as a watercraft. In the case of a watercraft, the stowage device replaces an inspection port cover. The stowage device is adapted to screw into the existing inspection port with no modification. The stowage device incorporates a stowage cavity to securely hold a drink bottle or other liquid refreshment container or object easily accessible within an arm's length of an operator.
... |
| Waste water purification apparatus | 20080314806 | 20081225 |
| A wastewater purifying apparatus has plural treatment chambers for stepwise purifying wastewater discharged from a lavatory, a storage chamber for storing purified wastewater derived from the downstream-most treatment chamber, and a purified wastewater storage tank. A suction port is formed in the upstream-most treatment chamber for sucking the wastewater. Refluxing equipment refluxes wastewater from the treatment chambers downstream of the upstream-most treatment chamber into the upstream most treatment chamber. A purified wastewater supplier supplies the purified wastewater in the purified wastewater storage tank into the upstream-most treatment chamber. The above arrangement performs expedient and sophisticated purification treatment of the wastewater containing sludge components, such as sewage discharged from the lavatory, or miscellaneous effluents generated by pulverizing garbage by a disposer. The arrangement also simplifies washing of... |
| Hybrid chemical/mechanical dewatering method and apparatus for inactivating and removing pharmaceuticals and other contaminants from wastewater | 20080314827 | 20081225 |
| A hybrid chemical/mechanical dewatering sewage treatment plant and method employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with slower conventional mechanical dewatering solids agglomeration and disposal methods to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for disposal of sewage and wastewater.
... |
| Sewage treatment control device, method, and sewage treatment system | 20080314841 | 20081225 |
| A sewage treatment control device, a method and a sewage treatment system, are disclosed. In one example, the sewage treatment control device includes measuring units having sensors for inspecting specific components in water, respectively; validity verification units connected to the measuring units to determine validities for measured component values, respectively; target value setting units connected to the validity verification units to set target values for the component values measured in the measuring units, respectively; a manual setting unit for setting a target value depending on a component value inputted by an operator; a signal selection unit for allowing either one of the respective target value setting units or the manual setting unit to be connected; a proportional-integral-derivative control unit for performing proportional, integral or derivative action... |
| Method of treating raw sewage slurry | 20080314842 | 20081225 |
| A method is provided for treating wastewaters and sewage slurries, and for converting them to disinfected and stabilized sludge by irradiating with electrons and mixing with a base which steps produce a sludge that conforms to the EPA's requirements, and that is usable in agriculture.
... |
| Collapsible pump jack | 20080315166 | 20081225 |
| The collapsible pump jack includes a pole formed from a plurality of pipe segments having swaged ends that telescope into one another. An M-shaped base supports the pole in an upright position. A ratcheting chain hoist has a hook for attaching the hoist atop the pole. The chain has another hook for attachment to the vehicle being lifted out of a rut in the snow or other terrain. The base is foldable from an M-shape pole mounting position to a rectangular tube storage position to surround the pole segments for storage and transport. The collapsible pump jack provides a lightweight, compact, portable accessory for lifting an end of a snowmobile, ATV, or other off-road vehicle to extricate the vehicle when it is stuck in snow or... |
| World cup of blackjack | 20080315521 | 20081225 |
| A method of playing a casino table wagering game of blackjack has the steps of: at least one player and preferably at least two players placing individual wagers on an underlying blackjack game; an initial 2-card common player hand is dealt; an initial 2-card dealer hand is dealt, with rank of one card of the initial 2-card dealer hand exposed to view; each player making independent decisions on the play of the player's hand to complete of the common hand for each individual player's hand using only community cards; completing the dealer's hand; and resolving all wagers. A series of player count identifying areas may be provided and individual player identifiers are placed in the areas. The player count areas comprise six areas separately representing player... |
| Methods and devices for playing a modified baccarat game | 20080315522 | 20081225 |
| Aspects of the present inventions concerns methods and devices for playing a game with predetermined rules using at least one standard deck of 52 actual or virtual playing cards, wherein at least two but no more than three cards are dealt to a first hand, at least two but no more than three cards are dealt to a second hand, and a player wagers on either (i) the first hand having a score closer or equal to a predetermined high value than the second hand, (ii) the second hand having a score closer or equal to the predetermined high value than the first hand, or (iii) the first and second hands having the same score, wherein the predetermined rules make the odds of the first hand... |
| Swaged pier system and method of installing same | 20080317556 | 20081225 |
| A pier system (10) for at least partially supporting a-building broadly comprises a plurality of swaged pier segments (12) having a length, wherein each swaged pier segment (12) is operable to be connected to another of the swaged pier segments (12); a hinged lifting platform (14) operable to be secured to an uppermost one of the swaged pier segments (12′); at least one intermediate swaged pier segment (16) having a length, said length of the intermediate swaged pier segment (16) being different than the length of the swaged pier segment (12), said intermediate swaged pier segment (16) operable to be connected to the uppermost swaged pier segment (12′); and an encasement (22) for at least partial receipt of the at least one intermediate swaged pier segment... |
| Method and apparatus for loading stacks of cartons of frozen animal products onto vessels using a carrier | 20080317578 | 20081225 |
| A method for rapid loading of stacks of cartons aboard vessels is provided which may include sliding the stacks of cartons from a pallet onto a carrier having fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck, lifting the carrier into the hold of a ship, removing the stacks of cartons from the carrier using a second load push lift truck and stowing the stack of cartons in a stowage location using the second load push lift truck. The carrier may be used to insert slings about palletless stacks of cartons positioned thereon and the stack of cartons may be moved into the hold of the ship by the ship's gear or other crane. The slings may be withdrawn from about the stack... |
| Texas holdem peek-a-boo poker | 20080318652 | 20081225 |
| Embodiments described herein are directed to an electronic version of Texas holdem poker that adds peek cards from which the private hole cards can be selected. A player makes a wager for a hand or hands to be dealt. Three cards are dealt to the flop. Another three cards are “peek” cards. These three peek cards expose the identity/suit/denomination of the card by illustrating a fold of the top right corner. These cards are placed in respective peek 1, peek 2, and peek 3 spots of the playing area. Random cards are located to the left and right of the peek cards. Considering the flop, the player decides which of the cards he needs to make the best hands. If any of the peek cards are... |
| Domino tower electronic video game | 20080318653 | 20081225 |
| Embodiments described herein are directed to an electronic version of domino that adds elements of wagering. A player makes a wager for dominoes to be dealt. A minimum of one domino through a maximum of five dominoes can be wagered on and dealt. Once the dominoes are dealt, the player may “flip” the dominoes by touching them. A player can flip the dominoes online in the starting row, so that dominoes dealt in the next row/level have the best chance of creating a chain. Once satisfied with the dominoes, the player keeps the dominoes to play them. A new row of dominoes is then dealt. Any number of pips on these dominoes that match the bottom dominoes number of pips awards the player a payout and... |
| Method and apparatus for players of wagering games to find friends in a gaming environment | 20080318655 | 20081225 |
| Disclosed are gaming machines, including related methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for players of wagering games to find friends in a gaming environment. Player identification information identifies a first player of a first gaming device configured to play a game of chance. One or more friend-finding criteria associated with the identified first player are retrieved from a storage medium. A second player is identified as a friend or a friend candidate of the first player based on the retrieved friend-finding criteria. A location associated with the second player is identified as being in a designated area of the gaming environment. Output data indicating the identified second player is provided.
... |
| Remote management of a gaming machine | 20080318658 | 20081225 |
| Systems, apparatus and methods for remote management of a gaming machine are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a host platform having a host processor controlled by a host operating system. The host platform has a host storage and a host power state, wherein the host processor is to execute instructions that includes a wagering game. The apparatus also includes a subsystem that is operable independent of the host operating system and the host power state. The subsystem includes a processor that is separate from the host processor. The subsystem also includes a nonvolatile data store that is separate from the storage of the host platform.
... |
| Gaming machine with scrolling indicia feature | 20080318665 | 20081225 |
| A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a wagering apparatus, a display, and an award apparatus. The wagering apparatus receives a wager from a player. The display depicts a scrolled sequence of elements. The award apparatus provides an award based on an indicated portion of the sequence of elements. If the elements are digits, for example, the award may be based on a multi-digit number formed by the digits in the indicated portion of the sequence of elements.
... |
| Wagering game content approval and dissemination system | 20080318669 | 20081225 |
| Methods and apparatus for implementing a digital vault in a wagering game system are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a digital vault in a wagering game system includes transmitting an indication of locally stored wagering game content for a determination about whether the wagering game content complies with regulatory or licensing rules, the indication destined for an auditor The method can also include transmitting authentication information associated with the wagering game content, the authentication information destined for the auditor. The method can also include receiving a message indicating whether the wagering game content complies with the regulatory or licensing rules.
... |
| Token management system and method of operation thereof | 20080318670 | 20081225 |
| A method and system for managing tokens in an electronic gaming environment includes managing computer-readable tokens that may be issued by an issuer and transferred to an original recipient of the issued tokens, and thereafter, to one or more players of electronic casino games and/or to electronic gaming devices at which the players intend to play the casino games. The issued tokens may not be redeemable by the issuer, but may be redeemable by the original recipient of the issued tokens or an intermediary device of a hierarchy of devices including the original recipient and the electronic gaming devices. The players may play single-player and/or multi-player games. Tokens wagered during a single-player game may be cancelled if the wager is lost. Tokens wagered during a multi-player... |
| Methods and apparatus for remote play of a gaming device | 20080318690 | 20081225 |
| A method and system for remote play of a gaming device, such as a slot machine. In accordance with one embodiment, a first player playing a first device may benefit from an outcome determined via a second gaming device, the second device being played by a second player. The first device and/or the second device may comprise a gaming device operable to facilitate a wagering game. The first player and the second player may each place a wager on the outcome determined via the second device. The wager placed by the first player may be different from the wager placed by the second player. The displays of the two devices may be merged in some embodiments, such that a first portion of the outcome is displayed... |
| Golf wagering scorecard background of the invention | 20080318702 | 20081225 |
| A scorecard for use in connection with a golf wagering game is disclosed. The scorecard has a base with indicators for each of the holes printed thereon. In addition, a series of rotating dials are attached to the scorecard for keeping track of the wagering for each hole.
... |
| Multi-purpose cable crimping tool | 20080307934 | 20081218 |
| A multi-purpose cable crimpring tool includes upper and lower dies configured to compress and deform various types of cable ferrules and/or core pins. When brought together, the upper and lower dies are configured to form a plurality of cable crimping cavities. Some cable crimping cavities are shaped as irregular polygons to allow substantially even distribution of swage loads on a cable ferrule being compressed and deformed therein.
... |
| Ladder assembly for a boat | 20080308031 | 20081218 |
| A stowable ladder assembly adapted to be positioned at a ladder stowing region of a boat. There is a main ladder section having an upper ladder pivot connecting location which connects to a rear pivot location of a connecting section that has a forward pivot connection to an upper surface of a platform. In the operating position, the upper pivot connection of the ladder is at an upper location and the ladder extends downwardly into the water. Then in the stowed position, the ladder is positioned on the upper stowage surface and the connecting section has been rotated upwardly and forwardly to the stowed position.
... |
| Linear food processor | 20080308661 | 20081218 |
| A linear movement food processor may have a battery or power supply operation for portability and includes a set of reversible legs to enable it to be positioned over a plate or container. A series of blades are provided with an external mounting and storage area for quick selection. The drive mechanism utilizes a circular path pin engaging a drive slot on a cutter plate, with the drive mechanism being directly liftable so that the remaining structure of the food processor may be immersibly washed. One embodiment has a cutting stroke of 2.5 inches with a forward cutting stroke of about 0.25 seconds and a return stroke of about 0.25 seconds. In one embodiment a processed food catcher/storage box is provided for processed food collection and... |
| Compact illumination device | 20080310177 | 20081218 |
| Compact illumination systems, particularly for aircraft, use efficient beam forming optical light emitting diode arrangements combined with beam turning and beam splitting prism optics and optional aspheric reflectors to direct light in a cross cabin or cross bin lighting application. The LED based compact illumination devices are positioned to shine on opposite storage/stowage bins without being directly visible to a passenger. The devices are effective for illuminating ceiling structures as well as across the aisles of a passenger cabin, thus creating a cross-bin lighting system.
... |
| Gaming machine having incremental bonus awards | 20080311973 | 20081218 |
| A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a plurality of symbols, the symbols indicating a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes. The plurality of outcomes include at least one winning outcome wherein the winning outcome is associated with a bonus award. The gaming machine includes a controller operative to vary and display at least a portion of the plurality of symbols. If the symbols indicate the winning outcome, the controller is operative to award a payoff associated with the winning outcome and change the value of the bonus award for a future play of the gaming machine.
... |
| Method and apparatus for competitive bonus games based upon strategy or skill | 20080311980 | 20081218 |
| The present invention relates to gaming systems and methods where enablement for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a primary game. A player may qualify for the bonus game by preselected criteria associated with play of the primary game. The qualified players may participate in the bonus game and compete against one another in one or more rounds to achieve a final winning outcome based on the individual player's skill, strategy, or knowledge. The player who achieves the final winning outcome at the end of a plurality of rounds of the bonus game is awarded a bonus pool funded by a portion of wagers accumulated during play of the primary game.
... |
| Wagering game that allows player to alter payouts based on equity position | 20080311981 | 20081218 |
| A wagering game that allows a player to adjust a positive expectation game situation to a lower expectation game situation. In return, the player can increase the paytable so that awards the player wins will be paid at a higher rate. Alternatively, the player can increase the paytable in exchange for a less favorable game state.
... |
| Insulated fabric pocket panels | 20080302049 | 20081211 |
| Due to climate change, rising oil prices, stagnated wages and an increase in low-wage earners, environmental experts have said that within the next ten to fifteen years 30% of all Americans will not be able to heat or cool their residences. No American family should have to choose between heating or cooling their residence and buying food or medication(s). These panels are essential to middle class families, the elderly and disabled on fixed incomes, and poverty stricken families because they reduce energy use, save money and help protect the environment.
... |
| Pressure resistant vibration absorbing hose | 20080302467 | 20081211 |
| A pressure resistant vibration absorbing hose has a hose body including an inner surface rubber layer, a reinforcing layer and an outer surface rubber layer and a joint fitting including a rigid insert pipe and a socket fitting. The joint fitting is attached to a swaged portion of an axial end portion of the hose body by securely swaging the socket fitting thereto. The inner surface rubber layer is formed by molding such that a swaged portion thereof is larger than a main portion thereof in diameter and a wall thickness of the swaged portion is equal to or larger than a wall thickness of the main portion, and after that, the reinforcing layer and the outer surface rubber layer are laminated to construct the hose... |
| Insert sleeve forming device for a recess shoe | 20080302540 | 20081211 |
| A recess shoe system includes a recess shoe; an insert sleeve disposed radially inwardly adjacent of the recess shoe in a portion of the recess shoe the insert sleeve having a ring and a plurality of fingers extending from the ring, the fingers being radially outwardly deflectable in response to a radially outwardly directed force generated by a swage in a swaging position acting on an inside dimension of the insert sleeve and radially inwardly retractable when the radially outwardly directed force is removed such that the fingers define a tubular structure having an outside dimension smaller than an outside dimension of the swage in the swaging position and method.
... |
| Liquefying de-watered sludge preparatory to drying | 20080302889 | 20081211 |
| Sewage sludge that has been de-watered to 25% solids is subjected to a combination of shearing and heating that liquefies the sludge, and drops its viscosity to below 12,000 cP. The fact of liquefaction prepares the sludge such that subsequent drying can be done more cost-effectively than hitherto. After drying, the dried sludge can be incinerated.
... |
| Gasifier | 20070294937 | 20071227 |
| An apparatus and process for converting carbonaceous or other material with calorific value, wood, plastic, sewage, etc into high quality gas preferably to fuel a reciprocating gas engine for the generation of electricity. Wet fuel is delivered via conveyer 13 to fuel hopper 14. From the hopper the fuel is fed into the dryer 15 by a screw feeder The dried fuel then is checked for size via a trommel 16 where the correctly sized fuel passes through and the oversized fuel goes onto the reject conveyer 22 where it is delivered for shredding. The correct sized dry fuel is transported via a conveyer 17. The fuel is then fed via a feed system, to avoid the ingress of air, into the gasifier 19. The gas... |
| Security system for sewage, aqueduct, telephony and energy caps | 20070295041 | 20071227 |
| Security System for Sewer, Aqueduct, Telephone and Energy System Manhole Caps or Covers including an electromechanical cover (1), on the surface of which is placed an electromagnetic crane (2) that has a handle (3), and that has an emitting coil (4), a battery (5), an electronic card (6) and a control panel (7); inside a waterproof space at least partially enclosed by the electromechanical cover (1) are placed a receiving coil (8), electronic card (12) and two motors (9) that move a pin (10) that has bellows (11), and that are connected to an electronic card (12). The system operates by the emitting coil (4) transferring electromagnetic energy to the receiving coil (8), and at the same time sending an exclusive binary code. This produces the... |
| Stowable cup holder tray assembly | 20070295875 | 20071227 |
| A stowable cup holder tray assembly is provided for a vehicle having an interior floor structure. The cup holder assembly includes a stowage compartment having a bottom portion with a plurality of opposing sidewalls extending therefrom and defining a stowage volume. The stowage compartment is mounted substantially adjacent to the interior floor structure. A cover member is hinged to one of said plurality of opposing sidewalls and operates to substantially close said stowage volume. A cup holder tray member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stowage volume is sufficiently configured to receive said cup holder tray member when in said stowed position. A vehicle incorporating the disclosed cup holder tray assembly is also provided. The cup holder tray assembly is configured... |
| Electrode compositions and configurations for electrochemical bioreactor systems | 20070298472 | 20071227 |
| Electrodes and configurations for electrochemical bioreactor systems that can use electrical energy as a source of reducing power in fermentation or enzymatic reactions and that can use electron mediators and a biocatalyst, such as cells or enzymes, to produce electricity are disclosed. Example electrodes in the system may comprise: (1) neutral red covalently bound to graphite felt; (2) a carboxylated cellulose bound to the graphite felt, neutral red bound to the carboxylated cellulose, NAD+ bound to the graphite felt, and an oxidoreductase (e.g., fumarate reductase) bound to the graphite felt; or (3) a metal ion electron mediator bound to graphite. Various biocatalysts, such as an oxidoreductase, cells of Actinobacillus succinogenes, cells of Escherichia coli, and sewage sludge, are suitable for use in the electrochemical bioreactor system.
... |
| Six-card poker game | 20070298854 | 20071227 |
| A live casino operated tables, games, video games, automated games with live players, or by having a dealer or banker provided with a casino table poker game utilizes at least one deck of playing cards, the game comprising: each player placing at least one wager to participate in the casino game; dealing a first number of cards to a dealer as a banker's hand, the first number of cards being greater than the number of cards to be used in determination of a poker rank hand for the banker's hand; dealing a second number of cards to each player, the second number of cards being greater than the number of cards to be used in determination of a poker rank hand for each player; the dealer... |
| Video poker game having second draw option | 20070298855 | 20071227 |
| A method of conducting a video poker game is disclosed. The method comprises offering players an option to draw cards a second time in response to an initial hand meeting certain pre-established requirements. For example, if an initial hand having five cards includes four cards to a royal flush or straight flush, or three cards to a four of a kind, the player may be provided with the second draw opportunity. The player may also have to hold the pre-established cards. To participate in the second draw opportunity the player places a second wager such that payouts are provided from a second pay table wherein certain payouts are decreased over those found in a pay table associated with one draw outcomes. In some versions, the second... |
| Wagering game with episodic-game feature for payoffs | 20070298856 | 20071227 |
| A method for conducting a wagering game includes receiving a wager input from a player for playing a wagering game during a gaming session. The wagering game has a game-play progression that includes a plurality of game episodes. At least one randomly-selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving the wager input. In response to a predetermined game-play condition, a first game episode is completed and a status of the game-play progression is saved. In response to playing a subsequent gaming session of the wagering game, game-play is continued in a second game episode from the saved status of the game-play progression.
... |
| System and method of operating a gaming apparatus | 20070298860 | 20071227 |
| The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of operating a gaming apparatus. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a plurality of wagers made. The method also includes determining whether a prize event has occurred based on an outcome of a game play associated with the plurality of wagers made. Further, the method includes outputting prizes when the prize event occurs. Each of the prizes complies with a prize constraint limit, and a total value of the prizes is greater than a maximum per wager limit value. In addition, a totality of the prizes has a prize structure that is representative of a modeled prize structure of an apparatus that exceeds the prize constraint limit on a per wager basis.
... |
| Gaming machine having award modifier dependent on game outcome and method therefor | 20070298861 | 20071227 |
| A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device and a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes including at least one winning outcome. The gaming system further includes a controller operative to (i) display the at least one winning outcome, and (ii) provide an award modifier to the player, wherein the award modifier is dependent on a quantity of symbols which comprises the at least one winning outcome.
... |
| Games rewarding systems | 20070298867 | 20071227 |
| A system including provision of predetermined reward points based upon a portion of a player's “entry fee”, wager, play, ticket purchase price, or other such fixed amount for provision to the player separately from credits awarded for game play including a monitor and a button panel, with a card reader, bill-ticket validator and a ticket printer. The monitor displays the game and other information that may include the amount of bet, win, credit, Comps rewarded and Comps balance to show total amounts. The button panel includes display Comps and collect buttons. The card reader is used to transfer credits and reward points. The bill-ticket validator collects money or tickets. The ticket printer prints the credits and reward points. A wager of money, credits, tokens, game score,... |
| Real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes | 20070298871 | 20071227 |
| Systems and methods for real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes are presented. Clients are first qualified and given wagering limits before being allowed to interactively wager on event outcomes. Event outcomes may be based on, for example, financial markets and indices, sporting and entertainment events, casino games, casino performances, and natural phenomena such as weather and earthquakes. Events on which wagers can be placed include both those with known and unknown outcome probabilities, and wagers can be a fixed-odds type or a spread-bet type. Wager transactions, including acceptances and confirmations, are executed in real time. Clients can customize displays of events on which they are authorized to wager. Real-time client credit management, automatic dealer hedging, automatic price-spread adjustments, and automatic client and dealer defined wagering limits... |
| Progressive table game bonusing systems and methods | 20070298873 | 20071227 |
| Systems and methods using multiple gaming tables, tracking devices and a bonus server adapted to provide progressive bonuses are provided. The bonus server provides eligibility to a singular progressive table game bonus simultaneously to multiple table game players at multiple gaming tables of multiple gaming table types. Funding and player eligibility for the progressive table game bonus are based on main wagers made on main table games, with separate bonus side wagers or funding not being needed. The bonus server or system can determine all patrons eligible for the bonus, track wagering information, award an appropriate number of entries to the bonus for each eligible player, and determine a bonus outcome based on the number of entries. The number of entries awarded to a given player... |
| Gaming machine with universal reel display system | 20070298880 | 20071227 |
| A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a modular reel display system, comprising a display unit for revealing a plurality of reels, an information module for communicating information to the player, and a removable pay line module in proximity to the display unit and indicating a number of playable pay lines.
... |
| Modular wastewater treatment system | 20070289922 | 20071220 |
| A Modular Wastewater Treatment System is disclosed suitable for municipal, domestic and commercial sewage. After separation of the settable solids of the wastewater in the collection system or septic tank or other means the effluent is passed by gravity to the Alternating Nitrification Enhance Reactor where nitrification and de-nitrification process occurs as well as BOD sub.5 and TSS reduction by the participation of a facultative colony. Dosing, recirculation and discharge systems are linked in the alternating and intermittent cycles and facultative process with a gravel media bed to remove the remaining BOD sub.5, TSS and fecal coliform counts of the effluent. The overall system save footprint and it is fully automatic.
... |
| Method for tamper-proof crowning of closed containers with a closure means comprising a cap | 20070289935 | 20071220 |
| A method for crowning a container neck, such as a bottle, by securing or crimping a cap provided with a skirt on the neck, the neck including a glass ring with a lower shoulder, including the steps of a) crimping the cap to the neck, so as to form a swaged portion of the skirt; b) marking the swaged portion of the skirt with an etching device, to form an etching on the swaged portion based on an etching pattern. The visual mark reduces the mechanical properties of the swaged portion, so as to prevent any fraudulent attempt to uncrimp the cap from the neck or any recycling of the bottle.
... |
| Game for wagering hobby-related objects | 20070290440 | 20071220 |
| A game apparatus comprised of: a plurality of player game cards, each different from all others and including thereon a combination of randomized words arranged in rows and columns, and each randomized word pertaining to a hobby; a plurality of selection discs, each different from all others and containing one of the randomized words; and a plurality of blank marker discs in which one selection disc is selected and one randomized word on each player game card is covered using one of the blank marker discs. When one of the player game cards is covered by the blank marker discs in a pre-designated pattern (such as a designated line, shape, or four-corner configuration), an item related to the hobby is won.
... |
| Method of playing blackjack and other games of chance | 20070290441 | 20071220 |
| A gaming method and system which allows all players to be dealt a common two-card hand, representing the first two cards for each player. The individual player will independently determine the amount of his wager and will independently make decisions relating to how he will play his hand after viewing the dealer's “up card” of the dealer's first two cards and the common two cards previously dealt, representing the first two cards for all players. The system can be incorporated into an electronic table game version of blackjack with multiple video screens and/or bet selection devices. The system can also be incorporated under a blackjack tournament format. The gaming system can also be applied to the home video, home computer and arcade markets.
... |
| Method for wagering in blackjack | 20070290442 | 20071220 |
| A side wager for a standard blackjack game. After a player is dealt his initial two cards, if the two cards comprise a straight, the player is paid. Different ranks of straights can have different payouts. Suited straights can pay more than non-suited straights. Lower ranking straights can have higher payoffs than higher ranking straights.
... |
| Wagering game involving card ranges | 20070290443 | 20071220 |
| A wagering game wherein a player is dealt a card and the dealer is dealt a card, and a player wins if a player's card and the dealer's card are of equal rank, or if a player is dealt a second card that falls in rank between a player's card and a dealer's card. The player is given an option to exchange his or her initial card. The player is also given an option to double his or her wager before his second card is dealt. A bonus round can also be offered wherein a bonus card is dealt and the player wins a bonus if the bonus card falls between the dealer's card and the player's second card.
... |
| Blackjack game with side bet wager | 20070290444 | 20071220 |
| The present invention is directed to a blackjack wagering game including the steps of: wagering a first amount on an underlying blackjack game involving a player playing against a dealer; wagering a second amount on a side bet bonus game integrated with the underlying blackjack game, wherein the wager includes selecting at least one particular suit; providing one or more cards to the player and the dealer to form a player's initial hand and a dealer's initial hand; determining the outcome of the side bet bonus game wager, wherein the outcome depends on at least one of card of one of the initial hands including one or more cards of the at least one selected suit; and playing the underlying blackjack card game to determine a... |
| Compact system for lifting and moving a pressurized tank | 20070292247 | 20071220 |
| A hoist with a cradle for coupling with a pressurized tank. A linear actuator assembly raises the cradle above the floor surface. A base with casters allows a raised tank to be safely lifted and transported by a single operator. The cradle can be rotated and locked in a vertical or horizontal position for cylinder insertion and removal in EMS vehicles with either a vertical or a horizontal stowage compartment. When handling a horizontal cylinder stowage situation, an embodiment of the cradle features a retractable foot to allow the cylinder to be slid from the cradle into the compartment bottom first. Another embodiment has a fixed foot and allows the cylinder to be slid from the cradle into the compartment top first. Safety interlocks are provided... |
| Wagering game machine audio module interface | 20070293304 | 20071220 |
| A computerized wagering game system has a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a peripheral device interface. The gaming module is operable to send via the peripheral device interface instructions to play audio, and an audio module coupled to the gaming module via the peripheral device interface is operable to receive instructions via its peripheral device interface to play audio sounds.
... |
| Apparatus, systems and methods for gaming device featuring negative credit balance | 20070293306 | 20071220 |
| A gaming device may be configured to: (i) determine a current credit balance, (ii) determine a wager amount, (iii) determine whether the wager amount would result in a negative balance of credits, (iv) determine if it is permissible to allow a negative balance of credits, and if so (v) adjust a current balance such that is equal to the negative balance, and (vi) display an indication of the negative balance. Further embodiments describe methods for operating a gaming device when a credit balance is in a negative or positive state.
... |
| Casino gaming device with reverse pay table logic | 20070293308 | 20071220 |
| A computerized wagering game apparatus for wagering by a player has at least a game controller having a processor, memory, a random number generator and game logic generating winning and losing outcomes with assigned probabilities. For any single wager event, the probability for a winning wager outcome is greater than the probability for a losing wager outcome while maintaining a house retention on wagers by the game apparatus which is greater than 0% of all wagers. The house retention wager is effected by the apparatus decrementing a player account or machine credit without the player specifically placing that account or credit in play for the single wager event.
... |
| Fixed-odds/pari-mutuel racing product | 20070293310 | 20071220 |
| A computer system for providing fixed-odds pari-mutuel wagering for wagering on entries in a race including: at least one processor; and a computer-readable memory operatively connected to the at least one processor, with instructions capable of performing steps comprising: (a) opening the wagering system with an initial pari-mutuel pool at initial fixed-odds for each entry in the race; (b) evaluating each proposed wager at the initial fixed-odds to determine whether a combination of wagers, in whole or part, would satisfy a predetermined pari-mutuel calculation; (c) accepting or rejecting each proposed wager at the initial fixed-odds, in whole or in part, based on the determination in step (b); (d) based on one or more predetermined criteria, closing the initial pari-mutuel pool to further wagering; (e) optionally providing... |
| Hygiene device | 20070283488 | 20071213 |
| A personal hygiene device is provided that integrates a toilet, sink basin, and rinser into a single stand-alone, fully self contained appliance with the sole requirement of needing to be connected to a hot and cold water supply, to a vented waste (sewage) line and/or to an electrical outlet. The device encapsulates the toilet, sink basin, and rinser mechanisms within six walls with a base and ceiling. Entrance to the appliance is gained through a door that when closed forms a water-tight seal. The device can come to the consumer fully assembled and ready to use after making the aforementioned connections. The device is extremely space efficient in that it provides maximum functional capabilities in the usable interior space while consuming a relatively small amount of... |
| Gastronomy section for a passenger transport means | 20070283819 | 20071213 |
| In order to enhance the comfort of passengers during meals and snacks, the at least one heating unit according to the invention represents at least one cooking island (4) accessible to passengers from at least one side, so that the meals can be presented there as a kind of buffet.
... |
| Method and device for conducting a blackjack-type card game | 20070284820 | 20071213 |
| A game begins with a game wager and an optional bust wager. The initial dealer hand and the initial player hand are dealt. A final dealer hand and final player hand are formed by hitting or standing and the player is rewarded on his game wager if the final player hand is closer to a target value than the final dealer hand is. If the dealer busts on exactly three cards, the player wins the bust wager. Payoff on the bust wager is optionally variable and determined by the third card of the final dealer hand.
... |
| Blackjack game with bingo aspect | 20070284821 | 20071213 |
| A variation of casino blackjack that includes a bingo type side game. A scoreboard is prominently displayed to the players which comprise indicator lights representing conditions of either the dealer's hand or a player's hand. When each condition is satisfied, the respective indicator light on the scoreboard is lit. When a player plays the side wager and the scoreboard displays particular combinations, the player wins an award.
... |
| Work vehicle outrigger and associated method | 20070284866 | 20071213 |
| An outrigger is configured for use in stabilizing a work vehicle. The outrigger comprises a foldable stabilizer arm that folds and unfolds upon movement between stowage and deployed positions.
... |
| Method for making a base plate for suspension assembly in hard disk drive | 20060289311 | 20061228 |
| A swage mount that includes a flange, having a first side and a second side, and a cylindrically shaped hub. The hub is primarily comprised of a metal (such as stainless steel), and extends from the second side of the flange, and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The surface of the swage mount is plated with one or more layers of metal, or a combination of metals, which provide a) increased retention torque, and b) increased part cleanliness. This invention may be used in conjunction with surface hardened swage mounts that contain surface protrusions. In this case the metal plating prevents separation of the protrusions from the swage mount, thereby preventing contamination.
... |
| Hard pass craps wager | 20060290050 | 20061228 |
| A wager for casino craps which allows a player to win when a come out shooter makes a hard point (e.g. rolls 2/2 or 3/3 or 4/4 or 5/5), and then the shooter makes the point (before the shooter rolls a seven) with the same hard point (e.g. 2/2 or 3/3 or 4/4 or 5/5). If the shooter does not roll a hard point (1/1 and 6/6 are considered ‘craps’ and are not points) or the shooter rolls a hard point on the come out roll but does not make the same hard point before rolling a seven (or makes the point without rolling the hard point), then the player loses the wager.
... |
| Craps game improvement | 20060290056 | 20061228 |
| A proposition bet for Craps referred to as a FIRE BET™. The method includes predetermining a schedule of a pay-out table, players placing FIRE BET wagers at respective player betting areas prior to a shooter's initial come out; accumulating points responsive to outcomes of the shooter's dice throws, wherein points are made when a number 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is twice rolled before sevening out, and wherein repeating of any made number is ignored, and making a pay-out based upon the points accumulated and the schedule.
... |
| Method of conducting a poker game | 20060290059 | 20061228 |
| Each player places at least one game wager. Game wagers include player hand proposition wagers on the composition of the player hand and inclusion of game indicia having predetermined characteristics in the player hand; competitive wagers on the comparison of the player hand to other player hands and/or a dealer hand; and individual game indicium proposition wagers on an identified characteristic of a designated game indicium of the player hand. Player hands, and optionally a dealer hand, are dealt. Wagers are resolved and rewards are issued for winning wagers.
... |
| Wagering system with possible tie | 20060290061 | 20061228 |
| A pari-mutual wagering system offering a plurality of wagering options to bettors for individual predictions of the individual outcomes sporting contests in contest groupings having a plurality of such sporting contests. At least one of the individual sporting contests of each plurality will have a at least one overtime period to determine a contest winner in the event of a tie at the end of regulation play. The wagering options include a bet on a tie at the end of regulation play and before such an overtime period for contests which have an overtime period. Winners from the bettors betting on any grouping would receive larger prize awards correlating to their correct number of outcomes. The system can also be employed as a game for fun... |
| Modular unit for a convertible | 20060290125 | 20061228 |
| The invention relates to a modular unit for a convertible vehicle, comprising a transverse stiffening structure that separates an occupant space from a rear stowage space and a rollover protection system with a first module, attached to the body, with guide devices for a second module, movable between a lowered rest position and an elevated support position, with at least one rollover element, in which a releasable holding device for holding the second module in its rest position, a locking device, by means of which the second module can be automatically supported in a position deviating from its rest position against a force acting in the direction of the rest position, and a drive system, by means of which the second module can be biased in... |
| Air gap fitting | 20060283502 | 20061221 |
| Apparatus and methods provide for an air gap fitting to be installed between various equipment drains and a sewer connection. The apparatus includes a body with an inlet at a receiver. A supply of waste is provided to the device through the inlet and the waste then flows through a channel in the body. The apparatus also includes a plurality of axially disposed apertures about a perimeter of the body such that the plurality of axially disposed apertures are in fluid communication with the channel and the plurality of axially disposed apertures collectively extend a majority of the perimeter of the body. Waste exits the body through an outlet at which point the waste flows through into the sewer system by way of a waste receptor... |
| Casino table variant of texas hold'em poker | 20060284376 | 20061221 |
| A variant game of Hold'Em poker allows for rules of play of one or all of Players being allowed to remain in game with an option of checking or making specific wagering amounts in first Play wagers, being limited in the size of subsequent available Play wagers or prohibited from making additional Play wagers if a first Play wager has been made, being limited in the size of available later Play wagers if a first or earlier Play wager has been made, and having the opportunity for at least two and as many as three or four distinct opportunities in the stages in the play of hand to be able to make one or more Play wagers.
... |
| Poker game with blind bet and player selectable play wager | 20060284378 | 20061221 |
| A system and method for conducting wagering games utilizing one or more decks of standard playing cards preferably including the steps of: receiving an ante wager from a player; receiving a blind wager from the player; dealing a plurality of cards to the player to form a player's hand; dealing a plurality of cards to a dealer to form a dealer's hand; receiving a play wager from the player or the player folding; comparing the poker rank of the player's hand with the poker rank of dealer's hand to resolve the ante and play wagers, wherein the player wins the ante and play wagers if the player's hand outranks the dealer's hand; and comparing the player's hand with a predetermined winning criteria to resolve the blind... |
| Medical gas and vacuum system | 20060284415 | 20061221 |
| A medical gas and vacuum system of a medical facility includes at least one medical gas source located at the medical facility that is capable of providing a positive flow to deliver a supplied gas or a negative flow to vacuum a retrieved gas. A plurality of spaced apart outlet ports is disposed within the medical facility for discharging the supplied gas and vacuuming the retrieved gas. A pipeline network fluidly connects the at least one medical gas source to the plurality of outlet ports. The pipeline network includes a plurality of pipeline fluid components through which the gas flows. At least one axially swaged fitting fluidly connects at least a first fluid component of the plurality of pipeline fluid components to a second fluid component... |
| Gas riser apparatus, and method for making and using same | 20060284416 | 20061221 |
| A gas riser apparatus, and methods for making and using a gas riser apparatus, utilize a swivel-nut having an annular collar section thereof which includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove therein adapted for swaged/crimped attachment to the remainder of the riser, at an above-ground end of the riser. For risers including a rigid metallic pipe section, the above-ground end of the pipe may be configured for swaged/crimped attachment to the annular collar of the swivel-nut through application of radially inwardly directed pressure on the above-ground end of the rigid riser pipe. For risers not having a rigid metallic section, a swage/crimp collar may be utilized for forming a connection between a flexible metal conduit and the swivel-nut, through application of radially inwardly directed pressure applied... |
| Pilot tube assembly and method for gas appliance ranges | 20060286497 | 20061221 |
| A pilot tube assembly comprises a gas inlet tube and a pilot tip with a central aperture. During delivery of gas, one or more apertures of the assembly aspirate ambient air to provide a combustible mixture. A central tapered bore of the assembly receives a gas inlet tube. The tapered bore of the pilot tip is swaged with a gas inlet tube by application of force. The taper angle of central tapered bore ranges from about 1 to 2 degrees, and is preferably 1.5 degrees, with respect to the center line of the pilot tip to enable swaging action at reasonable pressures and to enable a large thermal contact area between the pilot tip and gas inlet tube, thereby equilibrating their temperatures and preventing separation due... |
| Wagering game having a player-selectable pay table | 20060287034 | 20061221 |
| A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a wager-input device for receiving a wager from a player to play a wagering game. A display displays symbols of the wagering game indicating a randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to the wager. The plurality of outcomes include at least one winning outcome that awards a payout according to a pay table. A plurality of pay tables are available for the wagering game. The pay table is selected from the plurality of pay tables to implement during the wagering game.
... |
| Method and apparatus for collecting indicia for a secondary game from a primary wagering game | 20060287035 | 20061221 |
| A method and apparatus for a wagering game is described that allows a player to collect indicia from a series of individual primary games to form a winning game outcome in a single secondary game. In one embodiment, the secondary game is won through the collection of a specified number and/or type of indicia. The primary game may have its own pay table with, for example, traditional winning game outcomes for card type games. The number of primary games available to contribute toward a winning secondary game outcome may be limited to a predetermined number of primary game outcomes or a period of time during which game outcomes may be obtained. Alternatively, or in addition, collected indicia obtained from a series of primary game outcomes may... |
| Wagering game with audio game cues | 20060287037 | 20061221 |
| A computerized wagering game system has a gaming module and an audio module. The gaming module comprises a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered; and the audio module is operable to generate sounds to be played through one or more speakers, where the sounds are configured to indicate a change in game rules. In a further embodiment, the sound played indicates a change in at least one of odds of winning, award for winning, or eligibility for a bonus, or indicates accumulation or opportunity to accumulate a game element as part of an ongoing or long-term game. In other embodiments, the sound indicating a change in game rules... |
| Method and apparatus for offering a guaranteed win | 20060287041 | 20061221 |
| A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager.
... |
| Wagering game with community award based on best selection from all players | 20060287043 | 20061221 |
| A gaming system for conducting a community game at linked gaming machines includes a best selection feature that allows players to make selections from a plurality of selectable objects. Each selected object is associated with an award and the highest award is awarded to each of the players at the linked gaming machines.
... |
| Method and apparatus for providing regular entrance into a bonus game | 20060287045 | 20061221 |
| A method is disclosed for providing entry into a bonus game at a gaming device, where the bonus games may occur at predictable times and may payout predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed entry into a bonus game every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed entry into a bonus game. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby... |
| Apparatus, systems and methods for implementing enhanced gaming and prizing parameters in an elecronic environment | 20060287051 | 20061221 |
| The inventions herein relate to novel forms of interaction with an electronic system, such as for games of chance, games of skill, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the existing lottery infrastructure is used in conjunction with electronic remote game play. A system is provided for effecting defined game play and prizing structure parameters in an electronic entertainment environment. The system may include an input for receiving the parameters, a memory coupled to the input for storing the parameters, a processing system coupled to the storage for generating game play to effect the defined parameters, storage for recording information regarding particular game play events and an interface for at least presenting game play events to users of the electronic entertainment system. In one mode of operation,... |
| Methods and systems for providing accessory devices usable to facilitate remotely viewable wagering game outcomes | 20060287054 | 20061221 |
| In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the players convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). The outcomes on the DVD or CD ROM may be viewed on a video display generated by a primary output device (e.g., a personal computer or a DVD player). In addition, the player may purchase or otherwise obtain an accessory device... |
| Multi-level simple lotto | 20060287055 | 20061221 |
| In a lotto game the lotto draw is made from numbers within a multiplicity universes of numbers, with (1) each number universe having all the numbers normal to the lotto game, and with (2) at least one number universe having associated with at least one number of the universe a secondary indicia, or differentiator, that of one or more types each of which types is called a “color”. No two numbers of the lotto draw are the same whether plain or colored, but the lotto draw of different numbers can contain one or more numbers that are each of the one or more colors. Lotto wagers, or tickets, containing winning numbers matching the lotto draw sufficient for a winning payout are paid full normal amounts if... |
| Video content determinative keno game system and method | 20060287056 | 20061221 |
| A keno game is tied to video content such that events in the video content determine the outcome of the keno game. The outcome determinative events are selected from a set of potential outcome determinative events and marked with cues when the video content is displayed to the keno players and other video content watchers. The cues may be audible or visual and accentuate the fact that an outcome determinative event has occurred. If the player's wager has enough of the outcome determinative events selected relative to the actual outcome determinative events, the player may receive a benefit.
... |
| Progressive gaming system | 20060287077 | 20061221 |
| A gaming system includes at least one progressive server and a plurality of gaming machines configured to present wagering games to players for play. The at least one progressive server is configured to generate a plurality of progressive jackpots funded at least partially from funds transactions at the gaming machines. Each gaming machine is configured to present at least a first game play option permitting a player to play for a first of the progressive jackpots and a second game play option permitting a player to play for a second of the progressive jackpots, the player permitted to select from the game play options to play for the opportunity to win the progressive jackpot associated therewith. In one embodiment, the system has a tiered configuration where... |
| Method and apparatus to execute bets | 20060287090 | 20061221 |
| A method and apparatus are provided to execute bets in an agile manner. The method and apparatus incorporate new functions that make it easier for a bettor to enter, modify, generate derived bets and register wagers. The entering and registration of pari-mutuel wagers is made easier by the apparatus and method.
... |
| Method and apparatus for facilitating game play and generating an authenticatable audit-trail | 20060287091 | 20061221 |
| A remote gaming system whereby a player can gamble against a wagering establishment or state-run lottery from a remote location on a personal computer or portable computer device where it is unnecessary to establish an on-line connection with a host computer associated with the wagering establishment, the gaming computer having associated gaming software for providing at least one wagering opportunity and enabling the player to obtain gambling credit and cash-out any resulting winnings, the host computer enabling the player to purchase and redeem gambling credit at the remote location in one embodiment of the invention using cryptographic protocols such as through a series of authenticatable message exchanges between the player and the wagering establishment, the gaming computer and the host computer directly on-line, or the gaming... |
| Method and apparatus for facilitating game play and generating an authenticatable audit-trail | 20060287092 | 20061221 |
| A remote gaming systems whereby a player can gamble against a wagering establishment or state-run lottery from a remote location on a personal computer or portable computer device where it is unnecessary to establish an on-line connection with a host computer associated with the wagering establishment, the gaming computer having associated gaming software for providing at least one wagering opportunity and enabling the player to obtain gambling credit and cash-out any resulting winnings, the host computer enabling the player to purchase and redeem gambling credit at the remote location in one embodiment of the invention using cryptographic protocols such as through a series of authenticatable message exchanges between the player and the wagering establishment, the gaming computer and the host computer directly on-line, or the gaming... |
| Method and apparatus for facilitating game play and generating an authenticatable audit-trail | 20060287093 | 20061221 |
| A remote gaming systems whereby a player can gamble against a wagering establishment or state-run lottery from a remote location on a personal computer or portable computer device where it is unnecessary to establish an on-line connection with a host computer associated with the wagering establishment, the gaming computer having associated gaming software for providing at least one wagering opportunity and enabling the player to obtain gambling credit and cash-out any resulting winnings, the host computer enabling the player to purchase and redeem gambling credit at the remote location in one embodiment of the invention using cryptographic protocols such as through a series of authenticatable message exchanges between the player and the wagering establishment, the gaming computer and the host computer directly on-line, or the gaming... |
| Methods and systems for betting with pari-mutuel payouts | 20060287094 | 20061221 |
| A server for facilitating real-time betting, wherein the server communicates with clients via a distributed computing network. The server includes a memory storing an operating system, an instruction set, event data related to a sporting event, gambler data related to gamblers participating in a competition based upon the sporting event and site data related to electronic pages associated with the real-time para-mutuel betting. A processor runs the instruction set and communicates with the memory and the distributed computing network. The processor is operative to enroll the gamblers by presenting betting rules associated with the sporting event, collect wagering from the gamblers, accept predictions for discrete events within the sporting event from each gambler and determine a first winner of the competition based upon the predictions.
... |
| Wagering game with usb nonvolatile storage | 20060287108 | 20061221 |
| A computerized wagering game system has a gaming module and a USB nonvolatile storage system. The gaming module comprises a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered; and the USB nonvolatile storage system comprises a USB flash memory operable to store data that the wagering game system is operable to read. In various further embodiments, the USB flash storage device is read-only, includes a file authentication capability, or contains software instructions the computerized wagering game system is operable to execute. In another embodiment, the USB flash storage device contains data comprising at least one of operating system data, program data, sound data, video data, and graphic data, or configuration... |
| Removable mass storage device in a wagering game machine | 20060287109 | 20061221 |
| A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered. The system also comprises an interface to receive a nonvolatile storage device, which is operable to mount and unmount one or more hot pluggable mass storage devices. In a further embodiment, the interface is operable to prohibit write caching data to be written to the nonvolatile storage device, and to restrict mounting nonvolatile storage devices to authorized users.
... |
