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Golf: Dealing with snakes and other distractions
- Published in Sports Columns
"The number of shots taken by an opponent who is out of sight, is equal to the square root of the sum of the number of curses heard, plus the number of swishes." Michael Green, author of "The Art of Coarse Golf," 1975.
Golf returned to the Olympics, and some great golf was showcased. There were many doubters who felt that golf did not belong in the Games, and that there would not be much change from the weekly professional game we view each week. I think the folks who put golf back in the Games got it right. The venue was nice, too. I have got to applaud the golfers, as they performed at a high level, on a course that was carved out of swamp and jungle. The skill level of the Olympians did not waver. That's what separates the competitors from the average golfer. However, if you gave me an opportunity to play the Olympic course in Rio, I would decline. Along with the players, Olympic representatives and fans out on the course, there were groups of people whose jobs were to prevent snakes from interfering with the play. If you need snake handlers out on the course while play is in progress, I'm out! I would have one eye on the ball, and the other would be searching for the reptiles. This would be a major distraction.
We face distractions every time we tee up the ball. The distractions can be the pace of play on the course. It can be playing partners who talk while you are trying to hit. Or, it could be a member of another group who decides the golf cart might be better suited for the NASCAR track and slams on the brakes. It can be the voice of a player that seems to penetrate the golfing environment, or the closing of the door at the porta-potty. A good question is, "What distractions do you allow to interfere with your game?"
If you have just hit a really nice shot, while a player talked loudly behind you, and the outside interference never came into play to affect the outcome, it was probably the fact that you were concentrating on your shot. On the other side, how many times have you allowed an outside interference to affect your shot and you backed away? After hitting the shot, without a favorable outcome, you might blame an outside distraction for your poor shot. We are amateur golfers whose primary goal is to go out on the course, play to the best of our ability, enjoy the company we are with, and, hopefully, improve in our personal game. This doesn't imply we don't want to compete and win. In a club match, a $5 Nassau or a trophy event, we want to play our best and emerge victorious. Get tougher mentally by concentrating and developing a greater awareness of your own game.
The next time a player is standing within your sight-line while you are ready to putt, back off and ask the offender to move. When your playing partners decide to have a conversation while you are going to hit, back off and wait for them to finish or send them a glance that indicates your displeasure. If a playing competitor is a "pocket jangler," wait until they are not interfering with your concentration. But you are not going to stop the shrill voice that pierces the air and interferes with everyone's game. The pace of play does not improve, don't allow this to impact your game. There are outside distractions that you as a player do not have any control over. We need to learn how to deal with them and improve our on course concentration. The game of golf is a mental challenge as well as physical. Don't let the outside distractions impact your golfing outcome. What we deal with on the course is certainly minor compared with the challenge of snakes in the rough.
Club Notes:
North Conway Country Club, 50 Norcross Circle, North Conway, (603) 356-9391:
The Mixed Best Ball was held last weekend. Taking first was the team of Paul Harlow and Pat Henry. Second place was decided by a match of cards between the teams of Randy Broekel and Jackie Gaudes and Ray and Tori Belding, with Broekel and Gaudes grabbing second. The August Champ of the Month will continue through this Saturday. The men's and women's senior championship will be played this weekend. Operation Hat Trick was the focus last Friday. With 128 players taking to the course for a two-person scramble, the field played for a great cause in a well organized event. All of those who played and volunteered walked away feeling as if they had won the tournament. NCCC has scheduled aeration for the greens this Monday and Tuesday.
Indian Mound Golf Course, Center Ossipee, (603) 539-7733:
Nine, Wine and Dine saw the team of Tom Loonan, Liz Brown, Don Pepin and Lee Remick take the top honors. Second place was Ken Jones, Joan Loonan and Sue Cayer. In the Rivers Edge Quota, Tom Rogers, Joe St. Lawrence and John Winslow were the winners. Closest to the pin champs were Rob Bodnar and Jim Pearson. The Ladies' League will celebrate their season with a banquet on Tuesday, Aug. 30. The Jody Buzzell Challenge will take place on Aug. 31. This is a nine-hole event to benefit Starting Point. The two-person Bubba League will begin on Sept. 7. This is a six-week league. Call the pro shop to sign up. The Indian Mound Special Olympians brought home gold, silver and bronze in last week's event.
Wentworth Golf Course, Route 16, Jackson, (603) 383-9641:
The Jackson 18 will be holding their Club Championship this weekend. The Ladies' League played a "Fours" event last week. Deb Bryant took the top spot. Second place was shared between Fran Baker, Lynne Walker and Kathy Dunne. Week 11 of Red Fox was a Team Quota event. Taking the top spot were the Flyers in 7. Second place was a tie between Murphy's Law, Shanks-A-Lot and the Dukes of Hazards. Individually, long drives went to Moira McCarthy and Tom McDonough. Closest to the pin honors went to Ellie Thompson and Wally Pimental.
Eagle Mountain Golf Course, Carter Notch Road, Jackson, (603) 383-9090:
The Eagle continues to offer discounted rates every day after 2 p.m when adults play with juniors. The cost is $15 for the adult and $10 for the junior when they play together. A member scramble was held last weekend. The winning team members were Denis Lavoie, Bruce Conley, Nickki D, Joan Doucette and Tina Nicholie. Second place went to Russ Veale, Rich Kardell, and Jeanne Pierce. Pierce also claimed closest to the pin honors. The Tuesday Mixed League saw the team of Russ Veale, Anne Nelson and Nancy Morrison take first. Jeanne Pierce is becoming quite the pin-seeker as she took closest to the pin. In the Thursday Eagle League, it was the team of John and Jeannie Chanley and Jane and Buzz Query taking first with a match of cards. Second place went to Terry Fitzgerald, Rita Stoessel and Haig Zeytoonian. Closest to the pin went to Bruce Libby. The Fall Don Ho will start next Tuesday and Wednesday. Tee time begins at 5 p.m., and the league runs for five weeks. The cost is $65 per player, and teams consist of six players. Call the pro shop to sign up. PGA Pro Bob McGraw will be offering a clinic this Saturday at 11. The focus will be hitting bunker shots, and the class is limited to six students.
19th Hole:
If you think that headphones or earplugs might be the solution to warding off distractions on the course, think again! The Rules of Golf (Rule 14-3) prevents players from using "artificial devices" during a round. Included amongst these devices are anything that tunes out noise or distractions under penalty of disqualification. I wonder, if a player has a hearing aid and he turns it off or fails to wear it during a match, would this qualify as not playing by the rules? Just a thought. Have a great weekend.


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Pellegrini not fearing for his Man City future
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has claimed he is not fearing for his future at the club and offered up a stout defence of his tactical abilities.
Pellegrini has come under fire after damaging defeats in his last two matches against Barcelona and Liverpool, with his critics suggesting his attack minded selections exposed his tactical weakness.
Yet the coach who guided City to Premier League and League Cup success last season was defiant when he met the media.
"I never have any pressure to win an amount of titles and to win a title every year if I want to continue here," stated the Chilean.
"I don't feel any pressure, especially from the media. I feel pressure only when I don't see my team playing the way I want to do it."
Prior to Pellegrini's appointment, chief executive Ferran Soriano spoke of an ambition to win five trophies in five seasons, but Pellegrini downplayed that stipulation.
"When I signed the contract, I was never told I must win a title every year or that I must win five trophies in five years," he added, amid rumours that Pep Guardiola or Diego Simeone are being lined up to replace him.
"That was a sentence of Ferran. That is perfectly normal, but maybe you can win two in one year and one in another, the other another two.
"You never know in football. There are different ways to analyse the season. The title is important but it is not the only important thing.
"I only think about the present. You never know what will happen in the future.
"You don't know if we are going to win against Barcelona or be out of the Champions League. Maybe last year nobody would say we were going to win the Premier League.
"To think about the future is the worst thing because you are just speculating about a lot of things. It is important to live life in the present.
"I have 25 years' experience of management at important clubs and I never feel the pressure.
"It is not my duty to tell the media what they must think. Everyone has his opinion and the right to give their opinion."

subset: commoncrawl


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25 U.S. Code § 503 - Omitted
Section, act June 26, 1936, ch. 831, § 3, 49 Stat. 1967, which provided for the organization of Indian tribes and authorized the issuance of charters of incorporation to such tribes by the Secretary of the Interior, was omitted from the Code as being of special and not general application.
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


text: I've been making some minor improvements to the Useless machine. I wanted to add some a real hinge to the back of the box so I put in this simple hoop and pin. Because the pin is on the flexible hinge it still needs a bit of work to make it more sturdy but it's a step in the right direction.


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INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION | MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION | YOGA @ HOME | YOGA & THE CHRISTIAN FAITH | YOGA 101 | YOGA and YOUR HEALTH | POSE ESSENTIALS
INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION | MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION | YOGA @ HOME | YOGA & THE CHRISTIAN FAITH | YOGA 101 | YOGA and YOUR HEALTH | POSE ESSENTIALS
In the ninth grade, I remember the first time I moved into a yoga pose. Pretending to be meditating, I closed my eyes, crossed my legs and brought my thumbs and middle fingers to touch. I was in the school cafeteria. I had no concept of yoga except this—and I was quickly reprimanded by my concerned christian friend—that Christians can't meditate. It is against God to do such a thing … And for many years, when I heard the words mediate and/or yoga, that was the experience that came to mind.
I love the benefits of living an active lifestyle. I am not a competitive person, but I find an incredible amount of joy in finding my edge. Most of the time. But, it's not always easy to stay motivated.
There have been seasons, where training for an event was just what I needed. There have also been seasons when training for an event or setting too many expectations and goals became more stressful then helpful.
"The highest reward for man's toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it."
- John Suskin
Pumpkin spice lattes, a few cozy pieces added to my wardrobe, we have a series of birthdays to celebrate—ahh—some of my favorites things...
Do me a quick favor: take a few moments to think through your September calendar. As you mentally go the activities, special events, work projects and celebrations—did you make sure to include a few lines for yourself?
Most of us listen with just 25% efficiency. Chances are that even when we are not speaking or on our smart phones, we are thinking about what we will say, rather then being present and truly listening to what is being said to us. This week we will dive into some practical ways to practice how to listen, love and lead well.
Whether we are talking about raising our children; who we work or volunteer with; and/or anyone of in our sphere of influence; are we the person that we want them to intimidate? Or are we still hoping someone else is going to rise to the challenge and take on the work of making a positive difference?
Active listening and being present is a lot of work. By nature, we think of ourselves first. So putting anyone before ourselves takes mindful effort—but so is anything worth having. So how do we make this a reality when we already feel pulled in so many directions?
Learning to listen well will make ours far richer then only focusing on ourselves. I think most of us want to listen, love and lead well. I also think we tend to give up when we allow ourselves the excuse that "we just aren't wired that way" or we are too busy today, maybe tomorrow...
I also know that somedays I fail at listening. I have went through the motions, but could not truthfully tell you how the people that matter most to me really are doing. Even if they tried to tell me! When those days are over, maybe I made it through a few more items on my to-do list, but I am far less content with how I spent my time. When this happens, it is always a reminder that my short term desires are not worth living my life for, but the people God allows me to get know and share life with are.
How about you? Do you have any other tips or practices that helps you listen well? I'd love to hear them if so.
Trail running… my first real introduction to meditation. The biggest difference being if you happen to follow a rabbit trail of thoughts—there is a really strong chance you will bite it and hit the ground.
I can't even remember why I wanted to start running trails. However, I will never forget the miles of running on jagged rock and mud—and aide stations that have Nutella pita sandwiches and M&Ms—and the necessary focus to what was in front of your feet.
My heart goes out to the families affected by recent events.
Racism is real. Just as real as slavery, and human and sex trafficking--modern day oppression...
I think this is a really good time to ask the question Joe (our local church pastor) asked on Sunday. "Are we living our lives to create a better life, or a better world?" From my vantage point, more people, including Americans, have been choosing the better life. Whenever we care more about ourselves then those around us—then we have been choosing selfishly.
Everyday we we make small and big decisions regarding what we believe and what we value, regarding ourselves and others. All our decisions add up and shape who we are.
I believe our nation is where it is, because as a collective, we have been choosing "us vs. them"—ourselves verses everyone else. When we value our own comforts more then what God values-the orphan, the widow, the captive, the weak and oppressed-then eventually, our actions will catch up to us. God never pushes Himself on us, but He does desire we choose His way over our own. If we choose to go our own way, then He will continue to love us—all the same—but His values and His love will not be evident because He will leave us to our own ways.
Each day, we get to decide if it is really worth waking up and claiming our day for just ourselves, or also for those around us, locally and globally. This doesn't mean we all leave our day jobs, however, it does mean that we don't just look inward. For those of us that desire cultural change, we must also look upward (to God's truth) and outward (to what is going on around us). We take notice of where we are, and we lead from there.
"… 'If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you would spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.'" - Isaiah 58:9
We have to do more then talk about what oppression looks like, and who is to blame. If we all have been the center of our own attention, then maybe there are more at fault then those who make the news... Change will come when we take selfless action to do away with the oppression.
Sadly, the positive actions toward change will not heal the recently broken hearts. but prayerfully, will play a role in the healing process that God desires to play in their lives, and in our own.
Whenever starting something new in life, from yoga to a new job, it is easy to become frustrated with how hard or slow the process seems to move. In Jon Acuff's book, START: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters, he talks about what it takes to become someone who is exceptional at their craft—10,000 practice hours is a part of the magic equation. That is a lot of time.


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Video Spokespersons Tweople.com Announce Contest for New Digital Platform
Orlando, Florida – (News4us.com) September 21, 2012
Tweople.com announced a new platform to deliver digital website spokespeople to website owners that has people in the know taking notice.
What is the future of the Website Spokesperson?
Many Internet users have seen a tiny web person, or website video spokesperson as they are known, pop up and talk on many websites for the last few years.
To some they may be considered irritating and if used improperly a person on a website can just be a gimmicky way to get the website visitor's attention.
But if time and thought is put into how and what you want your video spokesperson to say, the results can be dramatic!
In fact, just like a real place of business, shop, store or office, people are still needed to assist, guide and build trust with potential customers or clients.
A website is no different and it is extremely difficult to get the trust component working effectively while offering a more personal approach.
Tweople.com has developed a website spokesperson platform that makes the delivery of a targeted video spokesperson based on when the visitor is on a page or where they are coming from.
In fact their "whatchamacallit" ( they don't have a name for this proprietary platform yet and are in the midst of a contest to name it) can be as exact as to have one website presenter appear and deliver a call to action during business hours and another one for after hours, weekends or whenever you want to target what they say according to changing circumstances.
The most advanced feature of their "whatchamacallit" platform is you need no programming experience whatsoever.
It is installed on the website and the webmaster controls the website spokespeople from any computer, tablet or mobile device they have handy.
About Tweople.com
Tweople.com the leader in video spokespersons or Tiny Web People, has been known as the innovator in website video spokespeople for years while others follow and imitate.
While this may work for some to settle for an imitation, those that want to raise the results to epic levels of sales and website conversions using the technology of digital website spokespeople choose to stay ahead of the curve rather than follow.
For market leaders there is only one choice for website video spokespeople services – Tweople.com
Short URL: http://www.news4us.com/?p=15947


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Did you download DocScanner for iOS last week? A lot of people did, as DocScanner was ranked as the #1 productivity app in dozens of countries. Great! Here's a short introductory to file hosting services you can extend your newly downloaded DocScanner with.
DocScanner saves all scanned documents to its own document organizer. In addition to that, DocScanner supports a range of file hosting and synchronization services. We know that there are many of such services out there, so we have selected the five most potent ones to be used with DocScanner – each of them with their own advantages.
The basic functionality of Evernote is built around notetaking. This makes Evernote perfect for adding comments and tags to your scanned documents. With Evernote, you can create shared notebooks to easily share documents with anyone. If needed, you can password protect a shared notebook to limit access to it. Check also this earlier blog post on Evernote: How to manage receipts effectively with DocScanner and Evernote.
A cloud based file hosting service at its purest, Dropbox is one of the simplest ways to upload your scanned documents online. The best thing about sending files with Dropbox is that the recipient doesn't need to have it installed on his device, as Dropbox can generate a shortened URL for downloading any file with any browser.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a highly relevant service because of its word processing application. DocScanner features an Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which can extract the text out of a scanned document to be processed with a word processor. Extract to Google Drive word processor to edit the text of the scanned document. The biggest advantage of this is that you can use the word processor to check and autocorrect the OCR output.
The iCloud can be a valuable feature if you are a person with more than one Apple device. A file synchronization and back-up service, iCloud syncs your DocScanner documents so that they are available on all your Apple devices running DocScanner.
- If you like to add comments and tags to your documents, Evernote is good for this.
- If you just need a simple file hosting service without much additional functionality, use Dropbox.
- If you need to edit the text in your scanned documents, use Google Drive and its word processor.
- For backing up and synchronizing your files between two or more Apple devices, iCloud is the best.


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|Product Profile
Northwest French roast is made from only finest Columbian coffees. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Rogue Coffee Roasters is an artisanal roasting house that whenever possible uses only Arabica beans that are organic, Fair Trade, shade grown, and hand picked. Seeking out family owned and run farms that demonstrate environmental responsibility.


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H-brace treatment table, 350 lb. capacity, 5 year warranty
What item is right for you?Ask our Experts!
At TigerMedical.com, we do our best to provide our customers with quality products at the lowest possible price. If you see an item marked with a Price Match Guarantee seal for less on a competitor website, we will meet or beat it! The site be an authorized distributor and the price quoted must be the standard advertised price.
To submit a lower price send us the item number in question, a link to the competitor price page, along with your full name and contact information to email@example.com. As soon as we receive your email, a member of our sales staff will review the information and contact you with a Meet or Beat offer.
For more information, please call us at 877-866-7400.
The UMF Medical 5585 H-Brace Treatment Table features unparalleled strength, quality and comfort. Made of all steel construction the UMF treatment table will hold up against the rigors of hard and constant use.
The 5585 enhances patient comfort with the UMF Medical Ultra Comfort Seamless top. The comfort top is vacuum formed and is easy to clean which prevents cross contamination between patients.
Customize your UMF H-brace Treatment Table
Choose Color
The UMF Treatment Tables are available in 8 colors. The standard color displayed in the image above is Sage. You may view the available colors in the color chart and select your preference. Please note your choice of color in the special instructions field during checkout.
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Choose Desired Treatment Table
The UMF Examination Table is available with or without drawers. The drawer upgrade features two all metal storage drawers on heavy duty, full extension roller bearing drawer glides. Choose desired table from the drop down menu above and add to cart.
Additional Options
The following upgrade options, if desired, are available Please note that there are additional charges for the following available additional options. Please type the option or the option code in the "Special Instructions" box at checkout.
1) 375 – Safety rails (pair) – factory installed
2) 800 – Paper cutter band
3) NPN- Fire retardant foam
4) 804 – Paper roll holder, rod & bracket for 21" (53.3cm) paper rolls
5) 039 - Accessory rail - factory installed
Please Note: If no option is chosen it will not be included.
UMF Medical as well offers a Fire Retardant Foam (CAL133) option for your Treatment Table. It is indented to provide extra safety to the product by helping stop or slow the spread of the fire in the case of an accident.
Essential Accessories
The UMF Exam Table essential accessories can be found to the right of this overview. You can easily add the following accessories to enhance the UMF Exam Table simply select desired quantity and add to cart.
1) 810- Restraint Straps (each strap requires a pair of 039 accessory rails) - factory installed
Overall dimensions of the UMF 5585:
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The UMF Medical 5585 H-brace treatment table has a 350 pound (158.8kg) patient weight capacity and comes with a 5 year manufacturer's limited warranty.
Tiger Medical offers a 30 day return policy from date of shipment for this product, subject to a 20% restocking fee, in addition to the return shipping charges. The product must be in new condition and in its original packaging. We take the responsibility to make sure this product arrives in brand new working condition. Should your item arrive damaged, we will replace the product at no cost to you.
For complete details of our return policy and process, please refer to our general return policy page.
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Ian Wright
Position: Striker
Born: 3 November 1963
International career: England 1991-98, 33 caps
So loved they named him thrice. Ian Wright Wright Wright had all the buzz of a wasp trapped in a bottle, an explosive burst of speed, the full range of finishing skills and a personality that never hid his commitment and appreciation at his rich fortune at being able to play the game for a damn good living. In an odd sense, and in an opinion he may not agree with, he was ill-served by Arsenal who embraced a far less flowing and more functional style when they signed him, eventually jettisoning Anders Limpar, Paul Davis and David Rocastle, with Alan Smith succumbing to the injuries that finished his career, replacing them with the likes of Ian Selley, David Hillier, John Jensen and Stefan Schwarz and burdening Wright with the responsibility of nicking a goal. That he managed to do so with such frequency, 185 in seven years, is testament to his prowess and dedication. His England career stalled under Terry Venables but Glenn Hoddle appreciated his mercurial gifts and his underestimated industry and he played a crucial role in helping England qualify for France '98 with a selfless display in the draw in Rome in 1997. Sadly, he was hamstrung by the injury that ruled him out of Arsenal's run to the Double in 1998 by the time Hoddle finalised his squad and it is a little-remembered fact that the player who capitalised on his absence to make the squad was a certain Michael Owen, to whom Hoddle ('he's not a natural finisher') was yet to warm.Picture: ACTION IMAGES


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|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jan 10, 2012
|Filing date
|Sep 17, 2008
|Priority date
|Jun 22, 2007
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Joseph W. Cole
|Original Assignee
|Cole Kepro International, Llc
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (16), Non-Patent Citations (2), Referenced by (9), Classifications (15), Legal Events (6)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/821,310, filed Jun. 22, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,499,276.
The present invention relates to gaming machines and particularly to cooling systems and component for such machines.
The gaming industry has experienced tremendous growth and increased popularity in recent times. As a result, gaming machines such as slot machines, video poker machines, and many of the new computerized multi-game machines have become extremely popular and are commonly the primary attraction for many gaming and entertainment establishments. These gaming machines are the subject of immense design efforts by game manufacturers which strive to develop new gaming machines that will attract players, encourage game play and maximize establishment profits.
In order to capture the public's interest and entice interaction with gaming machines, game manufacturers continually improve their gaming machines by incorporating newly developed technologies. The incorporation of these new technologies enables the gaming machine to provide an advanced gaming environment utilizing such improvements as enhanced graphics, multi-media content, interactive game play and more exciting games. For example, some of the more advanced gaming machines may employ more than one visual display for presenting multi-media content such as animations and video clips.
As these newer technologies have been utilized, traditional mechanical-type slot machines are frequently being replaced with new high-tech electronic gaming machines. These electronic gaming machines commonly utilize numerous internal electrical components such as a power supply, a visual display, a communication board, a sound system, a computer or controller, a printer, a currency acceptor and various card readers to name a few. One issue related to the implementation of these components is that they generate heat. If the components are not cooled adequately, the components may malfunction or prematurely fail. This issue of heat generation is even more pronounced relative to gaming machines because such machines are commonly always left "on" to attract players and take full advantage of the profit earning potential of the gaming machine.
In addition to incorporating new technologies into existing gaming machines, game manufactures strive to design smaller and more compact gaming machines. In today's gaming establishments, casino floor space is at a premium and is extremely expensive to develop. As a result, gaming establishments are motivated to optimize the casino floor space and thus maximize casino profitability by providing as many gaming machines as can physically be placed on the casino floor. Correspondingly, gaming machines that are smaller and more compact are favored by the gaming establishments. However, as the machines become smaller, the components therein are located closer together and it thus becomes increasingly difficult to cool those components.
The current techniques employed for thermal management have several disadvantages. For example, while natural convection of air through the gaming machine may be utilized, this air flow often proves inadequate to offset the rate of heat generation.
Another problem in designing cooling systems for gaming machines is associated with the need to protect the components within the gaming machine from access. First, the system must not allow a person to access the interior components, as such may compromise the security of the gaming machine and permit tampering. Second, the system must also not permit foreign objects or materials to enter the gaming machine which might affect the operation of the machine.
One aspect of the invention is an air flow vent configuration that prevents contaminants from entering an interior area of the gaming machine. Another aspect of the invention is a cooling configuration in which one or more air flow devices, preferably in the form of blowers, are utilized to move cooling air through a gaming machine. Yet another aspect of the invention is a vent cover for use with a gaming machine.
In one embodiment of a vent configuration, a gaming machine comprises a housing defining an interior area, the housing having at least one inlet vent and at least one exhaust vent. The vents permit air to flow to and from the interior area to an exterior of the housing. The at least one inlet vent has a duct extending into the interior area of the housing. The duct has at least one portion which slopes upwardly, whereby the duct is configured to prevent the flow of water or other material into the interior area. The cooling system further includes at least one exhaust vent having a duct extending into the interior area of the housing, where the duct has at least one portion which slopes upwardly, whereby the duct is configured to prevent the flow of water or other material into the interior area.
In a preferred embodiment, the one or more exhaust vents are located above the one or more inlet vents. The inlet and exhaust vents may be located at first and second opposing sides of the housing, in a back or other portion of the gaming machine housing. The at least one exhaust vent may have a substantially larger area than the at least one inlet vent. The at least one inlet vent may be coupled with a particle filter to prevent entry of various contaminants into the gaming machine.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a gaming machine includes a cooling system. The gaming machine comprises a housing having one or more inlet vents through which air may enter the housing, and at least one exhaust vent through which air may be expelled from the interior area to a location exterior to the housing. The at least one exhaust vent is preferably located above the one or more inlet vents. The cooling system further comprises at least one air moving device having an inlet port located within the interior area of the housing, and at least one outlet port in communication with the at least one exhaust vent. The blower is configured to produce a substantial pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet ports. The blower draws air from within the interior area and expels it to through the at least one exhaust vent. This expelling of air causes air to be drawn though the one or more inlet vents into the interior area of the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the air moving device comprises a blower, and more preferably, a centrifugal-type blower.
Another aspect of the invention is a vent cover. The vent cover may be located over a vent of a gaming machine, such as an exhaust vent through a housing thereof. The vent cover comprises a body which cooperates with a mounting surface, such as the gaming machine housing, to define a vent space in communication with the vent. The vent cover also defines one or more air ports in communication with the vent space, permitting air to flow through the vent cover. In one embodiment, the air ports comprise slots located at a top portion of the vent cover. When located over an exhaust vent, the slots direct heated air upwardly away from the gaming machine.
In one embodiment, the vent cover also defines one or more drain ports. The drain ports may comprise openings at a lower or bottom portion of the vent cover. Water or other material which enters the vent space may drain there from through the drain ports.
The vent cover may comprise a unitary molded element comprising a non-planar face with a pair of sides. The vent cover may be configured to snap-fit or otherwise engage or mount to a surface, such as the housing of a gaming machine.
The vent cover serves to protect the gaming machine by limiting access to an interior thereof through the vent(s). In addition, the vent cover serves to improve cooling in the manner it directs air flow. The vent cover may be used with intake and/or exhaust vents. In addition, the vent cover may be used with a cooling system which includes one or more blowers in accordance with other embodiments of the invention, or with a cooling system which employs a standard fan.
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description which follows, when considered with the figures provided herein.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
In general, the invention comprises one or more cooling components and systems, and methods of cooling. As one aspect, the methods, components and systems for cooling are configured to facilitate dissipation of heat from an interior of a gaming machine, including electrical components located therein.
One aspect of the invention is a cooling system which utilizes at least one positive pressure air flow device capable of moving high volumes of air. Another embodiment of the invention is a cooling system including one or more vents configured to prevent the entry of materials into the gaming machine. Yet another embodiment of the invention is a vent cover.
In one embodiment, the gaming machine 100 defines a generally enclosed interior space for housing one or more components. As illustrated, the gaming machine 100 generally comprises a housing or cabinet 102 for supporting and/or enclosing various components required for operation of the gaming machine. In the embodiment illustrated, the housing 102 includes a door located at a front thereof, the door capable of being moved between an open position which allows access to the interior, and a closed position in which access to the interior is generally prevented. The configuration of the gaming machine 100 may vary. In the embodiment illustrated, the gaming machine 100 has an "upright" configuration. However, the gaming machine 100 could have other configurations, shapes or dimensions (such as being of a "slant"-type or other configuration as is well known to those of skill in the art).
In order to facilitate the entry of air into the interior of the gaming machine 100 and to facilitate the exit of air from the interior of the gaming machine 100, the gaming machine may be configured with one or more air vents, ports or openings. As illustrated, an inlet vent 102 a and an exhaust vent 102 b are provided through one of the sides of the housing 102. These vents 102 a, 102 b provide a flow path through which surrounding environmental air may pass from the exterior of the housing 102 to the interior thereof, and from the interior of the housing back to the exterior thereof. It is contemplated that the gaming machine 100 may include vents in a variety of numbers and locations, as described in greater detail below.
The gaming machine 100 preferably includes at least one display device 104 configured to display game information. The display device 104 may be a mechanical, electro-mechanical or electronic display, such as one or more rotating reels, a video display or the like. When the display device 104 is an electronic video display, it may comprise a cathode ray tube (CRT), high resolution flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD), projection LCD, plasma display, field emission display, digital micro-mirror display (DMD), digital light processing display (DLP), LCD touchscreen, a light emitting display (LED) or other suitable displays now known or later developed, in a variety of resolutions, sizes and formats (e.g. 4:3, widescreen or the like). The display 104 may be capable of projecting or displaying a wide variety of information, including images, symbols and other indicia such as images of characters, places, card faces or other elements or information associated with game play, game promotion or other events.
The gaming machine 100 may be configured to present a wide variety of games. These may include video poker games, slot-type games, blackjack, bingo and bingo-based games, and other games now known or later developed. In one embodiment, certain game outcomes may be designed as winning outcomes. Awards may be provided for winning outcomes, such as monetary payments (or representations thereof, such as award of credits). As is well known in the art, the number of winning outcomes may vary dependent upon the desired payout or winning percentage offered to the players as compared to wagers that are retained by the gaming establishment.
The gaming machine 100 also preferably includes one or more player input devices 108 (such as a spin arm, control buttons, a touch-screen display, joystick, touch-pad or the like) that may be utilized by the player to facilitate game play. In one embodiment the gaming machine may be actuated by a mechanical linkage or electro-mechanical device associated with a spin arm 110, with movement of the spin arm (a "pull") by a player causes the gaming machine to commence game play.
Also included in the player input devices 108, is a means for accepting a wager or token representing monetary value. Illustrated in
In one preferred embodiment, the gaming machine 100 includes a microprocessor or controller (not shown) for controlling the gaming machine, including receiving player input and sending output signals for controlling the various components of the machine 100 (such as generating game information for display by the display 104). The controller may be arranged to receive input in the form of a "spin" signal from a spin button 120 or the spin arm 110, a bet credit signal when one of the wager buttons 116,118 is depressed, and a currency insert signal when a player inserts bills or coins. The controller may be arranged to send signals for determining winning combinations, for causing the coin hopper/dispenser to pay winnings, and to cause a display to display winning amount information. In addition, the controller is preferably arranged to determine if a round of game play has resulted in a win, and if so, the amount to be paid to the player for that win.
The gaming machine 100 may be configured as a stand-alone device or be in communication with one or more external devices at one or more times. For example, the gaming machine 100 may be configured as a server based device and obtain game code or game outcome information from a remote server. The gaming machine 100 may also communicate with a remote accounting server and/or player tracking server, as is well known in the art.
In operation, the player may initiate game play by placing a wager. The wager is placed by activating one of the player input devices 108 such as a play one credit button 116 which places a single credit wager or a max bet button 118 which places a maximum wager for that round of game play. The maximum bet is commonly defined as playing or betting an amount comprising a multiple of the value of a single wager up to a predefined upper bet limit or threshold. When the player actuates either the play one credit button 116 or the max bet button 118, a wager in that amount is placed and the player's credit base is decreased by the number of credits wagered. The player's remaining credit base is typically displayed to the player by way of the display device 104. Upon placing a wager, the game may begin automatically or the player may initiate the game by activating another player input device such as spin button 120 or by pulling or actuating a spin arm 110. After activating the spin button/arm 120,110 the gaming machine 100 presents one or more game elements which are used to determine if the player has received a winning combination. The determination is preferably performed by a game controller which is discussed in greater detail below.
The gaming machine 100 generally includes a means for paying a player any winnings accumulated during game play. When a player wins a game, the player is preferably paid in the form of stored credits, the amount of which is indicated to the player on the display 104. A "cash out" button 122 is preferably provided for permitting a player to be paid the winnings or redeeming any credits initially paid into the gaming machine 100. The term "cash out" is used herein to define an event initiated by the player wherein the player receives a number of coins or currency that is equivalent to the value of the player's accrued credit base.
Typically when a player cashes out, the player receives either a paper currency voucher or currency in the form of a coin disbursement. If the player decides to receive a coin disbursement, the gaming machine 100 activates a coin hopper or coin handling device (not shown) which physically counts and delivers the proper number of coins to the player. The coin handling device is commonly configured to transport coins from a supply source (hopper or bin filled with coins) to a coin tray 124 or payout receptacle where the player physically receives the coins. The player might also elect to cash out by having a ticket or other media dispersed, such as via a printer 114.
It will be appreciated that the gaming machine just described and illustrated in
One aspect of the invention comprises a cooling system and method. The cooling system and method have particular applicability to a gaming device or machine. Various aspects of the cooling system and method will be described with reference to
The vents may be configured to permit the flow of air in only one direction (such as by including a valve), or may permit air to flow in either direction. In a preferred embodiment, the vents may permit air to flow in either direction there through. However, the vents have been identified as "inlet/intake" or "outlet/exhaust" vents based upon the direction air normally or predominantly passes in accordance with the system and method. In particular, a vent is identified as an "inlet" or "intake" vent when the predominant direction of air flow is from an exterior of the gaming machine to the interior thereof, and as an "outlet" or "exhaust" vent when the predominant flow of air is from the interior to the exterior thereof.
In one configuration, as shown in
In one embodiment, the inlet vents 102 a and exhaust vents 102 b are located on each side of the housing 102. The number of inlet vents and exhaust vents may vary, as may their location, size and shape.
The cooling system includes a means for moving air such as an air flow device or air handler/mover. Preferably, the means for moving air is configured to move air at high volumetric rates and/or at positive pressure. In one embodiment, the means for moving air comprises at least one blower, and preferably a centrifugal or turbine type blower 204. Such blowers may have variety of configurations. In one embodiment, such a blower may comprise an impeller located in a housing, the impeller configured to draw air into the housing and expel that air back out of the housing, as described in more detail below.
One exemplary blower that is suitable for use with the present invention is produced by Pelonis Technologies Inc. of Malvern, Pa. The blower may be one selected from the Pelonis' RD9733 Series. The RD9733 series provides blowers having either ball or sleeve type bearing assemblies, air flow rates from about 14 to 22 cubic feet per minute (CFM), and a pressure differential from about 0.3 to 0.8 inches of water (in wg or in H20). This series of blowers further comprises a frame and impeller fabricated from reinforced plastic PBT, Class UL94V-0. The operating temperatures for these blowers are in the range of −10 to +70 degrees Celsius at 35-85% relative humidity. The blower uses a brushless DC motor with a permanent magnet to drive the impeller. Additionally, the blower may be configured with various options such as an auto-start feature which protects the bower if obstructed by a foreign object; a thermal speed control that adjusts fan speed according to temperature; a tachometer which informs the user of the blower running speed and/or an alarm which informs the user in the event of a fan failure.
In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is configured so that each blower 204 communicates with at least one, and preferably only one, exhaust vent 102 b. Each blower 204 draws air from within the interior 202 of the gaming machine and expels it through the exhaust vent 102 b to the exterior of the gaming machine. In this configuration, cooling air is drawn into the inlet vents 102 a as a result of the reduced air pressure inside of the gaming machine. As the cooling air flows through the interior 202 of the gaming machine, as depicted by flow patterns 200, heat transfer takes place between the components located therein and the cooling air.
The cooler fresh air that is drawn into the gaming machine 100 extracts heat from the components by way of convection. Convection is the transfer of heat from a component at a high temperature to a surrounding fluid at a lower temperature by circulation/movement of the fluid with respect to the component. There are two primary types of convection, and the cooling system of the present invention advantageously employs both types in order to maximize cooling efficiency. First, natural convection is such as the air surrounding the hot components absorbs heat from those components, reducing the density of the air. The reduction in density causes the lower density air to be displaced by cooler air having a higher density. This exchange of high temperature-low density air with low temperature-high density air produces a natural convection current. In accordance with the cooling system, this convection current naturally causes the cooling air to move from the intake vents 102 a upwardly through the interior of the gaming machine to the exhaust vents 102 b. In addition, the one or more blowers 204 create forced convection by propelling the air. The one or more blowers 204 create an artificially induced convection current which enhances and increases the rate of heat transfer because there is more fluid flowing over the high temperature components in the machine.
Reference is now made to
The centrifugal blower 204 has a moving vaned or bladed component, such as a squirrel cage and/or impeller 304. In one embodiment, for example, an impeller 304 may have a turbine configuration in which a turbine is mounted to a central shaft or mount 306, the turbine having a generally flat mounting surface with a plurality of vanes extending there from, such as in a spiral configuration. In the embodiment illustrated, the impeller 304 comprises a squirrel-cage type structure in which a plurality of vanes 308 extend outwardly from a central shaft or mount 306, the vanes 308 are aligned with one another in a generally circular path. In this configuration, air may be drawn into an opening 308 a at the inside edges of the vanes 308, the vanes then expelling the air from at the outer edges thereof. One such squirrel cage configuration is illustrated and described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,593, which is incorporated by reference herein.
In one embodiment, the impeller 304 is contained within a blower housing 310 that defines at least one inlet or intake port 300 and at least one exhaust or outlet port 302. As a result of rotation of the impeller 304, air enters the one or more inlets. The vanes of the impeller 304 then centrifugally accelerate the air to the at least one exit or outlet port 302. As illustrated, the at least one outlet of the impeller 304 is preferably in communication with one of the exhaust ports of the gaming machine.
Another embodiment or aspect of the present invention is an air vent for a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the vent is configured to reduce or prevent the entry of material, such as water, into the interior of the gaming machine. In general, the vent includes an upwardly sloping section, such that gravity deters the flow of material through the vent.
Referring again to
It will be appreciated that the upwardly extending vent configuration may be accomplished in a variety of manners. As indicated above, it may be accomplished with a duct or flange. However, it might be formed via a conduit that leads from the opening in the housing. Such a conduit could be connected to the housing or actually comprise a portion of the wall of the housing. In one embodiment, the duct or conduit might extend inwardly and then rise upwardly or have other configurations whereby one or more areas prevent the flow of material through the vent/duct.
As indicated above, the centrifugal blower 204 is coupled with an exhaust vent 102 b. As shown in
The centrifugal blower 204 may be coupled or mounted to the exhaust vent 102 b in other ways. For example, the blower 204 may be integrally formed with an extension or duct and be mounted directly into alignment with the vent in an orientation such that the upwardly sloping configuration is achieved.
The blower outlet port 302 may be aligned with the duct 212 and/or exhaust vent 102 b and structurally held in place by a bracket. The bracket may be mounted between the blower 204 and an interior portion of the gaming machine housing 102. It is contemplated that many various mounting configurations are possible that produce a downwardly sloping alignment between the blower outlet port 302 and the exhaust vent 102 b and one of ordinary skill the art would inherently develop these variations within the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed invention. The blower 204 might also be connected to the vent via a conduit or other element(s) forming a close flow path.
In the embodiment illustrated, the gaming machine is provided with two exhaust vents 102 b and a blower 204 associated with each exhaust vent. In other embodiments, there might be more than two exhaust vents 102 b and or as few as one exhaust vent. Further, there may be a single blower 204 associated with one or more exhaust vents 102 b. For example, the cooling system may use one or more inlet vents 102 a and only one larger exhaust vent 102 b having a single large centrifugal blower 204 coupled thereto. The use of a larger centrifugal blower 204 may substantially increase the volumetric air flow rate. It is contemplated that the sides of the gaming machine housing 102 may be configured with a plurality of smaller inlet vents 102 a and the back of the housing may be configured with one large exhaust vent 102 b.
As indicated, the gaming machine 100 may include four intake vents 102 a. The number of vents may vary. Preferably, the number and size of the intake vent or vents 102 a are selected to at least allow a volume flow of air to flow into the gaming machine 100 as the one or more blowers 204 of the cooling system can exhaust there from at maximum rate.
The vents may have other configurations. As illustrated, each vent is an opening in the housing. The opening could be located outwardly of the housing, such as at the end of a conduit or duct extending through the housing.
In another embodiment, the blower may be housed inside of an air intake plenum or chamber. The air intake plenum or chamber is generally a secondary enclosure located within the interior region of the gaming machine. The plenum/chamber has an opening on one side which encloses at least one blower and couples the blower's exhaust port with at least one dedicated exhaust opening of the plenum/chamber. The air intake plenum/chamber has a primary intake opening that is coupled with a fresh air inlet vent of the gaming machine. As a result of the blower(s) being enclosed within the plenum/chamber, fresh air is drawn into the plenum/chamber through the fresh air inlet vent and subsequently into the inlet of the blower(s). The air is then accelerated by the impeller of the blower(s) and exhausted through the blowers' exhaust port through the plenum/chamber exhaust opening and into the interior region of the gaming machine. The air intake plenum/chamber may be configured to prevent direct physical access into the interior region of the gaming machine. In this way, the plenum/chamber provides additional security for the gaming machine by preventing a player or person from inserting an object into the interior portion of the gaming machine by way of the air intake/exhaust vent. Of course, more than one blower may be associated with a single air chamber. In addition, in such a configuration, the air chamber may be configured so that the one or more blowers draw air from within the gaming machine and exhaust it through at least one exhaust opening of the chamber to a gaming machine housing exhaust vent.
As indicated, in the preferred embodiment, the one or more blowers (or other air moving devices) are located at the top of the gaming machine and expel air from the interior to the exterior of the gaming machine. As detailed herein, this configuration has a number of particular advantages. In some cases, a gaming machine may not permit location of the one or more blowers at or near the top of the machine. For example, in a bar top type gaming machine, various components of the machine may extend downwardly from the top thereof, thus interfering with the location of blowers except at the bottom of the machine. In such instances, the one or more blowers may be configured to draw air into the machine at the bottom and cause the cooling air to be forced through the machine to one or more air exhaust vents, such as near the top of the machine. An advantage of the configuration of the invention is that the one or more blowers create sufficient positive pressure to overcome the internal "impedance" of the machine (the interior pressure and air flow resistance) so as to create a very high air flow rate through the machine.
Another embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to
Referring first to
In one embodiment, the body 402 is configured to be mounted to a generally planar or flat surface, such as the exterior of a housing of a gaming machine. When so mounted, the face 409 extends outwardly from the mounting surface by varying distances. In particular, in one embodiment, the face 409 is somewhat convex in shape. As best illustrated in
Preferably, the front of the body 402 is generally closed by the face 409. However, in that the face 409 is convex when viewed from the front, it is generally concave when viewed from the rear. The body 402 thus defines a generally open space or area behind the face 409 and the sides 410,412. As detailed below, when the body 402 is mounted to a gaming machine housing or similar surface, the body 402 cooperates therewith to define a vent space there between. Due to the changing distance of the face 409 from the housing, the depth of the vent space also changes. In particular, the vent space is deeper towards the top portion 406 than the bottom portion 408 of the body 402.
While the vent cover 400 is preferably configured in this manner, the vent cover 400 could have other configurations. For example, the face 409 could be planar and extend from the bottom portion towards the top portion of the body 402, where a top wall might extend from the face 409 back to the housing or other mounting surface (similar to the sides 410,412).
The shape of the vent cover 400 may vary. In the configuration illustrated, the overall foot-print of the body 400 is generally rectangular (i.e. the body 404 has a rectangular peripheral shape). However, it is possible for the vent cover 400 to have other shapes, such as round or the like.
While the vent cover 400 has been described as having portions or elements, this is for the sake of understanding. In fact, in a preferred embodiment, the vent cover 400 is molded as a single, unitary element. Of course, it is possible to manufacture the vent cover 400 as an assembly of one or more separate elements.
In one embodiment, the vent cover 400 is configured to mount to the generally planar exterior surface of a gaming machine. In such a configuration, the top portion 406 and bottom portions 408 of the body 402 as defined by the face 409, and the edge portions of the sides 410,412 form a generally flat or planar peripheral edge of the vent cover 400 for abutting the exterior of the gaming machine.
The vent cover 400 may be mounted to the gaming machine 100 in various manners. For example, in one embodiment the vent cover 400 may include one or more tabs. These tabs may engage mating apertures in the gaming machine. In other embodiments, the vent cover 400 might include one or more mounts, and fasteners might be extended through the housing of the gaming machine 100 and into engagement with the mounts. Of course other means or methods may be used to mount the vent cover 400.
In one embodiment, air is permitted to flow through the vent cover 400 from the vent space to and/or from a point exterior thereto. In one embodiment, the vent cover 400 comprises one or more air or vent ports 414. The ports 414 are preferably located near the top 406 of the face 409. The ports 414 may have various configurations. As illustrated, the ports 414 comprise elongated slots which extend generally parallel to one another and which are spaced along the face 409. The slots may have a narrow width dimension to prevent objects from being passed there through, but may have a long length dimension to create sufficient air flow area. Of course, the one or more ports 414 might have other configurations, including other shapes. In one embodiment, a screen or other element may be located behind the ports 414 to prevent passage of objects there through. In other embodiments, the body 402 might have two layers or members, each having ports 414 therein in offset manner, thus presenting a non-linear flow path through the vent cover 400.
In one embodiment, the vent cover 400 also includes one or more drains 416. Preferably, the drains 416 are located at the bottom portion 408 of the body 402. As illustrated, the drains 416 comprise openings in the face 409 along the bottom edge thereof. The drains 416 may comprise openings or slots in the body in various shapes. Preferably, the openings are relatively small, so as to prevent the passage of foreign objects there through.
Additional aspects of the vent cover will be appreciated with reference to
Referring to
In addition, the vent cover 400 is configured to direct water or similar material away from the vent 102 b. First, in the event water W is spilled, sprayed or is otherwise directed at the vent area of the gaming machine, the vent cover 400 deflects the material (since the body 402 of the vent cover 400 is generally closed and is positioned over the vent 102 b) In addition, the material which does enter the vent cover 400 (such as through the ports 414) is routed back out of the vent cover 400. In particular, water W or other material is allowed to flow downwardly through the interior space and then drain out through the drain(s) 416.
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, the vent cover 400 is configured to be located over an exhaust vent 102 b of the gaming machine 100. However, the vent cover 400 could be located over an intake 102 a vent or both the intake and exhaust vents 102 a, 102 b or just one or more of such (but not all) vents of a gaming machine 100.
It will be appreciated that the vent cover 400 can be located over vents having a variety of configurations. For example, the vent could be a single large opening in the housing 102 of the gaming machine 100. The vent could also be one or more slots or other openings, as illustrated. In one embodiment, the vent cover 400 can be used with vents having features such as those of the invention (including sloping inlets/outlets) or other configurations.
As indicated, the features of the invention can be used alone or in combination. For example, the vent cover of the invention can be used with a gaming machine having a standard cooling system utilizing fans, or with the cooling system of the invention which utilizes one or more blowers. Likewise, the cooling system of the invention need not utilize the vent covers of the invention.
The cooling system of the invention has numerous advantages. First, one aspect of the invention is a gaming machine having a cooling system with vents which include at least one upwardly extending inlet or outlet section. In this manner, the vent or vents are configured to reduce the entry of contaminants into the gaming machine. For example, in the event water was to flow downwardly along the sides of the gaming machine, that water would be prevented from flowing into the interior of the machine through the vents.
Another aspect of the invention is a cooling system which takes advantage of both natural convention and positive air handlers/movers, such as by location of the intake and exhaust vents and the associated air movers.
Additionally, another advantage of one or more embodiments of the invention is a cooling system configuration wherein the coupling of an air flow device with an exhaust vent provides a high volume cooling system that is less noticeable to the player. By combining the blower with the exhaust vent, a negative pressure is developed within the gaming machine's interior area. As a result, air is drawn into the gaming machine through the inlet vents. The air is then expelled primarily through the exhaust vents. Correspondingly, any other openings in the gaming machine housing will have surrounding air drawn into the interior area due to the negative (low) pressure. For example, a small seam surrounding a button or display machine would function like a small inlet vent and the player would unlikely notice air being drawn into the gaming machine at these seams. Conversely, if the blower was associated with the inlet vent (i.e., the inlet port of the blower attached to the inlet vent) a positive (high) pressure would be developed within the interior area. In this case, the player would more likely notice the movement of air through the gaming machine because any seams would be blowing air outwards of the gaming machine and noticeably onto the player. Thus, a player would likely feel the positive pressure escaping from the gaming machine through any component that was not adequately sealed.
Yet another aspect of the invention is a cooling system which utilizes air movers which create a positive exhaust pressure. These air movers can be utilized to create a low air pressure condition inside of the gaming machine, resulting in a high cooling air flow into the gaming machine. In addition, these air movers exhaust air at sufficiently high pressure to overcome the air pressure outside of the machine, ensuring that high volumetric flow rates of air can be achieved.
Yet another aspect of the invention is a vent cover for a vent of a gaming machine. The vent cover may be utilized with an inlet or outlet vent of a gaming machine, such as the cooling system vents for such a machine. The vent cover serves to route air, preferably upwardly away from the gaming machine. The upward movement of the air aids in drawing air through the machine. In addition, the upward distribution of heated exhaust air serves to move the air away from the machine so that the heated exhaust air is not drawn back into the intake vent(s) of the machine (which would lessen the cooling effect).
In addition, the vent cover aids in preventing foreign material or objects from entering the gaming machine. For example, if water is directed at the machine, the vent cover obscures the vent(s) from direct access, reducing the probability that water will enter the vent. In addition, the vent cover in combination with the gaming machine vent preferably defines an indirect path into the gaming machine.
Another advantage of the vent cover is that it reduces or baffles fan and other noise associated with the cooling system. In current cooling systems, fans are generally mounted adjacent the vents, whereby fan noise is permitted to directly radiate outward from the machine. This creates undesirable noise to the players of that and adjacent gaming machines, distracting from the pleasant environment which the game operator desires. In accordance with the invention, however, noise which radiates outwardly from the vent is baffled or reflected by the vent cover. Some noise is directly dissipated by absorption of sound by the vent cover. Other noise (sound waves) is redirected or reflected upwardly, away from the gaming machine and the player thereof.
The vent cover of the invention also reduces static charge. Static charge is a threat to gaming machines, as such a charge may interfere with the proper operation of the electronics of the machine (even damaging them). A problem with existing gaming machines is that air is vented directly through an opening in the housing of the machine. In order to secure this opening from foreign objects, tampering and the like, a strong metal screen or mesh must be located over the opening. However, as vented air passes through the screen, the screen may develop a static charge which may be discharged to the components of the gaming machine (such as by passing from the metal screen through the metal housing to components of the machine). In accordance with the invention, the vent cover eliminates the need for such a screen, as the vent cover effectively secures the vent opening through the gaming machine housing, as detailed above. Thus, the risk of a static charge build-up on such a screen is eliminated. Also, because the vent cover is desirably a plastic or similar material, air passing through the vent cover does not result in a similar static charge.
It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
|Cited Patent
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|Ciro Alvarado
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|Sun Microsystems, Inc.
|Computer system layout and cooling configuration
|May 2, 2003
|Jul 3, 2007
|Foundry Networks, Inc.
|System and method for venting air from a computer casing
|Dec 19, 2005
|Jul 10, 2007
|Cole Industries, Inc.
|Air cooling configuration for gaming machine
|Mar 14, 2006
|Nov 9, 2006
|Shunpei Yamazaki
|Game machine
|May 23, 2005
|Dec 21, 2006
|Bally Gaming, Inc.
|High efficiency gaming machine
|Sep 11, 2006
|Mar 15, 2007
|Thomas Tanner
|Gaming machine smoke control systems and processes
|Dec 27, 1999
|Apr 3, 2001
|Konami Co., Ltd.
|Game machine
|"IGT:S-Plus Sant Top", International Game Technology, published by IGT circa Oct. 1995, 2 pages.
|"Players Choice Drop-In Bar/ Slant Top", International Game Technology, published by IGT circa Oct. 1995, 2 pages.
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jul 31, 2012
|Sep 6, 2016
|Dell Products L.P.
|System and method for directing exhaust from a modular data center
|Dec 18, 2015
|Jan 24, 2017
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Tamper-respondent assemblies with enclosure-to-board protection
|Dec 9, 2015
|Jan 31, 2017
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Applying pressure to adhesive using CTE mismatch between components
|Mar 4, 2015
|Jan 31, 2017
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Electronic package with heat transfer element(s)
|Sep 25, 2015
|Feb 21, 2017
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Enclosure with inner tamper-respondent sensor(s) and physical security element(s)
|Sep 25, 2015
|Mar 7, 2017
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Enclosure with inner tamper-respondent sensor(s)
|Jun 27, 2016
|May 23, 2017
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Tamper-respondent assemblies with enclosure-to-board protection
|Sep 19, 2008
|Mar 25, 2010
|Joyner Jr George Lee
|Angled blower deck apparatus and method
|Jul 31, 2012
|Feb 6, 2014
|Dell Products L.P.
|System and method for directing exhaust from a modular data center
|U.S. Classification
|361/695, 463/46, 454/184
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Sep 22, 2008
Owner name: COLE INDUSTRIES, NEVADA
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|Jul 12, 2015
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text:
Rajasthan High Court Result of Written Exam Held for the post of the Law clerk cum Legal Research: An announcement had been committed by the Rajasthan High Court for one of the very reputed post in field. The post for which this announcement is being made is the Law clerk cum Legal Research. The court had made its final list of the candidates, which is being made under very keen observation so that not any type miscalculation is being found on the part of the candidate. The dates that had been announced by the court for the interview cum the document verification are fixed to be 24th May 2013. The venue at which the candidates are to create their presence is scheduled is as following: Rajasthan High Court Bench Premises, Jaipur. Candidates will also be informed through the call letters. In case they do not receive the call letter they are advised to come for the interview as scheduled by the authority. Given below is the link at which you are needed to check the required result.
Other required information could also be satisfied by the same link.
Rajasthan High Court Result of Written Exam Held for the post of the District Judges Exam: A Written Examination Result is being declared by the Rajasthan High Court for the very prestigious post in the concerned field and the post for which the result is being declared is the post of the District Judges. The court had announced the final result regarding the concerned post after the result made under keen observation. A huge mass had shared their seat for the post. The difficulty level is always very high for the post as it brings a lot of respect, concern and responsibilities who are selected after clearing the written test followed by the interview session. As now those who had cleared the written examination are marked to put forward before the authority for a final verdict regarding the future of the aspirant and the date that has been marked to make a interview session is from 14th May 2013 to the date 24th May 2013. So the candidates are advised to start preparing for the interview session with all the concentration and their will power, the major element that is needed in any interview the most is your confidence that can take you to the heights of success. The document verification will commence on the venue of the examination cell which is as below at the time 8:30 a.m. Deputy Registrar (Examination), Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur.
The candidates are needed to click on the link given below to see their result. The list is made according to the day scheduled, because the whole interview session is going to take an 11 days journey for the selection of the District judge. Here is the link:
A Few Important Instructions for the candidates that will help in interview for sure: Candidates are required to bring with them the following mentioned documents at the time of the interview and document verification are:
- The document pertaining the proof of the age.
- Certificates of educational qualification.
- Belonging to the specific community.
- Experience certificate.
- Document which could be considered as a proof regarding your identification which may be yours Driving license, voter card, passport etc
- Your residential certificate.
- For the convenience of the candidates the call letters are sent to the aspirants however if they do not get the call letter they are either advised to go to the authorities office personally or directly being at the time of the interview with a copy of the result list.
- No allowance will be provided to the candidates coming for the interview all the expenses are to be pay by the candidate itself.
- In no case the request regarding any change of date will be taken in to consideration.


text:
The Team Fortress 2 Dispenser Plush Toy
The Team Fortress 2 dispenser is one of the most useful structures the engineer can build in the game. Not only does it help the team to replenish health, it also helps a team to hold a certain strategic part of the map. No wonder it is by far one of the most favorite structure every person on the team wishes to see when they are playing in the game.
Here's a dispenser plushie that'll unfortunately not be able to replenish your character's health, but it could help to change your mood on a bad day especially after a couple of losing rounds in the game. This cute plushie made to look like a dispenser in the game is a hand-sewn plush toy that will gladly sit around on the desk of a Team Fortress 2 gamer, while cheering him/her on.
The dispensers are handmade not only in their original form, from either the red or blue team, but also feature a look that engineers hate to see while spies rejoice. Perhaps seeing a sapped dispenser in real life can also spur you on to push on to capture the objectives.
One cool DIY Team Fortress 2 themed dispenser plush toy perfect for TF2 gamers, and especially those who frequently play the engineer class.
The Team Fortress 2 dispenser plush toy sells for $45 CAD from Vanessa Stefaniuk's Etsy shop.


text:
Hello all,
I work for a very old school company in terms of how it is managed. Despite my grand title, I am hourly, sit in a cubicle and am basically a glorified help desk technician during business hours. I am really only a "Senior Network Administrator" one Sunday a month when I get to take systems down and do maintenance.
Recently our the entire company took a 10% pay cut with one nice gesture from the CEO, we were all given 10 additional paid vacation days! They plan on reversing this pay cut and time off when and if business picks back up.
To make a long story short, I am finding that this extra time off suits me. What I would like to do is see if the company would be interested in giving me every Wednesday off, unpaid from here to infinity and then have me come in one Sunday a month for the maintenance day (recouping 8 hours per month.) I would also like to negotiate a half hour lunch so I don't spend 45 minutes sitting in my car every day after I eat like I do with my hour lunch.
Has anyone ever negotiated work schedules with an employer before? How did you go about it and what was the outcome?
9 Replies
Jun 19, 2012 at 1:33 UTC
Be completely honest in why you would like the flexible schedule and be prepared to back it up. You may already have it but be prepared to document that you are still preforming work on your "flex" days..
"The answer will always be NO unless you ask and find out for sure"
Jun 19, 2012 at 1:34 UTC
Forgot to add, depending on your IT department/setup, be prepared to have a plan if something goes crazy on Wednesday and they need you.
Jun 19, 2012 at 1:42 UTC
You never know till you ask (in a very professional manner) and then depending if your the one man IT guy there I would suggest that you would have to be on call in case of catastrophic failure happens on your Wednesday off. I hope things go as they plan, good luck!
Jun 19, 2012 at 1:44 UTC
I didn't negotiate...per say. I just came in early and slowly shifted my leave time to accommodate my schedule and habit.
Situation was as follows. Hired to do 7-4 Mon-Thurs with 7-3 on Fridays.
Due to a habit/pattern I learned from my Dad, I hate being "late" and always tend to leave early to account for a certain amount of unforeseen issues (unexpected traffic/accident). This basically equated to getting in at ~6:30 as I found even leaving a few min later would result in a HUGE increase in my drive...so I figured I'd rather come in early to get work done than waste more time on the road.
Also, with me usually winding down at the end of the day, I usually left ~10-15 min early to beat traffic. No one ever said anything negative about it even when I brought it up (they saw it as me coming in early and leaving early but still doing the time).
This boiled down to when the new HR person came in and saw this pattern, just shifted my "schedule" on paper to 6:30-3:30 Mon-Thurs with 6:30-2:30 on Friday.
All the companies I've been with have no issues with the person setting a time that might work better for them as long as A) they put the required time in and B) in the case of IT, there is someone else to cover on a usual schedule (minus sick/vacation times)
Jun 19, 2012 at 1:47 UTC
Flex plans work great for companies with more than one person in every department. So your colleague would work every other Weds and you would work the alternating day. So your dept. is always covered. Do you have anyone else in IT?
Jun 19, 2012 at 1:50 UTC
In 1 job I asked if I could work 10 hours from Monday to Thursday and have Friday off for the months of June to August inclusive.
I had a company BB so they could reach me on Friday if needed.
They were OK with that as I was still putting in the time adn gettign the work done.
Jun 19, 2012 at 1:54 UTC
Flex plans work great for companies with more than one person in every department. So your colleague would work every other Weds and you would work the alternating day. So your dept. is always covered. Do you have anyone else in IT?
My manager is really the only other technical person in IT. We have a QA guy and a developer but they can not cover my scope of work. My Manager can but he is extremely busy so it might not fly. I would be open for "on call in case of disaster" but since I am hourly I don't really know how I would legally be held to anything without an on call differential in pay.
I will give it a shot eventually. I will probably have a pending job offer on deck and then make a pitch for the reduced work hours. I haven't started looking, but I wonder if any employers are interested in candidates that are looking for less than 40 hours a week / 50 weeks a year. I really want to work less, I don't need the money so much anymore.
Jun 19, 2012 at 2:34 UTC
I leave early on wenesdays during school to pickup my daughter, but i'm on call 24/7 and my boss see's it as a fair trade
Jun 20, 2012 at 6:28 UTC
You don't get anything if you don't ask (or wiggle it like Derek!) - as long as it's not going to leave your company shorthanded I don't see why anyone would have a problem with it.
This discussion has been inactive for over a year.
You may get a better answer to your question by starting a new discussion.


text:
Cristiano Ronaldo Throws the Ceremonial First Pitch of the Baseball Game between Dodgers and Yankees
♦ You May Also Like ⇒ Top 10 Most Popular Female Soccer Players in the World
Cristiano Ronaldo Throws the Ceremonial First Pitch of the Baseball Game
Cristiano Ronaldo is not just a football legend but is the true superstar of the athlete world. Recently he was invited as the chief guest of the Major League Baseball match between New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. CR7 threw the ceremonial first pitch of the game between these two franchises at the Dodger Stadium. Before the match, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke with former Lakers basketball player Magic Johnson and actor Samuel L. Jackson. He also communicated with the local media and was interviewed by several media houses. Dodgers' Cuban player Yaseil Puig offered him the jersey of a local team with the Portuguese forward's name and his famous jersey number '7'. Yaseil also gifted him a baseball bat with his own signature and Cristiano Ronaldo handed him a football with his own autograph in return. Here is the entire video of the brief baseball outing of Cristiano Ronaldo. Watch and Enjoy, and don't forget to leave your comments in the discussion box below.
Don't forget to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter for amazing updates and videos like this.


text:
HR Assistant
- Recruiter
- RGB Recruitment ltd
- Location
- Plymouth
- Salary
- Competitive
- Posted
- 04 May 2017
- Expires
- 11 May 2017
- Sector
- Construction & Maintenance
HR Assistant Plymouth Permanent up to £25k This well respected and award winning National construction company, provides a full range of construction and related services across a broad client base enjoying high levels of repeat business. Due to increased in workload the company is looking to strengthen their team with the appointment of a new HR Assistant to provide HR and Learning and Development to the HR Business Partner. Duties and responsibilities will include - Learning and Development of employees to include coordinating internal and external training - HR Administrator support to the Business Partner, Recruitment, discipline, grievance & termination of employment - Provide support for assessments & implement training programs - Implement HR Policies and values - Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing clients This permanent position is varied and fast paced, applicants should have the following attributes: - Previous experience in a similar role ideally within the construction sector and within HR - Have excellent IT skills and communication skills - Can manage a busy workload & work to tight deadlines - Efficient and organised This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the UK`s leading building contractors in a permanent role. Please send your CV to [Email address removed] [1] Links: [1] mailto:[Email address removed]


text:
Few topics elicit the sort of vitriol you get when you dare attack pornography.
Like Gollum guarding his "Precious," in J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, porn apologists cannot help but curse you as those "Bagginses" when you try to point out the incredible harm porn causes them personally and society in general. Read More


text:
Assam Secretariat Recruitment 2014
Government of Assam Secretariat Administration has issued a notification related to Assam Secretariat Recruitment 2014 for filling up 112 vacancies of Junior Administrative Assistant.
Eligible job hunters are invited to send the dully filled application form at the appropriate address provided below on this page before or on the last date 15th Nov 2014.
Candidates may know more about Assam Secretariat vacancies 2015 from the below section of this page of bharatrecruitment.com
|Organization Name
|Government of Assam Secretariat Administration
|Post Name
|Junior Administrative Assistant
|Last Date
|15th Nov 2014
Education Qualification:
Job hunters who want to apply they should have Graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized University with minimum 45% marks (40% for SC/ST). Candidates must have computer knowledge in Windows and MS Office.
Age Limitation:
Age of the candidates should be in between minimum 18 years to maximum 38 years as on 01-01-2014. Relaxation of 5 years in upper age will be applicable for SC / ST candidates and 2 years for Ex-Servicemen.
Salary Offered:
Candidates who will be selected for the post they will get the monthly salary as Pay Band-2 of Rs. 5200-20,200/- p.m. and Grade Pay of Rs.3000/-
Selection Process:
Assortment of the applicants will be made up on the basis of their performance in written test.
Written test tips > Get Details
How to Apply:
- Candidates first have to open the official website that is www.online.assam.gov.in
- After opening the home page follow the link as Advertisement for Junior Administrative Assistant Post
- Download the application format and fill all the necessary details in it
- Candidates are require to send the application along with the required credential to the below address:
Under Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Secretariat Administration( Estt.) Department,
Assam Secretariat, Dispur, Guwahati 6
Important Dates:
Last date of receipt the application is: 15-11-2014
Note: Check the official advertisement to know more


text:
Each month, Rated People connects over 50,000 homeowners with quality tradesmen - simply enter your job details in the form above to get started.
We'll match your job to the relevant tradesmen in your area - those interested will pay to see your contact details and call you to quote.
As each tradesman expresses interest in quoting on your job, we'll send you their profile and ratings to help you choose the right one for you.
After the work is complete, return to the site and rate your tradesman based on their quality of work, reliability and value for money.
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text:
This month over on Twitter, @BoroughPress are hosting a #bookaday meme. It's almost impossible for me to justify my choices in 140 characters, so I'm expanding on them here. Click here to view the schedule.
I had a surprising amount of choice for this; studying English Literature at A Level and university inevitably leaves you with a stack of books that you were probably supposed to return but never quite got around to doing so. Given the recent news that a film adaptation of this is in the pipeline starring none other than the almighty forces of Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston, my choice today had to be Journey's End by R. C Sherriff. Poignant and thought-provoking, it's been a good four years since I read it, but it's stayed with me ever since.
Have you got any books lying around that aren't technically yours? Let me know in the comments, then head over to Twitter to join in the #bookaday fun!
Click here to have a gander at my other #bookaday choices!
P.S. Are there any UK bloggers out there on Bookbridgr? I'm just getting to grips with it now, seems pretty cool so far!


text:
News By Tag
Industry News
News By Place
Industry News
"A Chip in Time" Now a Hot Kindle Store Romantic Fantasy
Author JK Mikals' "A Chip in Time," has moved up to #24 in the Amazon Kindle Romantic Fantasy category, putting it high among the leaders in its genre.
"When I look back on the struggle of creating "A Chip in Time," I have to laugh! I'm so very grateful to my readers for their appreciation. It's a real honor to be in the top 25. I'm also thankful I was blessed with enough determination to ignore my pre-publication critics," said JK Mikals, author of 'A Chip in Time.' "The grumbles were about what I think makes the book so strong – it escapes from formulas, and it blithely crosses genres. Obviously there are quite a lot of readers who agree it was the best way to go, and to say I am elated is an understatement. This is the kind of vindication that makes me want to start typing!"
A romping Romance/Fantasy/
Reviewers have said 'A Chip in Time' is "Knockout entertainment. A book that establishes a career in one stroke." It "explores the profundities and absurdities of love, time, technology, and culture, but Mikals never pontificates, and she never loses the plot." Other comments include "this book is written for an adult, female audience. To my utter surprise, I found it a real page-turner. And I am male." "Mikals' approach to social satire is playful and amusing, and I found her brand names particularly funny." And "don't be surprised if you feel a tad giddy afterward."
About JK Mikals. Mikals first published at the age of 14, when her brother purloined a school assignment, sent it to the Readers Digest, and kept the resulting check. When Mikals learned of this some 30 years later, she told him he might as well keep the check. Currently exploring her mind and the tropics with her fierce, 6 inch, Aztec companion, Xochitl, Mikals is known primarily for vocabulary, an enlightened point of view and an unusual sense of humor. Follow her blog at www dot jkmikals dot blogspot dot com or reach her directly at JKMikals at JKMikals dot com.
'A Chip in Time' is available in Kindle Format on Amazon.com and in other eBook formats on Smashwords.com.
About Amazon.com. Amazon.com Kindle Store carries hundreds of thousands of books in Kindle ebook format, as well as Kindle Readers including Kindle for the PC, a free download that allows readers access to the incredible range of Kindle books.
About Smashwords. Founded in 2008, Smashwords operates the world's leading eBook publishing and distribution platform serving authors, publishers, readers and retailers. Smashwords makes it free and easy for the world's authors and publishers to instantly publish and distribute their books as multi-format eBooks. Smashwords puts authors and publishers in full control over the pricing, sampling and distribution of their works. Authors and publishers receive up to 85 percent of the net proceeds from sales of their works. Smashwords has distribution relationships with leading online retailers such as Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sony and Diesel eBooks, and leading mobile e-reading apps including Aldiko, Stanza, Kobo, FBReader and Word-Player, spanning all major mobile platforms including Android, Blackberry and iPhone. Privately held Smashwords is based in Los Gatos, California, and can be reached on the web at http://www.smashwords.com/
Contact: JK Mikals
JKMikals at JKMikals dot com
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text:
This Poem is for 'The BIG Poetry Competition'. So...
Im sorry i was there for you
- by Dark_Thoughts
- Rating:
- Published: 1 Feb 2014
- Updated: 1 Feb 2014
- Status: In Progress
My poem: I'm sorry I was there for you Please comment (også på dansk), it doesn't have to be positive
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