1. An RF transformer for supplying power as part of a tank circuit, comprising:
a primary side, having at least one main winding and at least one shorting winding, the at least one main winding being configured to receive an RF input;
a secondary side, having a first winding inductively coupled to the at least one main winding of the primary side and a second winding inductively coupled to the at least one shorting winding of the primary side; and
a switching arrangement, adjustable between a first state in which the at least one shorting winding of the primary side is shorted and a second state in which the at least one shorting winding of the primary side is not shorted, such that the resonant frequency of the tank circuit is changed by adjusting between the first and second states.
2. The RF transformer of claim 1, wherein the first winding of the secondary side and the second winding of the secondary side are connected in series.
3. The RF transformer of claim 1, wherein the at least one shorting windings of the primary side are galvanically isolated from the at least one main winding of the secondary side.
4. The RF transformer of claim 1, wherein one of the at least one main windings of the primary side is inductively coupled to the second winding of the secondary side.
5. The RF transformer of claim 1, further comprising:
at least one core, the at least one main winding and at least one shorting winding of the primary side being inductively coupled to the first winding and the second winding of the secondary side via the at least one core.
6. The RF transformer of claim 5, wherein the at least one core comprises a first core, at least one main winding of the primary side and the first winding of the secondary side being inductively coupled via the first core.
7. The RF transformer of claim 6, wherein the at least one core further comprises a second core, at least one shorting winding of the primary side and the second winding of the secondary side being inductively coupled via the second core.
8. The RF transformer of claim 7, wherein the at least one main winding of the primary side comprises a first main winding and a further main winding, the first main winding and the further main winding being connected in series and wherein the first winding of the secondary side is connected in series with the second winding of the secondary side.
9. The RF transformer of claim 8, further comprising a DC offset voltage input located between the first winding and the second winding on the secondary side.
10. The RF transformer of claim 7, wherein a first main winding of the primary side and the first winding of the secondary side are inductively coupled via the first core and wherein the at least one core further comprises a third core, a second main winding of the primary side and a third winding of the secondary side being inductively coupled via the third core.
11. The RF transformer of claim 10, wherein a first shorting winding of the primary side and the second winding of the secondary side are inductively coupled via the second core and wherein the at least one core further comprises a fourth core, a second shorting winding of the primary side and a fourth winding of the secondary side being inductively coupled via the fourth core.
12. The RF transformer of claim 10, wherein the second and fourth windings of the secondary side are directly electrically connected in series.
13. The RF transformer of claim 12, wherein the first winding of the secondary side is connected in series with the second and fourth windings of the secondary side on one side and wherein the third winding of the secondary side is connected in series with the second and fourth windings of the secondary side on the other side.
14. The RF transformer of claim 13, further comprising a DC offset voltage input located between the second and fourth windings on the secondary side.
15. The RF transformer of claim 7, wherein the at least one main winding of the primary side comprises a further main winding and wherein the further main winding of the primary side and the second winding of the secondary side are inductively coupled via the second core.
16. The RF transformer of claim 7, wherein a first main winding of the primary side and the first winding of the secondary side are inductively coupled via the first core and wherein the at least one core further comprises a third core, a second main winding of the primary side and a third winding of the secondary side being inductively coupled via the third core, and wherein a first shorting winding of the primary side and the second winding of the secondary side are inductively coupled via the second core and wherein the at least one core further comprises a fourth core, a second shorting winding of the primary side and a fourth winding of the secondary side being inductively coupled via the fourth core, and further wherein the at least one main winding of the primary side comprises an additional main winding and wherein the additional main winding of the primary side and the fourth winding of the secondary side are inductively coupled via the fourth core.
17. The RF transformer of claim 5, wherein each core of the at least one core is a magnetic core.
18. The RF transformer of claim 17, wherein each core of the at least one core comprises a stacked arrangement of magnetic core components.
19. The RF transformer of claim 17, wherein each core of the at least one core comprises at least one magnetic coupling closed core component mounted on a metal tube having a hollow centre.
20. The RF transformer of claim 19, wherein the at least one main winding of the primary side comprises a wire passing through the hollow centre of each metal tube of the at least one core.
21. The RF transformer of claim 19, wherein the first and second windings of the secondary side comprise a wire passing through the hollow centre of each metal tube of the at least one core.
22. The RF transformer of claim 21, wherein the at least one core comprises first and second cores and wherein the first and second windings of the secondary side comprise a wire wound through the hollow centres of the metal tubes of the first and second cores.
23. The RF transformer of claim 22, wherein a first shorting winding of the primary side comprises the metal tube of the second core.
24. The RF transformer of claim 23, wherein the metal tube of the second core has two ends, the switching arrangement being coupled between the two ends of the metal tube of the second core.
25. The RF transformer of claim 21, wherein the at least one core further comprises third and fourth cores and wherein a third winding of the secondary side and fourth winding of the secondary side comprise a wire wound through the hollow centres of the metal tubes of the third and fourth cores.
26. The RF transformer of claim 25, wherein a first shorting winding of the primary side and a second shorting winding of the primary side comprise the metal tubes of the second and fourth cores and a series connection between a first end of the metal tube of the second core and a first end of the metal tube of the fourth core.
27. The RF transformer of claim 26, wherein the switching arrangement is coupled between a second end of the metal tube of the second core and a second end of the metal tube of the fourth core.
28. The RF transformer of claim 1, wherein the switching arrangement comprises at least one semiconductor switch.
29. The RF transformer of claim 28, wherein the switching arrangement comprises first and second semiconductor switches connected in anti-series.
30. The RF transformer of claim 29, wherein a point between the two semiconductor switches is coupled to ground or an output of a power supply providing a DC reference voltage.
31. A power supply for providing a potential to an ion optical device, comprising:
an RF transformer for supplying power as part of a tank circuit, the RF transformer including:
a primary side, having at least one main winding and at least one shorting winding, the at least one main winding being configured to receive an RF input;
a secondary side, having a first winding inductively coupled to the at least one main winding of the primary side and a second winding inductively coupled to the at least one shorting winding of the primary side; and
a switching arrangement, adjustable between a first state in which the at least one shorting winding of the primary side is shorted and a second state in which the at least one shorting winding of the primary side is not shorted, such that the resonant frequency of the tank circuit is changed by adjusting between the first and second states;
wherein the resonant frequency of the tank circuit is defined by the effective inductance of secondary side of the RF transformer.
32. The power supply of claim 31, wherein the secondary side of the RF transformer provides the potential to the ion optical device such that the resonant frequency of the tank circuit is further defined by an effective self-capacitance at the input of the ion optical device to which the potential is supplied.
33. A method of operating an RF transformer to supply power as part of a tank circuit, wherein the RF transformer comprises: a primary side, having at least one main winding and at least one shorting winding; and a secondary side, having a first winding inductively coupled to the at least one main winding of the primary side and a second winding inductively coupled to the at least one shorting winding of the primary side, the method comprising:
switching between a first state in which the at least one shorting winding of the primary side is shorted and a second state in which the at least one shorting winding of the primary side is not shorted, the resonant frequency of the tank circuit being changed by adjusting between the first and second states;
receiving an RF input at the at least one main winding of the primary side of the RF transformer; and
providing an RF output at the secondary side of the RF transformer.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines comprising:
a base game playable on each said linked gaming machine;
a bonus game playable on each said linked gaming machine;
a wager input mechanism;
a controller for operatively engaging at least one of said linked gaming machines to interactively play said bonus game with at least two participants;
a player interface mechanism providing input from each player participating in said interactive play, said input affecting said interactive play of said bonus game for all said participating players to a bonus game conclusion; and
calculating a payout, if any, for each said participating player.
2. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said base game is a mechanical reel slot machine.
3. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said base game is a video slot machine.
4. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said base game is a video poker machine.
5. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said base game is a horse race.
6. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said interactive play is simultaneous play by each said participating player of said bonus game, and each player participant is a different human being.
7. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said interactive play is alternate play by each said participating player of said bonus game.
8. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said input by each said participating player requires skill that affects said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game.
9. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said input by each said participating player affects said payout, if any, for each said participating player.
10. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said payout includes a bonus game payout which is redistributed based on said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game.
11. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein each said player qualifies to participate in said interactive play of said bonus game.
12. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 11 wherein each said player qualification occurs at different times to participate in said interactive play of said bonus game.
13. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 11 wherein said bonus game commences subsequent to at least one player qualifying to participate.
14. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said bonus game commences at random.
15. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein a non-participating player on a linked gaming machine can provide an additional wager input related to the possible outcome of said interactive play of said bonus game, with calculation of a further bonus game payout, if any, for such non-participating player.
16. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 10 wherein said bonus game payout is directly related to said wager input of each said participating player.
17. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 16 wherein said bonus game payout is different for each said participating player.
18. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein each said participating player can input an additional wager on said bonus game conclusion before play of said bonus game.
19. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein each said participating player is a different person with a separate player interface mechanism.
20. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 19 wherein said bonus game conclusion yields a different result for each said participating player, and each participating player can wager on said bonus game result of another of said participating players before play of said bonus game.
21. A method for operating a community bonus game, comprising the steps of:
entering a wager;
providing a plurality of gaming machines and a central computer;
electronically linking said gaming machines and said central computer;
playing a base game, wherein said base game provides participation in a community bonus game;
initiating said community bonus game under a predefined circumstance;
executing said community bonus game with said plurality of gaming machines participating interactively in said community bonus game wherein interactivity of each participant can independently affect an outcome in said community bonus game; and
presenting an award based at least in part on said outcome in said community bonus game.
22. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein participating interactively is simultaneous play by each said participant of said community bonus game.
23. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein participating interactivity is alternate play by each said participating player of said community bonus game.
24. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein participating interactivity requires skill.
25. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein participating interactivity affects a different result from said outcome for each participant in said community bonus game.
26. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 25 wherein said award includes a bonus game pot to be redistributed based on the amount of the wagers of said participants and said outcome in said community bonus game.
27. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein awarding participation in said community bonus game occurs at different times during said base game.
28. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein initiating said community bonus game occurs subsequent to at least one awarded participation in said community bonus game.
29. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein initiating said community bonus game occurs upon a random event.
30. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein an additional wager is entered for participation in said community bonus game.
31. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein an additional wager may be entered by a participant in said bonus game which is then used in determining an award for said participant making said additional wager.
32. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein said award is different for each said participant.
33. A method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines, comprising the steps of:
entering a wager by a participating player;
providing a set of a plurality of game elements for a game, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least first and second players;
alternately playing said interactive game by said at least two players;
said first player and said second player selecting from a set of letters known to said players before player selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements;
calculating an award based on said game element letters revealed in said set of game elements; and
presenting said award to said at least one player.
34. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 33 wherein said players receiving a point for each game element revealed.
35. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 33 wherein said letters for selection are each in said at least one word hidden from view.
36. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 33 wherein said letters of game elements present in said at least one word hidden from view are worth a predetermined value.
37. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 33 further comprising solving said set of game elements to a conclusion by revealing said at least one word.
38. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 37 wherein solving said at least one word occurs prior to all said game element letters being revealed.
39. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 33 further comprising spinning a wheel construct populated with a plurality of predetermined award indicia to a point where said wheel construct stops upon an award indicium.
40. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 33 wherein said award is calculated by multiplying a total value received by a player for each game element letter revealed by said player with said award indicium for a payout.
41. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 33 further comprising providing said players with a choice of only letters in said at least one word.
42. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 33 further comprising the ability for a player to enter an additional wager during play of said game.
43. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 33 wherein one of said players is a computer.
44. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 33 wherein each player who is a human being receives a payout.
45. A system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming stations comprising:
a wager registration for each player;
at least a first player and a second player participating on separate gaming stations;
an interactive game including a plurality of scoring conditions;
a mechanism for registering each player’s input in the course of play of said game;
said first player and said second player playing said interactive game to compete for an award, wherein an allocation of said scoring conditions to a respective player can be affected by another player’s input; and
said award, at a game conclusion based at least in part upon said allocation.
46. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming stations of claim 45 wherein said scoring conditions remaining available change as each player’s input is registered in said course of play of said game.
47. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 45 wherein one of said first player and said second player may be a computer.
48. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 45 wherein said interactive game includes simultaneous play by said first player and said second player.
49. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 45 wherein said interactive game includes alternate play by said first player and said second player.
50. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 45 wherein said interactive game includes a successful player input which can result in continued play by said successful player until an unsuccessful player input by said successful player, which turns play over to another player.
51. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 45 wherein said play by each said player requires skill that affects said award presented to each said players at said game conclusion.
52. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 45 wherein said system further includes a base game which is independent of said interactive game, and said interactive game is a bonus game to said base game.
53. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 45 wherein said interactive game has a game matrix with initially hidden letters comprising one or more words, a player selecting a letter which if matched in said matrix reveals said matched letter.
54. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 53 wherein a value is awarded a player for each successfully matched letter.
55. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 54 wherein said award for a player is determined at least in part by a total of that player’s awarded value.
56. A system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines comprising:
a base game playable on each said linked gaming machine;
a bonus game playable on each said linked gaming machine;
a wager input mechanism;
a controller for operatively engaging at least one of said linked gaming machines to interactively play said bonus game by at least two human participants;
a player interface mechanism providing input from each human participant in said interactive play, said input affecting said interactive play of said bonus game for all said participating players to a bonus game conclusion; and
calculating a payout, if any, for each said human participant.
57. A system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines comprising:
a wager input mechanism;
a base game playable on each said linked gaming machine;
a bonus game interactively playable on each said linked gaming machine;
a qualification by at least two players to play said bonus game, wherein each said player qualification may occur at different times to participate in said interactive play of said bonus game and said bonus game only commences when at least one said qualification has occurred;
a controller for operatively engaging at least one of said linked gaming machines to interactively play said bonus game by said at least two qualified players;
a player interface mechanism providing input from each player participating in said interactive play; and
calculating a payout, if any, for each said participating player.
58. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 57 wherein said input from each player participating in said interactive play affects said interactive play of said bonus game for all said participating players to a bonus game conclusion.
59. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 57 wherein said interactive play is simultaneous play by each said participating player of said bonus game, and each player participant is a different human being.
60. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 57 wherein said interactive play is alternate play by each said participating player of said bonus game.
61. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 57 wherein said input by each said participating player requires skill that affects said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game.
62. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 57 wherein said input by each said participating player affects said payout, if any, for each said participating player.
63. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 62 wherein said payout includes a bonus game payout which is redistributed based on said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game.
64. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 57 wherein a non-participating player on a linked gaming machine can provide an additional wager input related to the possible outcome of said interactive play of said bonus game, with calculation of a further bonus game payout, if any, for such non-participating player.
65. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 57 wherein said bonus game payout is different for each said participating player.
66. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 58 wherein each said participating player can input an additional wager on said bonus game conclusion before play of said bonus game.
67. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 57 wherein each said participating player is a different person with a separate player interface mechanism.
68. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 58 wherein said bonus game conclusion yields a different result for each said participating player, and each participating player can wager on said bonus game result of another of said participating players before play of said bonus game.
69. A method for operating a community bonus game, comprising the steps of:
entering a wager;
providing a plurality of gaming machines and a central computer;
electronically linking said gaming machines and said central computer;
playing a base game, wherein said base game provides participation in a community bonus game;
executing said community bonus game with said plurality of gaming machines participating interactively in said community bonus game to an outcome; and
presenting an award based at least in part on said outcome in said community bonus game, said award includes a bonus game pot to be redistributed based on the amount of the wagers and said outcome in said community bonus game.
70. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein said participating interactively affects said outcome of said community bonus game for all said participating players.
71. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein participating interactivity affects a different result from said outcome for each said participating players in said community bonus game.
72. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein said participating interactively is simultaneous play by each said participant of said community bonus game.
73. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein said participating interactivity is alternate play by each said participating player of said community bonus game.
74. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein said participating interactivity requires skill.
75. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein providing participation in said community bonus game occurs at different times during said base game.
76. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein executing said community bonus game occurs subsequent to at least one awarded participation in said community bonus game.
77. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein executing said community bonus game occurs upon a random event.
78. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein an additional wager is entered for participation in said community bonus game.
79. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein an additional wager may be entered by a participant in said bonus game which is then used in determining said award for said participant making said additional wager.
80. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein said award is different for each said participant.
81. A system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines comprising:
a wager input mechanism;
a base game playable on each said linked gaming machine;
a bonus game interactively playable on each said linked gaming machine;
a controller for operatively engaging at least one of said linked gaming machines to interactively play said bonus game with at least two players;
a player interface mechanism providing input from each player participating in said interactive play, wherein said input by each said participating player requires skill that affects said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game; and
calculating a payout, if any, for each said participating player.
82. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 81 wherein said interactive play is simultaneous play by each said participating player of said bonus game.
83. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 81 wherein said interactive play is alternate play by each said participating player of said bonus game.
84. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 81 wherein said input by each said participating player affects said payout, if any, for each said participating player.
85. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 81 wherein said payout includes a bonus game payout which is redistributed based on said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game.
86. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 81 wherein a non-participating player on a linked gaming machine can provide an additional wager input related to the possible outcome of said interactive play of said bonus game, with calculation of a further bonus game payout, if any, for such non-participating player.
87. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 81 wherein said bonus game payout is different for each said participating player.
88. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 81 wherein each said participating player can input an additional wager on said bonus game before play of said bonus game.
89. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 81 wherein each said participating player is a different person with a separate player interface mechanism.
90. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 81 wherein said bonus game yields a different result for each said participating player, and each participating player can wager on said bonus game result of another of said participating players before play of said bonus game.
91. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 39 wherein said wheel construct is generated electronically on a display.
92. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 39 wherein said wheel construct is a mechanical device which physically spins on an axis.
93. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said bonus game has a set of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least two participants, and said participants select from a set of letters known to said participants before player selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.
94. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 21 wherein said participating interactivity of said community bonus game includes a set of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view, and a selection from a set of letters, wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.
95. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming stations of claim 45 wherein said interactive game provides a set of a plurality of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least first and second players, and said first player and said second player selecting from a set of letters known to said players before player selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.
96. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 56 wherein said interactive play of said bonus game includes a set of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least two human participants, and said human participants selecting from a set of letters known to said human participants before participant selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.
97. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 57 wherein said bonus game has a set of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least two qualified players, and said players select from a set of letters known to said players before selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.
98. The method for operating a community bonus game of claim 69 wherein said community bonus game includes a set of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view, and a selection from a set of letters, wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.
99. The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of claim 81 wherein said interactive game provides a set of a plurality of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least two players, and said players select from a set of letters known to said players before player selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.