Abstract: A method for playing a game has the steps of establishing a plurality of paths, each of which have a plurality of squares including a start square, an end square, and a plurality of value squares. Randomly traversing the paths to afford the possibility of two or more moves to reach the end square. Allowing a player to select one of the paths. Moving along the player selected path randomly, while awarding the player the values associated with squares landed upon. The randomness is by the steps of spinning a spinner, rolling a die or dice, employing a wheel, flipping a coin, or the use of a random number generator. The step of establishing a plurality of paths, each having a plurality of squares includes using a stop square, squares which cause additional movement. The steps of establishing intersecting paths or establishing one or more squares having a game associated with them are practiced. The method is in a casino game and a bonus game for a base game.

Abstract: A self-ligating module for removable attachment to a conventional orthodontic bracket includes a stem removably securable in the vertical slot in the bracket and a clip pivotably secured to the head of the stem. The clip can pivot between an open position in which the archwire slot of the bracket is open to receive an archwire, and a closed position in which the archwire is secured in the archwire slot by the clip. The module allows conventional orthodontic brackets to be selectively modified so as to become self-ligating brackets. The module can be readily removed when the self-ligating feature is not needed.

Abstract: A methods of and apparatus for playing table card games are provided wherein with multi token maximum level betting and displayed rankings of winning hands return enhanced pay out. A pay table matrix listing has the enhanced payments for ranked hands. The method and apparatus uses and has token acceptors and sensors for each player. The sensors are coupled to a count and computer for registering any maximum level bet that receives enhanced return for predetermined winning card combinations. The apparatus and its method, thus allow each player the opportunity to bet multiple tokens before the cards are dealt and to win enhanced amounts of money should specific predetermined card combinations be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for audio/video conferencing. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises using a dynamic threshold value to determine whether there is speech on a line. One aspect, the method comprises determining a dynamic threshold value based on one or more characteristics of signals received on a port, associating that dynamic threshold value with the port; and comparing one or more characteristics of signals subsequently received on the port to the dynamic threshold value. Signals received over a plurality of ports are summed, but for ports whose signal characteristics have a specified relationship to the dynamic threshold value associated with that port, signals are not contained in the sum.

Abstract: Permutation networks based on de Bruijn digraphs exhibit constant control complexity (wide sense non-blocking) and constant control complexity (self-routing). The cost in terms of the cross-points used for such networks is an optimal O(N log N). This non-blocking network uses fast algorithms to control in the Terabit bandwidth while providing for cost-effective switching. The network has expandable (i.e., scalable) architecture, i.e., the network can be built by interconnecting smaller non-blocking networks (e.g., small crossbars).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orthodontic treatment employs a removable orthodontic aligner having a polymeric shell with a plurality of cavities shaped to receive teeth. A number of openings are formed that extend through the shell of the orthodontic aligner into a cavity. An orthodontic aligner auxiliary can then be secured to the opening in the shell of the orthodontic aligner to exert a therapeutic force on a tooth.

Abstract: A method of a house apportionment of a bonus value during bonus casino game play, entry for which occurs during play of an underlying game of chance. A method of house apportionment awards the player a portion of the bonus value for the bonus game and adds the remainder of the bonus value to at least one account available to reward subsequent players such that the bonus value paid by the house is constant and the house advantage is fixed regardless of player proficiency in the bonus casino game. The bonus casino games include knowledge-based playing. The step of awarding in the bonus game is a function of the wager, the frequency that the bonus game occurs, the expected return in the game without the bonus and the expected bonus monitoring pay out value.

Abstract: An intelligent casino chip method. A method for promoting play of a live casino card game during a scheduled time event. A special casino chip is provided to a player in which a promotion is encoded into the transponder found within the casino chip. When this casino chip is placed by the player on the live casino card game, a computer system reads the promotion from the transponder and determines whether the scheduled time event exists in response to reading. If the scheduled time event exists, the player participates in the promotion.

Abstract: A piering device includes a shaft having a polygonal cross-section with a series of notches spaced at intervals along the vertices of the shaft. For example, the shaft can have a square cross-section with rounded corners. The helical plate has a passageway with a cross-section to slide along the shaft when the helical plate is in a first rotational position on the shaft. However, notches within the passageway of the helical plate engage the notches on the shaft when the helical plate is rotated to a second rotational position, thereby preventing the helical plate from sliding along the shaft. A key is inserted between the shaft and helical plate to hold the helical plate in the second rotational position and thereby fix the axial position of the helical plate on the shaft.

Abstract: A safety device for a winch for minimizing line whipping when the line improperly releases. A weight is coupled to the line at a selected region on the line when the line is extended from the winch to winch an object. When the extended line suddenly releases the weight provides a weighted pivot for the released cable. The safety method provides coupling a weight to the line and, locking the weight at a selected region of the line when the line is extended from the winch for winching. When the extended line suddenly releases the locked weight provides a weighted pivot for the released cable.

Abstract: A portable bandsaw has a bandsaw blade extending around a plurality of transport wheels driven by a motor. The frame of the bandsaw supports these components such that the center of gravity of the bandsaw coincides with the cutting edge of the bandsaw.

Abstract: The invention is a piece of firefighting equipment called a piercing nozzle. The piercing nozzle comprises a hollow tube connected to a hose and adapted for conveying water or other fire suppressant fluid near a pointed head adapted to penetrate a barrier and to release the water or fire suppressant fluid in an adjoining room. The pointed head contains a plurality of holes angled in various directions so as to spray the fire suppressant fluid over a wide area in the adjoining room so as to protect firefighters from flames or superheated air when they enter the adjoining room. The pointed head may be shaped like a cone attached to which is a plurality of sharp blades designed to facilitate penetration of the barrier. Attached to the hollow tube is a sliding weight with handles used for pounding the pointed head through the barrier.