Abstract: A device for speeding the pace of a game of blackjack is provided. The device is comprised of a housing having a top surface. A card reader for reading at least a portion of a playing card is located within the housing. An indicator cooperating with the card reader is provided to inform the dealer if his down card is of a desired value. There is also disclosed herein a method for increasing the speed of play in an organized game of blackjack.
Abstract: An artificial nail tip having a front portion and a back portion is disclosed. The back portion is relatively thinner as compared to the front portion defining an attachment area where the artificial nail tip is attached to a user's natural nail. A substantially "X" shaped cutout is defined in the back portion to provide strength to the artificial nail as well as reducing the chance of cracking or weakening the artificial nail tip during conforming the nail tip to the wearer's natural nail.
Abstract: A business case comprises a front compartment, middle compartment, an expandable rear compartment, a removable portable computer carrying case designed to carry a portable computer, and a suit carrier. The bag member can be dropped into one of two panels located on the front face of the front compartment. The panels additionally allow for easy access to a portable computer and related accessories stored within the carrying case. Alternatively, the carrying case can be closed and stored in the expandable rear compartment when the suit carrier is stored in the front compartment of the case. The middle compartment is sized to hold clothing and travel related items for business trips and is equipped with pouches for smaller items. Furthermore, the middle compartment of the housing may include wheels, handles, and feet for easily moving and balancing the case.
Abstract: An opposing force wrist brace is provided that immobilizes the wrist while permitting full use of the fingers and hand. The brace is preferably a two component brace with a top and bottom member positioned and held in place on the wrist by a suitable clamping means such as a hook and loop cinching strap. The top and bottom members are specially shaped and made of a suitable material such as injection molded or heat formed pliable thermoplastic. The top and bottom members are preferably transparent to allow observation of pressure points when the device is cinched in place.
Abstract: A food processing apparatus for washing, aeration drying, and blending food product. The apparatus comprises a food product container having a mating lid, a mesh basket insert, and a network of tubing having a plurality of spray nozzle apertures for producing a cleansing mist, and drying airstream, directed toward the enclosed food product. The container further includes a fitting for enabling communication between the tubing network and a water source and an air source, and a valved drain outlet. Blender blades are rotatably mounted to the container floor and driven by a motorized base which supports the container during normal operating modes.
Abstract: A neck sunshade which can be readily installed or removed from a conventional baseball cap, having a fabric body to prevent ultraviolet rays from reaching the neck of the user and a stretchable elastic ringlet attached thereto for exterior mounting on the exterior surface of said baseball cap. The device is held firmly in place by the elastic ringlet which can contact the front visor of said baseball cap and fit snugly but comfortably around the remaining portion, holding the fabric shield in place over the back neck of the user.
Abstract: A synthetic habitat device providing for the enhancement of open estuary systems with regard to the survival potential of juvenile fish. The device is an assembly composed of a horizontal member with a plurality of cylindrical downward curving appendages. The device is permanently attached to existing bulkhead structures bordering an aquatic system and is located adjacent to and below the surface of the water at low tide elevation. The device provides substrate for colonization by marine organisms and sanctuary to juvenile fish in various developmental stages. The device is a substitute for indigenous plant structure and substrate which has been diminished or eliminated from a natural estuary system.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for ecologically safely removing silt, muck, and sand from a waterbottom and for collecting the silt, muck, and sand without destroying the benthos therein into porous containers where the then contained mud and silt can be ecologically positioned where desired to enhance subaquatic environments. The apparatus includes a silt and mud collecting and transfer device that has no moving parts, thereby not endangering the benthos in the transfer process.
Abstract: A flexible reach tool or tool accessory for providing a small, hand-held device that can position a tool or tool accessory into a small, normally inaccessible area for performing a mechanical function or for observing a particular area of a device that includes a rigid arm, a flexible positionable arm and a manipulatable tool connected to one end of the flexible arm. The tool may include plier jaws, a screw driver, powered grinding wheel, or accessories such as a mirror and light for illuminated observation.
Abstract: A spring line for a marine vessel for securing the mid portion of a vessel to a pier having a cleat or post that includes a continuous line having first and second free ends and a substantially centrally located loop, wherein the loop is cleated to a single cleat along the midships of the vessel and each free end of the line is sufficiently long enough for cleating to cleats on the pier. The invention eliminates the necessity of two separate spring lines, greatly reducing costs and reducing operator input necessary for securing or unsecuring the vessel. The centrally disposed loop in the line is integrally formed with the entire loop and woven integrally therewith for strength.