Abstract: Apparatus for preventing card-counting in blackjack games includes one or more shields on a playing table which obstruct each player's view of at least one other player's cards, without obstructing each player's view of the dealer's cards or the dealer's view of any of the cards. One or more shields may be used. They may be fixed to the table, or they may be portable so that the dealer may move them during the game if he or she wishes. Portable shields may be supported by legs, or may be inserted in grooves in the table. Each shield is a thin sheet of opaque material which stands generally vertical with respect to the table. The plane defined by the shield generally passes through the dealer's line of sight so that the dealer's view of the players' cards, and each player's view of the dealer's cards, is not obstructed. However, each player's view of at least one other player's cards is obstructed so that none of the players may count cards.

Abstract: A commutator puller for electric motors, alternators, generators and the like has teeth means which hold the commutator while a plunger separates the armature from the commutator. Wire windings soldered to contacts on the commutator may be simultaneously loosened by dipping the commutator, including the winding connections, in a solder bath. While the solder is still molten, the armature is placed in the commutator puller. Power means push the plunger toward the armature. As the plunger moves, a spring associated with the plunger pushes an actuator into a plurality of teeth, forcing the teeth against the commutator to hold it firmly in place. As the plunger continues to move, it pushes the armature away from the commutator. Thus, the commutator contacts are disconnected from the armature windings before the solder hardens. When the power means are disabled, the plunger returns to its original position, relaxing the spring.