Abstract: A differential receiver having a pair of cross-coupled signal conditioning devices improves transition time and data signal integrity. In an embodiment, the differential receiver includes two signal input nodes and a plurality of transistors, and two signal output nodes. The pair of cross-coupled signal conditioning devices are coupled to the transistors and function to reduce voltage swing between the two output nodes, thereby keeping the transistors in a saturation region.

Abstract: A method of playing a betting game using a special payoff table is utilized. Winning a round of play entitles players to the predetermined payoff. The payoff tables are carefully constructed to accommodate enhanced payoffs. Players are offered jackpots for winning consecutive rounds of play in games that previously did not offered it. Special bonuses are offered for arrangements specific to the particular game, thus interest of the desired outcomes is broaden. Players that won at least one round of play but then lose, trying to obtain number of consecutive wins that would qualify them for a jackpot, still receive a reward. The house edge changes from round to round, and favors players continuing betting after their wins. This method of playing can be used as the main betting system or as a side bet.

Abstract: A gun sight system includes a front sight and a rear sight providing high shot accuracy and immediate target acquisition. Each sight having light-gathering means functions dependently defining a highly visible aiming point. An elongated light-gathering plastic rod retained on a front sight base member includes a triangular viewing surface. An oval-shaped light-gathering plastic rod, retained within a rear sight housing, includes two triangular shaped viewing surfaces disposed in a V-shaped void of the housing. From a user's perspective three lighted triangular shaped viewing ends of the light-gathering means define an aiming point and provide immediate target acquisition.

Abstract: A pachinko-style game wherein one or more game pieces are invisibly directed to traverse a predetermined winning or non-winning path. Unlike traditional random pachinko games, the present invention only appears to be random. By strategically subjecting a magnetic game piece to magnetic forces, the game piece can be controlled such that a prize award is known prior to releasing the game piece into a field of game barriers. Translatable magnets adjacent an underside of a game surface allow an unlimited number of paths to be created by raising and lowering alternate magnets in different combinations. In the manner described, the results of the present invention may be regulated and therefore placed into casino environments.

Abstract: A customizable ASIC routing architecture is provided. The architecture utilizes the uppermost metal layers of an ASIC composed of an array of function blocks for routing among function blocks while lower layers are used for local interconnections within the function blocks. The second-to-uppermost metal layer is fixed and generally includes a plurality of parallel segmented conductors extending in a first direction. The uppermost metal layer is customizable in a predesignated manner. Metal in the uppermost metal layer is selectively placed in tracks, which are substantially perpendicular to the segmented conductors in the layer below. Vias are provided between the two uppermost layers. One embodiment of the invention permits one-mask customization of an ASIC. Other embodiments allow a determination to be made of the ideal number of custom mask steps, taking into consideration performance, cost, time, and routability.

Abstract: A system for testing an integrated circuit, and particularly a gate array, is disclosed which includes, prior to coupling the array to form a user-designed circuit, predesigned logic that enables testing of the user-designed circuit. The predesigned logic allows logic blocks in the array to operate in “freeze” mode or to operate in normal mode, where normal mode is defined by the user-designed circuit. When the logic blocks are selected to be frozen, the logic blocks behave as a series of daisy-chained master-slave flip-flops. In normal mode, a logic block can implement combinational, sequential, or other functions and still later be as a master-slave flip-flop. Moreover, each logic block is further equipped for addressable mode control, allowing selected logic blocks to be exercised in isolation once stimulus data is shifted in, simplifying test generation and improving fault coverage.

Abstract: A perpetual calendar device as set forth which continually maintains a display of the present month and day as well as the minimum birth year for an individual who is entitled to purchase alcohol or tobacco products. The displays of the birth year information can be switched back and forth between the alcohol birth year display and the tobacco birth year display as desired to prevent confusion by the clerk. The displays are identified. The device is adapted for use by store clerks and the like to check to determine whether an individual wishing to purchase these products has attained the minimum age required.

Abstract: A game of reasoning having a triangular game board is disclosed. Players are given a pre-defined time limit to respond to questions based on scenarios likely to be encountered by the game's preferred teenage players. Thereafter, a secondary point of view choice must be made. Points and penalties correspond to the selected responses. By correctly responding, players advance from a base of the game board to a zenith thereof. Once all players of a participating team reach the zenith, that team is declared the winner. Responses to questions are input by means of a game pad. The game board is formed of independent blocks stacked in a triangular shape divided into two sides. Each block includes at least one viewable face sectioned into equal parts corresponding to the number of team players. The sections include means of unique color illumination such that the progress of each player can be monitored.

Abstract: A method of placing photographs, pictures, or lithographs on fingernails. The nail is measured, the picture is scanned into a computer, resized to fit the selected nail size and the image is printed. A substrate is applied to the film side of the printed paper sealing the ink and providing a colored backing. Then, a second coating is added which shields the image from damage during processing. The film is separated from the paper backing. A sealant is applied to the film on the opposite side of the image, followed by a covering that guards against wear when the picture is placed on the user's nail. The image is then punched out and an adhesive is applied to the original (printed) side. Finally, the product's adhesive side is applied to the fingernail, followed by at least one coat of clear nail polish that further secures the image to the nail.

Abstract: A computer-based customer tracking system uses a passive biometric identification for identifying customers. Neither the customer, nor any establishment personnel, are required to enter any informational data with respect to the customer; identification is done completely biometrically. Biometric identification information is sent to a central computer processor, which searches files in a library for matching biometric data. If no match is found, the processor opens a new file in the library, assigning a code or identification number to the file. Information with respect to the customer's biometric data, along with any transactional information, are stored in the file. If prior activity information stored in the file exceeds a predetermined level, information with respect to the customer's prior activity is retrieved from the file and sent to a terminal, preferably at the location of the transaction. Any new information from the transaction is then sent to the processor and stored for future access.

Abstract: A modified game of cribbage is played by betting the point score of each hand against a predetermined table of betting odds. In this form the game may be played in a casino setting, on a table provided with designated areas for the placement of bets by each player, the placement of the dealt cards to each betting player and the placement of the cards dealt into the crib. The table top may further include imprints of the payout table along with the display of selected rules of the game.

Abstract: A portable support assembly includes a central generally elongated panel piece flanked at both sides by lateral panel pieces which extend adjacent a portion of the central piece. Both the central piece and the two flanking pieces include a transverse slot for receiving an insert extending across the panel assembly. The lower common surfaces of the panels are slotted with three recesses, the first extending longitudinally from the front into the central piece and the other two aligned diagonally towards each other from the rear corners of the lateral pieces and into the central piece. Legs are then inserted into each recess to provide the support for the assembly and also to interlock the flanking pieces together to the center piece. One leg includes a mount for an adjustable front firearm support while a shaped transverse recess in the center piece receives a slide deploying an adjustable rear firearm support.

Abstract: In a variation of Blackjack, a player may make a side bet on a dealer's face up card having a point value of ten and a plurality of side bets relating to a player's first two dealt cards.

Abstract: A guide assembly useful in restraining the vertical writing excursions of those with impaired muscular control includes a generally orthogonal frame supporting one or more stretched elastic bands spaced adjacent the horizontal leg of the frame. The vertical leg is then used for alignment along the edge of the writing surface.

Abstract: A wagering system is provided in which the payment on either side of a “neutral” bet, or center point, increases as the amount of win or loss diverges from the center point. The system is particularly applicable to bets placed in legalized bookmaking establishments, which set a line for sports betting and permit bettors to wager on either side of the line. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of win or loss increases arithmetically with the departure of the final result from the center point. The system also includes the potential for placing caps (maximums) on the win/loss multiples, and providing cushions (i.e., deviations proximate to the center point) before which the increased wins and/or losses commence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing clearances in the edges of a denture to accommodate the adjacent anatomical landmarks utilizes a molding compound dispenser in which a sufficient quantity of molding compound to cover the edges of an impression tray is maintained in a limited temperature range above melting temperature. The dispenser may be provided with heat exchange surfaces that can be selectively covered by the practitioner's hand to control the amount of heat loss to the surroundings. Manual pressure may be used to deposit the compound onto the edges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a plate nut into the interior of a closed cavity through one enlarged opening includes an annular insert that is used to fill the enlarged opening once the plate nut is inserted. Once in place the plate nut may be held in position through the other openings while the insert is fitted and compressed by threaded engagement. The plate nut body may be shaped in various forms to fit various structural spaces in each instance insertable through the opening that is later covered by the insert. A hinged tool threadably engaged to the plate nut may be utilized in the course of the installation and thereafter removed.