Abstract: An interactive gaming process and system. The system comprises a plurality of gaming machines to be played by plurality of players. The system can be configured such that the gaming machines are either located in a casino or at internet locations. Each gaming machine comprises a wagering game and a theme game, respectively. The wagering game has features that correspond to the theme game wherein the results of the wagering game influence the results of the theme game as the wagering game is being played. The system also includes a controller for electronically linking the gaming machines and providing stimuli to the gaming machines so as to effect gaming machine outputs that are impartial and random. In one embodiment, the plurality of players play the wagering game as a group wherein if one player's theme game results meet predetermined criteria, that particular player will play for the group. The group will then have the opportunity to split a jackpot.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow and measuring the pressure of fluids comprising at least one fluid inlet portion adapted for fluid connection to a fluid source, at least one fluid outlet portion fluidly connected to the fluid inlet portion, a first device for controlling the flow and measuring the pressure of fluid flowing into the fluid inlet portion, and a second device for controlling the flow and measuring the pressure of fluid flowing through the fluid outlet portion.

Abstract: An adaptive noise rejection method and apparatus. An information signal having an information component and a repetitive noise component having a varying characteristic frequency is delayed the information signal by a reference delay time that is equal that is equal to a predetermined number of periods of the characteristic frequency to form a delayed information signal. The delayed information signal is subtracted from the information signal to form a processed information signal in which the information component is substantial and the noise component is negligible. The amplitude of the noise component of the processed information signal is constantly monitored. The delay of the information signal is varied as the characteristic frequency of the noise component changes so as to maintain the amplitude of the noise component of the processed information signal at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A heat insulating and fire resistant container for storing and protecting a life line, comprising (a) a bottom section fabricated from heat insulating, fire resistant material, (b) a continuous wall section fabricated heat insulating, fire resistant material and having a first end and a second end, the bottom section being attached to the first end of the wall section, the wall section having an interior side and an exterior side, the bottom section and wall section cooperating to define an interior compartment for receiving a life line, (c) means for securing one end of the life line to the container; and (d) closure means for closing the interior compartment.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game. A standard deck of playing cards is used wherein a particular card having a particular value is designated as a dual purpose card that functions as a wild card when face down and a killer card when face up. Each player placing a first predetermined wager and the dealer deals a predetermined number of cards to himself and to each player. At least one of the cards dealt to each player being face down and the card dealt to the dealer being face down. Each player decides whether to stay with the first predetermined wager or place a second predetermined bet that is larger than the first predetermined bet. The dealer deals an additional card to himself and to each player wherein the additional card to each player is face up and the additional cards dealt to the dealer are face down. Next, it is determined if any of the players' face up cards is a killer card. Any player with a killer card must surrender his or her bets and withdraw from play. These steps are repeated.

Abstract: A wiper for use in a system for monitoring fluid level in a fluid storage container. The wiper has a body portion, a first lengthwise end, a second lengthwise end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a width and a pair of resilient contact members electrically connected to one another. Each contact member extends from a corresponding side of the body portion. The wiper also has a guide portion attached to the first lengthwise end. The guide portion has a width larger than the width of the body portion. The wiper includes a recess formed in each side of the body portion for receiving a corresponding resilient contact member thereby allowing the resilient contact members to be compressed so as to be substantially flush with the body portion. In one embodiment, the recesses extend through the guide portion. In one embodiment. the wiper includes an electrically conductive member that has a portion thereof that is embedded in the body portion.

Abstract: A multi-task golf tool comprising a body portion and a stem portion attached to the body portion. The body portion has a channel extending therethrough and which is sized for receiving a portion of a golf club. The body portion further includes a pair of walls wherein each wall is on a respective side of the channel and has a distal end. Each wall has a cut-out in the distal end thereof which is sized for receiving a portion of a smoking article. Each of the cut-outs has a perimetrical edge. The cut-outs are positioned directly opposite one another such that when a portion of a golf club is positioned within the channel and a smoking article is positioned within the cut-outs, the smoking article is transverse to the golf club. The stem portion has a distal end having a plurality of tines attached thereto. The golf tool further comprises a resilient member that has a first end attached to the perimetrical edge and is expandable within one of the cut-outs.

Abstract: A muscle strengthening apparatus comprising a substantially arch-shaped member having a first end and a second end, the arched-shaped member having a predetermined degree of resiliency, an ankle contact member having a pair of ankle contact portions for contacting the ankles of a user, the ankle contact member being attached to the arch-shaped member adjacent to the first end, and a buttocks contact member for contacting the buttocks of the user, the buttocks contact member being attached to the arch-shaped member adjacent the second end.

Abstract: The combination of an emergency brake system comprising a brake and an elongate hand lever that is vertically movable to a first position to engage the brake and to a second position to release the brake, and an extension handle attached to and angulated with respect to the elongate hand lever of the emergency brake system. The extension handle enables a driver of the vehicle to release or engage the brake without (i) diverting his or her line of vision below the vehicle windshield, and (ii) sustaining muscular or bodily strain.

Abstract: A method and system for visually coding a musical composition to indicate musical concepts defined by the musical notation and the level of difficulty of the musical concepts. First, a set of musical concepts is defined. Next, a musical composition is provided. The composition has a plurality of measures that comprise musical notation that defines at least one musical concept. The musical concept has a level of difficulty. The measures are evaluated to determine the musical concepts that are define by the musical notation. The musical notation is then visually coded with indicia of a first indicia set to indicate a particular musical concept that is defined by the musical notation. In a preferred embodiment, each musical concept is evaluated to determine the level of difficulty of that concept. The musical notation pertaining to that concept is further visually coded to indicate the level of difficulty of that concept.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an electrical bond between a conductor and an electrical connector contact. The apparatus generally comprises a power source and a weld head. The power source has a first polarity output and a second polarity output. The weld head has an input for connection to the first polarity output of the power source. The apparatus includes a first electrode electrically connected to the weld head input. The apparatus further includes a second electrode electrically connected to the second polarity output of the power source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting transfer of fluid from any one of a plurality of fluid sources to single fluid outlet. The apparatus comprises a valve head having (i) a bore longitudinally extending therethrough, (ii) a plurality of radially extending fluid channels, each channel having an inlet in fluid communication with a corresponding fluid source and an outlet in communication with the bore, and (iii) a valve head fluid outlet in communication with the bore, a valve stem movably disposed within the bore of the valve head, the valve stem having an axially extending fluid channel that has a fluid outlet in communication with the valve head fluid outlet and a fluid inlet, and a valve control system for effecting rotation and axial displacement of the valve stem so as to effect or terminate fluid communication between the valve stem fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of any one of the radially extending fluid channels.

Abstract: A cap comprising a crown and a visor attached to the crown. The visor has a pair of visor portions that are non-symmetrical in size and which define a generally arcuate edge portion. Each visor portion is positioned on a respective side of a reference line that bisects the arcuate edge portion.

Abstract: A cabinet drawer comprising a drawer and a pair of drawer outer slides. The drawer has a front wall, back wall, opposite sidewalls, and a drawer bottom. Each sidewall has an interior side facing the drawer bottom and an exterior side. Each exterior side has a plurality of engagement regions thereon. Each drawer outer slide is removably attached to the exterior side of a corresponding sidewall. Each slide has a plurality of complementary engagement regions. Each complementary engagement region is configured for engagement with a corresponding engagement region on the exterior side of a corresponding sidewall.

Abstract: A muscle strengthening apparatus comprising a first elongate member, a second elongate member, a feet securing member and a support member. The first and second elongate members have a pair of end portions. The feet securing member secures the feet of a user and is attached to an end of the first elongate member. The other end of the first elongate member has an engagement portion. The second elongate member is slidably engaged with the first elongate member. The axes of the first and second elongate members are substantially coaxial and the movement of the first and second elongate members is substantially linear. The apparatus further comprises a system for exerting a force on the first and second elongate members so as to urge the first and second elongate members in opposite directions. The support member is configured to contact the buttocks of the user and is attached to the other end of the second elongate portion.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrical bond between a contact element of an electrical connector and a conductor, the contact element having a portion that is bifurcated such that the conductor is positioned between the furcations, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a system comprising a power source and a weld head, the weld head having a first input and a second input for connection to a first polarity output and a second polarity output, respectively, of the power source, the system further including first and second electrodes movably attached to the weld head and electrically connected to the first and second inputs, respectively, (b) positioning the electrodes on the weld head to create a space between the electrodes that is sized for receiving both furcations of each contact element, (c) moving the weld head toward the furcations to effect contact between the first electrode and one of the furcations and between the second electrode and the other furcation, the contact being made at a prede

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow and measuring the pressure of fluids comprising at least one fluid inlet portion adapted for fluid connection to a fluid source, at least one fluid outlet portion fluidly connected to the fluid inlet portion, a first device for controlling the flow and measuring the pressure of fluid flowing into the fluid inlet portion, and a second device for controlling the flow and measuring the pressure of fluid flowing through the fluid outlet portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and elevating the legs and feet comprising a foot base having a feet receiving surface, and a leg extension movably attached to the foot base. The foot base has a leg receiving surface. The leg extension is movable to an opened position wherein the leg extension surface is angulated with respect to the feet receiving surface and to a closed position wherein the leg receiving surface confronts the feet receiving surface.