Abstract: Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.

Abstract: Apparatuses forming portable identification cards and associated methods are described. A preferred apparatus includes an input device adapted for a consumer to enter authentication data, a memory for storing reference data, a processor configured to compare the authentication data entered by the consumer to the reference data stored in the memory to determine whether the authentication data entered by the consumer is valid authentication data, an indicator for informing a merchant directly or indirectly when the processor has determined that the consumer has entered valid authentication data, programming which determines if use of the card has resulted in grant of an award, and a power source adapted to supply power to the processor and the indicator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual symbols to live participants. Assignment of symbols are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while allowing multiple participants to play a multiple participant capable slot machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual symbols to live participants. Assignment of symbols are accomplished using data processing functions within on electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while allowing multiple participants to play a multiple participant capable slot machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The processor can also associate one or more slot symbols with the virtual playing cards so that jackpots can be awarded on the basis of winning slot symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have casino tables with changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Electronic chips or other value indicators are used to indicate betting. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for treatment of objects and the resulting products. The treatments are directed to improving friction, wear and service life. Methods may include decontaminating the surface being treated. The treated surface is texturized to better receive treatment materials jetted toward and impinged against the surface to release energy to form alloys. The jets may include carrier and/or impact particles to facilitate treatment and alloying. The materials may additionally infuse, diffuse, be captured by texture or folding or otherwise be incorporated in the substrate treatment area so as to form a skin which includes the treated surface and a subsurface zone which have the improved characteristics or other desired attributes. The treatments and apparatus therefor produce such alloying and incorporation of treatment materials without increasing the size of the object being treated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.

Abstract: Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.

Abstract: Methods for goods or services over the internet (15). A customer has a customer account set up at a bank (30) with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery address, authorized global positioning satellite or other secure location information, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer (10) which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank (30). Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant (20). An internet specific account number can alternatively be used.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grapple and boom assembly with power tilt mechanism that can be controlled into an engaged position to tilt the grapple relative to the boom. The tilt mechanisms use a push arm that is mounted on the boom at a joint, such as to pivot. A push arm actuator is joined to the push arm to power operation thereof by extension or contraction of the actuator. The push arm includes a movable contact element, such as a roller that bears upon a trackway mounted upon the grapple assembly below the main pivot. A second version is shown wherein two tilt mechanisms are included one below and one above to provide power tilt in either direction yet allow the grapple to be operated in a free suspension mode when desired.