Abstract: A fluid delivery system for a longwall shearer. The fluid delivery system includes a flow control device and an electronic processor. The flow control device is in fluid communication with a nozzle positioned on the shearer, and in fluid communication with a fluid source. The electronic processor is coupled to the flow control device. The electronic processor is configured to receive a measure of a capacity parameter, and determine a model fluid flow based on the measure of the capacity parameter. The capacity parameter corresponds to a position of the shearer along the mineral face. The electronic processor is further configured to set an operational parameter of the flow control device based on the model fluid flow, and operate the flow control device at the set operational parameter.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: One or more ready-to-use near-invisible fixed-length tethers are provided on a carrier such that each tether can be removed from and reattached to the carrier without tangling. Most typically, such attachment is facilitated by modifying the ends of the tethers with a low tack adhesive and by winding the tether around a spool portion. Especially preferred low-tack adhesives provide adhesion of the tether ends to a user, the carrier, and the toy. In particularly preferred aspects, the tether is attached such that one end is removable while the other end remains attached such that the tether can be unwound from the spool by inverting the carrier.

Abstract: A slingshot-like skill game device comprises a body and a handle attached to the body. The body includes an opening designed to permit a ball to pass therethrough. When the slingshot-like skill game device is outfitted with a ball attached thereto by an elongated elastic cord, a user may grasp the handle with one hand, grasp the ball with another hand, pull the ball away from the body, and then release the ball with the object of getting the ball to pass through the opening on release. A ring-shaped insert may be attached to the opening, so as to decrease the diameter of the opening and thereby increase the level of difficulty required for a user of the slingshot-like skill game device to get the ball to pass through the opening. Additional ring-shaped inserts of varying diameters may also be provided to further increase the level of difficulty for a user of the slingshot-like skill game device. The body may include one or more light sources that may be activated when a ball passes through the opening.

Abstract: A flat board has a top side and a distal and proximal end. Mounted on the flat board top side at the distal end is a target area defined by a goal element. Mounted on the flat board top side at the proximal end is a launching mechanism. A base member of the launching mechanism has first and second channels formed therein. The second channel receives a handle portion of a launch spoon. The first channel receives a first end of a string. A second end of the string attaches to a projectile. A spoon portion is provided with the launch spoon for holding the projectile therewithin. The game is played by first bending the launch spoon in a direction opposed from that of the goal element and thereafter releasing the launch spoon so that the projectile is propelled toward the goal element in hopes of having the projectile cross through the target area.

Abstract: A hand held amusement device includes a rigid board having a front surface, a back surface, side edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. An opening is formed in the board spaced from the top edge and centered between the side edges of the board. A pair of ears extend rearwardly from the side edges of the board at the top thereof. The ears have axially aligned ear holes through which a rod is rotatably journaled. A cord having a fixed end and a free end is mounted to the board to extend from the front surface of the board. The cord has a length less than the distance between the bottom of the opening and the bottom edge of the board. A ball is secured to the free end of the cord and is made of a material, such that the ball will bounce against the board.

Abstract: A paddle ball game and method of ball control associated therewith which includes two paddles held parallel to each other and a resilient ball supported between them. Each player observes the ball's location through the transparent material used to form the paddle's ball engagement area and moves the paddle to roll the ball into the aperture in the other player's paddle. The paddles also feature a handle mounted offset from the surface of the paddle and a flexible net which covers the aperture to catch the ball after it passes through. Alternatively, an inelastic cord is also used to tether the ball to the paddle. In another embodiment, means are provided to illuminate the engagement area for play in the dark.

Abstract: A game of skill comprising a three piece game set including two sticks or rods and a ball, with the ball attached to one of said sticks with a string. After placing the ball on the end of one stick, the object of the game is to transfer the ball to the end of the other stick without touching the ball or using the string. This is done by placing a rapid movement downward of the stick holding the ball while holding the second stick near the hole and catching it as the first stick is lowered. The process can be repeated transfering the ball back to the first stick and so on.

Abstract: A paddle suspended ball, wherein the paddle comprises a handle portion integrally secured to two substantially semi-cylindrical portions ending into parallel arm extensions at the ends of which there is a pivot for suspending a ball by a cord. The length of the cord is such that the ball, when swung in a circular path, will move through the opening defined by said semi-cylindrical portion.

Abstract: Tethered ball and receptacle toy incorporating a tethered ball, one or more catcher loops, and a revolving frame adapted to be spun in relation to one or more rotating handles. Revolving frame (20) includes rod (22), catcher loops (48), handle mounts (24) and tether anchor (37). Catcher loops (48) incorporate an aperture (50) just large enough to receive ball (46) in a nested fashion. Handle mounts (24) include handle receiving holes (34) which receive rotating handles (26) with grip (28), axle (30), and hub (32).

Abstract: A paddle toy comprised of a ball and string and having an elongated passage of length greater than the combined length of the ball and string. The string is attached at one end to a cross bar located in the upper portion of the paddle and is attached to a ball at the other end. The elongated passage formed within the paddle structure is shaped to permit the ball and string to swing through the paddle and in a preferred form has generally a key hole shape. In alternate embodiments, the invention is provided with means for varying the size of the elongated passage to regulate the skill required. The object of the toy is to impart a centrifugal force to the ball to keep it rotating about the cross bar and through the elongated passage in the paddle.