Abstract: An orthodontic appliance and kit adapted to provide Herbst therapy as well as arch development. The appliance includes mandibular and maxillary components to be attached to the teeth, each component having a threaded bore. For Herbst therapy, telescoping links are connected between the components with screws threadably received by the threaded bores and coupled to the links by a ball and socket joint. For arch development, expansion mechanisms are provided on the components.

Abstract: A bonus method for a base casino card game, such as Blackjack or Baccarat, begins with the player making an ante wager and a first and second bonus wager. The player and dealer are each dealt a hand of cards, or electronic representations thereof. The player plays the player's hand to completion and is rewarded based on the player's first bonus wager if the player's hand includes a predetermined bonus combination. The values of the cards are then summed according to the rules of the base game and the player's ante wager is resolved by comparing a player's hand value with the hand value of the dealer and determining which hand is closest to a target value. Finally, the player's second bonus wager is resolved by rewarding the player if the player has won both the base game and the first bonus wager. If the player loses the base game or does not have a bonus combination, the player's second bonus wager is collected.

Abstract: A casino game played between a dealer and a player using a set of Pai Gow tiles, each tile including a pattern of pips defining a ranking for the tile begins with each player making an initial wager. The dealer deals three tiles to the dealer and to each player. The dealer and each player arrange the dealt tiles into a single-tile hand and a two-tile hand. Wagers are resolved by first comparing the rank of the player's single-tile hand to the dealer's single-tile hand. The single-tile hand with the higher ranking is the winning single-tile hand. Next, the dealer compares the sum of the pips shown on the face of the tiles of the player's two-tile hand to the sum of the pips shown on the tiles of the dealer's two-tile hand. The two-tile hand with the higher sum is the winning two-tile hand.

Abstract: A device and method for placing band on bait for connecting bait first and second components is set forth which includes a loader having a barrel with at one end a retainer to hold the first component against the end of the barrel and at the other end a smaller diameter handle. An elastic band is provided to be received over the handle and to elastically expand as it is passed such as by sliding or rolling from the handle onto the barrel. As the band is moved off of the barrel end it contracts about the bait to provide a band on the bait for holding, for example, a hook or to band together first and second lure components. The retainer may be a barb or a clip. Further means may be provided to interchange between the type of retainer.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling system having an electric circuit including a direct current (“d.c.”) power source providing direct current through the electric circuit, a thermoelectric module having at least one heat sink and at least one heat source capable of being cooled to a predetermined temperature range, and a control assembly. The d.c. power source, the control assembly, and the thermoelectric module being connected to each other in series. The control assembly comprising a thermostat control switch mechanism and a resistive element connected to each other in parallel. The thermostat control switch having a sensor generally coupled to the heat source of the thermoelectric module, the thermostat control switch mechanism being open in the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention would be a small plastic enclosure having incorporated circuitry and a series of light emitting diodes (LEDS) covered by a plastic lens. The present invention would be designed so that the lights would blink in a random pattern so as to attract attention at night. In addition, a pair of fastening elements would be attached to the side surfaces of the battery compartment in order to assist in securing the battery compartment to the top of a helmet or hat, if so desired. Each of the fastening elements would also contain a plurality of LEDS fixedly mounted on the surface, which would also be connected up to the battery powered unit and would blink randomly. As an option, the present invention would come with an incorporated clip attached to the bottom face of the battery compartment.

Abstract: A fingernail stimulator for stimulating the fingernails and fingertips includes at least one plate having at least one portion with a rough substantially non-abrasive surface thereon. In a first embodiment, the device further includes a triangular-shaped stand for holding the at least one plate in an upright position. In a second embodiment, the plate is place substantially flat and the fingernails moved against the rough substantially non-abrasive surface in a brisk back and forth motion. In a third embodiment, the substantially flat plate is oscillated by a coupled plate driver while the fingernails remain substantially motionless on the rough, substantially non-abrasive surface. The oscillating motion of the substantially flat plate provides the necessary beneficial friction against the fingernails. A method for using the fingernail stimulator is also provided.

Abstract: A method, device and system are set forth for playing a new Flush Poker card game. The method includes dealing a thirteen card hand to the player. The player selecting a group of suited cards from the thirteen card hand to hold and therefore discarding the remaining cards. The player is dealt replacement cards for the discarded cards. The hand is evaluated for a qualifying hand ranking based on a new variation of poker ranking. Winning hands are paid according to a predetermined pay schedule based on hand rankings and amounts wagered. The device includes a processor programmed to play the game according to the method. The system provides for linking devices to amass a progressive jackpot should the player obtain a qualifying hand.

Abstract: An electronic game and method are set forth wherein if a player obtains a bonus symbol on one reel of the gaming device and a landing symbol on an adjacent reel a bonus sequence is triggered. When the bonus sequence is triggered, a jumping symbol moves to the landing symbol. If the next reel includes a landing symbol, the feature symbol continues to move across the display. If any reel does not display a landing symbol, that reel is re-spun in an attempt to obtain a landing symbol. The player is awarded a bonus based upon the number of reels the feature symbol can progress through. If the symbol can progress through all the reels, a jackpot bonus is awarded.

Abstract: A device for dispensing small seeds in which a movable seed carrier plate containing seed receptacles carries seed receptacles to first and second positions. In the first position, a vacuum source draws seeds from a seed reservoir into the seed receptacles. The seed carrier plate then carries the seed receptacles to a second position where a pressure source pushes the seeds from the seed receptacles.

Abstract: A modified method for playing Blackjack is set forth wherein the players each make a first wager to participate in the Blackjack game and a second wager, the second wagers accumulated to form a pot. The pot, less any levy for the casino, is awarded to the player according to the various embodiments thereof to the player(s) (i)having a final hand count closest to but not exceeding 21, (ii) the highest count based upon the initial two cards dealt to the player or (iii) the player(s) having a Blackjack. A portion of the pot may be allocated to form a jackpot awarded to players based upon there obtaining a predetermined holding.

Abstract: A modified method for playing card game such as Blackjack or Baccarat is set forth wherein the players each make a first wager to participate in the game and a second wager, the second wagers accumulated to form a pot. The pot, less any levy for the casino or to fund a jackpot, is awarded to the player according to the various embodiments thereof to the player(s) (i)having a final hand count closest to the target value for the game. A portion of the pot may be allocated to form a jackpot awarded to players based upon there obtaining a predetermined holding or players who lost the pot but have a predetermined hand card combination.

Abstract: A training bat has a handle portion and a barrel portion. The barrel portion has a hollow cavity formed within and has an opening for accessing the cavity. A plurality of nestable weights can be disposed in the barrel cavity in combination. A means for closing the barrel opening is used so that the weights may be fixedly secured inside the barrel cavity.

Abstract: A foam generating device includes a source of compressed gas and a source of liquid adapted to produce a foam. A gas operated pump such as a diaphragm pump is provides which has a gas inlet communicating with the compressed gas source to drive the pump, a gas exhaust, a liquid inlet and liquid discharge to discharge said liquid from the pump. An injector disposed at the discharge side of the pump and is in communication with the gas outlet of the pump to inject exhaust gas into the liquid discharged by the pump to aerate the liquid and produce a foam. The device may be portable, vehicle mounted or stationary. The liquid may be water with an injector to inject a foaming agent into the water.

Abstract: A hydraulic air compressor (HAC) and system and method are set forth for aerobic treatment of waste effluent and for generation of power. The waste liquid is supplied to an upper end of a down shaft for the HAC which includes injection of air into the liquid for compression and for aerobic treatment of the liquid. The liquid falls to a separator where compressed air is liberated from the liquid. The liquid is returned to, for example, a sludge pond for recirculation and treatment. The compressed air is supplied as combustion air to a power generation unit such as a gas turbine for generation of electricity.

Abstract: A device for styling hair includes means for dividing a section of hair attached to means for retaining a section of hair. Optionally, the dividing means is a tapered extension and the retaining means is a clip. Optionally, the tapered extension and clip are integrally formed. The clip optionally includes two opposable jaws pivotally connected. The clip may further include a spring biased to close the jaws and an actuator moving the jaws between an open position and a closed position when actuated.

Abstract: The present invention is that of a innovative tool for use in a garden or on tilled earth. The present invention would allow a user to furrow into the dirt or ground, while at the same time, laying a length of tubing, electrical wire, hose, or cable into the bottom of the furrow as the blade would be pulled along. The present invention would have a comfortably angled handle with an incorporated channel running from the top of the handle to the rear of the blade assembly, allowing a small diameter tube or cable to feed through the present invention and into the newly formed furrow as the present invention would be pulled along the ground. The front edge of the blade assembly of the present invention would be tapered and have a sharp point to assist with cutting through loose dirt and/or gravel, and the handle would be knurled to prevent a user's hand from slipping while using the present invention.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly which includes a lightweight square or rectangular cover fabricated of a breathable type water resistant fabric or solar screen material, having a metal grommet installed into each corner. The assembly also includes four hollow tubular support poles that each have a top-mounted flange to keep the grommet in position, with each pole further including a pivoting two-sided toggle which would prevent the grommet from slipping off the pole after installation. The assembly also includes four solid steel ground spikes that each have a top-mounted bar with a spring-loaded lock tab and a side-mounted spike drive flange. Each spike driver flange would be used to hammer a spike into the ground and could also serve to aid in removing the spikes with the claw of the hammer. Each of the corner poles would fit snuggly over the top-mounted bar that is located on the top of each spike, and each locking tab would removably connect with a hole in the side of the pole.