Abstract: A slots game is comprised of a plurality of stages. Each operation of the game begins with the operation of a first stage. Depending on the outcome of the first stage the game may be over, or there may be an operation of a second stage. Depending on the outcome of the second stage, the game may be over or there may be an operation of another stage. This sequence continues until the game ends or until the final (nth) stage has been operated. A bet made on a stage of the game which is not played is lost. One embodiment is a multi-stage, multi-line, multi-coin video slot machine. The same game format with the same paytable is operated on each stage, with increasing payout multipliers at each stage providing an increasing amount to win at the higher stages. The “spin” at each stage is independent of the previous stages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breast pump, which in addition to a drive motor (7), vacuum diaphragm pump (1) and programme-controlled electronics (4), comprises a vacuum chamber (12) with a separation diaphragm (13), which is connected between a pump intake conduit (9) and an extraction hood (11). The first chamber (14) is equipped with a device (16) for the negative or positive aeration of said chamber. Said device (16) is also programme-controlled by the electronics (4) during the normal continuous operation of the pump (1).

Abstract: A drainage system for use in concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall construction comprises a tray unit of a size corresponding to size of CMUs, to be received beneath a course of CMUs, in use. The tray unit comprises opposite side flanges to abut a superjacent CMU and supporting a pan therebelow. A strip of water permeable material is attached to an upper surface of the pan and extends transversely beyond a front edge of the pan. A block of water permeable material is positioned above the pan and extends upwardly into a hollow core of a CMU. The water permeable material of the strip and the block has a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass there through but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass there through so that water in a hollow core of a CMU drains through the strip.

Abstract: An elongated lighted system that is modular, being of discreet length having a plurality of LEDs on an elongated support. The system has LEDs connected to a pair of electrical conductors having a length equal to, or less than the discrete length of the elongated lighting system. The elongated lighting system is molded and embedded into transparent, opaque, semi-transparent, or mixed transparent and opaque plastic module connected to an electrical source.

Abstract: A masking device including a substantially rigid body, the body having an underside and adjoining first and second edges and an adhesive portion positioned on the underside adjacent to one or more of the first and second edges.

Abstract: A device is provided for flooding a flowable material onto and/or into a manufactured building product. The device includes a framework. A flood system is arranged in the framework to apply the flowable material to manufactured building product. An infeed station including a drive roller and a metering roller is arranged at the infeed end of the apparatus. One or both of the drive roller and metering roller are releasably coupled to a drive motor positioned outside of the framework. An adjusting mechanism may be provided for adjusting the relative vertical position of the metering roller with respect to the drive roller. At least one brush station includes an upper brush and a lower brush positioned downstream from the infeed station. The upper brush and the lower brush are releasably coupled to one or more drive motor positioned outside of the framework.

Abstract: An apparatus and method directed to a rotatable coupling apparatus that can transfer a rotational force from a driving shaft to a driven shaft. The connecting apparatus includes two yokes, a universal joint cross, and two internal restricted swing mechanisms. A restriction of any swinging action of the driven shaft is provided by the internal swing mechanisms that are sized and shaped such that each approximates the internal surface and volume of the yokes. The invention also includes an apparatus and method for a coupling apparatus for use primarily in a vehicle wash apparatus.

Abstract: A packaging component and packaging system are disclosed. In an embodiment specifically adapted as a system for packaging vehicular radiators, the invention provides a generally planar tray member component as a blank having two opposed sides, with a portion of each opposed side being foldable out of the plane of the tray member to yield arms to the tray. Strapping is supplied which is engageable with the arms when the arms are folded upon the radiator placed upon the tray member. Opposed ends for the tray member have a portion which is likewise foldable out of the plane of the tray member, yielding legs to the tray when so folded. The packaging system can include at least one stand-off element mountable on one of the radiator and the tray member operating as a spacer and positioner relative to a container within which the tray member is received with the stand-off element mounted in place.

Abstract: A filter grip includes a sheet with a first surface and a second surface, both surfaces having a grit texture. The sheet defines a radius of curvature. The filter grip is configured to provide a non-slip engagement between a user's hand or tool and an oil filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining a length of fiber optic cable to a circuit board includes a spool-shaped retention apparatus. A body portion of the apparatus includes a channel formed about the periphery of the body portion for receiving and retaining a portion of the length of fiber optic cable in an arc having a radius greater than a minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable. A plurality of legs extend from the body portion, each of the legs is adapted to be received in a mounting opening formed in the PC board. Each of the spaced legs may include a foot portion adapted for securing the body to the circuit board.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with one or more novel suction sequences which are considered to produce advantageous particularized results. Such sequences include a suction method for increased milk production and an improved suction method in general.

Abstract: A communications device and method of operating the communications device are provided. The communications device includes a housing having a first edge portion. A display device is attached to a display device support member. The display support member is slidably attached to the housing to allow the display device to be positioned in an extended position beyond the first edge portion of the housing for viewing the display device when the communications device is in use and a retracted position within the housing when the communications device is not in use.

Abstract: In an embodiment as a video gaming machine, a racetrack and a plurality of racers in the form of racecars are generated. The program driving the game includes a function for randomly assigning a finishing position for racers at the end of a race. A racecar is selected, as by player input, as the player's racer. The player inputs a wager, with the wager further preferably requiring an input by the player as to a number of races desired to be completed up to a preset maximum number for the game. The player can thus choose to bet upon all stages (races or laps) potentially available, or some lesser consecutive number of races. The first race is initiated, with the racecars being randomly assigned finishing positions. In this embodiment, there is the elimination of at least one racer as a result of a predetermined threshold finishing position required at the end of a race; that position could be anything other than last, for instance.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus by which a souvenir that memorializes that which a player was able to accomplish from using a gaming machine can be easily and effectively produced. In a preferred embodiment, the system permits the substance of the souvenir to be selected, the form or forms in which the souvenir is provided to be selected, and the manner in which the souvenir is distributed to be selected. More specific preferred embodiments permit the system operator to pre-select the event for which a player can receive a souvenir, the substance of the record from which the souvenir may be generated, and/or whether and to the extent to which the player may add to the record to produce the souvenir.

Abstract: A configurable shield and methods related to same by which the ambient light in conventionally illuminated venues can be largely prevented from falling onto or around a screen such that images displayed on the screen are generally not degraded in quality. The configurable shield includes shield components that are preferably of a durable, yet light weight construction such that the components can be easily transported, assembled, and moved into position for use, then disassembled by one or a few individuals.

Abstract: An electric fireplace designed to simulate a combustible fuel-burning fireplace. The electric fireplace includes a housing. A simulated firebox is positioned within the fireplace housing. The firebox contains a log and ember set having one or more artificial logs positioned above an artificial bed of embers. The fireplace also includes a mechanism for illuminating the underside of at least a portion of the artificial logs and the artificial bed of embers to create the illusion that the artificial logs and artificial bed of embers are burning. The fireplace further includes a flame simulation assembly for generating the appearance of simulated flames emanating from the artificial logs. The flame simulation assembly includes a light source, a light randomizer, a light filter screen, and a light diffuser screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing diagnostic information to at least one telephone includes a telephony interface device operatively coupled to at least one telephone through a telephone line. The telephony interface device is operatively coupled to a network. The telephony interface device transmits diagnostic information to the at least one telephone. The diagnostic information may include, for example, diagnostic information concerning the network, the telephony interface device itself, and the telephone line.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.