Abstract: A inverted U-shaped retainer clip is provided for securing sleeves to a binder for storing and protecting disc type objects. One embodiment of the retainer clip includes a body portion as well as downwardly extending legs on each end. Each leg terminates in a coupling device having outwardly extending fingers having a notch on the outer surface of each finger. A pair of receptacles is used in conjunction with each clip and is designed to receive the coupling devices and engage the notch on each finger to secure the clip within the receptacles. The receptacles are installed in the binder through the back side of apertures formed in a reinforcement strip provided on the inside of the spine. After the sleeves are threaded on the body portion of the clip the ends are inserted into the receptacles to permanently retain the sleeves and clip in the binder.

Abstract: A method for playing a game has the steps of establishing a plurality of paths, each of which have a plurality of squares including a start square, an end square, and a plurality of value squares. Randomly traversing the paths to afford the possibility of two or more moves to reach the end square. Allowing a player to select one of the paths. Moving along the player selected path randomly, while awarding the player the values associated with squares landed upon. The randomness is by the steps of spinning a spinner, rolling a die or dice, employing a wheel, flipping a coin, or the use of a random number generator. The step of establishing a plurality of paths, each having a plurality of squares includes using a stop square, squares which cause additional movement. The steps of establishing intersecting paths or establishing one or more squares having a game associated with them are practiced. The method is in a casino game and a bonus game for a base game.

Abstract: A mattress for use in hospital, nursing homes, and the like, incorporates hand supports with hand grips built into the sides of the mattress. Raised bolsters built into the top surface of the mattress adjacent to its lateral edges help to prevent the patient from falling out of the bed.

Abstract: A waste stream separator separates liquid and solid waste from a conveying air stream. The liquid and solid waste are first separated from the air steam by gravity and filtration in a removable primary waste barrel. The air is then drawn through a secondary waste barrel and vacuum chamber with a moisture separator and water-resistant HEPA filter to produce dry, filtered air at the output port of the system. The liquid passing through the filter media in the primary waste barrel and the liquid collecting in the secondary waste barrel can be withdrawn for further treatment. When filled with waste, the primary waste barrel can be readily removed and sealed for disposal. If necessary, polyacrylate can be injected into the primary waste barrel to convert any remaining liquid to a solid gel prior to disposal.

Abstract: A road repair kit and/or bridge joint repair kit is comprised of an outer container, a measured amount of binder material and a separate and distinct measured amount of aggregate material. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the binder material is in a first consumable container (meltable bag) and the aggregate material is, likewise, in a second consumable container (meltable bag) inside the first consumable container. In another preferred embodiment, both the binder and the aggregate are contained in the same consumable container (meltable bag).

Abstract: Methods for enhanced interactive playing of a casino game on account of an attribute by a player have steps including. The steps of establishing one or more threshold criteria for tracking the attribute and allowing the player to wager and play the casino game are performed. The actual casino game data related to the attribute is tracked. The player is provided with enhanced interaction if the tracked data fulfills at least one threshold criteria during enhanced interactive playing of the casino game.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a removable orthodontic appliance with lingual springs using a model of a patient's teeth. One or more ideal reference grooves (e.g., a central ideal reference groove, occlusal ideal reference groove, or gingival ideal reference groove) are cut into the lingual surfaces of the model teeth reflecting the desired, ideal positions of these teeth after orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic appliance is then cast on the model with the stem of each lingual spring stem embedded in the appliance and the tooth-contacting end of each lingual spring positioned in the reference groove of a model tooth.

Abstract: A system for producing virtual camera motion in a motion picture medium in which an array of cameras is deployed along a preselected path with each camera focused on a common scene. Each camera is triggered simultaneously to record a still image of the common scene, and the images are transferred from the cameras in a preselected order along the path onto a sequence of frames in the motion picture medium such as motion picture film or video tape. Because each frame shows the common scene from a different viewpoint, placing the frames in sequence gives the illusion that one camera has moved around a frozen scene (i.e., virtual camera motion). In another embodiment, a two-dimensional array of video cameras is employed. Each camera synchronously captures a series of images in rapid succession over time. The resulting array of images can be combined in any order to create motion pictures having a combination of virtual camera motion and time-sequence images.

Abstract: During play of a casino game a hidden bonus feature unknown to the player occurs as no separate indicator is activated. The occurrence of the hidden bonus feature may be at a random statistical frequency or other event. When the player inputs a correct response to the hidden bonus feature, the player receives an additional award. If a correct response is not received or if the hidden bonus feature is ignored, the player does not receive any further award. The hidden bonus feature does not affect the outcome of the play of the casino game.

Abstract: A seal card game having a number of play areas, with each play area having a hidden symbol. One of the hidden symbols on the ticket is a directional symbol. The other hidden symbols are end of game symbols. The player has one opportunity to uncover a hidden symbol in only one play area. Uncovering an end of game symbol ends the game. Uncovering the directional symbol entitles the player to uncover one or more authorized award areas within a topological area. Upon redeeming the ticket, the player receives the authorized awards in the topological area based performance of a mathematical operation on values revealed in the authorized award areas.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for bottom up shades to minimize gaps between the shade material and the lintel or between the shade material and the side of the window. In one apparatus a support rod is attached to a pull cord which is attached to the headrail which causes a rotation of the head rail and results in moving the top of the shade to the lintel. In another apparatus a centering cord moves the shade to the side and a side support rod symmetrically hangs the shade, thus, eliminating the gap on the side. A further improvement of a valance on the bottom acts to hide the mechanism and to act as a cradle for the shade material and headrail when the shade is in the down position.

Abstract: A television antenna formed from a pair of generally sinuous antenna arms extending outwardly from a common central axis and arranged opposite each other. The antenna arms do not interleave or touch each other. A reflector provides a separation distance between the reflector and the pair of antenna arms.

Abstract: During play of a casino game a hidden bonus feature unknown to the player occurs, although the existence of the hidden bonus feature may be known. The occurrence of the hidden bonus feature may be at a random statistical frequency or other event. When the player inputs a correct response to the hidden bonus feature, the player receives an additional award. If a correct response is not received or if the hidden bonus feature is ignored, the player does not receive any further award. The hidden bonus feature does not affect the outcome of the play of the casino game.

Abstract: A method of playing and wagering on a game of chance with community events has the steps of identifying the community event; accepting wagers from players on the event; generating a chance event during play, and rewarding the players from the pool if the event occurs during the chance event. The step of rewarding each player includes determining the amount of each player's reward per that player's wager and splitting the pool among all those that wager. Dealing cards, spinning a wheel or drawing numbered balls generates a chance event after accepting wagers. Adding to the pool at least a portion of the wagers and increasing the pool when the event does not occur are steps. The step of bases the reward of each player on the proportion of the fraction of total wagers made by all wagering players during that game of chance that the amount of the player's wager represented. An apparatus has a pay table ranking events and a wagering place to accept individual wagers from players on the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A method is disclosed herein for displaying time lapse for an on-line auction for an item in a computer. According to the method, the processor time in the computer is obtained and compared to the official auction time for the items being auctioned in the on-line auction which is obtained from the on-line auction service. The users computer compares the obtained processor time to the obtained official auction time and correlates the end of time from the on-line auction service to a processor end of time which corresponds to the user's time. The computer then displays the time left correlated to the processor's time preferably in a visual countdown graphical icon.

Abstract: A safety device for a winch for minimizing line whipping when the line improperly releases. A weight is coupled to the line at a selected region on the line when the line is extended from the winch to winch an object. When the extended line suddenly releases the weight provides a weighted pivot for the released cable. The safety method provides coupling a weight to the line and, locking the weight at a selected region of the line when the line is extended from the winch for winching. When the extended line suddenly releases the locked weight provides a weighted pivot for the released cable.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway has a curved tubular guide for insertion through the patient's mouth and oropharynx. After insertion of the guide, the beveled distal opening of the guide abuts the laryngeal inlet, while the guide's proximal opening remains outside the patient's mouth. A laryngeal mask surrounds the distal opening of the guide to substantially seal the laryngeal inlet about the distal opening of the guide. A ventilation port adjacent to the proximal opening of the guide supplies air/oxygen through the guide into the patient's lungs. An endotracheal tube can then be advanced along the length of guide and through the patient's larynx without interrupting ventilation.