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 methods of and apparatus for playing table card games are provided wherein with multi token maximum level betting and displayed rankings of winning hands return enhanced pay out. A pay table matrix listing has the enhanced payments for ranked hands. The method and apparatus uses and has token acceptors and sensors for each player. The sensors are coupled to a count and computer for registering any maximum level bet that receives enhanced return for predetermined winning card combinations. The apparatus and its method, thus allow each player the opportunity to bet multiple tokens before the cards are dealt and to win enhanced amounts of money should specific predetermined card combinations be obtained.

Abstract: A self-ligating module for removable attachment to a conventional orthodontic bracket includes a stem removably securable in the vertical slot in the bracket and a clip pivotably secured to the head of the stem. The clip can pivot between an open position in which the archwire slot of the bracket is open to receive an archwire, and a closed position in which the archwire is secured in the archwire slot by the clip. The module allows conventional orthodontic brackets to be selectively modified so as to become self-ligating brackets. The module can be readily removed when the self-ligating feature is not needed.

Abstract: Permutation networks based on de Bruijn digraphs exhibit constant control complexity (wide sense non-blocking) and constant control complexity (self-routing). The cost in terms of the cross-points used for such networks is an optimal O(N log N). This non-blocking network uses fast algorithms to control in the Terabit bandwidth while providing for cost-effective switching. The network has expandable (i.e., scalable) architecture, i.e., the network can be built by interconnecting smaller non-blocking networks (e.g., small crossbars).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for audio/video conferencing. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises using a dynamic threshold value to determine whether there is speech on a line. One aspect, the method comprises determining a dynamic threshold value based on one or more characteristics of signals received on a port, associating that dynamic threshold value with the port; and comparing one or more characteristics of signals subsequently received on the port to the dynamic threshold value. Signals received over a plurality of ports are summed, but for ports whose signal characteristics have a specified relationship to the dynamic threshold value associated with that port, signals are not contained in the sum.

Abstract: A conferencing method for providing reservation-less instant group conferencing. A subscriber dials in a conference code and a group code in his/her phone. The input signal is received in the switch serving the phone on sensing the conference code activates a trigger which results in communications with a conferencing system. The conference call is set up in a conferencing bridge and the phone of the subscriber is routed to the conferencing bridge. The conferencing system using group code obtains a group of phone numbers of participants from a database and calls each participant and connects each call participant to the conference call. Subscriber setting lists of participants and phone numbers in advance of the conference call with Internet access to the database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orthodontic treatment employs a removable orthodontic aligner having a polymeric shell with a plurality of cavities shaped to receive teeth. A number of openings are formed that extend through the shell of the orthodontic aligner into a cavity. An orthodontic aligner auxiliary can then be secured to the opening in the shell of the orthodontic aligner to exert a therapeutic force on a tooth.

Abstract: An audio conferencing system comprises an audio conference mixer that receives digitized audio signals and sums a plurality of the digitized audio signals containing speech to provide a summed conference signal. A transcoder receives and transcodes the summed conference signal to provide a transcoded summed signal that is streamed onto the Internet.

Abstract: A method of a house apportionment of a bonus value during bonus casino game play, entry for which occurs during play of an underlying game of chance. A method of house apportionment awards the player a portion of the bonus value for the bonus game and adds the remainder of the bonus value to at least one account available to reward subsequent players such that the bonus value paid by the house is constant and the house advantage is fixed regardless of player proficiency in the bonus casino game. The bonus casino games include knowledge-based playing. The step of awarding in the bonus game is a function of the wager, the frequency that the bonus game occurs, the expected return in the game without the bonus and the expected bonus monitoring pay out value.

Abstract: An intelligent casino chip method. A method for promoting play of a live casino card game during a scheduled time event. A special casino chip is provided to a player in which a promotion is encoded into the transponder found within the casino chip. When this casino chip is placed by the player on the live casino card game, a computer system reads the promotion from the transponder and determines whether the scheduled time event exists in response to reading. If the scheduled time event exists, the player participates in the promotion.

Abstract: A piering device includes a shaft having a polygonal cross-section with a series of notches spaced at intervals along the vertices of the shaft. For example, the shaft can have a square cross-section with rounded corners. The helical plate has a passageway with a cross-section to slide along the shaft when the helical plate is in a first rotational position on the shaft. However, notches within the passageway of the helical plate engage the notches on the shaft when the helical plate is rotated to a second rotational position, thereby preventing the helical plate from sliding along the shaft. A key is inserted between the shaft and helical plate to hold the helical plate in the second rotational position and thereby fix the axial position of the helical plate on the shaft.

Abstract: A serial-to-parallel/parallel-to-serial conversion engine provides a bi-directional interface between a serial TDM highway and a parallel TDM highway. The conversion engine includes a serial-to-parallel data conversion device receives a serially received data word and provides a parallel output data word. The conversion engine includes a serial data input interface that receives the serially received data word and provides a received data word. A serial-to-parallel mapping circuit receives the received data word and generates memory write control and write address signals. A memory device includes a first port responsive to the memory write control signals and write address signals for writing the received data word into the memory device, and a second port responsive to memory read control and read address signals for reading data from the memory device.

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 portable bandsaw has a bandsaw blade extending around a plurality of transport wheels driven by a motor. The frame of the bandsaw supports these components such that the center of gravity of the bandsaw coincides with the cutting edge of the bandsaw.

Abstract: A system and method for removing cross-talk in measured forces between a railway wheel set and the railhead of underlying track such as found in angle of attack measurements for shallow curvature track. The angle of attack for the leading and trailing sets of wheels in trucks of rail vehicles is measured traveling over track in a wayside system. At a first point on the outside rail of a track vertical force is measured with a first vertical strain gage, lateral force is measured with a first lateral strain gage and an outside angle of attack timing signal is measured with a first angle of attack strain gage. This process is repeated on the inside track so that a raw angle of attack for each set of wheels can be determined based upon speed and time difference. Position signals obtained from position strain gages are used to remove cross-talk thereby improving accuracy. The sensed position signals are calibrated to known forces on the railhead.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a piece of firefighting equipment called a piercing nozzle. The piercing nozzle comprises a hollow tube connected to a hose and adapted for conveying water or other fire suppressant fluid near a pointed head adapted to penetrate a barrier and to release the water or fire suppressant fluid in an adjoining room. The pointed head contains a plurality of holes angled in various directions so as to spray the fire suppressant fluid over a wide area in the adjoining room so as to protect firefighters from flames or superheated air when they enter the adjoining room. The pointed head may be shaped like a cone attached to which is a plurality of sharp blades designed to facilitate penetration of the barrier. Attached to the hollow tube is a sliding weight with handles used for pounding the pointed head through the barrier.

Abstract: During operation of a casino game, a hint feature is displayed with a displayed decision-making game round under control of a processor. A memory may store a plurality of decision-making game rounds. A hint contains response information for a player to increase the player's odds in winning the game round The displaying of the hint feature may occur at a random statistical frequency, based upon player hesitation, or a prevailing position in the game round. The hint is stored with each game round or is dynamically determined for the displayed game round.

Abstract: An audio conferencing method in a hybrid network. Input from a plurality of endpoints connected to an audio conference in the hybrid network is received in a media gateway. The media gateway converts the input to an MCU-usable format and selects input based on predetermined selection criteria. An MCU mixes the selected input with other selected input to form an output stream and a sum stream which are matched with the endpoints in the audio conference. The media gateway converts the output stream and the sum stream to an endpoint-compatible format which is returned to the endpoints in the audio conference. Audio conference participants can dial-out from the MCU to bring additional participants into the audio conference. Once established in the hybrid network, the audio conference supports full service audio conferencing. In addition, dynamic routing permits an operator to service multiple MCUs, and an audio conference participant and/or an entire audio conference to be moved between MCUs.

Abstract: A method for providing bonus jackpot payoffs during a bonus mode time period in a system of linked gaming machines interconnected to a controller. Eligible gaming machines are determined at the time the bonus time period starts. Once the bonus mode time period starts, a portion of the eligible gaming machines are randomly selected for multiple jackpot bonus payoff opportunities. The random selection determines the rate the opportunities are issued and the average length of the bonus mode time period. Once gaming machines are selected they are allowed to complete the game they are currently involved in and should the play result in a winning combination, then the game payoff is multiplied by a bonus multiplier. The underlying gaming machine is responsible, in a conventional fashion, for paying the game payoff and the controller then authorizes a further jackpot bonus payoff of the bonus multiplier less one times the game payoff. The bonus pool value is then decremented by the amount paid by the controller.