Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for heating foodstuffs, or other contents sensitive to high heat flux, such as sauces and gravies, without sticking; so that watching and stirring of the foodstuff is not needed during heating. The novel apparatuses and methods provide such heating in a relatively quick time, such as one hour. A pitcher is shown which sets into a heating unit fitted with a heating element below a baffle that shields the bottom of the pitcher from radiant heat and has apertures which cause favorable convective heating which reduces the risk of sticking. The pitcher or pot is easily installed and removed from the heating unit and a close fit is formed in the installed position to retain heat between the pitcher and heating vessel. The methods include inducing a convective heat flow with the baffle and reduced direct radiant heat to reduce or prevent sticking.

Abstract: Folding crates includes a base and pivotable side walls which fold open from a stacked storage condition in which the walls are in juxtaposition and within the perimeter of the base. Latches are provided to connect the open walls and provide support between the walls. A pedestal and legs on the base are arranged so that the pedestal of one crate may be received and secured by the legs of a similar crate with side walls folded to the stacked storage condition. Crate connection assemblies are included for joining multiple crates into a crate array when the crates are open. The connection assemblies use receiver sockets that receive connection links therein. The links are preferably tubular to allow a tension fastener to extend therethrough and be secured by a septum wall against which the tubular links abut. The connection links provide compression transfer and resistance to shearing action between conjoined crates.

Abstract: Irrigation systems, moisture sensors and related methods having a sensor embedded in the ground to sense moisture and help control watering. The sensor is responsive to capacitance changes from ground moisture variations. The sensor uses spaced insulated electrodes which are mounted within a granular filled chamber within a water-permeable shell. The sensor is mounted as part of a ground unit that also includes a high frequency driver that excites the sensor. The ground unit further has a detector circuit which produces a moisture indicating signal based on the capacitance which varies with ground moisture. Also disclosed are controllers that electrically isolate the ground units so that reliable moisture signals can be obtained and used to control irrigation. The controllers can be configured to provide multiple zone operation using a shared controller having shared or independent moisture adjusters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.

Abstract: An implement for clearing brush and trees which includes a self-propelled vehicle and at least one boom mounted upon the vehicle. The boom is constructed for articulated motion of a distal end thereof. A cutting disk is operatively mounted for rotation to the distal end of said boom to cut brush and trees when rotated. A secondary power source is supported on the self-propelled vehicle and used to primarily power the cutting disk. The implement is configured to allow field replacement of a cutting wheel support cartridge.

Abstract: A releasable tie is described in which an elongated strand of flexible material is provided with a first set of three dimensional beads spaced apart along a first length of the strand. A second set of three dimensional beads, formed on the strand are spaced apart along a second length of the strand. A tab formed along the strand includes a first locking slot for releasably receiving the first strand length; and a second locking slot for releasably receiving the second length of the strand.

Abstract: An implement for clearing brush and trees which includes a self-propelled vehicle and at least one boom mounted upon the vehicle. The boom is constructed for articulated motion of a distal end thereof. A cutting disk is operatively mounted for rotation to the distal end of said boom to cut brush and trees when rotated. A secondary power source is supported on the self-propelled vehicle and used to primarily power the cutting disk. The implement is configured to allow field replacement of a cutting wheel support cartridge.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods involving producing and distributing chance tickets, such as pull-tab tickets, scratch-off tickets, and folded tickets which have symbol sets used to determine whether the ticket has a winning symbol set or sets versus non-winning symbol set or sets. The chance tickets are produced in sets which have advertising sections thereon which vary from ticket to ticket. The advertiser placing the advertising section on the tickets can choose the specific frequency of advertiser's message and the frequency may vary from advertiser to advertiser within a set. Also described are groups of chance tickets that each include at least one set of chance tickets. The advertising on chance tickets within one group vary from those of another group depending on the area of distribution.

Abstract: An impact protection device for an overhead comprising an elongated beam shaped to at least partially span the door. The beam includes box members at the ends there of which releasably interfit with channel members at a closed position of the door to laterally secure the beam with respect to a support surface adjacent the door, (when to absorb and transmit lateral impact forces applied against the beam away from the door and against the support surface. The door and beam are connected so that elevational movement of the door will result in corresponding elevational motion of the beam.

Abstract: A game machine (2, 200) which includes a playing field (6, 301) traversed by objects, such as balls (320). The playing field can have plural drop zones (381-383) which can be selected by the player using deflectors (108-110) that control where the balls are launched. Detectors (22, 392) indicate scoring positions assumed by the balls. A payline display (28, 335) displays scored events. A symbol selector is included to select symbols which are variably assigned to the scoring positions and displayed on displays (20, 397). Balls score symbols which can be displayed in the payline display and affect winning or bonus play. Game machine (200) includes traditional slot machine reels which can work in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Coin Boards and Seal Cards have been used in conjunction with the playing of Pull-Tab Gambling games in the market place for many years. However, we are not aware of the Coin Board or Seal Card games being combined and used in conjunction with the real-time play of a Pull-Tab game. The Action Board, is a combination Coin Board and Seal Card providing Player excitement, heretofore, not available. The real-time play and combination of Pull-Tab instant prizes, inter-acting and in conjunction with Coin Board and Seal Card instant prizes during the playing of the basic Pull-Tab game differentiate the invention from the typical Coin Board or Seal Card game. The typical Coin Board or Seal Card games are played separately from each other, after all the tickets that comprise the game are sold out, the Coin Board or Seal Card prize winners are identified and the prizes awarded.

Abstract: A spa cover lift and cover construction that easily accommodates use with odd sizes and shapes of spas. The construction uses a column which is positioned at a single location about the periphery of the spa. A foot piece can be included at the bottom of the column which slips under the spa to use the weight of the spa and water to help hold the cover lift and cover securely. The column is preferably adjustable in height. It has pivot arms which extend in recesses formed in the underside of one half of the cover. The pivot arms extend from the column out to the side edges and are looped to form a handle and return that further supports the cover on the lift. The pivot arms may have tail ends that engage a bumper when the cover lift is retracted. Control arms may be pivotally connected between the column and pivot arms to resist erratic movements.

Abstract: A force activated electrical power generator is provided using piezoelectric elements of preferred lead-magnesium-niobate lead titanate (PMN-PT). The circuitry is in preferred versions completely passive generating all power needed. Some circuitry limits voltage across the elements and provides a return charge channel to prevent depolarization. Transformers can be used to increase the output voltage and efficiency. Rectifiers are shown to rectify the output to a single polarity. Filtering, regulation and other conditioning components are also shown. The output from the generator and circuitry can store the electrical charge, such as in a capacitor and/or battery.