Abstract: Gaming card arrays each formed of a plurality of symbols positioned in predetermined symbol display locations, are generated in a plurality of remote devices connected to a main station. The process includes the steps of developing seeds or a seed list to be utilized as input for generating gaming card arrays, and generating, at each remote device, gaming card arrays in accordance with input from the main station utilizing a pseudo-random number generator seeded by at least a portion of the seeds or seed list. In one form, a pre-processor screens potential seeds and saves only those capable of creating unique gaming card arrays in a seed list. Seeds from the seed list are accessed when needed and transferred to the remote devices whereat the gaming card arrays are created.

Abstract: A first method is provided for in vitro selection of Lemhi and Russet Burbank potatoes for blackspot resistance using plant tissue culturing techniques. A second method is provided using at least one melanin precursor added to the tissue culturing media. The blackspot resistant potatoes produced from such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of stringing a racquet includes independently tensioning a plurality of strings in the racquet and maintaining the independent tensioning. Individual strings are held and their tensioning maintained using cleats and grommets. In this fashion, the elastic properties of the shorter strings may be matched to that of the longer strings, giving a larger sweet spot. The strings may be manufactured as a pre-woven mesh.

Abstract: A stackable packaging and display system is provided for containing items for display and/or sale, such as printer ink cartridges and the like. The packaging and display system includes a plurality of stackable modules formed from paperboard or the like, wherein each module comprises an upwardly open inner tray fitted slidably within an outer sleeve having an upper face relieved or cut back at a front end thereof to expose display items within the inner tray. One of the modules comprises a base module having a support stand on the underside thereof for supporting the base module in an orientation tilted angularly upwardly from the front end thereof. At least one additional module comprises an upper module having a mounting flap on the underside thereof for interlocking reception into a slot formed in the underlying module.

Abstract: A foot strap assembly for wader boots is provided whereby a foot and leg may be more securely held within the wader boot preventing the boot from becoming stuck between rocks or mud which may cause injury to a boot wearer. The foot strap assembly includes an adjustable leg strap which encircles an upwardly extending portion of the wader boot, an adjustable foot strap which extends downwardly from the leg strap to underlie the bottom of the wader boot, an adjustable front strap which is tethered to the leg strap and which encircles the front portion of the boot. The foot strap assembly is positioned around the outside of the boot and adjusted to hold the foot securely within the boot. Adjustable rear straps extending from the leg strap to the foot strap, and beyond to front strap, may be used for further support.

Abstract: A depilatory device includes a pair of base members pivotally connected to one another and which support, at opposite ends of each base member, a pair of anchors that extend generally perpendicularly from the base members. A pair of string-like elongated elements arranged in mutually twisted engagement are attached to the anchors in such a manner such that the coils formed by the elongate elements travel linearly along the length of the depilatory device as the base members pivot with respect to one another. The result in an effective hair engagement and removal assembly.

Abstract: A rebound-type exercise device is provided which allows an individual to perform a sit and bounce exercises that, among other things, stimulate the lymphatic circulation. The exercise device includes a support frame which supports a seat assembly by means of four springs. The support frame includes a pair of laterally spaced apart side support frames which are interconnected by a head tube. Each side support frame includes a generally horizontal ground-engaging base tube, a rearwardly disposed, generally vertical rear support tube extending upwardly from the base tube, and a generally L-shaped arm which interconnects a front portion of the base tube with the upper end of the rear support tube.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler of the type having an inlet control valve is provided with a removable valve seat formed integrally with an inlet filter screen. The valve seat is positioned to engage a valve head to normally prevent water inflow to a sprinkler case, whereas the filter screen prevents entry of small rocks and other particulate debris into the sprinkler case when the inlet control valve is open. The valve seat is removable from the top of the sprinkler case, without requiring disconnection of the case from a water supply line, to permit flushing of collected debris or to permit replacement of a damaged valve seat.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus is for controlling water supply to a potted plant and has a main valve responsive to weight of the potted plant. The apparatus comprises a main body to support the load of the plant, a valve body adapted to be suspended from a support, and a resilient member cooperating with the main body and valve body to be responsive to load of the plant acting on the main body. A delivery conduit receives water under relatively low pressure and flow of the water is controlled by the main valve. The main valve has a first valve portion, e.g. a valve seat on the valve body, and a second valve portion, e.g. a poppet valve. A valve adjuster, a critical valve area, and water pressure determine actuation of the main valve. Preferably, the main valve closes when load acting on the apparatus is a pre-determined load reflecting weight of the fully watered plant, and as the plant becomes lighter, opening of the valve is delayed to ensure delivery of a relatively large amount of water.

Abstract: An improved drip irrigation emitter is provided for low volume supply of water at a trickle or drip flow rate. The emitter comprises a housing adapted for connection to a water supply hose, and includes a water inlet and a water outlet with an elongated pressure reducing flow channel extending therebetween. The flow channel is lined on opposite sides by a plurality of flow diverting ribs which project laterally and partially into the flow channel in a staggered or alternating pattern, in combination with a plurality of flow diverting weirs which project upwardly and partially into the flow channel from a floor thereof. The flow diverting ribs and weirs define a three dimensional tortuous flow path for repeated back-and-forth and up-and-down directional flow change as water travels therethrough, resulting in an improved pressure drop between the water inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An interactive game board or pages of interactive paper are attached to a platform designed to channel power to the game board/interactive paper and to receive signals therefrom. A transmitter unit that is removably attached to the platform provides power to the platform and transmits signals from the game board/interactive paper to a multimedia source, such as a computer or a CD-ROM player. Signals are generated at the interactive game board and interactive paper by means of touch pads that each permit completion of one of a plurality of distinct electrical circuits. Play pieces capable of generating a unique signal through the game board are also provided.

Abstract: A simple, decorative design for a continuous flow gravity regulated water delivery system. The system uses no moving parts or electrical components. The system will automatically fill and then maintain the water level in any Christmas tree stand water pan. The container design is one-piece, seamless, and leakproof. The container design is suitable for injection molding. A false bottom allows the integral water exit nozzle to be recessed and hidden, and keeps the minimum system water level above the tree stump cut. The container is designed to be tip proof and hold approximately 2 gallons of water, large enough to be functional yet unobtrusive. The container has an injection molded lid which fits snugly but does not seal, allowing the necessary pressure equalization. Water is delivered to the tree stand via a small (1/4" nominal diameter) clear vinyl tube. A small spring is inserted in the water exit nozzle on the container and extends into the tubing to prevent kinking at the bend.

Abstract: A bicycle repair stand is disclosed which can be used in conjunction with a conventional sports rack attached to the roof of an automobile. The bicycle repair stand includes a generally vertical ground-engaging support post, a repair stand supporting arm which extends between the ground-engaging support post and the automobile, a generally horizontal bicycle carrying arm extending from the support post, and a bicycle seat tube or frame engaging clamp attached to the bicycle carrying arm. The tube or frame-engaging clamp may be rotated relative to the bicycle carrying arm to support the bicycle in any desired orientation.

Abstract: An automatic opener for a sectional door includes a drive unit mounted adjacent to a door drive shaft and having a reversible motor, a gear linkage for translating rotation of the motor drive shaft into rotation of the sectional door drive shaft, and a clutch which permits the gear linkage to be manually temporarily disengaged from the motor drive shaft. The drive unit is supported within a housing that is connected to an adjustable wall bracket mounting base which itself is fixed to a wall adjacent to the sectional door. A spring-biased lever attached near a lower end of the sectional door pivots in response to slack in a door cable to automatically lock the door when it is completely shut. The locking mechanism automatically unlocks the door either when the drive unit is actuated to open the sectional door or when the clutch is utilized to disengage the gear linkage from the motor drive shaft.

Abstract: A turntable is provided for use in recharging batteries of the type used in battery powered forklift trucks and the like. The turntable includes a peripheral array of charging stations each including a support platform and a battery charger for connection to and recharging of a battery on the platform. The turntable is rotatably driven in a stepwise manner to index the charging stations in succession to a transfer position. A push-pull ram at the transfer position draws a depleted battery from a forklift truck onto the platform of an empty charging station. The turntable is then indexed to move a recharged battery to the transfer position, and the push-pull ram installs the recharged battery on the forklift truck.