Abstract: A card shuffling device reads suit and value of individual cards that are moved through the card shuffler. Reading of the cards is effected after cards have been received into a card holding area and before cards have been delivered into a card collection area from which cards are removed from the device for use.

Abstract: A playing card shuffling device has a visual display in information communication with the playing card shuffling device. At least one processor is programmed to provide displayable information to the visual display indicative of an amount of time remaining or time expired in a procedure performed by the shuffling device.

Abstract: A tethering system is used with a bicycle and a pet. The system has: a flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end of the flexible tube having a plate connector having a bike attachment system and a removable connection with the flexible tube, the connector configured to attach to a position on a two-wheel bicycle within 15 cm of a rear axle on the two-wheel bicycle; and the distal end of the flexible tube having a connection system for a leash.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-immunogenic cellular composition comprising: a cell having a cell surface and antigenic determinants on the cell surface; an optional linker molecule covalently attached to the cell surface; and a hydrophilic, biocompatible, non-immunogenicity providing compound or polymer (e.g., polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof) covalently attached to the linker molecule or directly to the cell. In one embodiment, the linker molecule is covalently attached directly to the antigenic determinant on the cell surface. In an alternate embodiment, the linker molecule may be covalently attached to a non-antigenic site on the cell surface, but will camouflage the antigenic determinant on the cell surface.

Abstract: An image support device has a support surface having a front face, a back surface, a bottom and a top. The support surface has secured thereto a visible light transmitting panel. The light transmitting panel preferably has a hinge towards the bottom of the support surface enabling a top of the light transmitting panel to be pulled away from the support surface in a non-destructive manner to create an opening behind the light transmitting panel. The opening behind the light transmitting panel is able to close and return to a closed position by elastic or spring tension to provide tension to an image placed behind the light transmitting panel. The top or the back of the support surface may have at least part of a wall connecting system attached thereto, or the opening may face away from a bottom of the device having a flat support base.

Abstract: A security device comprises a portable magnetic stripe reader and computing functionality associated with the magnetic stripe reader, such as a credit card reader, drivers license reader, debit card reader, club card reader, or any other element that can be mechanically read. A single device may be needed for evaluation of each type of stripe carrying product, or a single device may have multiple functions and can be used (with or without switching to specific identification sequences) for evaluation of different magnetic stripe carrying products. It may be used as a law enforcement device, particularly to combat identity theft and financial fraud.

Abstract: The present invention features a playing card shuffling device, which through the use of a small image capturing means, captures an image of the face value of each card and stores the image in memory. This image is sorted in the format of a bitmap image. The operator of the machine would be able to recall through the use of a keypad, the images of the cards that comprised the individual hands in the previous game. This feature allows for verification of a winning hand after a game has been completed. Thereby, a quick recheck of hands before playing a winning hand is performed. The face value of each card is determined by character recognition software. These card values would be stored in memory for archival access for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining the number of winnings hands.

Abstract: A card feed system for feeding cards into a card handling system is disclosed. The system includes a card input department with a playing card support surface, a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls. The playing card support surface slopes towards the front wall at an angle between 12 and 22 degrees. A slot is provided in the front wall to allow single cards to pass into the card handling system. The card feed system also includes a card moving system to advance cards through the slot.

Abstract: A device captures and assists in the removal of a thrombus in arteries, even in small arteries. The device uses a soft coil mesh to engage the surface of a thrombus, and a guidewire is used to retract the soft coil mesh with the captured thrombus. The soft coil is formed by an elongated microcoil element that forms the helical elements of a macrocoil element. The microcoil element provides a relatively elastic effect to the helical element forming the macrocoil and allows for control of gripping forces on the thrombus while reducing non-rigid contact of the device with arterial walls.

Abstract: A device capable of capturing and facilitating the removal of a thrombus in blood vessels (or stones in biliary or urinary ducts, or foreign bodies) uses a soft coil mesh with the aid of a pull wire or string to engage the surface of a thrombus, and remove the captured thrombus. The soft coil mesh is formed by an elongated microcoil element that forms the helical elements of a macrocoil element. The microcoil element provides a relatively elastic effect to the helical elements forming the macrocoil and allows for control of gripping forces on the thrombus while reducing non-rigid contact of the device with arterial walls. The use of multiple coil mesh elements, delivered through a single lumen or multiple lumens, preferably with separate control of at least one end of each coil, provides a firm grasp on a distal side of a thrombus, assisting in non-disruptive or minimally disrupted removal of the thrombus upon withdrawal of the device.

Abstract: A method of controlling the game of baccarat is disclosed, the method including the steps of providing a card delivery shoe equipped with a sensor capable of reading at least a rank of each card; a first processor capable of controlling operation of the card delivery shoe; and a second processor capable of receiving signals from the sensor and programmed to display information related to the game of baccarat.

Abstract: Playing card handling devices, such as shufflers, dealing shoes, discard racks and verification systems are rotatably secured to a gaming table to allow for functional and ergonomic adjustment of the card handling device, without removal from the gaming table. One end of the device, preferably a front end of the device from which playing cards may be removed has a structure that extends through an aperture in the gaming table. The device is movable within the aperture. Movement in the X-Y direction, angular movement and rotational movement, parallel to the movement of the plane of the surface of the gaming table is enabled. The movement of the device about the aperture preferably maintains the base of the device relatively parallel to the plane of the surface of the gaming table.

Abstract: A system and method coordinates data and providing information to an external subscriber to the system relating to at least one foreclosure real estate transaction.

Abstract: An article and process provides a stable technology that reduces the microbial content by providing molecular iodine to the stabilized reagents when at least two reactants are activated by aqueous and/or alcohol materials.

Abstract: A method of improving mobility skills of a user on a stationary elliptical exercise device comprising two footpads, each footpad associated with a stationary exercise device, comprising a frame member having a transverse pivot axis. A first and a second foot tread member are operatively associated with a coupling member for pivotally coupling the front end of each foot tread member to the pivot axis at a predetermined distance from the pivot axis, so that each foot tread member front end travels in an arcuate path about the pivot axis. Each foot tread member moves independently of the other foot tread member. Each foot tread member rear end is operatively associated with a glide member for moveable coupling of the rear end of each foot tread member to a support surface. The glide members direct each foot tread member rear end along a reciprocating path of travel, as each foot tread member front end travels in an arcuate path.

Abstract: A playing card delivery shoe is used in the play of the casino table card game of baccarat or blackjack or any game where cards are pulled one at a time from the shoe. The apparatus comprises a reader or an imager that scans lines bisecting the image at spaced intervals. The scanning occurs on playing cards in at least the region where suit and rank symbols are provided. The scanner output is a series of voltages that are converted to binary information. This binary information is compared to stored binary information to determine rank and suit. The upper surface of the output end of the shoe contains a partial barrier for cards being scanned. The partial barrier has an elevated surface and limits a size of a pathway so that only one card can be removed at a time.

Abstract: A method of playing a Pai Gow Poker wagering card game is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) a player placing a wager on a Pai Gow Poker game, b) players placing a second wager against a pay table on a separate poker-type game that uses each player's best five-card hands from each player, c) dealing seven-card hands from a set of cards to six player positions and to one dealer position; d) resolving the Pai Gow game and awarding bonuses to players making the second wager that have a best five-card hand that exceeds a predetermined rank; and e) awarding an additional bonus to players with hands that exceed the predetermined rank if the dealer's best five-card hand is equal to or less than a predetermined rank. An optional envy hand event may be included with the second wager or a special qualifying second or third wager.

Abstract: An article is applied to the body of an animal (including humans) to provide both absorbency and antimicrobial activity. The article may comprise a water absorbent material; and a composition that reacts with water to produce molecular iodine. The composition provides a local concentration (in the water) of at least 10 parts per million iodine in water carried by the material (that is actual water supported by the water absorbent material) when the material has 5% by weight of water present in the water absorbent. The article may be a diaper, sanitary pad, bandage, bandaid or wrap for an animal.

Abstract: A fluid control spray gun stops, starts and controls flow of fluids through a nozzle. The gun has a fluid entry port; a trigger that controls fluid flow by movement of a pin; a handle that moves the trigger; a fulcrum point on the handle; three floating pins comprising in order a first floating pin, a second floating pin and a third floating pin, the three floating pins being present in an upper region of the handle; a hand grip portion in the handle; the upper region of the handle allowing engagement between the first floating pin and the trigger; and the upper region of the handle having a forward end allowing engagement of the third floating pin with a stabilizing element.

Abstract: A stationary exercise device includes a frame member having a transverse pivot axis. A first and a second foot tread member are operatively associated with a coupling member for pivotally coupling the first end of each foot tread member to the a respective pivot axis at a predetermined distance from the pivot axis, so that each foot tread member first end travels in an arcuate path about the pivot axis. Each foot tread member moves independently of the other foot tread member. Each foot tread member second end is operatively associated with a glide member for moveable coupling of the second end of each foot tread member to a support surface. The glide members direct each foot tread member second end along a reciprocating path of travel, as each foot tread member first end travels in an arcuate path.