Abstract: A computer-based customer tracking system passively identifies customers. Acquired biometric identification information is sent to a computer processor, which searches files in a library for matching biometric data. If no match is found, the processor opens a new file in the library. If a match is found, said processor stores in the file that a repeat identification has occurred. If said processor is only able to reduce the number of possible matches to two or more files, personnel determines if a match certain has occurred. If prior activity information stored in the file exceeds a predetermined level, the prior activity information is retrieved from the file and sent to a terminal, preferably at the location of the transaction. New information from the transaction is stored for future access. The processor scans the files periodically, and deletes files which include activity level below a predetermined level over a preselected time period.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the invention minimizes the redesign burden in tuning and/or customizing PLLs on ICs. Variable resistors are placed in the PLL in places that facilitate tuning. The variable resistors are formed with a set of at least three contacts, where each contact is in electrical communication with a resistive area. A metal layer is used to form leads to the resistive area, where each lead is formed to be in electrical communication with only a selected subset of contacts from the set. In one embodiment, only the uppermost metal layer used in forming the IC is used to form the leads. Because the uppermost metal layer is utilized, the resistor value can be adjusted simply by selecting the subsets of contacts that are to be in electrical communication with the uppermost metal layer. In this manner, only one metal layer needs to be adjusted in tuning and/or customizing a PLL, rather than having to redesign and re-layout all metal layers and vias in the IC.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a financial board game that teaches its players about buying and selling securities, about investment strategies, and about the business world. The game as disclosed includes a plurality of spaces forming a closed loop path about the periphery of the board. Many of the spaces are subdivided into subspaces. Some of the subspaces dictate the type of security available for purchase or sale and an indication of price. Other of the subspaces indicate that a question is to be answered by a player. In addition, players each receive a Portfolio Asset Allocation Card which dictates an investment strategy, setting forth the securities that are to be accumulated during the course of the game.

Abstract: A bag that is made silent for purposes of using the bag on a studio set in movies, television, and other live and pre-recorded settings, where set props are needed to recreate real life situations for dramatization, but where real life sound that is created by bags interferes with the recording, broadcasting, or amplification of the dramatic performance. The bag is able to maintain real or imaginary brand labels for either product placement or true-to-life dramatization applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a dice game based on the sport of baseball. The game described permits a player to participate by wagering on the combined sum of three rolled dice. Each combined sum of the dice equates to a common baseball outcome such as a home run, error or strikeout. Players make wagers dependent on each at-bat, each half-inning or game result. The game played with three dice follows realistically the outcomes associated with a professional baseball game. The game is designed for player v. player, team v. player or team v. team. In the preferred embodiment the game is played on a table including a pit area similar to a craps table. The table layout displays the outcomes, various odds associated with the various wagers and sections for players to place their wagers. The table design also permits dealers, stickmen and/or croupiers to orchestrate the game.

Abstract: Methods of playing card games include the steps of (a) affording each player an opportunity to place an ANTE wager to participate in the game; (b) affording each player an opportunity to make an optional BONUS BET wager; (c) dealing three cards to each player and to a dealer; (d) affording each player an opportunity to view their cards; (e) affording each player an opportunity to either fold and forfeit their ANTE wager, or call by making a BET wager (f) evaluating whether the dealer's hand qualifies by achieving a predetermined point value; and (g) settling wagers by (1) if the dealer's hand does not qualify, paying the ANTE wagers and refunding the BET wagers to each remaining player and paying each remaining player who opted to make the BONUS BET wager an amount determined by a predetermined pay table based on a point value of the player's hand; (2) if the dealer's hand does qualify, comparing each remaining player's hand with the dealer's hand using point value as the criteri

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide new and unique plastic folding and telescoping eyeglass frames that provide the opportunity for producing a wide variety of colorful, lightweight and easy folding eyewear. Although the illustrated plastic folding and telescoping eyeglasses appear to be the fragile plastic styles of the past, they possess far greater flexibility and fracture resistance due to new cross-linked polymer plastics used in injection molding processes. The frames are easily adapted to the extreme curvature of some of the lenses of trendy eyeglass fashions and facilitated by the inclusion of a bi-folding bridge member. The plastic folding and telescoping eyeglasses also incorporate telescoping temples. An off-set bi-folding bridge member permits the lenses to fold over one another and the temples to rest next to one another providing a compact package for easy storage.

Abstract: An artificial turf golf practice mat has a removable rectangular divot patch sized about four inches wide to simulate a real dirt divot on a fairway. The forward end of the pivot patch is anchored to the rubber base by some means such as a hook and loop, a clamp, or a permanent attachment to the artificial grass top layer. In action the divot patch is propelled away from the mat along with the ball to simulate various shots. A pair of alignment lines help the golfer position his feet and provide a putting exercise. A base for a tee is provided to allow practicing driving shots.

Abstract: The present invention features a card shuffling machine having a controller that can be operated remote from the shuffling machine. A remote control unit is provided for remotely communicating operator-selected commands to the shuffling machine. The shuffling machine is capable of shuffling and dealing various games and between different modes of operation, including batch mode and continuous mode. The remote control unit includes a housing, a controller disposed therein, a display in electrical communication with the controller, and at least one user-operated key in electrical communication with the controller for electrically communicating a shuffle command to said shuffling machine allowing the dealer to select between various modes of operation, including batch mode, continuous mode, and between various games to be played.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a multiple part eyeglass frame for rimless eyeglasses manufactured from plastic having properties which withstand the constant flexing associated with eyeglasses. The present invention is especially useful in situations where a conventional temple hinge is not used. The frame is highly effective for absorbing stresses on eyeglass lenses at attachment points of the temple members. Temples of the present invention are formed of two individual pieces allowing a temple length to be adjusted. The temple pieces are fabricated, such that when joined, the resulting temple follows the normal curvature of a wearer's head. The present invention incorporates a plastic nose bridge with one or more posts as attachment means for a replaceable nose pad bridge unit. Additionally, means for adjusting the length of the temple members is provided.

Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously. The shuffler is controlled by a processing unit in communication with multiple internal sensors. An audio system communicates voice outputs regarding shuffler malfunctions and instructions to an operator.

Abstract: A video implemented casino card game deals multiple hands. In a preferred embodiment the game includes a means for simulating a plurality of players on a game display. Each simulated player is dealt a hand of cards pursuant to a predetermined card game selected by a game player. Subsequent to the initial deal, the game player selects which hand to play. Once the hand has been selected, each hand is fully played. Only the game player's hand is fully revealed during play. Based on the game player's final cards, the player is paid according to a pay table. Thereafter, all hands are revealed and the game player is paid a bonus amount if the player's selected hand is the highest hand of the dealt hands. In a card game requiring a draw, or decision, unselected card hands are played according to a preprogrammed methodology within a gaming machine's internal microprocessor.

Abstract: Described herein is an ASIC having an array of predesigned function blocks. The function blocks can be used to implement combinational logic, sequential logic, or a combination of both. The function blocks also have a selectable output drive strength. The output drive strength can be selected, in some embodiments, using mask programming.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method for customizing a one-time configurable integrated circuit to include a multi-time configurable structure is disclosed. Such a method includes, in one embodiment receiving a description of circuit functionality from a user for implementation in the one-time configurable device, where the functionality includes a portion that is designated by the user to be reconfigurable. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention then models a reconfigurable structure that has enough capacity to accommodate the designated functionality. Optionally, some embodiments of the invention add in more capacity than is required to implement the designated functionality to allow for future reprogramming. The method then embeds the reconfigurable structure in the one-time configurable device. In certain embodiments, the one-time configurable device can be a mask-programmed MBA, gate array, or standard cell, while the reconfigurable structure is a PLA or modified PLA.

Abstract: A gate array in accordance with the invention includes a matrix of function blocks capable of being configured to implement combinational, sequential, and memory modes of operation, as well as providing tri-state drivers and buffers in useful numbers. The function block includes a logic circuit with a first bit storage unit, which is selectively configurable to behave as combinational logic or to store a first bit, and a second bit storage unit, which is also selectively configurable to behave as combinational logic or to store a second bit. The matrix of function blocks in accordance with the invention is also useful to properly distribute clocks throughout the gate array.

Abstract: A gun sight system includes a front sight and a rear sight providing high shot accuracy and immediate target acquisition. Each sight having light-gathering means functions dependently defining a highly visible aiming point. An elongated light-gathering plastic rod retained on a front sight base member includes a triangular viewing surface. An oval-shaped light-gathering plastic rod, retained within a rear sight housing, includes two triangular shaped viewing surfaces disposed in a V-shaped void of the housing. From a user's perspective three lighted triangular shaped viewing ends of the light-gathering means define an aiming point and provide immediate target acquisition. Multi-colored light-gathering means and the creation of hot-spots further improve the present gun sight system.

Abstract: Fastening means for attaching eyeglass members together includes a barbed locking pin inserted into a bushing. More particularly, rimless eyeglasses require new technology to render them long-lasting and fail-safe. Said unique means of attachment is a highly effective replacement for the typical screw attachment means in many eyeglass configurations, including rimless and rimmed versions. In one embodiment, the barbed pin is inserted into the bushing such that the barbs restrict removal. The barbs can be spaced circumferentially along a length of the pin or can be intermittently distributed along the pin. In another embodiment, co-planer barbs along the pin create additional sharp corners to facilitate a connection between the pin and bushing. In a preferred embodiment the barbs are metal. The invention disclosed facilitates fail-safe attachment of eyeglass members together including a temple hinge mounting-bracket to a temple or lens and a bridge member to a pair of lenses.

Abstract: A method for coordinating a generally publicly broadcast contest show with automatically dialed marketing telephone calls by which the recipients are first interrogated about their willingness to participate in the contest, and if so, they each disclose for a common data base various identifying aspects of their person. The identifying information is thereafter scanned for potential contest participant selection and once the selection is made a random number generator is used to select from these ranks the actual participants in the contest. During both the contest and in the course of collecting the particulars the keys on a telephone are used to effect interactive exchanges. In addition a voice print may be taken for positive identification. The stored particulars may also be accessed for creating marketing lists.