Abstract: Apparatus forming a portable charge, debit or similar identification card which can be read using a magnetic card reader and methods for securing information are described. The preferred apparatus includes a magnetic stripe for storing information, a jamming assembly configured to emit a jamming signal which temporarily renders at least a portion of the magnetic stripe unreadable when the card is swiped through the card reader without first entering correct authentication data, and a power source adapted to supply power to the jamming assembly. Other features are also disclosed.

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: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by 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.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying a transfer sheet to sign appliqueś and removing them to a sign board or other substrate. A carriage is movably mounted on a layout table. The layout table has a surface upon which appliqueś are arranged to be made into a sign. The carriage is constrained to move along the layout table in a fixed orientation, such as by using gear racks mounted on the frame. The carriage may have pinions that are mechanically coupled so opposing sides move in a coordinated manner. A transfer roll support allows the transfer sheet to play out and about an applicator which smooths the sheet onto the sign appliqueś. The apparatus includes elevators which allow elevation adjustment between the carriage and layout surface.

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: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by 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 processor can also associate one or more slot symbols with the virtual playing cards so that jackpots can be awarded on the basis of winning slot symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic tumbler lock comprising an inner cylinder adapted to turn in an external housing, said inner cylinder having a keyhole for receiving a key, locking means including at least one magnetic tumbler, which is adapted to rotate about a rotary axis extending substantially transversely of the longitudinal axis of the inner cylinder, and a key which is provided with a magnet for co-operating with the magnetic tumbler causing the magnetic tumbler to rotate into an unlocked position when the key is inserted into the lock.

Abstract: A method of preparing the upper end of a concrete column containing elongated reinforcing elements for connection to a cast-in-place beam supported by the column. The method comprises the steps of determining the elevation at which the column is to engage the beam, severing the column a distance above said elevation, axially core drilling the column to said elevation, scoring the outside of the column at the elevation by use of an abrasive saw, crushing the shell of the column about the area previously core-drilled to fracture the concrete and free the elongated reinforcing elements, and finally bending the elongated reinforcing elements into a position in which they tie into the cast-in-place beam structure to be supported by the column.

Abstract: A tool stand comprising a series of end interfitting and fastening rectangular conduits. Each rectangular conduit has an axially disposed protruding block at one end thereof and an axially disposed recessed block at the opposite end thereto, the recessed block of one conduit being for engagement with the protruding block of a second conduit and with a threaded fastener being inserted in an axially disposed hole in the conduits to provide a fastening engagement of the conduits. Additional conduits are identically equipped for engagement in a sturdy conduit series.

Abstract: A core drill stand for orienting and holding a core drilling apparatus for sampling concrete pilings, comprising an elongated column having a support collar fixed at right angles to the elongated column for engagement with the top of a concrete piling, gripping standoffs between the column and piling, a tightening collar to tighten the apparatus to the piling and a movable carriage means supported by the column, the carriage means being adjustable to fit closely about the column and having a pinion drive means engaging a rack on the column for moving the carriage along the column. The carriage is adapted to receive a pneumatic drilling device, other tools or additional columns. Columns are equipped with interfitting end hardware so that a plurality of columns may be joined endwise.

Abstract: A self-propelled hydraulic power supply vehicle and tool mounting platform having an hydraulic fluid reservoir integral with and forming the structural frame of the vehicle, hydraulically actuated driving and steering apparatus for moving the vehicle across a support surface while performing a cutting operation on the support surface, and castor wheels facilitating vehicle mobility which are rotated into operative position raising the vehicle so that the wheels normally supporting the vehicle are raised out of contact with the surface for mobility when the device is not cutting the support surface.

Abstract: A blackjack or other card game system having a plurality of player counters which count the blackjack hands or other player jackpot tally events dealt to players. The system also includes at least one dealer counter which counts the number of bust hands of the dealer or other dealer jackpot tally events. Displays are included for both the dealer and players to indicate the counts. The counters are typically zeroed at the end of each hand if a tally event has not occurred. Jackpots are awarded when the tally counts exceed predefined thresholds. A tabletop retrofit game system is shown for mounting upon blackjack tables. A special round of play having modified rules can be used as part of the jackpot award.