Abstract: A card game (20) of the rummy-type has as its object the melding of groups of cards whose summed numerical value equals a preestablished target numerical sum. In a preferred embodiment, groups of two cards which sum to ten can be melded. The player who melds all his/her cards is declared the winner and collects the wagers of all the other players.

Abstract: An anchor (20) which is attachable to the leg (500) of a canopy (502) framework includes a bar (22) having a foot (30), a weight (32), and at least one attaching means for attaching the anchor (20) to the leg (500). The anchor (20) is useful in circumstances where the wind could lift, displace, or overturn the canopy (502) and associated framework.

Abstract: A set of blocks cut from the limbs and trunks of small trees is shown for making natural appearing stacks (20, 60). Each block has parallel upper and lower cuts (82, 84, 170, 171) across the blocks spaced a predetermined increment "I" or a multiple of increment "I" from each other. The remaining outer surfaces (90, 92) remain in their natural states complete with bark, protrusions, and other anomalies.

Abstract: A modified version of the game of BLACKJACK includes a player playing first and second hands. The improvement of the present invention comprises the player receiving (a) a first supplemental payoff if the first and second hands both equal the hand of the dealers (b) a second supplemental payoff if the first and second hands are equal, or (c) a third supplemental payoff if either the first hand or the second hand equal the dealer's hand. In a preferred embodiment 20, the supplemental payoffs are offered at no additional cost to the player. In a second embodiment 120, the player places a side bet and the supplemental payoffs are adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A positioning device (20) which permits precise adjustment and retention of the longitudinal position of a screw member (30) within a threaded receptacle (22) in incremental detent steps includes the screw member (30) having at least one spring member (42) and the threaded receptacle (22) having a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal grooves (28). As the screw member (30) is rotated within the threaded receptacle (22), the spring member (42) sequentially engages the spaced longitudinal grooves (28) in incremental detent steps. The engagement between the spring member (42) and a longitudinal groove (28) retains the screw member (30) in a desired detent position, thereby resisting unwanted rotation as from vibration or thermal cycling.

Abstract: An improved method 20 of playing the game of poker between which can be applied as an adjunct to virtually any of the numerous variations of the game. Each player places a wager 500 of the same amount. The conventional game is then played in accordance with the selected rules of play. After the conclusion of conventional play, an action player is selected. The action player compares hands with a first sequential player. The Winner of the comparison takes the wager 500 of the other player and then compares hands with the next sequential player. The Winner of that comparison takes the wager 500 of the other player and then compares hands with the next sequential player. This sequence continues until all players have participated.

Abstract: A speculum (20) for opening the jaws of animals (500) includes first (22) and second (30) arms connected by a threaded rod (38). By rotating threaded rod (38), the distance (D) between first (22) and second (30) arms may be selective adjusted. First (22) and second (30) arms have first (28) and second (36) jaw plates respectively, which forcibly open the jaws (502) and (506) of the animal (500). A tension-producing means (100) holds speculum (20) in place in the animal's (500) mouth.

Abstract: A method of apportioning wagers between a plurality of game players includes each player receiving two cards, and having the option of drawing one additional card. The playing cards have numerical values of, ace equals one, picture cards equal zero, and all other cards equaling their face value. The cards in each player's hand are summed to form a numerical total. The least significant digit of the numerical total determines the winner, wherein a least significant digit of nine or closest thereto is the best hand. Additional game features include (1) a provision which eliminates ties (pushes), (2) a set of special dice (300/400) which are used to determine an action player, (3) a secondary player-banker who takes over for the player-banker if the bank does not reach all the players, and (4) a fast-action-bank feature in which the role of the player-banker may change during a round of play.

Abstract: A support arm (30) for use in an actuator assembly (500) of a digital storage system is fabricated from a polymer such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and is integrally molded with the hub section (502) of the actuator assembly (500). A conductor (36) is embedded within the support arm (30). Support arm (30) may be tapered or ribbed to provide greater rigidity and stiffness. A plurality of lead wire-retaining hooks (41) are molded along the edge of support arm (30) to facilitate lead wire (510) routing and result in less lead wire breakage.

Abstract: A holder 20 for supporting loop-handled plastic bags 500 includes a support structure 22, two oppositely positioned cleats 28 and 30 for accepting the loop handles 506, and at least two oppositely positioned downwardly projecting fingers 36 and 40 for downwardly engaging the side portions 508 and 510 of the plastic bags 500 and thereby holding the plastic bags 500 in an open state suitable for receiving deposited items. In a preferred embodiment, cleats 28 and 30 and downwardly projecting fingers 36 and 40 are permanently connected to the mouth 26 of a wastebasket-type container 22. In an alternative embodiment, cleats 128 and 130 and downwardly projecting fingers 136 and 140 are removably connected to container mouth 126 with clips 129 and 150, and are selectively positionable along the mouth 126.

Abstract: A two part fastening assembly 30 for use with a common fastener 500 such as a screw, bolt, or the like includes a substantially ring-shaped base member 32 having a washer-shaped element 38 attached to one end. Washer-shaped element 38 has a hole 42 sized to accept the shank 504 of common fastener 500. Base member 32 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 48. A substantially bowl-shaped cap 34 has a corresponding plurality of legs 60 having barbs 62. The shank 504 of common fastener 500 is inserted into base member 32 and into hole 42 until head 502 abuts washer-shaped element 38. Cap 34 is then inserted into base member 32, covering head 502, and barbs 62 snap into apertures 48 and are captively engaged thereby.

Abstract: A plurality of six-sided intransitive dice 10 include dice having two different sizes and three different colors. Indicia of three different colors and representing numeric values, is disposed on the six sides of the dice. Intransitive dice 10 are used to play a wagering game 700 between a contestant and an opponent, wherein the contestant always has an advantage.

Abstract: A tool 20 for cleaning the hooves 500 of the equine species includes an elongated flattened handle 22 sized to be grasped by a human hand. A pick member 30 is integral with one end of handle 22, and a blade member 32 is integral with the other end. Pick member 30 includes end portion 46 having shovel-shaped indentation 48 which acts as a miniature shovel in the removal of packed debris. Blade member 32 includes a hook 60 which is useful in removing debris from small crevices in hoof 500 and also from in between hoof 500 and horseshoe 600.

Abstract: A set of dice (20, 120) for producing a range of numerical values includes a plurality of diced each having a representation of a selected number disposed on each of its six sides. In one embodiment the set of dice 20 includes first die 22, second die 24, and third die 26, and the range of numerical values produced is one through eight. In a second embodiment the set of dice 120 includes first die 122 and second die 124, and the range of numerical values produced is one through nine.

Abstract: A retractor (50), for a binder (20) having two covers (22, 24) foldably connected by a spine (26) and selectively closable by a split gusset (28) carrying a slide fastener (34) and having an extending portion (36), includes an elastic member (52) having one end (54) connected to the extending portion and the opposite end (56) fixedly positioned along the spine. As the covers are closed, the extending portion is drawn inwardly along the spine, and as the covers are opened the extending portion moves stretchably outwardly along the spine.

Abstract: A loader 30 and method of loading lock pins 104 and 112 into the plug portion 100 of a cylindrical lock. The loader 30 includes a body 32 and cover 34. The body 32 has a plurality of pin dispensing barrels 36 which are loaded with a preestablished plurality of lock pins 104 and 112. The body 32 fits under the plug portion 100 so that the pin dispensing barrels 36 abut and coaxially align with a corresponding plurality of pin cavities 102 in the plug portion 100, The combined body 32 and plug portion 100 are then turned upside down (rotated approximately 180') and gravity causes the lock pins 104 and 112 to vacate the pin dispensing barrels 36 and enter the pin cavities 102 in the plug portion 100.

Abstract: A method of playing an improved version of the game of Pai Gow Poker also known as Asian Poker wherein a fifty six card playing deck includes a fifty two card standard deck plus four jokers, thereby permitting as many as eight players to participate in the game. A set of three special dice 48, 54, and 60 is utilized to determine an action player, and may also be utilized to determine the direction of sequential play. In an improved banking method, the bank hand (player-banker) is not fixed for each hand (deal), but the bank hand can move from player to player during the play of the game depending upon which player has the better hand.

Abstract: A foot-operated appliance (20) for a digging tool (500) such as a shovel, spade, trencher or the like includes a longitudinally truncated sleeve (22) contoured to fit partially around the socket (508) of the digging tool (500). A substantially planar pedal (30) is connected to the sleeve (22) and projects outwardly therefrom. A U-bolt (40) and a retaining bar (42) connect the sleeve (22) around the socket (508). Pedal (30) is angled to be substantially perpendicular to the axis (518) of the blade (502) of the digging tool (500).