Abstract: An apparatus for treating skin disorders includes a case, an electrode structure having a metal ball tip electrode for contacting the skin, and a metal electrode mounted on a handle portion of the electrode structure. The electrode structure can be conveniently grasped with one hand.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game (20) includes a target numerical sum game to which is added the step of placing a supplemental wager that a player's cards will be of the same suit. In one embodiment (20) only the player's first two cards must be of the same suit in order to win. In another embodiment (120) either the player or the banker wins if all of his/her cards are the same suit and he/she wins also the conventional target numerical sum game. This principles of the present invention may be practiced with any target numerical sum game such as conventional Blackjack, California Blackjack, Baccarat etc.

Abstract: A plumbing coupling (20) for connecting two lengths of pipe (500) includes a cylindrical body (22) having a circumferential through-slit (32) extending part of the way around its perimeter (28). A closure plate (36) is selectively insertable into the through-slit (32) so as to abut the inner surface (24) of body (22) and block the flow of water through the plumbing coupling (20). A sleeve (42) is selectively wrapable around body (22) to tightly seal the closure plate (36). To conduct a pressure test, closure plate (36) is inserted and sleeve (42) attached. To return the plumbing line to normal use, middle portion (43) of sleeve (42) is peeled back, closure plate (36) is removed, and middle portion (43) of sleeve (42) is reattached. Body (22) is fabricated from a resilient material which conforms to edge (38) of closure plate (36).

Abstract: A system for detecting and purging carbon monoxide from a confined space such as a parking garage, includes a plurality of carbon monoxide detectors (A) where each detector provides a detection signal (22) if a threshold level of carbon monoxide is detected. An activation circuit (B) receives the detection signal (22) from one or more of the detectors (A) and provides an exhaust fan activation signal (24). A motor starter (C) receives (1) the exhaust fan activation signal (24), and (2) input power (26) such as 110 VAC or 220 VAC, so that when the exhaust fan activation signal (24) is received from the activation circuit (B), the motor starter (C) provides a switched power output (28). An exhaust fan (D) receives the switched power output (28) from the motor starter (C) so that the exhaust fan (D) operates and thereby purges the carbon monoxide from the space.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game allows players to place roulette-type wagers. The players can wager that a majority of dealt cards will be odd or even, red or black, and that the numerical total of the dealt cards will fall within preestablished ranges.

Abstract: A three-person bicycle (20) having two of the riding positions situated between a front wheel (22) and a rear wheel (26), and the third riding position situated behind the rear wheel (26). Bicycle (20) includes a front first seat (34), a middle second seat (36), and a third rear seat (38) connected to a frame (32). Front seat (34) and second seat (36) are located on frame (32) between front axle (24) and rear axle (28). Third rear seat (38) is connected to frame (32) behind rear axle (28) and rear wheel (26).

Abstract: A portable apparatus (20) for containing an animal includes a stock (22) for receiving the animal, a tongue (24) pivotally connected to the stock (22), and a variable length controller (26) connected between the stock (22) and the tongue (26). The opposite towing end (30) of tongue (24) is connected to a towing vehicle (500). When the variable length controller (26) is placed in an extended position, stock (22) pivots about first (38) and second (42) wheels to a substantially vertical position suitable for receiving an animal. When variable length controller (26) is placed in a retracted position, stock (22) pivots to a substantially horizontal position above tongue (24), and may be conveniently towed between locations.

Abstract: A method of playing a Blackjack-type wagering game (20) includes a player playing against a player-banker wherein the object of the game is to reach a numerical total of 20. The winner is (a) the player who has the largest numerical total which does not exceed 20, or if both player's exceed 20, (2) the player who's numerical total is closest to 20. A "natural" is defined as either two kings, two queens, two jacks, or two tens on the first two cards. In one embodiment, hands which exceed a numerical total of 20 are ranked by the high card which they contain, rather than by their proximity to 20. Game (20) can either be played as a banking or non-banking game.

Abstract: A tabletop assembly (20) for securing articles against high acceleration loads includes a substantially planar tabletop (22) having a top surface (24) and an opposite bottom surface (26). At least one article-receiving track (28) is inset into the top of tabletop (22). A brace (36) is disposed beneath the tabletop (22) and connected to the track (28) so that the track (28) will not separate from the tabletop (22) under high acceleration loads such as from a seismic event.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shield (20) for protecting individuals from the adverse effects of electromagnetic radiation includes a homogenous composition of finely ground tourmaline and a porous carrier. The electromagnetic shield (20) is attached to a radiating device such as the handset of a portable telephone. The tourmaline reacts with moisture in the air to produce negative ions which cancel the positive ions created by the radiating device, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the harmful effects of the radiation. The electromagnetic shield (20) composition can be molded into housings for radiating devices.

Abstract: A dental rasp for animals (20) includes an elongated shaft (22) to which is attached a circular rasp (28). Dental rasp (20) is attached to a reciprocating mechanism (504) which causes rasp (28) to longitudinally oscillate. In a preferred embodiment rasp (28) has a diameter of about one inch. Rasp (28) has a plurality of teeth (32) which are oriented to file on the reverse stroke of the of the reciprocating mechanism (504). Rasp (28) is planar and defines an angle A with shaft (22). In a preferred embodiment angle A ranges between 135.degree. and 180.degree..

Abstract: A crotch cushion (20) for bicycle riders includes a right buttock seat (22) having a first upwardly facing concave surface (24), and a laterally opposite left buttock seat (26) having a second upwardly facing concave surface (28). An upwardly facing trough (30) is connected between right buttock seat (22) and left buttock seat (26). In a preferred embodiment, padding (40) covers crotch cushion (20). First (24) and second (28) upwardly facing concave surfaces are contoured to accept the lower right and left medial buttocks respectively of a human, and thereby transfer the rider's weight away from the central crotch and onto the buttocks. Trough (30) provides stress relief for the perineal region of a human.

Abstract: A ratcheting adjustable jaw wrench (20) includes a stationary jaw (36) having a window (42), a movable jaw (46), an adjustment screw (62) which engages the movable jaw (46), and a handle (22). A frame (54) is slidably disposed within the window which carries the adjustment screw. The frame is rotatably connected to the handle so that when the handle is rotated in a reverse direction (70), the frame, adjustment screw, and the movable jaw move away from the stationary jaw allowing the jaws of the wrench to open and ratchet over the flats 501 of the head of a bolt (500).

Abstract: A receptacle (20) for collecting wax drippings (504) from a candle (500) includes an annular-shaped sheet (22) which is generally in the form of a truncated conical surface having a first side (24) and an opposite second side (26). Sheet (22) has an opening (34) which defines two ends (36) and (38). An adhesive (40) is applied to first side (24) of sheet (22). The first (24) and second (26) sides of sheet (22) are overlapped and pressed together to form an inverted truncated conical shell or collar which is placed around the base of the candle (500) to collect the wax drippings (504).

Abstract: A air-powered dental tool (20) for animals such as the equine species includes a dental rasp (34) which reciprocates at at least 3,000 oscillations per minute, and has a stroke of approximately 10 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, dental tool (20) further includes a noise abatement system which routes the exhaust compressed air to a remote location away from the animal and using veterinarian.

Abstract: A 90.degree. gate opener (20) includes a screw (22), and a nut (30) which travels along screw (22) as the screw (22) is turned by a motor (46). One end of a main arm 32 is pivotally connected to nut (30) so that it also travels along screw (22). Screw (22) is dispositioned a predetermined distance (D) behind a pivot (38) which slidably receives main arm (32). As screw (22) is turned, main arm (32) rotates approximately 90.degree. about pivot (38), and in so doing also slides through pivot (38). As a result of the increased mechanical advantage of the gate opener, a motor of smaller horsepower rating may be utilized. Gate opener (20) may be used in either horizontal or vertical applications.

Abstract: A sail (20) for a sailing vessel (500) includes a leading spar (22), a coplanar trailing spar (24), and a movable spar (28) disposed between the two. A sheath (30) of sail cloth traversely surrounds the three spars forming a flexible double-sided wing-like structure. When the wind (600) blows against sail (20), movable spar (28) is urged toward the leeward side of sail (20), and transforms that side into the curved or long side of an airfoil, thereby creating a push force (54) which propels the sailing vessel (500).

Abstract: A fully independent suspension system (20) for a vehicle includes a plurality of components mounted above the bottom side (502) of the frame (500) of the vehicle so that the rear end (508) of the frame (500) may be selectively lowered to the roadway. In a preferred embodiment, the components are mounted on the longitudinal edges (510) and (512) of the frame (500). The suspension system (20) includes raising and lowering components for selectively lowering the rear end (508) of the frame (500) to the roadway, and raising the rear end (508) so that the frame (500) is substantially horizontal. The suspension system (20) retains the frame (500) in a position below the is rolling axis (65) of the wheel (514).

Abstract: A speculum (20) for obtaining visual access to the inside of an animal's (500) mouth includes a body (22), and handle (28) and two spaced loop-shaped members (30) and (32). Loop-shaped members (30) and (32) have arcuate ends (34) and (36) which individually or in unison may be hooked around the last jaw teeth (502) through (505), while speculum (20) is selectively manipulated by handle (28) to allow visual access to the animal's (500) teeth (501), tongue (506), cheeks (507) and (508), and soft mouth tissue (509). Speculum (20) is fabricated from a rod-like material to ensure maximum visibility by the using veterinarian.

Abstract: An improved banking method for wagering games having a player-banker includes the selection of a secondary player-banker who replaces the player-banker in the event that the remaining bank (amount at risk) of the original player-banker is reduced to zero. The secondary player-banker sequentially continues to compare hands and settle wagers with the remaining players who have not as yet received "action". In a preferred embodiment, the secondary player-banker is selected from the group of players who have not yet compared hands with the player-banker, the selected secondary player-banker being the player from this group who has placed the largest wager.