Abstract: A clamp (30) for clamping stacked lumber (72) to prevent twisting and bending of the lumber or theft is disclosed. A horizontal member (36) goes under the lumber and is attached to a vertical member (32) at the back. A pressure bar (42) hinged to the vertical member goes on top of the lumber. A brace (52) between the front of the pressure bar and the vertical member exerts pressure to hold the lumber in place.

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 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: For use in windshield repair; a kit of tool parts which can be assembled into a variety of different tools. An injector for dispensing resin into breaks and cracks in a windshield. A method of repairing a windshield.

Abstract: An extension locking pliers (20) having jaws (28, 30) remotely located from the handle assembly (22) is disclosed for reaching into positions which would otherwise be difficult, dangerous, or impossible to reach. A stepped radial positioning system (154) allows the jaws to be moved and held in different orientations with respect to the handle assembly. A supplementary extension (240) allows the length between the jaw and handle assembly to be increased as needed.

Abstract: A locking system (20) allows a plurality of vehicle service doors (22) to be locked and unlocked by operating a single electrical switch in a suitable location such as the vehicle cab. The locking system (20) includes a lock (24) having a bolt (26) and a blocking cam (40). An actuator (144) moves the acm (40) between locked and unlocked positions via an extension member (46). The actuator (144) includes an actuating member in the form of a combined piston (148) and rack (150). A spring (170) urges rack (150) to remain in either of two selected positions.

Abstract: Vehicle desks (20, 220) are disclosed which are spaced from a front vehicle seat (32) to present the work surface (24) of a rotatable shelf (52) to the driver or the front seat passenger. A rotatable arm (58) facilitates placement of the shelf in a convenient position. When not needed, the major portion of the desk is easily removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: An ectoparasite remover (20) and method for removing ectoparasites (56) such as ticks and leeches from a host organism (58) are disclosed. The remover (20) uses an anesthetizing gas (24) injected into a receptacle (36) to cause the ectoparasite (56) to voluntarily withdraw from the host organism (58).

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game 20 wherein a plurality of players select sets of winning numbers (step 26). Play includes the players placing wagers (step 24), the dealer dealing two cards face up (step 28), the dealer comparing the numeric sum of the two face up cards with the selected sets of winning numbers (step 34), and the dealer distributing one-half of the pot to each player whose winning numbers include the numeric sum of the face up cards (step 36). If the face up cards are equal to two predetermined key cards (step 30), the dealer and players implement a bonus playing procedure (step 32).

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game 20 between a plurality of players wherein each player places a wager 500 and an action player is selected. Commencing with the action player, hands of any one of a plurality of different games are dealt to the players (step 28). The action player and the next sequential player expose and compare hands (step 30). The winning player collects the wager 500 of the losing player (step 32). Play continues with the next sequential player exposing his/her hand and comparing it with the hand of the previous winner (step 34). The winning player collects the wager 500 of the losing player (step 36). The steps of exposing and comparing (step 34), and collecting (step 36) are repeated sequentially until all players have participated. In a preferred embodiment, players are afforded the opportunity of placing first 601, second 602, and third 603 wagers, each of which is apportioned in the above manner.

Abstract: A retainer (20) for attaching wiring (100), such as a continuous strand of decorative Christmas lights, to objects such as facia, rain gutters, eaves, walls, ceilings, and windows is disclosed. The retainer (20) has a receiving means (34) for accepting and holding the wiring (100). The retainer (20) can be attached to the object by the use of an adhesive (42), by the use of a fastener (358), or a combination of the two.

Abstract: A carrier 20 and method for carrying bags having carrying straps wherein a tongue 32 guides the carrying straps 100 into the carrier 20. A recess 46 limits any shifting motion of the carrying straps 100 within the carrier 20 and is positioned along the centerline of the forearm of the user. The handle 40 of the carrier tilts downward 14.degree. in use to match the natural angle of the curved fingers grasping the carrier and together with the positioning of the recess allows the bags or other articles to be comfortably aligned with the centerline of the forearm with a minimum of flexing of the wrist. A ring-shaped clasp 30 locks the carrying straps 100 within the carrier 20.

Abstract: A method for disposing of waste material employs an agglomerate formed by molding an admixture of waste material and thermosetting binder. The use of a thermoplastic resin sheet in conjunction with the agglomeration mold promotes the safety of the molding process. Dust and mold leakage is abated and it subsequently yields a resin coated agglomerate that is safe for handling. The performance of the agglomerate is enhanced by formation of a coating of resin chemically bonded onto its surface. The performance of the agglomerate may be further enhanced by the formation of a seam-free thermoplastic resin jacket over the resin coated agglomerate.