Abstract: An exerciser for the abdominal muscles. A shell (22) has a weight (24) attached to it by means of a belt (30). The shell (22) is formed such as to present an edge (26). The shell (22) is attached to the waist by a second belt (34) so that the edge (26) is brought to bear against the abdominal muscles selected by the user. The muscles selected by the edge (26) are exercised by exerting them against the resistive force of the weight. Tactile feedback from the edge (26) is used to assure the exercise of the desired muscle group. The abdominal muscles are exercised by holding the edge (26) in place centrally and vertically on the abdomen A and exerting and relaxing the abdominal muscles against the edge. Alternatively, the edge may be forced against the abdominal muscles; handgrips may be provided for this purpose.

Abstract: A modified Twenty-One wagering game is provided. The game offers a wagering option (42) in which a player can increase his wager in advantageous situations. These situations not only envision a Twenty-One payoff but a payoff in accordance with a poker hand formed with certain ones of the player's and dealer's hands and a predetermined poker hand schedule (66).

Abstract: Structure for varying the turning resistance of a wheel (30) via computer commands is disclosed. The structure includes springs (42) coupled to the wheel via a leverage arm (46). Commands to motors (50) move the arm attachment location of the springs.

Abstract: Cushioned overpacks are employed for containing, transporting, and storing discarded electrical transformers contaminated by toxic materials such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's). Other articles may be similarly contained, transported, and stored using such cushioned overpacks. The discarded transformers are then consigned to such overpacks together with one or more cushions. The cushions serve to prevent puncturing of the overpack by the transformers during transport and storage. Preferred cushions have a foam composition and are inserted into the overpack by means of a pour-in-place process. Preferred overpacks include an inner surface which is roughened so as to adhere to the inserted cushion. After the insertion of the transformer and cushion is complete the assembly is hermetically sealed by a spin welded closure onto the receptacle. Uncushioned overpacks are fabricated at or near the process site by rotational molding.

Abstract: A shopping list (30) is disclosed having structure (22) to hold discount shopping coupons (24) and provide a visual correlation between the coupons and corresponding items (32) on the shopping list.

Abstract: A media holder (20) is disclosed particularly suited for search and display of a selected media. The holder has a plurality of frames (22) each configured to hold media (e.g. business cards, compact discs, computer diskettes) and pivotally mounted over a slidable striking member (44). The striking member contacts an abutment member (50) defined by each frame to flip the frame for viewing.

Abstract: A vehicle security device (20) is disclosed to inhibit movement of a steering wheel (30) by abutment with the vehicle interior. The device includes angular, radial and axial adjustments between a pair of members (22, 24) to optimize interference with the vehicle interior and to facilitate installation and removal.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus (30) configured with independent lifting means at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis of a base (40) is provided. Slidable transverse support combined with an ability of the lifting means to tilt longitudinally causes the apparatus to be particularly suitable for lifting two wheeled vehicles such as a motorcycle (20). One embodiment (200) uses resilient pads between the lifting means and the base to facilitate tilting. Another embodiment (300) is directed to rigid lifting means.

Abstract: A tube dispenser 10 and a dispensing method for collapsible tubes 24 are disclosed for operation by one hand. The dispenser has a pistol-like handle 12 which allows a high torque to consistently be applied to the tube by the thumb, thereby dispensing the tube's contents rapidly and in a uniform bead.

Abstract: A scaffold mounted hoist (20) is provided which mounts with an adapter (30) on a pin (91) extended upward from the scaffold. An electric motor driven transmission (42) causes a standard (40) to rotate relative to the adapter. A cable from an electric winch (50) on the standard is reeved through a pulley (48) on a boom (44) extending from the standard. The transmission and winch motors respond to receivers (56) in the hoist. Thus a load (28) attached to the cable can be lifted, lowered and swung circumferentially through commands from a hand held transmitter (24). An electric eye system (64) stops the load adjacent the boom. Timers (252, 253) stop the load when it nears, respectively, the ground and the scaffold floor (34).

Abstract: A method of playing Pai Gow Poker or Asian Poker where players successively become the "player-bank," i.e., wager against each of the other game players, is disclosed. The method offers the player-bank a plurality of wagering options to enhance player interest and involvement. A first option concerns a first process which involves the player-bank with only those successive players whose combined wagers are less than or equal to the player-bank's wager, while a second option concerns a second process which continues to involve the player-bank with successive players as long as his wager plus his winnings is not exceeded by his losses. In determining winners, players set cards dealt to them into first and second hands which are ranked by poker rules. The player whose first and second hands each respectively outrank the other player's first and second hands is deemed the winner.