Abstract: Action toys and methods of assembling and using the toys. A first aspect the invention includes assembleable sectioned portions of background play scenes that are easily assembleable and rearrangeable into virtually endless diorama-like arrangements using a specialized connection system that allows any base and backdrop to be connected in multiple orientations. A second aspect of the invention includes specially designed and constructed figures usable with the background scenes. The figures include central body portions from which flexible limbs and head extend and features that allow the figures to free stand and to hold objects.

Abstract: A device for delivering a controlled dose of a fluid to an outlet from a fluid supply at an operating pressure which includes an actively operable check valve and pressure exerting means to selectively exert first and second pressures on the check valve. When one of the first and second pressures is exerted on the check valve, the valve prevents the passage of fluid at operating pressure through the outlet. When the other pressure is exerted on the check valve, the valve permits the passage of spray fluid at operating pressure. Signal generating means to generate a control signal characteristic of the fluid operating pressure, and control means derive at least one of the said first and second pressures from the control signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, the principle aroma component of basmati and other varieties of scented rice, and also of processed cereal and grain products, said flavor chemical is of great value, in the art of application of flavor to foodstuffs like rice and bakery products.

Abstract: A variable speed ratchet wrench comprising a main handle portion with an opening for receiving a planetary gear mechanism, a planetary gear mechanism with a locking device attached to an output shaft for driving wrench fittings, and a planetary gear housing cover. The planetary gear housing cover comprises an attached secondary handle that allows the planetary gears to revolve relative to the sun gear in a non-locked position and prevents the planetary gears from revolving about the sun gear when locked in a locked position, thereby providing a geared speed increase in the driven speed of the output shaft. The planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear, a first and second planetary gear, and an inner ring gear for driving the output shaft.

Abstract: The progress of each player in playing an auxiliary incentive game simultaneously with a primary card game is controlled and displayed at a gaming table. A prize display is attached to the table and the prize display indicates at least one prize available to the player who accumulates a predetermined number of-bonus points playing the auxiliary game. A player interface unit is positioned on the table adjacent to each player. The player interface unit displays the number of bonus points received by the associated player. A dealer interface unit is positioned on the table adjacent to the dealer. The dealer interface unit includes control elements to allow the dealer to display the bonus points awarded to each player on the associated player interface unit and to activate a prize award control element on the player interface unit. The winning player selects a randomly indexed prize indicated on the prize display by manipulating the prize award control element on his or her player interface unit.

Abstract: A method and system for playing a casino style card game, referred to as “Go Fish 21,” in conjunction with standard rules for Blackjack, using a shoe of five or six standard decks of cards and a special set of 14 Go Fish playing cards. These 14 cards, which include standard cards valued 3-10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, along with 2 Jokers, are placed face down prior to play of the game. In conjunction with standard Blackjack play, prior to dealing any cards, the players optionally place a selection for play of Go Fish 21, including wager, to receive a special bonus card in the event that the participating player is dealt a “Blackjack” hand. Upon a “Blackjack” hand being dealt to a player selecting to play Go Fish 21, that player selects one of the remaining Go Fish cards. A payout is made based on the card.

Abstract: The invention includes a teaching machine that presents questions to the user who responds with answers. Graded interval recall is accomplished by storing the exact time and date when the user learns a correct answer. The machine determines the presentation mode and review schedule for each unit according to the length of real time that has elapsed since the user learns the material. Precise timing is designed to bridge the threshold between short-term and long-term memory by interrupting default sequencing of material to review items at an exact preset interval from the time the user learned the material.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process of extracting, fractionating and purifying bioactive molecules from an associated mangrove plant, methods of screening for pharmacological activities of crude extract, it fractions and purified compounds and the use of the aqueous fraction of the crude extract as a tocolytic agent.

Abstract: A card game and method of playing that includes two optionally playable rounds, a Blackjack round and a Poker round. The game is playable by one or more players using one or more decks of cards or representations thereof. The game is playable, for example, on a gaming table by players and a dealer using decks of cards, or on a computer or other electronic device using representations of various features of the game. Each player begins by selecting whether to participate in the Blackjack round and the Poker round. The selection is made, for example, by placing bets for each round prior to play beginning. In the Blackjack round, play proceeds in accordance with standard rules of Blackjack, including the option for each player and the dealer to receive more cards. At the completion of the Blackjack round, play proceeds to the Poker round.

Abstract: A three card game and method of playing that includes two rounds. The game is playable by one to seven players using one or more standard decks of 52 cards or representations thereof. The game is playable on a gaming table by players and a dealer, or on a computer or other electronic medium using representations of the various features. After payment of an ante by each player electing to play, three cards are dealt face up to each player in turn, and three cards are dealt face down to the dealer. After receiving the first card, each player optionally places a “first play” bet, the “first play” bet optionally being at odds depending on the first card received, and after receiving the second card, each player either “folds,” losing the ante, or places a “second play” bet. Players are able to play in the first round, the second round, or both rounds. The dealer's cards are revealed after dealing is complete.

Abstract: A human body is three-dimensionally reproduced to create a computer-rendered model. The model is dynamically manipulable to adjust or customize the dimensions of the model to specified measurements. Computer renderings of garments are stored in the computer. The model may be “clothed” with one or more garments, the representation of a garment being accurately adjusted to reflect its fit on a model of the model's particular dimensions. The computer will accurately represent the specific dimensions of the items of clothing in relation to the customized dimensions of the virtual mannequin. The virtual mannequin may be rotated and may be animated to thereby model the clothing and observe the interaction of the clothing with the environment. Once satisfied to the accuracy/appropriateness of the clothing, the computer can output appropriate dimensional, color and related coordinates.

Abstract: A game, referred to as Dazzle, that is played with flat, twelve-sided regular polygon tiles. The tiles are radially divisible by segments from the center point to the corners of the external sides into six sections—two sections encompassing one external edge, two encompassing two external edges, and two encompassing three external edges. By arrangement of these different-shaped “wedges” five tile types are generated. Three different colors, textures, or other unifying property different tiles are used with further constraints to produce a basic set. The game is played by a player selecting a tile from a pool. The first player then places the tile in the playing area, and is awarded a pre-set number of points. Subsequent players in turn select a tile from the pool and play it on the playing area. Tiles are placed so that the sides of adjacent tiles-match evenly.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting tool such as a brush cutter, lawn mower, etc. includes a hub (110) for mounting on the rotary shaft of the brush cutter and blades (112) mounted thereto via pivoted links (116). In use the blades are held by rivets (114), having enlarged eccentric heads (122), which are received in keyhole-shaped slots in the blades. Thus the blades may be readily removed without tools by first rotating a blade and then translating it relative to the hub. The blades may be enlarged in width towards their distal ends which are radiused with a smaller radius than that of the cutting circle.

Abstract: In a rotary metering valve, a metering block is located in a chamber having a plurality of outlets. The metering block is connectable to a fluid supply and has an outlet selector rotatable to select one of several different outlets from the block to the chamber. A barrier extends between the wall of the chamber and the metering block to prevent fluid flowing in a 360 degree rotary motion around the block. A sprayer check valve is also disclosed. The valve has a diaphragm acted on by control fluid whose pressure is set to just below the spray fluid pressure and which is varied according to variations in the spray fluid pressure.