Abstract: A stabilization system for a building includes a weight assembly configured to be coupled to a floor structure of the building, a seismic sensor configured to provide measurement data relating to a seismic event, and a controller. The weight assembly includes a track defining a track path, a weight slidably coupled to the track, and an actuator coupled to the weight and configured to move the weight along the track path. The controller is operatively coupled to the seismic sensor and the actuator and configured to (a) determine a target response of the weight assembly that mitigates the effect of the seismic event on the building based on the measurement data, and (b) control the actuator to move the weight along the track path according to the target response.

Abstract: A braking device for a vehicle includes a track, a brake pad, and a bar. The track is configured to couple to an underside of the vehicle. The track includes a stopping feature disposed along a length thereof. The bar has a first end in engagement with the track and an opposing second end coupled to the brake pad. The first end of the bar moves along the track and selectively engages with the stopping feature. The stopping feature permits movement of the first end of the bar in a first direction along the track but inhibits or selectively inhibits movement of the first end of the bar in an opposing second direction along the track.

Abstract: A rotational engine system comprises a rotational engine and a propulsion system. The rotational engine includes an outer ring enclosure, an inner ring component, and a drive gear. The inner ring component includes a piston and a drive gear engagement portion. The piston is configured to travel within the outer ring enclosure along a circumference of the outer ring enclosure. The drive gear engagement portion is configured to rotate as the piston travels along the circumference of the circular shape of the outer ring enclosure. The drive gear is coupled to the drive gear engagement portion of the inner ring component such that rotation of the drive gear engagement portion rotationally drives the drive gear. The propulsion system is configured to deliver propulsive energy to propel the piston along the circumference of the outer ring enclosure.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described that provide an braking system for a motor vehicle. The braking system extends a friction device from beneath the vehicle to contact the driving surface. Orientation of the friction device and forces applied to the braking device can be adjusted during the braking procedure. In some braking devices forces generated during braking are directed to a load bearing arm and supporting frame, thereby minimizing damage to actuating devices. The friction device can be retracted after use, permitting normal vehicle operation.

Abstract: An assembly for generating electricity includes a circular track configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation, the circular track comprising a first magnet having a face that is at an angle with respect to the first axis of rotation, a second magnet positioned at a center of the circular track, wherein a face of the second magnet is an opposite polarity to the face of the first magnet such that the second magnet repels the first magnet to rotate the circular track, and a device for converting rotational motion from the circular track into electricity.

Abstract: A braking system includes a rotor, a braking mechanism including a brake pad, and an actuator system configured to reposition the rotor from a first position where the rotor does not engage with the brake pad to a second position where the rotor engages with the brake pad.

Abstract: A braking system includes a frame, an actuator coupled to the frame, a rotating joint coupled to the actuator and the frame, an arm coupled to the rotating joint, a brake pad having a connector, the connector pivotably coupled to the arm, and a torsion spring positioned at the connector to bias the brake pad relative to the arm.

Abstract: A braking system includes a frame, a linear actuator coupled to the frame, a rotating joint coupled to linear actuator and the frame, a force applicator coupled to the rotating joint, and a friction mat coupled to the force applicator. The first linear actuator is operable to cause the rotating joint to rotate relative to the frame and the force applicator is operable to vary a distance between the friction mat and the rotating joint.

Abstract: A system and method for skilled-based games of chance where identical cards may be dealt to corresponding positions at different tables. The performance of play of players at corresponding positions at such tables may be compared.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of determining a most skilled individual from a group of individuals in a tournament setting over a computer network. A method of determining skill level in a card game in a tournament setting comprises assigning players to a plurality of tables, each table consisting of a predetermined number of labelled positions. Cards are provided to each player over the network such that players seated at positions with the same label at each table have the same cards. The performance of players at the same position at different tables is compared after playing a game and such players are ranked as a measure of their skill level.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for playing a game of skill in a networked environment. A host server transmits a game data packet to each participant after receiving a request from the participant. Upon initiation of game play, the participants are shown identical game messages so that each participant is playing the same game. After a participant believes they have won the game, a message is sent to the server. The server then evaluates the performance of all the participants and determines a skill level for each participant.

Abstract: A sheet set feeder receives a stack of offset-jogged sheet sets, including a topmost sheet set and a next-to-topmost sheet set. The feeder separates the topmost sheet set from the remainder of the stack.

Abstract: In a sheet set feeder, a shutter mechanism disposed at least in part beneath a hopper for receiving a stack of offset-jogged sheet sets defines an aperture sized to admit individual sets from the stack. The shutter mechanism is driven so that the aperture is moved from beneath one end of the bottommost sheet set--where a retainer supports the next-to-bottommost sheet set--to beneath the other end of the bottommost set. Individual sets fed by the feeder are then carried by a conveyor to a sheet set processor.

Abstract: A improved, and simplified method of producing a finger or thumb hole (gripping hole) copied from an existing reference hole in a bowling ball. The essential improvement in this invention being an improved method of replicating a reference hole of a bowling ball with ease and relative cost efficiency and to have the ability to change the orientation of the new hole in pitch and distance. A silicone mold taken of the reference hole allows a urethane sleave to be created that features a duplicative a) length of the reference hole; b) texture of the inner portion of the reference hole; c) bevel at the top of the reference hole; and d) shape of the reference hole so that these dimensions can be copied immediately, or at a later date, onto a new ball. A variety of hole sizes (eg. 11/8, 11/4, 13/8 inches) can also be used to remedy any change or correction in the finger size.

Abstract: A comb and dispenser unit for grooming hair or fur. The unit includes a reservoir having an outwardly flared base with a flat bottom surface upon which the reservoir can be stably stored. A handle portion is coupled to the reservoir and includes a pliable pump actuator in communication with the reservoir and a nozzle. A comb is coupled to the handle portion and has comb teeth extending away from the handle portion in planes substantially parallel to a plane defined by preferred actuation of the pump actuator. A nozzle is contained in a nozzle portion coupled to the comb portion for spraying a fluid pumped from the reservoir into the hair or fur being groomed. The nozzle sprays fluid above the engagement points of the comb teeth and the hair or fur.

Abstract: In a sheet set feeder, a shutter mechanism disposed at least in part beneath a hopper for receiving a stack of offset-jogged sheet sets defines an aperture sized to admit individual sets from the stack. The shutter mechanism is driven so that the aperture is moved from beneath one end of the bottommost sheet set--where a retainer supports the next-to-bottommost sheet set--to beneath the other end of the bottommost set. Individual sets fed by the feeder are then carried by a conveyor to a sheet set processor.

Abstract: A second color print head attachment for an offset duplicator including a plate cylinder carrier 20 and an inker carrier 70 arranged to be pivotally secured to a side frame 11 of an offset duplicator press 10. A first pair of register pins 100 and 102 mounted on the inker carrier 70 are received in openings 21 and 23 formed in the plate cylinder carrier 20 for detachably securing inker form rollers 75, 76, and 77 in engagement with the printing plate 35. A pair of rollers 64 and 66 on the plate cylinder carrier 20 extend into guide slots 54 and 56 in a mounting bracket 50 secured to the duplicator press frame 12. The lock-up mounting bracket 50 and the hinge mounting bracket 40 are pivotally secured to the duplicator press frames for rotation by an eccentric actuator 110, 115 for moving the printing plate 35 into engagement with the blanket cylinder 16 in the duplicator press 10.