Abstract: A balloon locking cup and securing system includes a cup having a latch interposed between a funnel shaped cup portion and a tube extension. The balloon cup is placed over a reciprocating needle hook rod in a securing system. The tail of the balloon is received by a hook at the end of the hook rod and a first pneumatic cylinder is actuated to pull the needle hook rod in such a manner as to pull the balloon into nesting engagement with the balloon cup. At the end of travel of the first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder is automatically actuated, causing a knife blade to separate the end of the balloon tail just beneath the tubular member of the balloon cup assembly. The drawing of the balloon into the cup assembly actuates the latch which engages the balloon tail near the neck of the balloon and secures the balloon in the cup assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus, and system for an electronic game of skill, wherein multiple remotely located players can compete for a common prize. In preferred embodiments, a user accesses the game via a wide area network or by some other remote means and inputs required information, including payment information. Preferably, the player then authorizes the payment of the entry fee and competes in a contest of skill, preferably a trivia game, where a prize or prizes are awarded to players that reach a predetermined performance level. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include, without limitation, multitiered, pari-mutuel and progressive prize pay-out methods.

Abstract: A balloon locking cup and securing system includes a cup having a latch interposed between a funnel shaped cup portion and a tube extension. The balloon cup is placed over a reciprocating needle hook rod in a securing system. The tail of the balloon is received by a hook at the end of the hook rod and a first pneumatic cylinder is actuated to pull the needle hook rod in such a manner as to pull the balloon into nesting engagement with the balloon cup. At the end of travel of the first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder is automatically actuated, causing a knife blade to separate the end of the balloon tail just beneath the tubular member of the balloon cup assembly. The drawing of the balloon into the cup assembly actuates the latch which engages the balloon tail near the neck of the balloon and secures the balloon in the cup assembly.

Abstract: A dual-function balloon weight is provided having a base member that provides first and second attachment points for securing balloons to the base member. A first attachment point is provided at one position on the base member for tying individual balloons to the base member at this first position. The second attachment point is provided at a second position on the base member for securing a multitude of balloons thereto to provide a balloon bouquet. At the second attachment point, a multitude of balloons can be secured to a retention member that couples with the base member of the balloon weight. Thus, the balloon weight of the present invention is a dual-function balloon weight in that individual balloons may be secured thereto as with common balloon weights and, additionally or alternatively, a multitude of balloons can be attached thereto to provide a balloon bouquet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus, and system for an electronic game of skill, wherein multiple remotely located players can compete for a common prize. In preferred embodiments, a user accesses the game via a wide area network or by some other remote means and inputs required information, including payment information. Preferably, the player then authorizes the payment of the entry fee and competes in a contest of skill, preferably a trivia game, where a prize or prizes are awarded to players that reach a predetermined performance level. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include, without limitation, multi-tiered, pari-mutuel and progressive prize pay-out methods.

Abstract: A balloon weight and ribbon assembly includes a spool having a length of ribbon wound thereabout, the ribbon being secured at one end to the spool and at the other end to a breakaway tab which initially comprises a part and parcel of the spool. A dimple in the tab accommodates receipt of a double knot at one end of the ribbon, while a slot in the spool accommodates receipt of a double knot of the ribbon at the opposite end. A piece of double backed adhesive tape is provided on the breakaway tab to allow for securement of the tab to the neck or tail of an inflated balloon.

Abstract: A stick and cup assembly for receiving and securing a balloon includes an elongated stick with a cup maintained at one end thereof. The cup is formed integrally with the stick. A collar is slidingly received upon the stick for selective locking engagement with the cup for securing a balloon thereto. The stick is preferably formed of a composition of polyester and rubber such that the stick is capable of being manually formed into any desired configuration and which retains that configuration once so formed.

Abstract: This invention features a device for controlling the operation of a pneumatic actuator and a pneumatic actuator having such a control device. More particularly, the actuator control device of the instant invention includes a housing mounted to an actuator end cap, a solenoid valve disposed within the housing and a gas control valve that controls the pressurized gas admitted to and exhausted from the actuator for valve actuation. The gas control valve is responsive to the solenoid valve and is mounted to the housing. Preferably, the control device includes a position indication mechanism, disposed within the housing, that determines a prespecified position of the valve responsive to the movement of at least one and preferably two moveable actuator probes extending from the actuator end cap into the housing. The gas control valve is a spool valve that is pneumatically controlled by the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A balloon weight for counterbalancing the lift of helium filled balloons and the like. The balloon weight has a molded plastic body of aesthetically pleasing appearance, with a clip or latch assembly at the top thereof. The latch assembly includes a pair of separated lobes which are adapted to be engaged within the aperture of a latch plate which is folded about a hinge and laid thereover. A receptacle is defined between the lobes for receiving a balloon ribbon or string which is then clinched between the side edges of the aperture and a base member upon which the aperture closes.

Abstract: Elbow mass flow meter. The present invention includes a combination of an elbow pressure drop generator and a shunt-type mass flow sensor for providing an output which gives the mass flow rate of a gas that is nearly independent of the density of the gas. For air, the output is also approximately independent of humidity.

Abstract: A balloon inflator utilizes a bypass motor such that the inflation or working air is separate from the motor cooling air. The intake for the motor cooling and inflation air is separated from exhaust vents to limit any recirculation of the air, assuring that the inflation air be maintained as cool as possible. An impaler is maintained in an involute to achieve the requisiting inflation pressure. A free floating inflation nozzle is maintained within a collar and is adapted for engagement with an output of the involute when inflation activity is desired; otherwise the nozzle is disengaged from the involute allowing the air from the involute to otherwise be exhausted. The motor driving the impaler is selectively interconnected with a half wave rectifier for speed selectability.

Abstract: A valving mechanism for a balloon inflator is presented. The valving mechanism is attached to an inflator comprising a fan driven by a through-flow motor. A piston, received within a cylinder, has two bores passing therethrough, the first bore communicating with atmosphere, and the second bore communicating with a nozzle adapted for receipt of a balloon neck. When the balloon is placed on the nozzle and the piston is urged against a spring, an airstream passes through the second bore to inflate the balloon. When the balloon is removed, a spring urges the piston to a position in which the airstream passes through the first bore to atmosphere reducing the load on the motor and allowing the motor to run cooler.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for printing material on an extruded plastic tubing. An extruder forms the plastic tubing of the desired diameter and thickness. The tubing is then drawn through a cooling bath by a pulling mechanism, and cut into desired lengths. The tubing may be dried after the cooling process, and an ink jet printer is utilized to print on the tubing as it is being drawn to be cut. A computer controls the printing process in correlation with the tubing cutter to provide a print signal to the printer in accordance with the desired lengths of tubing. The print heads of the printer are also three-dimensionally adjustable so as to center the printed material on the desired size and length of tubing to be cut.

Abstract: An integral balloon cup holder and stick is provided in which the cup has a longitudinal slit passing through the sidewall thereof from an open end of the cup to a closed end thereof which is attached to a shaft. The slot terminates at the stick. The cup has a neck and shoulder portion with a bottom of the neck being angled to direct a balloon neck outwardly through the slot for secured engagement about the neck prior to reinsertion of the balloon neck through the slot for maintenance within the cup and below a balloon nested therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are one-piece, funnel shaped balloon holders, comprising a conical cup and a hollow cylindrical stem. A longitudinal slit extends the entire length of the balloon holder, from the upper edge of the cup to the lower end of the stem, to permit insertion of the neck of a balloon into the holder. A short slot at the bottom of the stem anchors the balloon tail. In a first embodiment (FIGS. 1-3), a balloon stick is inserted into the hollow stem. In a second embodiment (FIGS. 4-8) the stem is inserted into one end of a hollow balloon stick. The stem in this embodiment is of such shape as to provide space between the stem and the balloon stick for a portion of the balloon neck so that the entire balloon neck is concealed.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing a plurality of bingo cards, simultaneously. Sets of numbers, stored on a plurality of bingo cards, are read by a plurality of card readers. Each number called, during the play of bingo, is input manually into storage. A comparison of each called number with the previously stored sets of numbers results in a match or no match. If a match exists, an LED located below the card number lights to indicate the number on the bingo card(s) which matches the number called.

Abstract: Balloon holder for toy balloons. The balloon holder of the invention has a cup and a stem. The latter for insertion into one end of a hollow balloon stick. The stem is of such shape that the neck of the balloon is completely concealed between the stem and the balloon stick. The preferred stem is generally cylindrical with an interior channel and an exterior cutaway portion for downwardly extending an upwardly extending portions, respectively of the neck. A vertical slit in the cup permits rapid insertion of a balloon neck into the balloon holder.

Abstract: A DC power supply capable of providing a number of output voltages, including a balanced positive and negative voltage supply for integrated circuit applications, includes a transformer having primary and secondary windings. A diode bridge rectifier circuit is connected across the secondary winding end terminals for providing a DC output voltage of one polarity with respect to ground. Another DC output voltage of opposite polarity is developed by AC coupling a voltage multiplier circuit between one of the secondary winding terminals and ground. DC regulator circuits are included for regulation of the DC output voltages under load conditions.