Abstract: A card reader apparatus including at least an ultraviolet emitter and ultraviolet detector for use with specialized playing cards marked at least partially with ultraviolet ink. In general, the ultraviolet detector is configured to determine an amount of light being reflected off of the specialized cards when subjected to ultraviolet light (or radiation) from the ultraviolet emitter. The corners of playing cards with ranks of 10 (i.e., tens and face cards) and aces are coated with an invisible ultraviolet ink such that the detector is able to distinguish playing cards with ranks between 2-9 from playing cards with ranks of 10 and ace. Responsive to the determination of the rank of the hole card, an indicator device illuminates to designate a blackjack or no blackjack. Alternatively, a pair of lights may be used to alert the dealer of the result.

Abstract: A card reader apparatus including at least an ultraviolet emitter and ultraviolet detector for use with specialized playing cards marked at least partially with ultraviolet ink. In general, the ultraviolet detector is configured to determine an amount of light being reflected off of the specialized cards when subjected to ultraviolet light (or radiation) from the ultraviolet emitter. The corners of playing cards with ranks of 10 (i.e., tens and face cards) and aces are coated with an invisible ultraviolet ink such that the detector is able to distinguish playing cards with ranks between 2-9 from playing cards with ranks of 10 and ace. Responsive to the determination of the rank of the hole card, an indicator device illuminates to designate a blackjack or no blackjack. Alternatively, a pair of lights may be used to alert the dealer of the result.

Abstract: A portable reel apparatus for use with towed sonar towfish and similar apparatus. The reel apparatus of the invention can be used on small watercraft without requiring mounting to the deck, and can be quickly and easily moved and stored on-board or removed from the watercraft. The portable reel assembly comprises a frame assembly, a spool rotatably mounted within the frame assembly, an extensible boom, and an electronic interfacing assembly for maintaining communication between a sonar cable through the spool to a computer. The apparatus can be moved or repositioned between a first, deploying position and a second, storage position. The frame assembly is preferably wheeled for transporting the apparatus, and a motor for driving the spool is preferably included within the frame assembly.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for determining whether or not a hole card is a member of a blackjack pair without direct observation of the hole card. The cards are separably marked in groups of aces and of face cards and tens. Each mark is detectable by a card mark sensor. The card mark sensor is used to differentially determine whether or not the hole card is a member of predetermined group when a card is placed face down therein. Thus, when the dealer receives a face-up member of a blackjack pair, the hole card is inserted into the sensor and determined to be or not to be the other member of the blackjack pair immediately and without observation of the face of the hole card. If the hole card is the other member of the blackjack pair play is stopped, and the next hand is thereby more quickly started. If the dealer does not have blackjack, play continues without knowledge by either player or dealer of the actual value of the hole card.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for determining whether or not a hole card is a member of a blackjack pair without direct observation of the hole card. The cards are separably marked in groups of aces and of face cards and tens. Each mark is detectable by a card mark sensor. The card mark sensor is used to differentially determine whether or not the hole card is a member of predetermined group when a card is placed face down therein. Thus, when the dealer receives a faceup member of a blackjack pair, the hole card is inserted into the sensor and determined to be or not to be the other member of the blackjack pair immediately and without observation of the face of the hole card. If the hole card is the other member of the blackjack pair play is stopped, and the next hand is thereby more quickly started. If the dealer does not have blackjack, play continues without knowledge by either player or dealer of the actual value of the hole card.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for determining whether or not a hole card is a member of a blackjack pair without direct observation of the hole card. The cards are separably marked in groups of aces and of face cards and tens. Each mark is detectable by a card mark sensor. The card mark sensor is used to differentially determine whether or not the hole card is a member of predetermined group when a card is placed face down therein Thus, when the dealer receives a face-up member of a blackjack pair, the hole card is inserted into the sensor and determined to be or not to be the other member of the blackjack pair immediately and without observation of the face of the hole card. If the hole card is the other member of the blackjack pair play is stopped, and the next hand is thereby more quickly started. If the dealer does not have blackjack, play continues without knowledge by either player or dealer of the actual value of the hole card.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for determing whether or not a hole card is a member of a blackjack pair without direct observation of the hole card. The cards are separably marked in groups of aces and of face cards and tens. Each mark is detectable by a card mark sensor. The card mark sensor is used to differentially determine whether or not the hole card is a member of predetermined group when a card is placed face down therein. Thus, when the dealer receives a face-up member of a blackjack pair, the hole card is inserted into the sensor and determined to be or not to be the other member of the blackjack pair immediately and without observation of the face of the hole card. If the hole card is the other member of the blackjack pair play is stopped, and the next hand is thereby more quickly started. If the dealer does not have blackjack, play continues without knowledge by either player or dealer of the actual value of the hole card.