Abstract: A signal indicative of a distance from a first element to a second element, such as the end face of a piston from the end wall of its cylinder, is generated by providing an optical imager carried on a housing that is fixed on the end wall with the optical imager pointed to the end face. An image processor is arranged to identify image components, such as the end nut on the piston, from the acquired images of the first element. From the location of the nut the processor can identify the location of the outer edge of the circular end face and can determine the area of the end face in the image by counting pixels within the area. From the measured area as it appears in the image the distance can be calculated. The end face is illuminated by a light source shining through a light pipe passing through a drilled hole in the end wall. Characteristic markings can be applied on the end face for measuring distance when the nut is too close to be visible.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming machine having a shuffle feature and a simultaneous multiple award feature. The method for conducting the shuffle feature includes displaying a plurality of value-based symbols in a random array where each of the plurality of value-based symbols displays a number indicating a value, increasing the displayed number of one of the plurality of value-based symbols in response to a player selection, rearranging the plurality of value-based symbols in view of the random array such that the rearranged plurality defines an award and awarding the award to the player. The method for conducting the simultaneous multiple award feature includes displaying an assemblage of selectable tiles that conceal an associated plurality of icons, receiving successive player selections of the tiles, selectively revealing a first group and a second group of related game-theme icons, selectively revealing a wild icon and simultaneously awarding a first and a second award.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game are disclosed. After a player makes a wager, a display depicts a combination of symbols. If the displayed combination yields a predetermined award and meets a predetermined criterion, a win multiplier feature is invoked. In the win multiplier feature the symbols of the combination are associated with respective multipliers, and then the player is prompted to select one of the symbols of the combination. The display reveals the multiplier associated with the selected symbol. The predetermined award is multiplied by the revealed multiplier.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for a ducting system. The coupling comprises a first member including a first engaging member, the first member defining a receiving portion and a second member including a second engaging member, the second member, in use, engaging with the receiving portion such that the first and second members can be held together to define a retaining cavity. The coupling has a seal arranged to seal, in use, the gap between the first and a third member. A third member is retained, in use, in the retaining cavity such that it is rotatable in any of the three rotational degrees of freedom within the cavity. There is a carbon first load bearing member positioned between the second and third members such that, in use, the load bearing member provides a load bearing surface in engagement with the surface of the second member.

Abstract: A gift bag device for containing and wrapping gifts. The gift bag device includes a bottom wall panel. A perimeter wall panel has a first edge and a second edge. The first and second edges are opposite edges. The first edge of the perimeter wall panel is fixedly coupled to a peripheral edge of the bottom wall panel. A cinching means closes an opening formed by the second edge of the perimeter wall panel.