Abstract: Card-handling devices may include a card-shuffling apparatus, a card output portion, and/or a card input portion. The card input portion may include a card rotation device. The card rotation device may be configured to receive and rotate cards about a minor axis of the cards. The card-handling device may include a card-shuffling apparatus including a carousel having at least one hundred compartments each configured to hold between one and ten cards and arranged radially about the carousel. The card-handling device may be positioned at a gaming structure with a playing surface. The card-handling device may include a card output portion for receiving shuffled cards from the card-shuffling apparatus. The card output portion may be configured to receive the cards where major faces of the playing cards are oriented in a plane substantially transverse to the playing surface.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring brake wear of a brake assembly. A cam shaft may be coupled to a brake assembly and configured such that movement of the cam shaft engages and disengages the brake assembly, a cam shaft movement sensor produces a signal corresponding to a position of the cam shaft, and a control circuit assigns the signal produced by the cam shaft movement sensor at an unadjusted and unengaged position of the brake assembly to a reference cam shaft position, thereafter monitors the signal to determine an engaged cam shaft position when the brake assembly is engaged, and activates at least one indicator if the engaged cam shaft position exceeds a threshold cam shaft position stored in the memory unit. The threshold cam shaft position is based on the reference position and is a cam shaft position beyond which the brake assembly is worn.

Abstract: An air tank monitoring system and method. An air tank pressure sensor which includes a microcontroller and a transceiver, such that the pressure sensor can send as well as receive and process information. Also provided is a wireless air tank status monitoring system which includes a wireless pressure transducer. The transducer is connected to a microcontroller which is powered by a battery. The microcontroller is connected to a transceiver which sends and receiver information using an antenna. The pressure information is communicated to a data concentrator or coordinator which includes a transceiver which sends and receives information using an antenna and a processor which processes the data and effectively controls the system.

Abstract: A wireless multi-node communication network which includes a coordinator, and a plurality of vehicle nodes which are configured to communicate information back and forth with said coordinator. The system may include a plurality of clusters, each of which comprises a plurality of devices such as sensors. One of the devices of each cluster is configured to receive information from the other devices in the cluster, and transmit information to the coordinator. The coordinator not only receives information about the network, but may also be configured to route the information to other networks. The network could be disposed on a tractor-trailer, wherein the devices comprise different sensors, such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, voltage sensors and switch controls, all of which are located in areas relatively close to each other.

Abstract: A wireless tire pressure sensor which is configured to thread onto a valve of a tire and sense the air pressure of the tire. Preferably, the tire pressure sensor also includes a microcontroller and a transceiver, such that the tire pressure sensor can send as well as receive and process information. The tire pressure sensor is configured to maintain the tire pressure as a result of having a secondary valve thereon, which can be actuated to fill the tire with air. Also provided is a wireless tire status monitoring system which includes a wireless tire pressure transducer and/or tire pressure transducer. The transducer(s) are connected to a microcontroller which is powered by a battery. The microcontroller is connected to a transceiver which sends and receiver information using an antenna.

Abstract: A circuit which is configured for connection between a voltage source and a load, and which is configured to function as an automatic, re-settable fuse with regard to providing current to the load. The circuit includes a switch and sensor, such as a field effect transistor (FET), which is connected to the voltage source and the load and which is configured to selectively provide current to the load, depending on whether an overload condition exists. There is circuitry in communication with the FET which is configured to periodically send pulses to the FET in an attempt to re-set the switch and sensor during an overload condition. The circuit is configured to stop providing current to the load during an overload condition, but is configured to provide current to the load upon the overload condition being rectified. The circuitry which is in communication with the field effect transistor and which is configured to periodically send pulses thereto includes a timing circuit and an oscillator.