Abstract: A gaming apparatus may include a display unit capable of generating video images, a detection apparatus capable of detecting the presence of a person by detecting radiation from the person, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and said detection device. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory and may be programed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image representing a video gambling game to be generated on the display unit, to determine an outcome of the video gambling game and a value payout associated with the outcome of the video gambling game, and to cause the gaming apparatus to enter a sleep mode after no detection of a person for a period of time, and to cause the gaming apparatus to terminate the sleep mode upon detection of a person.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for making a paper material having a reduced tendency to cut human skin. The method includes providing a papermaking furnish containing cellulosic fibers and from about 0.5 to about 5.0 wt % by weight dry basis expandable microspheres, forming a paperboard web from the papermaking furnish, drying the web, and calendaring the web to a caliper of from about 11.0 to about 18.0 mils and a density ranging from about 7.0 to about 12.0 lb/3000 ft2/mil. Papers formed according to the method and articles formed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible umbrella shaft is attached to a cap having two sets of threads formed thereon. The cap is attachable to a housing by the threads in two alternate orientations to close the interior of the housing. In one cap orientation the folded umbrella is in the interior of the housing and in the other cap orientation the umbrella is deployed externally of the housing.

Abstract: A condensate handling assembly comprises a collection container for receiving and retaining condensate, a heating container for receiving condensate from the collection container, and a heating device for raising the temperature of condensate in the heating container to pressurize condensate in the heating container. A transfer conduit interconnects the collection container and the heating container, and a one-way valve is disposed in the transfer conduit for permitting flow of condensate from the collection container to the heating container. A level sensor senses the level of condensate in the collection container and activates the heating device upon the condensate in the collection container reaching a selected level.

Abstract: A condensate handling assembly comprises a collection container for receiving and retaining condensate, a heating container for receiving condensate from the collection container, and a heating device for raising the temperature of condensate in the heating container to pressurize condensate in the heating container. A transfer conduit interconnects the collection container and the heating container, and a one-way valve is disposed in the transfer conduit for permitting flow of condensate from the collection container to the heating container. A level sensor senses the level of condensate in the collection container and activates the heating device upon the condensate in the collection container reaching a selected level.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite web suitable for use, after post-treatment with a wetting agent, as a battery separator is formed by a wet process on a papermaking machine. One nonwoven composite material is made from a furnish of polyolefin binder fibers and polyolefin staple fibers. The web coming off the papermaking machine is dried using infra-red dryers followed by heated dryer cans. After drying, the web is thermally bonded using heated calendar rolls. The polyolefin binder fibers melt as the web passes through the calendar rolls and thermally bond the polyolefin staple fibers of the web when the melted binder fiber material fuses upon cooling.

Abstract: The specification discloses a synthetic paper composite web containing a relatively smooth, dense top layer comprising synthetic pulp, a relatively soft non-woven base layer of synthetic filaments and a low density polyolefin film layer substantially continuously interbonding the top and base layers together along their interface. An advantage of the composite of the invention is that it is substantially weather resistant, strong, recyclable and compatible with a range of inks and printing systems.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite web suitable for use as a battery separator is formed by a wet process on a papermaking machine. The nonwoven composite material is made from a furnish of nylon binder fibers and nylon staple fibers. The web coming off the papermaking machine is dried using infra-red dryers followed by heated dryer cans. After drying, the web is thermally bonded using heated calendar rolls. The nylon binder fibers melt as the web passes through the calendar rolls and thermally bond the nylon staple fibers of the web when the melted binder fiber material fuses upon cooling. The use of dryer cans to dry and partially bond the web eliminates the need for surfactant treatment to improve potassium hydroxide absorption.

Abstract: A paint masking assembly comprising a sheet of paint masking material having a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive releasably adhered to a sheet of liner material which is coextensive with and extends beyond the sheet of paint masking material, and is slit to define first and second parts of the sheet of liner material extending over first and second portions of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive. The sheet of paint masking material is removable from the first part of the sheet of liner material to expose the first portion of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive by which the the removed sheet of paint masking material may be releasably adhered to a substrate.

Abstract: A tissue retractor for use in surgical procedures comprising a pair of elongate retractor mounting members pivotally connected at proximal ends to permit relative articulation and to clamp the mounting members at any selected angle relative to each other with retractor securing elements mounted on the respective retractor mounting members for movement reciprocally along the length of the retractor mounting members and positioning the retractor securing means at a selected point there upon is disclosed.

Abstract: An elastomeric strip has a support frame having selected regions of longitudinally displaceable frame portions such as wire loops reinforced by degraded and non-degraded materials that are non-degradable during the frame coating operation for inhibiting longitudinal displacement of the frame portions during the frame coating operation. The degraded material breaks down when the strip is flexed to allow increased flexibility of the strip, and the non-degraded material prevents undue elongation or stretching of the strip. A method of manufacturing the strip comprises reinforcing regions of the frame portions with degradable materials, arranging the reinforced support frame in position to be coated, coating the reinforced support frame with an elastomeric material, and then degrading selective regions of the degradable reinforcing materials.