Abstract: An electronic gaming system includes a plurality of electronic gaming machines including a display, a wager acceptor to receive value, and a controller, and a server in communication with the gaming machines. The server is configured to determine the machines participating in a session of a bingo-type game with a progressive prize; collect a portion of a wager received at each of the machines, wherein the size of the wager may vary; determine a number of virtual bingo cards for each of the machines in accordance with the size of the wager received; issue the virtual bingo cards to each of the machines in accordance with the determination; generate one or more sets of indicia; determine a progressive win event based on the virtual bingo cards and the one or more sets of indicia; and award the progressive prize to the machine associated with the win event.

Abstract: An electronic gaming system includes a plurality of electronic gaming machines including a display, a wager acceptor to receive value, and a controller, and a server in communication with the gaming machines. The server is configured to determine the machines participating in a session of a bingo-type game with a progressive prize; collect a portion of a wager received at each of the machines, wherein the size of the wager may vary; determine a number of virtual bingo cards for each of the machines in accordance with the size of the wager received; issue the virtual bingo cards to each of the machines in accordance with the determination; generate one or more sets of indicia; determine a progressive win event based on the virtual bingo cards and the one or more sets of indicia; and award the progressive prize to the machine associated with the win event.

Abstract: Fire escape apparatus comprising a main elongated hollow tubular member with an elongated slot and a relatively short auxiliary tubular member of similar construction. The main member is mounted on an exterior building wall and the auxiliary member extends therefrom to a building opening such as a door or window. A spherical member at the end of a flexible connecting line running to a building occupant is entered in the auxiliary tubular member and is controlled in its descent by frictional engagement with gradually arcuate spring-like members.

Abstract: A system for objective measurement of passenger comfort is provided for analysis of a wide variety of passenger safety restraint systems. Sensor arrays mounted on flexible panels are connected to a computer for data analysis. Sensor points in the panels are repetitively scanned by system software and raw data is stored for future use. A video display associated with the computer provides real time display of loadings on the sensor points. A powered form for use with the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fire escape apparatus comprising a main elongated hollow tubular member with an elongated slot and a relatively short auxiliary tubular member of similar construction. The main member is mounted on an exterior building wall and the auxiliary member extends therefrom to a building opening such as a door or window. A spherical member at the end of a flexible connecting line running to a building occupant is entered in the auxiliary tubular member and is controlled in its descent by frictional engagement with gradually arcuate spring-like members.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture, storage and final assembly of self-erecting structures constructed from a plurality of materials and or articles, some or all of which may be flexible and some or all may be impregnated with a curable polymer compound. The structure is folded to reduce its volume and stored in a vacuum sealed package to further reduce its volume and to prevent the impregnated curable polymer compound from curing until such time as curing is desired. When the structure is removed from the vacuum sealed packaging, it returns to its original geometry through the elastomeric memory properties of the materials used to construct the shelter. Once the shelter is removed from the vacuum sealed packaging, curing of the curable polymer compound is naturally or artificially initiated.

Abstract: A cleaning device for small utensils such as razors comprising a housing and a supply of water or other cleaning fluid. In one form a motor and pump pressurize the water and in another residential pressure is employed. A cleaning element takes the form of a coil of tubing with radially inwardly directed orifices. A splash restrictor is disposed in an access opening for the cleaning element.

Abstract: A contact sensor apparatus counts associated sheet products as they pass over a generally planar surface. a vacuum source draws a bottom surface of a sheet product onto the planar surface. A contact member is selectively deflected through engagement with the sheet product and deflects upwardly at the passage of the trailing edge of the sheet product. The contact member is connected to a sheet of piezoelectric material that is distorted upon deflection of the contact member. This produces an electrical charge representative of passage of paper over the sensor apparatus.

Abstract: A non-contact actuator assembly for a newspaper gripper includes a magnet disposed on a gripper release arm. The release arm passes beneath an electromagnet disposed adjacent the workpath of the gripper. The position of the gripper is sensed and a suitable signal provided to an associated voltage supply. A pulse width modulated voltage quickly and effectively induces a magnetic field in the electromagnet as the magnet in the release arm passes thereby and the magnetic field collapses quickly so as not to actuate the next gripper. The magnetic field urges the release arm to an actuated position so that opposed clamping jaws of the gripper open to release a gripped sheet product.