Abstract: A billiard table having a leveling system to level the slate bed by precise increments at predetermined locations. The leveling system includes a plurality of leveling devices each having a leveling wedge and a corresponding wedge incline of the table crossmember. A drive mechanism may be used to translate the leveling wedge relative to the crossmember wedge incline.

Abstract: An improved billiard cue construction includes a cue tip mounted on a cue tip stabilizer. The stabilizer is constructed with a convex mounting surface that can provide support to the tip and reduces the tendency of the cue tip to deform during use. The stabilizer may be integral with the billiard shaft or separately attached.

Abstract: Two optical techniques for selective detection of a regular-sized, standard cue ball. Both techniques make it possible to distinguish a regular-sized, standard size cue ball from object balls within a standard set. The first technique is called the “optical density discrimination” technique. It is based on the fact that the optical density of the cue ball is significantly less than the optical density of the object balls. The second technique is called the “fluorescence discrimination” technique. It requires that the cue ball be manufactured with a fluorescent pigment in its outer surface during manufacture. Discrimination is then based on detecting the fluorescence of the cue ball.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a cylindrical retainer form spaced inwardly of the wall of the shaft by the desired thickness of the liner to be poured and having overlapping edges which seal against concrete flow but permit the form to be contracted to a smaller circumference after the liner has hardened and is self-supporting. A curb ring extends downwardly and outwardly toward the shaft wall from the bottom of the retainer form to define the bottom surface of each poured liner section. An inflatable toroid forms a seal between the curb ring and the shaft wall. A form support gripper ring having gripper shoes laterally extendable under hydraulic power to engage the shaft wall supports the retainer form, curb ring and liner until the newly poured liner section becomes self-supporting. Adjusting hydraulic cylinders permit the curb ring and retainer form to be properly aligned relative to the form support gripper ring.