Abstract: A system and method of shuffling decks of cards is disclosed including verifying that the shuffled deck of cards has the same number of cards as the deck of cards had had when a manual verification process was performed at the initiation of use of the deck of cards. Using the measured weight of the deck of cards after completion of shuffling, the number of cards in the shuffled deck of cards is verified. A cut card may be introduced to reduce the possibility of exposing the hole card to view. Two decks of cards may be used in sequence so that a first deck of cards is being used to play the game of cards while the second deck of cards is being shuffled and verified.

Abstract: A system and method of shuffling decks of cards is disclosed including verifying that the shuffled deck of cards has the same number of cards as the deck of cards had had when a manual verification process was performed at the initiation of use of the deck of cards. Using the measured weight of the deck of cards after completion of shuffling, the number of cards in the shuffled deck of cards is verified. A cut card may be introduced to reduce the possibility of exposing the hole card to view. Two decks of cards may be used in sequence so that a first deck of cards is being used to play the game of cards while the second deck of cards is being shuffled and verified.

Abstract: Improvements to existing diving tanks and dive computers are achieved through the use of an electronic device which employs audible, verbal, simulated, humanlike words or phrases to inform a user while underwater of dive information, including, but not limited to, gas volumes present in the tank, ascent rates, water temperature, depth levels, remaining time in the water, etc. In one embodiment a microcontroller can be used to facilitate the different settings and information that the talking tank or dive computer supplies. The electronic assembly of the present invention can be in communication with the existing pressure gauges, sensors, and valves associated with the talking tank or dive computer.

Abstract: An apparatus used in the medical industry, in order to increase transpulmonary pressure and respiratory volumes, to improve inspiratory muscle performance and re-establish the normal pulmonary hyperinflation, through the employment of electronic technology, providing audible, simulated, verbal, human sounding words, that assist, guide and prompt, increasing patient usage. In one embodiment, the Incentive Spirometer uses a capacitive sensing circuit for sensing movement of the float within the tube wall and for obtaining a measurement or reading of the patient's performance with the Incentive Spirometer. A tilt switch can also be included to prevent a patient from turning the Incentive Spirometer upside down.

Abstract: An apparatus used in the medical industry, in order to increase transpulmonary pressure and respiratory volumes, to improve inspiratory muscle performance and re-establish the normal pulmonary hyperinflation, through the employment of electronic technology, providing audible, simulated, verbal, human sounding words, that assist, guide and prompt, increasing patient usage. In one embodiment, the Incentive Spirometer uses a capacitive sensing circuit for sensing movement of the float within the tube wall and for obtaining a measurement or reading of the patient's performance with the Incentive Spirometer.

Abstract: An apparatus used in the medical industry, in order to increase transpulmonary pressure and respiratory volumes, to improve inspiratory muscle performance and re-establish the normal pulmonary hyperinflation, through the employment of electronic technology, providing audible, simulated, verbal, human sounding words, that assist, guide and prompt, increasing patient usage. In the past, lack of usage of this simple plastic, antiquated, disposable unit, by the patient, has contributed to severe problems, such as pneumonia. Without prompting, the patient finds it hard to inhale into a tube repetitively, to improve their lungs. Previous applications of prior equipment has been poor, thus adding intelligence in the form of electronic technology, which prompts without assistance, is a tremendous advantage in helping not only the sighted, but also the blind as well, since normally only written information accompanies the incentive spirometer, thus, changing the use of this medical device as we know it today.

Abstract: An apparatus used in the medical industry, in order to increase transpulmonary pressure and respiratory volumes, to improve inspiratory muscle performance and re-establish the normal pulmonary hyperinflation, through the employment of electronic technology, providing audible, simulated, verbal, human sounding words, that assist, guide and prompt, increasing patient usage. In the past, lack of usage of this simple plastic, antiquated, disposable unit, by the patient, has contributed to severe problems, such as pneumonia. Without prompting, the patient finds it hard to inhale into a tube repetitively, to improve their lungs. Previous applications of prior equipment has been poor, thus adding intelligence in the form of electronic technology, which prompts without assistance, is a tremendous advantage in helping not only the sighted, but also the blind as well, since normally only written information accompanies the incentive spirometer, thus, changing the use of this medical device as we know it today.

Abstract: A computer system for estimating the cost of an assembly has a processor and a database operably linked to the processor. The processor is configured to access an assembly cost structure stored in the database. The assembly cost structure has a bill of materials and a list of one or more core manufacturing processes. The processor is also configured to determine the cost of the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus used in the medical industry, in order to increase transpulmonary pressure and respiratory volumes, to improve inspiratory muscle performance and re-establish the normal pulmonary hyperinflation, through the employment of electronic technology, providing audible, simulated, verbal, human sounding words, that assist, guide and prompt, increasing patient usage. In the past, lack of usage of this simple plastic, antiquated, disposable unit, by the patient, has contributed to severe problems, such as pneumonia. Without prompting, the patient finds it hard to inhale into a tube repetitively, to improve their lungs. Previous applications of prior equipment has been poor, thus adding intelligence in the form of electronic technology, which prompts without assistance, is a tremendous advantage in helping not only the sighted, but also the blind as well, since normally only written information accompanies the incentive spirometer, thus, changing the use of this medical device as we know it today.

Abstract: The method of dramatically speeding up the time it takes for sand, mercury, or water, or other like substances to flow from the upper compartment to the lower compartment of an hour-glass, usually in an hour but not specifically required in this method, entails the use of a premolded clear flexible polymer or any component similar, with the same flexibility properties, molded in the basic shape of an hour-glass, in which one can open the flow canal, which is a hole located in the center of the hour-glass, through the application of applying pressure directly to the above said flexible premolded polymer shape. The process of flexing this premolded form will permit the sand or other like substance to run between the upper and lower compartments of the hour-glass, allowing the above said substances to run through a wider and larger flow canal, from the upper compartment to the lower compartment. Thus, making the hour-glass work more efficiently.

Abstract: The method of dramatically speeding up the time it takes for sand, mercury, or water, or other like substances to flow from the upper compartment to the lower compartment of an hour-glass, usually in an hour, but not specifically required in this method, entails the use of a premolded flexible clear polymer, or any component similar, with the same flexibility properties, molded in the basic shape of an hour-glass, in which one can open the flow canal, which is a small hole located in the center of the hour-glass, through the application of pressure directly to the the above said flexible premolded polymer shape. The process of flexing this premolded form will permit the sand to run between the upper and lower compartments of the hour-glass, allowing the above said components to run through a wider and larger area, from the upper compartment to the lower compartment. Thus, making the hour-glass work more efficiently.

Abstract: The method of transferring biological specimens onto leather by using a specialized singe plate as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,298,881 entails wetting a selected section of leather with water and applying the smooth side of the wetted leather on the indented biological imprints provided by the above mentioned plate. Then, by using a press which applies equal amounts of pressure to the entire surface of the afore mentioned plate and leather, an image of the biological specimen is transferred onto the leather itself. The leather is permitted to dry, thus, setting the transferred image, and stain or dye is applied to the leather bringing out the intricate details of the image of the biological specimen, thus, creating a flexible 3-D specimen for scientific study or other endeavors.

Abstract: The radial pneumatic tire of this invention is suitable for use on passenger cars, light trucks, or the like. The belt package of this otherwise conventional tire has three belts which are preferably steel. The first belt is at an angle of 55 to 80 degrees, the second belt is at an angle of 18 to 28 degrees and the third belt is at an angle or -18 to -28 degrees with respect to the midcircumferential plane. The parallel reinforcing members of the first belt ply are spaced apart a distance at least equal to the parallel reinforcing members of the second belt ply. The parallel reinforcing members of the third belt ply are spaced a distance apart a distance less than those of the second belt ply. The strength per unit width in the circumferential direction of the first belt ply is less than the strength per unit width in the circumferential direction of the second belt ply. The strength per unit width of the third belt ply is greater than that for the second belt ply.