Abstract: A bracket system, for suspending pergola beams from an existing structure, the existing structure having a vertical wall and roof rafters that each have a rafter top and a rafter end that extends beyond the vertical wall over a ground surface, each of the pergola beams having a supported end, including a plurality of brackets. Each bracket having a mounting assembly for attaching to one of the rafters, a support assembly for attaching the support end of one of the pergola beams, and a connecting assembly that suspends the support assembly from the mounting assembly. The pergola beams extend over the ground surface, away from the existing structure, supported only by the bracket at the support end and without any vertical supports.

Abstract: A bracket system, for suspending pergola beams from an existing structure, the existing structure having a vertical wall and roof rafters that each have a rafter top and a rafter end that extends beyond the vertical wall over a ground surface, each of the pergola beams having a supported end, including a plurality of brackets. Each bracket having a mounting assembly for attaching to one of the rafters, a support assembly for attaching the support end of one of the pergola beams, and a connecting assembly that suspends the support assembly from the mounting assembly. The pergola beams extend over the ground surface, away from the existing structure, supported only by the bracket at the support end and without any vertical supports.

Abstract: A card selection system, for use with an online gaming system, for allowing verifiable, physical selection of cards for players while playing a card game on the online gaming system. A plurality of card identifying balls are provided in a vessel, each ball representing one of the cards of a standard card deck. The balls are sequentially deployed from the vessel into a delivery tube, and are read by a sensor to provide identity data for each ball, so that a corresponding virtual card can be associated with the appropriate player. A video feed of the balls entering the delivery tube is recorded so that any dispute of the randomization of card selection can be verified by replaying the video feed.

Abstract: A gaming chip counter, for use counting a plurality of gaming chips, each gaming chip have a known predetermined weight. The gaming chip counter has a housing having a top surface, a front, rear, and sides, with digital total displays thereupon. A plurality of counting elements are located on the top surface arranged in counting zones. For each counting zone, a denomination setting system allows the user to establish a currently set denomination. When chips are stacked upon the counting elements in each counting zone, a zone value is determined by weighing the gaming chips thereupon. A total chip value is determined by summation of the zone values, and displayed on the total displays in real time.

Abstract: Adsorbents for removing anions of a heavy metals and methods for using same are provided. Metal removing adsorbents comprise a porous material in which at least one oxygen-containing compound of iron, copper, aluminum, titanium, and/or zirconium is incorporated. The oxygen-containing compound may be incorporated into the porous media by impregnation or dispersion of a suitable precursor of such a compound. The precursor may be further treated to yield the oxygen-containing compound. Such adsorbents are particularly useful for removing arsenic and/or selenium from the environment and may be used in treating drinking water sources.

Abstract: A method and recyclable magnetic adsorbent are provided for removing contaminants from a fluid stream that has by-products. The method includes providing an adsorbent material that has incorporated at least one ferromagnetic material. Contacting the ferromagnetic adsorbent material to at least a portion of contaminated stream to adsorb the contaminant. The contaminated adsorbent is then separated from the by-products using a magnetic separation process. The adsorbent is recovered from the solid by-products and reusable in the present method.

Abstract: A solid shear panel for supporting a structure having an upper edge, a lower edge and two side edges. The upper edge is secured to a horizontal double plate mounted beneath a beam underneath a floor surface of a structure, while the lower edge rests on a sill plate above ground level. The shear panel contains a plurality of vertically extending support posts having the same length. Sawn lumber, laminated wood, engineered wood, a metal such as steel or another suitable construction material can be utilized to form the support posts. Two steel plates press against the side edges of the shear panel and thereby compact the support posts together into a solid grouping of posts. A plurality of horizontally extending connecting bolts hold the posts together near the upper and lower edges of the shear panel.

Abstract: Adsorbents for removing anions of a heavy metals comprise a porous carbon in which at least one oxygen-containing compound of iron, copper, and/or aluminum is incorporated. The oxygen-containing compound may be incorporated into the porous carbon by impregnation or dispersion of a suitable precursor of such a compound. The precursor may be further treated to yield the oxygen-containing compound. Such adsorbents are particularly useful for removing arsenic and/or selenium from the environment and may be used in treating drinking water sources.

Abstract: Adsorbents for removing anions of a heavy metals comprise a porous carbon in which at least one oxygen-containing compound of iron, copper, and/or aluminum is incorporated. The oxygen-containing compound may be incorporated into the porous carbon by impregnation or dispersion of a suitable precursor of such a compound. The precursor may be further treated to yield the oxygen-containing compound. Such adsorbents are particularly useful for removing arsenic and/or selenium from the environment and may be used in treating drinking water sources.