Abstract: The invention is a non-ridged, semi-buoyant vehicle. In detail, the invention includes a pressure stabilized gasbag having front and rear ends and an aerodynamic shape capable of producing lift, and longitudinal, vertical and horizontal axis, the tail end of the gasbag extending outward along the horizontal axis from each side of the longitudinal axis toward said front end at an acute angle to the horizontal axis. A horizontal tail surface is mounted outboard of the rear end of the gasbag, having a trailing edge extending outward along the horizontal axis from each side of the longitudinal axis toward the front end at the acute angle to the horizontal axis. A horizontal ridged beam is mounted outboard of the rear end of the gasbag that extends outward along the horizontal axis from each side of the longitudinal axis toward the front end at the acute angle to the horizontal axis with the horizontal tail surface mounted to the beam. The preferred acute angle is approximately 20 degrees.

Abstract: A backup engines-only flight control system accomplishes improved aircraft banking in response to commands by the use of a lead compensated transient differential thrust servo parameter. The lead compensated transient differential thrust servo parameter compensates for the ordinary sluggish banking response during engines-only flight control. Accordingly, because an aircraft equipped with the present invention will respond in a manner expected by pilots, safer backup engines-only flight control is achieved during emergency situations. The improvement comprises a means and method of detecting the magnitude of direction of commanded bank angle and generating a corresponding lead compensated transient differential thrust servo parameter.

Abstract: An electro-thermal or hot gas anti-icer of the “running-wet” type is mounted at the leading edge of an airfoil. Mechanical de-icers are mounted on the surfaces aft of the anti-icer. The mechanical de-icers throw off ice without creating runback water, thereby eliminating runback refreeze ridges caused by a known hybrid ice-protection system. Advantageously, the de-icers are of a type in which the airfoil has a semi-rigid skin that forms an aerodynamic surface of the airfoil, and in which there is at least one mechanical actuator for flexing the skin.

Abstract: A spacecraft comprises a first module including a first assembly of components and a second module including a second assembly of components and a thermal radiator. The second module is movable between a stowed position proximate the first module whereat the thermal radiator is only partially operative and a deployed position distant from the first module whereat the thermal radiator means is fully operative for dissipating waste heat to deep space for at least one of the first and second assemblies of components. In one embodiment, the first module includes a housing defining an interior cavity, the second module including a casing so shaped and dimensioned as to be telescopically received within the internal cavity of the first module and the second module being translationally movable along a deploying axis between the stowed position and the deployed position but incapable of mutual rotation about the deploying axis.

Abstract: The attitude of a spinning spacecraft whose spin axis is substantially in the plane of the orbit is controlled without the use of reaction control thrusters. A two-axis gimbal on which a momentum wheel is mounted is secured to a despun platform. The despun platform is in rotational communication with the central body. Two actuators are used to selectively pivot the gimbaled momentum wheel about each gimbal axis in order to apply a control moment to change the attitude of the spacecraft.

Abstract: A cable-tubing organizer system is provided for storing and organizing wire leads and tubing extending from monitoring equipment used in an operating room or other patient care environment. The organizer system includes a monitoring lead assembly, a transducer support device, and a transport plate. The monitoring lead assembly includes a plurality of clips, mounted on a base plate, for containing one or more coils of wire or tubing extending from operating room monitoring equipment. The monitoring lead assembly includes an attachment mechanism for securing the assembly to an operating table or any suitably convenient structure. The transducer support device includes a transducer bracket for securing a transducer holder that contains several different transducers. The transducer bracket translates vertically on a slotted plate for adjustment to patient chest level.

Abstract: A quick-release device that accommodates an interface connection between a camera and a support having a base plate (32) and a release plate (12) that has a predetermined configuration (21) (22) to allow for a locking plate (14), a detent pin (36), and a clamping block (34) that, when used in combination, provides for a quick, reliable and rigid joining of a camera and support device.

Abstract: An adjustable pedestal for insertion into a substantially cylindrical opening in a furniture or equipment leg. The pedestal includes a substantially cylindrical hollow insert and a foot. The insert includes a leg opening, a foot opening, and a leg portion disposed adjacent the leg opening. The leg portion has an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the opening in the furniture or equipment leg and an inside surface into which are formed a plurality of threads. A cup portion is disposed adjacent the foot opening of the insert and has an outside diameter greater than the inside diameter of the opening in the furniture or equipment leg for preventing the insert from complete insertion within the leg. At least one retainer is formed within the insert for preventing rotation of the insert within the leg and for preventing withdrawal of the insert from the leg. The foot is substantially hollow and includes a shell end and an insert end.

Abstract: A plate-shaped fastener is used to secure a member or an instrument to a wall of plasterboard so constructed as to be not accessible to its back. A driving portion with a pointed tip and an extension are integrally formed from a single bendable thin metal plate. A cut is formed in the thin metal plate to form the driving portion and the extension. The driving portion is driven into the wall and pulled back against one side of the wall and the extension is bent and pressed against the other side of the wall to sandwich the wall between the driving portion and the extension. A screw is then driven through the member, extension, wall and the driving portion to secure the member to the wall.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for releasably securing a cab or other truck toppers to a pick-up truck box includes master and slave assemblies mounted to a transverse section of the sidewall of the cab and spaced-apart from each other. Each assembly has an engagement member pivotable between an operative position in which the engagement member extends beneath an inwardly extending flange of the sidewall of the truck box and abuts the undersurface of the flange, and an inoperative position in which the engagement member clears the flange. A set of worm and worm gear is provided in the master assembly and a worm gear shaft extends through the master and slave assemblies to drive the engagement members in the pivotal movement. The clamp assembly is operated using a rotating tool from inside of the cab so that unauthorized removal of the cab from the truck is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shade bracket and shade bracket system that is easy to manufacture, easy to install and easy to adjust to ensure the shade is level. The shade bracket of the present invention comprises a wall or ceiling engaging member and a bracket member having a centrally located cut out portion. The shade bracket provides for the vertical adjustment of a shade roller.

Abstract: A remote controller holder for permitting hands free holding a remoter controller by a user. The remote controller holder includes an elongate carrier having spaced apart pair of arm portions and an elongate middle portion connecting the arm portions together. The arm portions each have spaced apart elongate front and back segments, and an elongate bottom segment connecting the front and back segments of the respective arm portion together. The back segments of the arm portions are coupled to the middle portion. The arm portions are designed for resting a remote controller thereon. A generally U-shaped bracket is coupled to the middle portion of the elongate carrier. A bolt is extended through the bracket. The bolt is designed for extending through a looped end of a neck strap secured around a user's neck.

Abstract: A bracket (10) is provided for supporting CD cases onto a planar mounting surface (400) so that the front of the case (190) is visible. The bracket (10) is comprised of a planar (60), which has a rigid portion (60), a flexible portion (90), a first side which faces the mounting surface (400), and a second side which faces away from the mounting surface (400). Four rigid arms (130, 140, 170, 180), are attached to the first side and are positioned to hold the case (190) when the case is engaged into the bracket. Two rigid base pieces (20, 30) function as offsetting means, to offset the bracket (10) from the mounting surface (400). Two tabs (150, 160) for holding the case (10) by two holes (260, 270) on the case (10) are attached to two (130, 140) of the arms. The remaining two arms (170, 180) do not have tabs, and one of these arms (170) is attached to the flexible portion (90) of the planar (60).

Abstract: A portable hook hanging system particularly useful for campers and backpackers includes one or more hook elements that are releasably connected to a generally vertical object, such as a tree trunk, by a flexible cord or belt for hanging and supporting various articles. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of hooks along with a rod and several lengths of cord are supplied in a kit and a flexible belt may also be supplied in the kit. Each hook has a generally H-shaped main body portion with first and second U-shaped recess extending transversely across the main body portion with the openings of the U-shaped recesses facing in vertically opposed directions. A flat rectangular tang portion and a flat leg portion are formed on a back side of the main body portion and a vertical slot is formed between the tang portion and main body portion which receives the cord or belt.

Abstract: A portable book stand is adapted for attachment to the back of a pew, bench, chair or similar item, as well as free-standing use on a flat surface such as a table. The book stand may include two separate folding arms attached to the rear surface of a platform on which a book rests. The angle of the platform relative to the reader can be varied by placing the end of one of the folding arms into a selected one of a plurality of grooves in the other folding arm. An attachment arm is used in conjunction with the two folding arms to attach the book stand to the back of a pew, chair, bench or similar support. One folding arm is mounted on a folding assist segment, allowing one folding arm to fold on top of the other without interference.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder comprises a base for placement on a ground support surface and having an offset channel extending between first and second ends of the base. A first arm is pivotally mounted to the first end of the base between a first transport position within the channel and a second support position extending upwardly from the channel. A second arm is pivotally mounted to the second end of the base and is pivotal between a first transport position within the channel and a second support position extending upwardly from the channel. A cradle is attached to each of the first and second arms for supporting portions of the fishing rod when the first and second arms are in their second support positions. The offset base in the channel positions the first and second arms and cradles thereon in an over/under relationship within the confines of the base. Nubs within the base releasably engage notches in the cradles to maintain the arms at the transport and support positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration isolation system. The Airborne Stabilization/Vibration Isolation System (AS/VIS) is a combination of advanced pneumatic passive suspension, high-capacity voice-coil actuators, integrated sensors, a control processor and a commercial system of software development tools. The entire vertical weight load is borne by the pneumatic mounts. Vertical payload motion is accommodated with little or no friction through the use of air bearings at all sliding surfaces of the mounts. The high-force voice-coil actuators provide a variety of performance enhancements to the passive isolation system. Primarily, they allow control of the payload mean position in the presence of low-frequency quasistatic load variations due to aircraft maneuvering. Horizontal and vertical displacement sensors detect the position of each actuator moving element relative to ground. The controller sends a signal to power amplifiers, which drive the horizontal and vertical voice-coil actuators.

Abstract: A support system employing a load equalizing floating platform. The support system comprises four jacks 30 including opposed pairs of jacks for coupling to four respective supports. Each jack has a support rod with upper and lower pressure plates attached thereto that are disposed in a cavity to form first, second, third and fourth pressure chambers. Each of the first pressure chambers of all jacks are coupled together. Also, the respective second pressure chambers of jacks are coupled to the opposite jack third pressure chambers. Each of the fourth pressure chambers of all jacks are coupled together. The load equalizing floating platforms equalizes support forces and prevents rotation of the support system due to overturning moments at all support points. The system eliminates stresses and deformations in structures due to unequal support movement.

Abstract: A cushioning device includes a support frame having right and left anchoring walls adapted to be secured to the right and left side walls of a computer component, respectively. At least one of the right and left anchoring walls has an inserting through hole. An impact absorbing member is made of an elastomeric material, and has a first annular flange and a second annular flange. The impact absorbing member is inserted into the inserting through hole with a portion of the anchoring wall around the inserting through hole being interposed between the first annular flange and the second annular flange. A fastening member passes through a fastening through hole in the impact absorbing member for fastening the support frame onto one of the side walls of the computer component.

Abstract: A placement ring assembly has inside and outside mandrels releasably fastened together to secure and align a pipe connector gasket therebetween. A permanent magnet of a magnet assembly is inserted through co-aligned openings in the mandrels and is magnetically attracted to an inner-core of a casting assembly. When the cast member is set, a mechanical release is rotated to release the magnetic attraction between the permanent magnet and the mold core. One of the mandrels may be provided with shock absorbing knockout pads while the other mandrel has openings aligned with the knockout pads to enable the knockout pads to be struck with a hammer to separate the mandrels. Rubber cushioning members absorb the shock of the impacts, protecting the mandrel from permanent damage. One-piece hole formers may likewise be provided with a magnetic assembly having a mechanic release as well as knock-out pads.

Abstract: A covered ice cube tray is provided for making, storing, and dispensing ice cubes. The cover is slidably mounted upon the tray and includes at least one leading edge that is shaped so that, as the cover is moved in relation to the tray, ice cubes are uncovered and may be dispensed one-at-a-time.

Abstract: A molded squeeze clamp for tubing which comprises a strip of plastic having first and second ends, the strip being bent back on itself so that the ends are adjacent to each other in the manner of a Halkey-Roberts clamp. The first strip end defines a first latch, for engagement and releasable locking with the second end, and the second end defines a second latch for locking with the first latch. The first end also defines a first projection extending towards the second end to reduce or eliminate a gap between the first and second ends when the clamp is in its unstressed, as-molded, open configuration. The second end defines a second projection to facilitate manual opening of the clamp, the second projection extending in substantially longitudinal relation to the axis of tubing carried in the squeeze clamp.

Abstract: An air distribution device comprises a casing (10) provided with a cylindrical wall (12) having at least one air passage opening (14, 16), a shutter (20) mounted so as to pivot with respect to an axis of rotation (X—X) and having a generally cylindrical obturation wall, which is mounted so as to movable with respect to a body of the shutter, consisting of two plates, in a direction substantially radial with respect to the axis of rotation (X—X) of the shutter by virtue of movement means (46, 48) synchronised with the rotation of the shutter, which makes it possible to move the obturation wall (24) away from the wall (12) when the shutter is in an open position (P1, P2) and bring the obturation wall (24) closer to the wall (12) of the casing when the shutter is in a closed position.

Abstract: A valve is provided including a body made of anaerobic, reactive fluid resistant material. The valve also directs pressurized fluid in a substantially planar manner between adjacent port holes on a recessed area of a fluid body section of the valve. The flexible diaphragm can be actuated manually or programmed to dispense pressurized fluid, such as cyanoacrylate fluid. A method of dispensing anaerobic, reactive material is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a geometric lockout coupler assembly comprising a probe capable of reversibly moving between an open position and a closed position, the open position permitting fluid to pass through the probe; and a bung cup sized and configured to accept the probe. The probe further comprises a geometric configuration which cooperates with the complementarily shaped bung cup to allow fluid to flow through the probe while not permitting other probes to cooperate with the bung cup.

Abstract: A housing (2) has an upper portion engaged with a cylindrical stopper member (20) in screw-thread fitting so as to be able to vertically advance and retract the stopper member (20). The stopper member (20) has an outer thread (20a) engaged with a nut member (21) and has an inner thread (20b) engaged with a thrust screw member (23) each in screw-thread fitting. The stopper member (20) has a stopping portion (A) which prevents the downward movement of the intermediate transmission member (25) connected to the thrust screw member (23) over a predetermined distance. This inhibits a metal diaphragm (12) from being excessively pushed to a valve seat (15). When further moving the diaphragm (12) for valve closing, the nut member (21) is loosened and at the same time the stopper member (20) is advanced downwards to thereby define a gap between a receiving portion (B) of the intermediate transmission member (25) and the stopping portion (A).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel supply system comprising a carburetor including a fuel bowl, an air induction passage including therein a venturi, a throttle valve located in the air induction passage downstream of the venturi, a fuel enrichment conduit communicating between the fuel bowl and the air induction passage downstream of the throttle valve, and a temperature responsive valve for admitting air to the fuel enrichment conduit when the ambient temperature is above a predetermined level and for admitting air to the air induction passage when the engine temperature is below the predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention provides aeration methods using spherical gas bubbles having a size on the order of 0.1 to 100 microns in size. A device of the invention for producing a monodispersion of bubbles includes a source of a stream of gas which is forced through a liquid held under pressure in a pressure chamber with an exit opening therein. The stream of gas surrounded by the liquid in the pressure chamber flows out of an exit orifice of the chamber into a liquid thereby creating a monodispersion of bubbles with substantially uniform diameter. The bubbles are small in size and produced with a relatively small amount of energy relative to comparable systems. Applications of the aeration technology range from oxygenating sewage with monodispersions of bubbles to oxygenation of water for fish maintenance.

Abstract: A mechanical wet air generator which is constructed by an inner container, an outer container, a fluid level controller and a multiplicity of Rashing rings filled in the inner container is provided. In the wet air generator, the inner container is formed of honeycomb panels such that large bubbles cannot go through and furthermore, the multiplicity of Rashing rings functions as bubble-breaking solid shapes further prevents large bubbles from exiting the wet air generator and insuring the proper functioning of the generator. The present invention novel mechanical wet air generator is provided with a fluid level controller which consists of a floater, a floating valve, and a linkage connecting thereinbetween. The novel fluid level controller effectively prevents any possibility of overflow of fluid, or water, into a slurry supply pipe to which the wet air generator supplies a wet air or wet N2 for transporting and for blanketing the slurry solution.

Abstract: A humidifier capable of sending forth fragrance includes a housing, a water-detecting device, an electric heating member, a top covering and a perfume holding member. A water-containing hollow is provided within the housing. The detecting device and the heating member are arranged such that water held in the hollow can flow to both. The top covering is coupled to the housing, and has a steam-ejecting hole. The perfume holding member is coupled to, and covers a part of the ejecting hole. When the detecting device detects presence of water, the heating member will heat the water into steam, which is then ejected from the ejecting hole, and heats the perfume for it to be sent forth to the air.

Abstract: A vibration control system is provided for an appendage such as an antenna 10 coupled to a platform such as a spacecraft 12. The antenna 10 is coupled at a base 14 so as to extend from the spacecraft 12. A plurality of guidelines 20 extend between remote portions 22 of the antenna 10 and the antenna base 14. A plurality of motion control elements 36 are provided within the antenna structure for reducing oscillation settling time of the antenna 10 relative to the spacecraft 12. The motion control elements 36 include a material disposed therein having its damping response changed according to the magnitude of an electric or magnetic field applied thereto.

Abstract: A vibration control system is provided for an appendage such as an antenna 10 coupled to a platform such as a spacecraft 12. The antenna 10 is coupled at a base 14 so as to extend from the spacecraft 12. A plurality of guidelines 20 extend between remote portions 22 of the antenna 10 and the antenna base 14. A plurality of motion control elements 36 are provided within the antenna structure for reducing oscillation settling time of the antenna 10 relative to the spacecraft 12. The motion control elements 36 include a material disposed therein having its damping response changed according to the magnitude of an electric or magnetic field applied thereto.

Abstract: Stabilizer (1) for motor vehicles which has a toroidal cross section, and which is formed of several stabilizer sections that, together, create a U-shape having a pair of U-legs (2) connected by a U-back (3) via arcuately shaped transitional shoulder areas (4). The stabilizer (1), as a pipe stabilizer, is able to withstand the required number of load cycles even under very high stress or enables even greater weight reduction under normal stresses, by important stabilizer sections having an increased strength as compared to other stabilizer sections by either dimensioning, and/or increasing the carbon content of an outer and/or inner surface layer of the stabilizer (1) by carburization, and also, optionally, by at least partially shot peening the inner surface, preferably at least in the transitional shoulder areas (4).

Abstract: To provide a compression spring formed of an elastic body made from a resin or rubber which is capable of maintaining its shape upon deformation without the use of any supporting member, thereby always ensuring a specific load-deformation characteristic. A compression spring of the present invention includes a cylindrical spring main body, wherein compression energy generated when the compression spring is pressed in the radial direction is absorbed by elastic deformation of the cylindrical spring main body. In this compression spring, a base having a flat bottom surface swelled along a plane perpendicular to the pressing direction is formed on the pressing force receiving side of the spring main body. Furthermore, a reinforcing wall for connecting the swelled portion of the base to a side portion of the cylindrical spring main body is formed integrally with the spring main body.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a workpiece handling device and, more particularly, a vacuum operated chuck for securing a substrate to a substrate handling device. In one embodiment, the invention provides a chuck having three vacuum chuck rings projecting from a chuck base and having no resilient materials such as o-rings or the like exposed to the operating environment within which the wafer is being handled. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a substrate handling chuck having removable vacuum chuck rings for permitting interchangeable chuck ring elements for a particular application.

Abstract: A sheet material work bench for holding sheet material without the need of clamps. The sheet material work bench includes a support portion. The support portion comprises a central column. The column is generally hollow. A table portion comprises a plate having a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. A plurality of bores are located in the plate. Each of the bores is generally adjacent to a central location of the table portion. A coupling means couples the table portion to the support portion. A suction means draws air through the bores. The suction means is mounted in the support portion and draws air into the support portion through the bores.

Abstract: A work bench includes a frame, a bench surface on the frame with the bench surface including at least two members, one of which is movable along the frame for clamping a workpiece between the members. A mechanism for moving the member includes two screws coupled with the members. The two screws are spaced with the member for moving the member upon rotation of the screws. A sprocket is coupled with each of the screws. A transmission belt or chain is coupled with the sprockets. At least one handle is coupled with one of the screws to rotate the screws. At least one clutch is coupled with the at least one screw to limit clamping pressure on the workpiece. The clutch enables rotation of one screw with respect to the other screw so that workpieces may be clamped between the members and clamping of the workpiece may be accomplished by rotation of the screws with one hand of the operator. Also, a guard may be present which covers the transmission belt or chain.

Abstract: A clamping device and method wherein the device comprises a movable jaw and a fixed jaw wherein the movable jaw is displaced toward the fixed jaw along a plurality of load points. In one embodiment, the displacing action is through a plurality of inclined plane or ramp surfaces. In another embodiment, the displacing action is through a camming surface. A biasing mechanism is also provided to apply a consistent, predictable clamping force to a group of objects retained between the movable jaw and the fixed jaw. A low friction surface or coating on the jaws permit movement of the objects transverse to the clamping force while clamped.

Abstract: An improved vise and an attachment for a conventional vise is disclosed that permits a user of the vise to machine all sides of a workpiece gripped between the jaws of the vise without having to remove the workpiece from the vise and incur operational downtime and expense. A plurality of grip blocks are removably attached either to the vise directly, or to a grip set attachment for the vise. The grip blocks may be selectively installed on either the vise or grip set at those areas which require holding power, and not installed from those areas along the gripped sides of the workpiece that the user desires to access. With a portion of the grip blocks selectively removed from the vise or grip set, the user can machine all sides of a gripped workpiece, including substantial portions of the sides of the workpiece gripped by the vise.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness of flat products such as sheets or signatures, the flat products being fed from a pile of signatures to a pocket by a pocket feeder. The pocket feeder includes a first and second roller. The first roller is arranged against the second roller to form a nip therebetween for receiving a flat product. The first roller is deflectable when a flat product enters the nip. The apparatus comprises a first proximity target which is arranged on the first roller and a second proximity target which is fixedly arranged on the receiving unit. A proximity switch monitors the targets and a control unit starts and stops counting the pulses generated by an encoder. To calculate the thickness of a flat product, the counted pulses are compared to a stored value.

Abstract: The apparatus has an intermediate conveyor (18) with conveying elements (26) distributed in the circumferential direction on bearing plates (36). Each conveying element (26) has a roller segment (54), which is driven counter to the direction of circulation (U), and a belt conveyor (56) which is assigned to said roller segment. A control device (48) keeps the conveying elements (26) in a mutually parallel position during circulation in the direction of circulation (U). During movement past the receiving location (16), a rear section (82) of the roller segment (54) and the belt conveyor (56) form an introduction gap (24) for a product (14) fed by a feed conveyor (12) in each case. During further rotation, said product (14) is moved through the conveying element (26), in the conveying gap (90) now formed by the roller segment (54) and belt conveyor (56), and is deflected by means of the guide element (92).

Abstract: A sheet-handling device includes a tray, two edge guides, an extensile plate and a linkage mechanism. The edge guides and the extensile plate are movably connected to the tray. The linkage mechanism is connected to the edge guides and the extensile plate. When the edge guides or the extensile plate is moved, other components are forced to move via the linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A sheet-stacking apparatus has a conveyor including a plurality of parallel upper belts extending in a transport direction for delivering a succession of sheets one at a time to a stacking station and a plurality of blow tubes each having a main portion extending in the direction. The main portions are interleaved with the upper belts and are each formed with a plurality of downwardly open holes. Respective tubular rivet bodies set in the holes have heads bearing upward against the respective tube main portions and form downwardly open nozzles. Interiors of the tubes can be pressurized with air to project jets of air downward from the nozzles of the tube main portions.

Abstract: This patent describes a method of de-curling print media when utilised in cameras or printers. The decurling occurs by providing a series anti-curling rollers to de-curl print media exiting from a print roll.

Abstract: A device for delivering, depositing, and aligning sheets in a stack container of an apparatus by a sheet handling device. The sheet handling device includes a delivery mechanism delivering sheets along a sheet delivery direction, and a sheet deposition mechanism. The sheet deposition mechanism, driven in a circulating fashion, has a sheet alignment and hold-down member. The delivered and deposited sheets are aligned against a sheet stop lying at right angles to the sheet delivery direction and are held down on the sheet stack container. To provide precise, reliable, and rapid stacking of sheets, the sheet deposition mechanism is independently controlled for completely guided lowering and deposition of a delivered sheet. Moreover, the sheet deposition mechanism and the sheet alignment and hold-down member can be operated in a discontinuously circulating fashion and in synchronism with sheet delivery.

Abstract: A board game bag is made of non-transparent flexible material and includes a main body and a mouth. An elastic member is disposed within the mouth, allowing the mouth to open when the elastic member is stretched and causing the mouth to partially close when the elastic member is allowed to relax. The board game bag is designed to hold game pieces to be drawn during game play. To this end, the board game bag is placed in a cylindrical plastic sleeve that provides support for the bag so that the bag is held upright as players draw game pieces from the bag. Following game play, all game pieces placed on the board are easily removed from the board by stretching the mouth of the bag over all four corners of the game board and flipping the board over, thus causing the game pieces to fall into the bag. The mouth of the bag is then removed from the four corners of the board and the elastic member causes the mouth of the bag to constrict.

Abstract: A puzzle includes a set of three-dimensional puzzle pieces (52a-d) having at least two different indicia (W, Y) applied on the external surfaces to define a pattern of continuous stripes. The puzzle pieces can have the shape of a Z-polycube (20) formed from four unit cubes. The external shape and size of each puzzle piece in the set is identical, however, the indicia are applied in a different pattern on each puzzle piece in the set. The puzzle pieces in the set are juxtaposable to form a secondary object (54) having a second external shape such that the indicia visible on the external surface of secondary object defines a pattern of continuous stripes. A plurality of secondary puzzle modules (54, 56) can be juxtaposed to form a tertiary object (80) wherein the surface indicia visible on the external surface of tertiary object still form a pattern of continuous stripes. When the pieces and puzzle modules of the puzzle are correctly juxtaposed, the structure forms a sculpture with a desirable appearance.

Abstract: A board game apparatus and method of playing a game with the apparatus by two, three, or four players is provided. The board game apparatus consists of a game board and four distinguishable playing sets, one for each player. The game board has only forty-nine squares, arranged as a grid of seven columns of squares by seven rows of squares. A playing set has only four playing pieces, one each of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. Each playing piece is visually distinguishable from other playing pieces of the playing set, and each playing piece moves in a different manner: Alpha pieces move only one space each move, either laterally or diagonally; Beta pieces move one or two spaces, either laterally or diagonally; Gamma pieces move one or two spaces, laterally only; Delta pieces move one or two spaces, diagonally only. Players take turns, moving one of their playing pieces each turn with the object of capturing opponent's playing pieces.

Abstract: A chess game apparatus provides a chess board in an unrolled condition and an octagonal storage device for chess pieces in a rolled up condition. The chess game apparatus includes a first end board/storage unit which includes a first outside surface which includes a set of eight alternating dark and light squares and which includes four interior storage compartments. A first end hinge is connected to a rear portion of the first end board/storage unit. A set of six intermediate board/storage units are connected to the first end hinge. Five intermediate hinges are provided between rear portions of the six intermediate board/storage units. Each of the intermediate board/storage units includes an outside surface which includes a set of eight alternating dark and light squares. Also each of the intermediate board/storage units includes four interior storage compartments. A second end hinge is connected to a rear portion of one of the intermediate board/storage units.

Abstract: A process of dealing and drawing cards is provided wherein a player hand including N cards is dealt to the player from a computer card deck. An opponent hand including N cards is dealt to the opponent from the deck. The player and the opponent are provided with opportunity to draw cards. A gaming system determines which cards of the initial opponent hand to hold and which to discard using a play strategy-lookup table in accordance with the present invention. The strategy look-up table is addressed using an address set including all possible hands that could be dealt in an N card poker game. Each address of the address set stores a corresponding optimal hold scenario which provides information indicating which of the particular N cards of a hand to hold and which to discard in order have the greatest probability of winning. Cards are discarded from the initial opponent hand according to the look up table.