Abstract: Methods and software are disclosed for allocating a jackpot award in a keno game. A win value is randomly established between pre-determined limits. Bets on the outcome of the keno game are taken optionally in chronological order. A percentage of each qualified bet is contributed to a jackpot pool. In one embodiment, a qualified bet is selected at random when the contributions cause the pool to equal or exceed the win value. The owner of the selected bet is allocated the win value. In the alternative, a bet whose contribution causes the accumulating pool to equal or exceed the win value results in the owner of the bet to be allocated the win value, regardless of the outcome of the keno game.

Abstract: The game kit for a board game comprises a game board having three levels and at least one stairway between the three levels, at least one die, at least two fighter pieces and a unique battle card for each piece. The game kit is used to play a medieval castle board game comprising the steps of: rolling the die to determine which player goes first; each player then sequentially rolling the die to determine the number of spaces the player can move his fighter piece on the board; and sequentially moving the fighting piece around the board until it is positioned to do battle with another fighting piece or it reaches a sanctuary.

Abstract: Election Strategy is a board game for two players, representing the Race for the White House. It starts as a game of chance, due to the wagering system, which uses mixed dice, one Red and one Black. The Red is Minus and the Black is Plus, which allows the player that gets a Plus number to move one of his pieces forward or sideways, and forces the player who gets a Minus number to move one of his figures back. But the game is not solely influenced by chance, since each player may move any piece he wants after tossing the dice. The players represent two parties, the “R” Party and the “D” Party. Each party has four figures, as follows: (P) the Candidate for President, (V) the Candidate for Vice President, (C) the Campaign Manager, and (S) the Campaign Scout. The board measures 11 inches by 17 inches, divided into 1 sq.in. spaces. At the two ends of the board spaces are shown for Party Headquarters, Electoral College, and White House. The Field of Action is 165 square inches.

Abstract: A method of playing a mini-Baccarat type game is disclosed. The game is played using a playing surface and playing cards. Three cards are randomly dealt to each of a plurality of players and the dealer. The method includes multiple wager options, including the step of placement of a bet that the cumulative value of the three cards of one or more of the plurality of players will exceed the cumulative value of the three cards of the dealer. A game surface for playing the mini-Baccarat type game of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The game, Blind Choice, is unique because the choice is blind. No other game utilizes a board and marbles in such a manner. Every play is unknown and a complete surprise due to the nature of the game. Each player picks from a bag of marbles that will dictate the play of the game. Using the unique rules that pertain only to this game there is no way to foresee the end result of the game. The constant surprise throughout the play of the game guarantees continued interest and enjoyment for all players as can be seen by the abstract drawings included.

Abstract: A modified game of cribbage is played by betting the point score of each hand against a predetermined table of betting odds. In this form the game may be played in a casino setting, on a table provided with designated areas for the placement of bets by each player, the placement of the dealt cards to each betting player and the placement of the cards dealt into the crib. The table top may further include imprints of the payout table along with a display of selected rules of the game.

Abstract: A game adaptable to substantially mimic playing or scoring aspects of a variety of sports while making substantial use of inexpensive commonly available components, such as, for example, glass or plastic bottles, such as water, soda, or beer bottles; ping pong balls; cardboard drink coasters; and drinking straws. The bottle elevates and supports a scoring structure. A basketball embodiment is disclosed operable to substantially mimic a ball-shooting aspect of basketball. The basketball scoring structure includes a backboard and a basket coupled with the bottle; a ball, such as a ping pong ball, is provided for shooting. A football embodiment is also disclosed, wherein the football scoring structure includes a goal post assembly, partly constructed of conventional drinking straws; a ball is provided for “kicking”. Possible rules and variations thereof are provided for each embodiment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dartboard with a magnetic rubber sheet. The dartboard includes a target board, a holding pole and two closure members. The target board includes a magnetic rubber sheet having a rectangular shape and containing iron, the two sheets of cotton flannel being attached to both surfaces of the magnetic rubber sheet and having raisings on their outer surfaces, and an upper fitted piece attached to the upper end of the front surface of one of said two sheets of flannel. The holding pole includes a hollow for holding one end of the target board, a slit formed along the entire length of the holding pole to pass through the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the holding pole, and holes for allowing a hanging string to be fastened to the holding pole. The two closure members are each provided with an inserting recess into which one end of the holding pole is inserted.

Abstract: A roping training apparatus provides a target moving along a substantially level track from a starting end to a stopping end. The target, such as a calf figure, is mounted on a wheeled platform and connected to one end of at least one tensioning member the other end of which is fixed to the stop end of the track. Guide means, such as cables, are connected between the ends of the track and engage and guide the target in its passage along the track. The actuating mechanism, in addition to the at least one tensioning member, includes latching assembly at the starting end of the track to engage the target assembly and hold it against the force of the at least one tensioning member. When the target is positioned in the actuating mechanism and then released, it moves along the track, under the influence of the at least one tension member, and a roper attempts to rope the target before it comes to a stop at the end of the track.

Abstract: A sealing device for a bearing includes first and second annular sealing plates (1, 2) accommodated within an annular end space between inner and outer races (11, 12). Each of the first and second sealing plates (1, 2) is of a generally L-shaped section including a cylindrical (16, 26) wall and a radial upright wall (1a, 2a), and an elastic seal lip element (38). The first sealing plate (1) is secured with the radial upright wall (1a) thereof positioned adjacent respective end faces of the inner and outer races (11, 12), and the radial upright wall (1a) of the first sealing plate (1) has a free end remote from the cylindrical wall (1b) of the first sealing plate (1) spaced a predetermined distance from the cylindrical wall (2b) of the second sealing plate (2) to thereby form a radial gap (4). The radial upright wall (1a) of the first sealing plate (1) also has an outer side face (B) set back inwardly from a free end face (A) of the cylindrical wall (2b) of the second sealing plate (2).

Abstract: A joint sealing key assembly includes a sealing key having a sealing face and one or more posts projecting in a direction away from the sealing face. The sealing key is disposed in a key slot of a first part with the post extending into an opening through the bottom of the key slot. The post includes a laterally opening elongated hole for receiving a lateral pin to retain the sealing key in the slot during assembly. Upon formation of the joint by bringing the seal faces of the first and second parts together, the sealing key is displaced against the bias of a leaf spring thereby retaining the sealing face of the sealing key in sealing engagement with the seal face of the second part.

Abstract: A motor housing assembly includes a gearbox and a gearbox cover having a resilient elastomeric seal overmolded directly onto the cover. The substrate material of the first surface and the elastomeric material of the seal are molecularly compatible such that they will chemically bond at the molecular level, resulting in a fused, single-piece seal-substrate assembly.

Abstract: A wafer chuck is provided, having a wafer chucking surface, and a plunger consisting either of a body that extends at least partially along the outer perimeter of the wafer chucking surface, or a plurality of pins positioned outside the wafer chucking surface. The plunger may be normally biased to extend past the wafer chucking surface and/or may be adapted not to rotate with the wafer chucking surface. The plunger bias may be achieved via one or more vacuum bellows.

Abstract: A skate with inline wheels is disclosed that employs a lever (termed a mast) to provide the upright support and lateral control usually supplied by a stiff boot or shell. The lever doesn't trap heat and perspiration as will the boot or shell, particularly since these must be lined with heavy padding to provide a modicum of comfort. Moreover, unlike the skate boot, the mast may be folded back along the frame of the skate when not in use to enhance portability and minimize the need for storage space. Additionally, the various embodiments of the invention are easier to put on and take off than traditional designs. These features gain additional utility when considered in combination, which have the collective efficacy to usher the inline design into entirely new applications. The inventor considers that the impressive speed of inline skates generally, combined with the features disclosed herein, may someday cast this erstwhile toy and sports accessory into a new role as a practical transport machine.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski built from strips of plastic to selectively form the bottom contour on the ski body of the snowmobile ski. The strips of plastic may be used to build a new ski or rebuild/reconstruct an existing snowmobile ski that has a center keel. The snowmobile ski comprises mounting shoe for mounting the snowmobile ski to the snowmobile and a longitudinally extending plastic ski body having an upwardly curved front tip toward the front end. The strips of plastic include a pair of plastic side pads. The side pads are removably secured to the bottom surface of the ski body and extend longitudinally along the ski body. The strips of plastic may also include a removable center keel. A wear bar or wear rod assembly may be fastened to the center keel.

Abstract: A collapsible wheelbarrow is constructed with a pliable bin and pivotally connected handle members. The handle members are pivotally connected to a frame about first pivot axes, wherein the handle members may be moved outwardly away from an imaginary bisecting line of the wheelbarrow to provide easier loading capabilities. The handle members may also be pivotally connected about second pivot axes to allow the handle members to pivot inward to reduce the width of the wheelbarrow for convenient storage. In an alternative embodiment, the handle members are rigidly connected to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of luggage and cargo hand carts and more particularly to an inexpensive, disposable cart for transporting large, heavy, or bulky items. The present invention discloses a lightweight, easily and inexpensively manufactured, disposable cart. The cart may be manufactured from an inexpensive, lightweight material, such as plastic. The cart is comprised of a pair of load bearing surfaces in the form of a horizontal platform and a vertical backstop joined so that the faces of their surfaces are at approximately a right angle. A pair of wheel assemblies is located at the intersection of the bearing surfaces, one at each side of the platforms. Each wheel assembly preferably comprises a pair of wheels with a common axle. Adhesive strips may be located on the bearing surfaces to position and to attach the cart to the object to be transported while ropes or cables are wrapped around the entire assembly for additional security.

Abstract: A two-axled vehicle, such as a scooter, is provided having a frame with a platform section. The platform section is connected at the front to a steering column. The vehicle has a front wheel arranged on a steering rod, toward a front of the vehicle, and a back wheel toward the rear. The frame has a back section or tailpiece behind the platform section which projects as far as behind the wheel area and on which the back wheel is arranged. The back wheel has an axle which is supported by a shaped part that can pivot freely with respect to the tailpiece about an axis which is directed downwards and forwards at an acute angle with respect to the support surface (“the road”) for the two wheels.

Abstract: A trunnion assembly for an oscillating axle, pivotable about an axis, is provided. The trunnion assembly includes a trunnion that is mounted to the axle housing and is disposed about the pivot axis of the axle. The trunnion has first and second axial ends and includes a recess disposed between the two ends. The recess is configured to receive a seal used to retain lubricants. The location of the recess limits exposure of the seal to foreign objects and elements thereby prolonging the life of the seal and related components of the trunnion assembly.

Abstract: An active vibration damper, such as a piezoelectric element (310, 400, 604, 800), a magnetostrictive element (510, 902) or a magnetic shaped alloy, is placed at a connection point (102) between a vehicle suspension component and a vehicle body or frame. The vehicle suspension component, for example, a suspension control arm (100) or shock absorber, determines, in part, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle suspension component determines steering and handling of the vehicle. Desirable NVH and good steering and handling are at odds; that is, good steering and handling typically requires a compromise in NVH characteristics. By virtue of the selective placement of vibration dampers in accordance with the invention, good steering and handling are achieved without sacrificing NVH characteristics.

Abstract: A wishbone for an automotive suspension and comprising two sheet metal halves, for attaching the front wheels of a motor vehicle. The wishbone is provided with two points of articulation on the chassis, one behind the other along the direction of travel and representing a horizontal axis (5) for the wishbone (2) to tilt around. The wishbone is also provided with one point (8) of attachment for the suspension. The object is a simpler and hence more cost-effective wishbone. At least one of the points (3 & 4) of articulation is accordingly a hollow hexagonal cross-section bolt (11) comprising two halves (18 & 19) that engages a bearing housing and is an integral component of the wishbone halves (14 & 15).

Abstract: A step bar cradle and trim channel member. The member includes a curved main body portion connected to a cradle attachment portion. The two portions are attached by a hinge mechanism, such as a living hinge, in order to allow the member to be used in a wide range of mounting systems. The member is positioned between the step bar member and mounting bracket and used to help stabilize the step bar member and also cover the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A forward drive apparatus for a bicycle is provided to work the bicycle in a forward rotation even during the back-pedaling of the bicycle.

Abstract: A head set positioning device includes a positioning tube having a rack portion defined in an outer periphery thereof and the position tube movably extends through a crown portion of a front fork and is fixedly connected to a lower head set which is connected to a lower end of the head tube. An upper head set is fixedly connected to an upper end of the head tube and a handlebar stem is mounted to the positioning tube. An extension tube extends from the handlebar stem and a gear member is rotatably received in the extension tube and is engaged with the rack portion. The handlebar stem is pulled to press the upper head set by rotating the gear member.

Abstract: A suspension method for stabilizing a bicycle frame is provided with an elastically deformable damping suspension in order to absorb shocks, wherein said method consists of elastically deforming a suspension device by a torsional effect perpendicularly to the bicycle frame. The suspension device extends over a frame plane and is fitted out to implement the method by providing a damping torsional means arranged about at least one axis contained in a torsional plane perpendicular to the frame plane.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a tractor to a trailer is disclosed. The assembly comprises a fifth wheel bearing plate and a trailer bearing plate assembly. The trailer bearing plate assembly includes a self-lubricating plate securely attached to an underside of said trailer by a chemical attachment means.

Abstract: An adjustable fifth wheel hitch includes a support frame having base rails that are secured to the frame of a vehicle and a pair of spaced guide rails that bridge between the base rails. The fifth wheel hitch also includes a head assembly having a jaw assembly for engaging a king pin on a trailer. A head support includes a pair of uprights having sets of rollers for mounting the head assembly for relative fore-and-aft sliding movement along the guide rails between the towing position and a maneuvering position. A releasable lock secures the head assembly in either selected position.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided with one end secured to the front end of a skate board and the other end secured to the rear axle of a baby carriage. The coupling device includes a coupler, a belt, a buckle article and a mounting block. The coupler is divided into two halves. Both ends of each half are provided with screwing holes. Two halves of the coupler are screwed to the rear axle of a baby carriage, the mounting block is screwed to the front end of a skate board, and one end of the belt is connected with the buckle article. After being penetrated through the buckle ring of the mounting block and encircling the center of the coupler, the other end of the belt is penetrated through the buckle article and fastened by the pressing piece of the buckle article.

Abstract: A removable ball goose hitch system. The ball member includes a ball portion and a body portion. A plurality of locking ball bearings in the body portion are engaged by an internal plunger that is actuated by a screw that protrudes from the top of the ball portion. The locking ball bearings are adapted to be engaged with a receiver in the hitch mechanism on the vehicle. When the screw is unthreaded, the ball bearings are allowed to retract and the hitch ball can be removed. All moving parts of the mechanism are located in the ball member and improper hookups are prevented.

Abstract: A binding to retain a boot on a gliding or rolling apparatus, such as a snowboard, ski, or roller skate. The binding includes a linkage that connects first and second flanges. The linkage includes a first band attached to the first flange, and a tightening device attached to the second flange. An abutment of the binding is fixed to the first band toward a free end of the band, so as to be located on the other side of the tightening device with respect to a fastening end of the band, thus preventing a separation of the first band and of the tightening device.

Abstract: A wheelchair that includes a number of quick release assemblies which allow a user to readily vary the wheel camber angles. The quick release assemblies can be locked and unlocked without any tools, thereby allowing the user to vary the camber angles at any time or location. Additionally, the quick release assemblies extend through a number of apertures that provide discrete angle positions that readily allow a user to quickly select one of a variety of camber angles.

Abstract: A foldable carrying apparatus is provided that is capable of transporting stored items and is capable of being folded when not in use. A flexible, foldable container acts as a storage member. The foldable member includes a rigid bottom platform and a pair of spaced, flexible side panels affixed thereto. A pair of hinged wheels are secured to the rigid bottom platform of the storage member. In the folded position, the wheels are maintained in parallel, spaced relation to the platform. A pair of telescoping, foldable support shafts are secured to the bottom platform and adapted to be extended in spaced relation to one of the side panels of the storage container. A pair of receiving members are secured to the side panel of the storage container in opposition to the respective telescoping shafts. When the telescoping shafts are in their extended position, each will engage one of the respective receiving members maintaining the storage container in its open position.

Abstract: A two or more chambered airbag provides much improved safety and/or performance. A modified single chamber airbag can be used as the primary chamber of the two-chamber airbag. A piece of fabric of appropriate size is sewn to the inside or outside surface of the front panel of the primary chamber to create the secondary chamber. One or more apertures are opened between the primary and secondary chambers. In order for the secondary chamber to inflate properly, the tethers of the primary chamber are shortened to 50% to 80% of their original length. The size or location of the tether sewing to the inner surface of the front panel of the primary chamber is also adjusted to create a desired shape of the secondary chamber when deployed.

Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag that is deployed in front of a passenger's seat of a car, and an inflator for supplying gas to deploy the airbag. The airbag includes a lower bag segment for holding shoulders and a chest of an adult passenger when it is deployed, an upper bag segment that rises from the lower bag segment so as to hold a head of the adult passenger when it is deployed, and a partition cloth having an inner vent hole for separating the lower and upper bag segments. The inflator supplies the gas directly to the lower bag segment, and then to the upper bag segment through the inner vent hole.

Abstract: A passenger-seat airbag device for a vehicle includes an instrument panel for the vehicle, a windshield extending upwardly from the instrument panel, and an airbag installed in an upper surface of the instrument panel to be inflated between the windshield and an occupant. The airbag includes a first surface facing the windshield, a second surface facing the occupant, and an internal member connecting the first and second surfaces. When the airbag is fully inflated, a top of the first surface contacts the windshield, a rest of the first surface is separated from the windshield, and a part of the first surface under the top is pulled toward the second surface by the internal member so that the airbag has a concave depression extending toward the second surface.

Abstract: An airbag system for seatbelts including a housing and an elongated one-piece tubular inflatable structure disposed within the housing, where the housing and inflatable structure include a seatbelt passageway so that a seatbelt may pass therethrough unhindered and unaffected during normal seatbelt use, while the inflatable structure remains in an uninflated state. In a collision event, an inflator causes the inflatable structure to unfold, or preferably unroll, and extend from the housing along the seatbelt, so that the inflatable structure surrounds the seatbelt over an extended length thereof to provide a cushion between the seatbelt and an occupant. Such an arrangement may be easily applied to existing seatbelt systems.

Abstract: A multi-level inflator for an air bag or other safety restraint device, comprising an elongated pressure vessel having a primary gas generating portion with a first open end and a gas storage portion with a second open end. The primary gas generating portion has a primary initiator and primary gas generating energetics disposed therein, the initiator being mounted on an igniter body secured to and closing the pressure vessel at the first open end thereof. A pressure vessel closure is secured to the second end of the pressure vessel, the closure having an aperture therethrough and a primary rupture disk secured thereto to close the aperture. The gas storage portion has an inert gas therein under a predetermined pressure. A secondary inflator of the all-pyro type is secured to the pressure vessel and closure at the second end thereof. The secondary inflator comprises a secondary housing having a secondary initiator and secondary gas generating energetics disposed therein.

Abstract: Inflation apparatuses and methods are provided wherein a supply of ignition material is indirectly ignited to assist in the inflation process.

Abstract: 15 A frame including a pair of rear frame rails having a front bracket and a rear bracket. A leaf spring is connected at a front end to each front bracket and at a rear end to each rear bracket, with the leaf spring having a longitudinal direction between the front bracket and the rear bracket. The longitudinal direction of the leaf spring is non-parallel to the rear frame rails. Each rear frame rail includes a notch extending between the outside face of the rear frame rails and the bottom face of the rear frame rails. The notch allows the leaf spring to rise to a level above the bottom face of the rear frame rails during jounce. The frame also includes an axle perpendicular to the leaf spring. A pair of shock absorbers are connected to the axle and an outside face of the rear frame rails.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a frame, a belt reel rotatably mounted in the frame, at least a first and a second energy-absorbing element, which each has a connecting end and a locking end, wherein the locking ends each are provided with a locking disc and adapted to be selectively connected with the frame. The belt retractor further comprises a first and a second locking pawl which by means of at least one actuating device can each selectively be brought into engagement in one of the locking discs, wherein at least one switching device is provided which can selectively prevent the engagement action of at least one locking pawl.

Abstract: A peelable or couponable label adapted to be releasably attached to a secondary or base label which is adhered to a labeled article.

Abstract: The device and method for a pipe coupling, the pipe coupling consisting of an elongated housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining an elongated cylindrical bore therein. A stop is located on an inner diameter of the housing between the first end and the second end of the housing. The distance from the stop to one of the first and second ends of the housing is at least two times the distance from the stop to the other of the first and second end of the housing. The device provides a low cost, easy to use and cost-effective way to repair or connect pipe ends.

Abstract: A pipe coupler includes a gripping element adapted to engage an outer surface of a pipe end to oppose a pull-out force on the pipe end, and a torque drive mechanism which rotates the gripping element to induce longitudinal movement of the gripping element along the pipe end in an opposite direction. The gripping element may take the form of a collet having a threaded inner surface, and the torque drive mechanism incorporated in a back-up ring that surrounds the collet. The torque drive mechanism may be provided by an inwardly extending, longitudinal flange which is stamped out of the metallic back-up ring, and which engages a longitudinal notch in the collet. This design allows the intentional removal of the coupler at any time that the coupling is not under a large axial load.

Abstract: A quick connect body having first, second and third ports carries an insert extending from the first port to the third port and forming first and second flow paths through the body from the first and second ports, respectively, to concentrically mounted conduits attached to the third port and to one end of the insert. Retainer elements are mounted on the body and/or the insert to sealingly couple first and second conduits to the body and the insert.

Abstract: A universal conduit body system is provided having an outer housing having a first wall thickness, at least one port and an inner space. Each port has an opening in the housing and a recess in the housing surrounding the opening. Each recess includes a second wall thickness less than the first wall thickness. In use, the port mates with a connector that includes an interface or base having substantially the same physical shape as the recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrugated plastic pipe with an integral fastening portion, whereby the corrugated plastic pipe can be fastened to any object by way of the fastening portion, especially a threaded portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrugated plastic pipe arrangement with a first preferably cylindrical pipe body, a second preferably cylindrical pipe body, and a connecting portion including first and second connecting parts respectively associated with one of the pipe bodies, whereby one connecting part includes an engagement extent and the other connecting part a holding region for holding the engagement extent in a holding position in which the pipe bodies are connected to one another.

Abstract: The invention is an electrical generating device and method utilizing the potential energy of moving traffic on highways to generate three phase electrical current, the device comprising a large plurality of compressible electrical generator pumps underneath upper and lower plates located between the road bed and the travel surface of the highway activated by the compression weight of a moving vehicle over the travel surface of the roadway.

Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle provided with an engine and a motor as driving sources, and a storage battery device which stores regenerative energy obtained by output from the engine or by regenerative operation of the motor during deceleration of the vehicle. The control device includes: a vehicle speed detection unit which detects speed of the vehicle; a deceleration fuel cut determination unit which determines whether supply of fuel to the engine is stopped during deceleration of the vehicle; and a brake detection unit which detects operation of a brake, wherein regenerative braking is stopped when operation of the brake is detected by the brake detection unit if the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit is lower than a predetermined speed and if it is determined by the deceleration fuel cut determination unit that the supply of fuel to the engine is not stopped.

Abstract: A cargo container hold down device that includes a latch and spring used in a housing defined by a base that forms a surface thereabout on which cargo container corner fittings rests in the applied relation on the container relative to the supporting structure or platform involved, further including a bottom end that interfaces with a deck or vehicle structure for retention of the hold down device so the opposite side of the hold down device is allowed to automatically engage and disengage with a cargo container corner fitting as necessary to achieve proper handling and transport of cargo containers, the device using a latch on a pin, the pin carried in a pocket such that the latch force varies as a function of container position and movement, thereby enabling the use of a single spring in a low profile lock.