Abstract: Card games include a card with a face having multiple areas identifying characteristics of a character. The card games further include a concealing surface hiding at least one of the multiple areas, wherein one of the characteristics can be assigned to the character by manipulating a portion of the concealing surface. Methods of playing a card game also include the step of manipulating a portion of a concealing surface to assign a characteristic to a character.

Abstract: The present invention entails an educational entertainment deck of cards comprising of fifty cards with each card containing the outline of a state and a two-letter abbreviation of the state. The United Stated Educational Cards are for playing educational games, and learning important information about the states of the U.S.

Abstract: During operation of a casino game, a hint feature is displayed with a displayed decision-making game round under control of a processor. A memory may store a plurality of decision-making game rounds. A hint contains response information for a player to increase the player's odds in winning the game round The displaying of the hint feature may occur at a random statistical frequency, based upon player hesitation, or a prevailing position in the game round. The hint is stored wth each game round or is dynamically determined for the displayed game round.

Abstract: A method and system for playing an auxiliary casino game managed by a casino house comprising: selecting at least one player of an underlying casino game on which to place a bet; identifying at least one event related to at least one play of the underlying game for which to place the bet; making a bet that at least one event will occur in association with a player during at least one play of the underlying game; determining an occurrence of the event in the underlying game in association with the player; if the event occurred in association with the at least one player, determining a payout to be paid.

Abstract: An air purged shaft seal assembly has a seal housing fixedly securable to a stationary support and having a circular aperture through which a shaft can pass. The seal housing has an internal annular surface defining the circular aperture, the internal annular surface having a first annular portion for engaging an outer surface of an annular sealing member and a second annular portion shaped to partially form an air receiving chamber. The seal housing has a passage for supplying air under pressure from an external source thereof to the air receiving chamber. A sleeve mountable on the shaft for sliding movement therealong, the sleeve having an external peripheral surface with a first peripheral portion co-operable with the first annular portion of the internal annular surface of the seal housing to receive the annular sealing member therebetween and a second peripheral portion co-operable with the second annular portion of the internal annular surface of the seal housing to form the air receiving chamber.

Abstract: A multi-link seal assembly having material that swells when exposed to fire is provided. The multi-link seal assembly includes a plurality of seal blocks. Each seal block is made of a material that swells when exposed to fire, wherein the material consists of 2.4 weight percent expandable graphite, 6.6 weight percent brominated diphenyl oxide, 2.0 weight percent antimony trioxide, 16.8 weight percent carbon black, and remaining material to bring the total weight percent to 100 weight percent. Further, each seal block expands when the temperature reaches 300 degrees Celsius and forms a hard, crust-like barrier when exposed to fire. Each of the seal blocks are arcuate in shape such that when joined together to form a seal belt and unjoined ends of the seal belt are configured to be joined together to form a continuous ring. The continuous ring is configured to be disposed about a pipe.

Abstract: A chuck device in which a plurality of claws provided at an end of a body are opened, closed and slid by the rotation of a rotary sleeve and a tool is clamped by means of the claws. An annular ratchet wheel is provided on the body. An annular nut member to be engaged with the claws and to be rotated together with the rotary sleeve is fitted in the body inside of the rotary sleeve. A retainer spring member detachably retained with a tooth of the ratchet wheel is arranged outside of the ratchet wheel, the retainer spring member is arranged to rotate around the ratchet wheel in accordance with the rotation of the nut member, the retainer spring member is mounted on the nut member by convex/concave engagement means.

Abstract: The tool mount has a body (12) with means for housing a tool with grooves, whereby the body (12) is equipped with a clamping mechanism (14, 16, 18, 20) with which the tool can be clamped in position in the body (12), and an operating element (24) for unclamping the tool is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachable skate having two sets of engagement members containing two female members and two male members which are correspondingly fitted to a sole at the bottom of the shoe and a mounting plate at the top of the skating device. The female members and the male members can be connected with each other by means of the engagement of a projecting pin into the bottom end of the vertical part of the L-shaped guide slot. Moreover, one male member is provided with a lever for turning this male member. Accordingly, the shoes are detachable from the skating devices so that it's convenient to assemble, stable and safe to use.

Abstract: A wheel mount for a skateboard includes a base plate, a suspension body, a shock absorbing device and an axle. The skateboard has a platform with a top and bottom, and the base plate is adapted to be mounted on the bottom of the platform. The suspension body is mounted on the base plate, and the shock absorbing device is mounted between the base plate and the suspension body. A through hole is laterally defined in and extends through the suspension body. The axle extends through the through hole and is partially received in the suspension body. The axle includes two opposite ends, A wheel is rotatably mounted on each end of the axle. The axle is hollow to promote the strength of the axle.

Abstract: A ski for a vehicle for slidably engaging a surface to be traversed. The ski includes a longitudinally extending runner having a forward portion, a rearward portion and a middle portion therebetween, the forward and rearward portions having a wider lateral width than the middle portion. The forward, rear and middle portions form an hourglass shape, generally. One or more skis may be adapted to a vehicle that includes a frame, a rear drive means for propelling the vehicle along a surface to be traversed and the one or more skis may be attached to a front portion of the frame for slidably engaging the surface to be traversed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose transporter having a hollow container with at least one opening located at least on the upper surface, a pair of frame rails on either side of said hollow container with hand grips on one end and wheels on the other, a frame with support straps extending underneath the hollow container between the pair of handles; and at least one opening on the rear of the container. The transporter is normally supported by the wheels and legs attached to the frame rails. When the transporter is tipped forward, the opening is supported above the ground by a forward support element, which can include a compartment with a lid.

Abstract: A stand up walker for supporting body weight in a standing position is provided with a pair of upper lift arms pivotally mounted on a walker frame and having lift spring means mounted on the walker frame. In the preferred embodiment a pair of lift springs comprise gas springs for asserting a lifting force to the body by means of a body seat and harness coupled to the upper lift arms. However, the upper lift arms may be provided with resilient handles that apply the lifting force under the armpits or a combination of lifting forces may be employed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a vehicle comprises a first steering link (30) having a first socket (54), a second steering link (34) having a second socket (70), and a steering knuckle (20) having a through hole (44). A stud (90) comprises first and second stud parts (92, 94). The first stud part (92) comprises a first ball portion (100) received in the first socket (54) to connect the first stud part for pivotal movement relative to the first link, and a shank portion (108) projecting from the first ball portion. The second stud part (94) has a second ball portion (132) received in the second socket (70) to connect the second stud part for pivotal movement relative to the second link. The second stud part (94) has an axially extending through opening (130). The shank portion (108) of the first stud part (92) extends through the through hole (44) in the steering knuckle (20) and through the through opening (130) in the second stud part (94).

Abstract: The offset axle for buses has a housing in which a differential is located, said differential being connected to two axle shafts; and a suspension for connecting the housing to the vehicle. Said suspension has single or multiple part spring carriers which consist of corelessly, completely cast metal. Humps can be provided in the area of the curvature between the spring element and the housing in order to increase strength.

Abstract: Fastening element for a shock absorber includes a first part which is fixed to the piston rod of the a shock absorber and is provided with an aperture for a bearing bolt and a second part with a bearing surface for a helical spring surrounding the shock absorber. The second part coaxially surrounds the first part and is held relative to the first part at least in an axial direction by a securing ring.

Abstract: A bicycle braking device includes a second drive assembly between the crank shaft and the rear axle of the bicycle. The second drive assembly includes a chain drive and pair of engaged gears for reversing the direction of rotation of the crank shaft with respect to the rear axle when the second drive is engaged. The device further includes a clutch for selectively engaging or disengaging the assembly. When the bicycle is moving forward and the second drive is engaged, the pedals will rotate in reverse of the direction of rotation required to propel the bicycle forward. A bicycle rider can apply force through his feet and legs against the rotating pedals to thereby slow and stop a moving bicycle.

Abstract: The present invention is a boat guiding means comprising two boat guiding mechanisms that are attachable near the rear of each side of a standard boat trailer. When the trailer is backed down a boat ramp into the water (with or without the boat), buoyant guiding arms on the guiding mechanisms pivot upward so the guiding arms remain approximately parallel to and near the surface of the water when the trailer has been submerged to an appropriate depth for loading or unloading a boat. The guiding arms thus provide a guiding surface near the rear of both sides of the trailer to prevent the stem of the boat from wandering during loading or unloading of the boat from the trailer.

Abstract: The invention provides a stabilizer for a trailer comprising an elongate arm member (10) adapted to extend between a towing vehicle (14) and a trailer (15), the arm member including a first arm section (11) and a second arm (12) section pivotally coupled to one another to permit relative angular movement between the arm sections (11, 12), a cam formation provided (16) on one arm section, in engagement with a follower formation (17) provided on the other arm section, biasing means (18) for biasing the cam formation and follower formation towards one another, the arrangement being one wherein relative angular movement between the first and second arm sections is resisted by the movement of the follower formation on the cam formation against the action of the biasing means, said biasing means being mounted on the arm member.

Abstract: A side-to-side movable hitch that includes a driver controlled 3-position “joy stick” or hand switch provides an enhanced pivoting point in order to steer a backing trailer.

Abstract: A dual mode trailer hitch that operates in both a “vehicle-tow” mode and a “manual tow” mode. In the vehicle-tow mode of operation, the trailer hitch is configured such that a trailer can be pivotally coupled to and towed by a towing vehicle, such as a tractor. In the manual-tow mode of operation, the trailer hitch is configured to not articulate, so that the trailer can be towed manually by a person. The trailer hitch includes bar pivot attachment member, a connecting link, a handle attachment fitting, at least one side plate, a tow bracket, and a vehicle coupling pin 23. In the preferred embodiment, the side plates are coupled on both sides of the tow bracket. The combined side plates and tow bracket are pivotally coupled to both the bar pivot attachment member and one end of the connecting link by a first pivot pin. The handle attachment fitting is pivotally coupled to the other end of connecting link by a second pivot pin.

Abstract: A multipurpose traction device comprises a stud having a circular base portion, and an inverted frustro-conical upper portion mounted atop the circular base portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heel shim and lifter assembly adapted for use in ski mountaineering. In one embodiment, the heel shim and lifter assembly is adapted for use with a ski such as, for example, a telemark ski, and comprises: a mounting plate for attaching the heel shim and lifter assembly onto the ski; and a heel shim block or component that is pivotably connected to the mounting plate. In this embodiment, the heel shim block or component is pivotably connected to the mounting plate along an axis of rotation that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to the top surface of the ski when the heel shim and lifter assembly is attached onto the ski, and wherein the heel shim block is pivotable between a heel shim skiing position and an elevated hiking position when the heel shim and lifter assembly is attached onto the ski.

Abstract: The present invention relates a wheel receiving device for utilizing in a baby sleeping bed. The wheel receiving device includes a housing, a locating rotor, a wheel and a latch. The locating rotor is rotatable and mounted inside the housing/the latch is passing a spring and then fixed with a push bottom. There is a pin for securing said locating rotor at a first position that the wheel is capable to move, especially exposed out the housing. The locating rotor is further capable to be shifted from the first position to a second position. In this case, the locating rotor is secured and the wheel is stopped and not capable to move.

Abstract: A transformable personal cart that includes a light-weight, powder-coated metal, transformable, wheeled, frame portion; a fabric basket portion supported on the transformable, wheeled, frame portion; and a number of pouch portions assembled to the fabric basket portion.

Abstract: A hybrid gas generator for use in a vehicle occupant restraint device comprises at least one combustion chamber containing a pyrotechnic charge, and at least one fluid chamber containing a fluid. Several movable pistons are provided which push the fluid out from the at least one fluid chamber. The pistons are able to be set in motion independently of each other and/or in any activation sequence desired.

Abstract: An air bag system for protecting a passenger seated on the front passenger seat of a vehicle. In an initial stage, the air bag is inflated mildly. In the subsequent stage, the bag is inflated also mildly. The directivity of produced gas can be reduced. The air bag can be inflated mildly while maintaining a large area. The air bag system comprises an air bag case having an opening on its top side, an inflator disposed inside the air bag case, the aforementioned air bag folded in the air bag case, and a diffuser mounted between the inflator and the opening in the case. The air bag is placed in a side-by-side relation to the inflator and located behind the inflator inside the case. The diffuser is provided with numerous holes for supplying the gas. The diffuser acts to regulate flow of the gas from the inflator. At least when the gas is produced from the inflator, a space is created between the outer surface of the inflator and the diffuser.

Abstract: A cold gas generator for an airbag system has a storage device filled with a gas under pressure and provided with a gas outlet opening. A thin-walled sealing disk is provided which, in a rest state, seals pressure-tightly the gas outlet opening. A support device supports the sealing disk against a gas pressure of the gas acting on the sealing disk in a pressure direction. A triggering device acts on the support device. The support device has a pressure plate resting against the sealing disk and a support lever supporting the pressure plate and the sealing disk. The pressure plate and the support lever are configured as separate parts. A bearing supports the support lever such that the support lever receives forces in the pressure direction and is force-free transversely to the pressure direction. The triggering device acts on the support lever so as to cause pivoting about the bearing.

Abstract: A cold gas generator for an airbag system has a storage device filled with a gas under pressure. The storage device has a first end and a second end. A triggering device is provided at the first end for introducing the gas when needed into an airbag. The second end has a convexly curved bottom with a receiving opening arranged approximately centrally in the bottom. A safety valve is inserted into the receiving opening as a closure and attached by welding to the receiving opening.

Abstract: A cold gas generator for an airbag system has a storage device having an interior filled with a gas under pressure. The interior is divided into at least two partial chambers. Gas outlet openings closed in a rest state of the cold gas generator are provided, wherein one of the gas outlet openings is correlated with one of the at least two partial chambers, respectively. An opening mechanism is provided for actuating, when needed, all of the gas outlet openings together and for filling several airbags with the gas.

Abstract: To secure the capacity of an inflator for deploying an airbag even when the airbag unit is downsized due to a limitation with respect to the mounting space. An airbag unit is disposed at the front portion of a fuel tank of a motorcycle V. A pair of inflator units is disposed on the left side and the right side of the centerline L of the vehicle body in a symmetrical manner. The inflators stored in the respective inflator units are connected to the airbag unit via gas supply hoses. Accordingly, even when a space for storing an inflator having a sufficient capacity cannot be provided in the airbag unit, the airbag can reliably be deployed by merging a sufficient amount of gas supplied from the inflators of a plurality of inflator units without any problems.

Abstract: A multistage type gas generator for an air bag, which has a simple structure and is easily manufactured and in which combustions of a gas generating means in a plurality of combustion chambers do not influence each other, is provided.

Abstract: An airbag gas generator has a housing having gas discharge ports, an ignition unit provided within the housing for generating a combustion product upon activation thereof, the ignition unit including an igniter having an output pressure of 700 psi or higher at 20° C. atmosphere when said igniter is burned within a hermetically closed cylinder having a volume of 10 cc, and a seal device for closing the gas discharge ports to prevent fluid communication between an inside and outside of the housing before activation of the gas generator, the seal means being ruptured by an inner pressure increased as a result of the generation of the combustion product.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a safety belt arrangement with a belt webbing, a belt buckle and one of an end- and deflection fitting. The restraint system further comprises two tracks with which a vehicle seat is connected and which, for displacement of the vehicle seat, are constructed for engagement into counter-tracks fixed to a floor of the vehicle. An elongated, rigid fastening element is provided which extends beneath the seat between the tracks and which is connected with both of the tracks. At least one belt tensioner is mounted to the fastening element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for fastening a belt retractor to the body part of a motor vehicle. Said assembly comprises a mounting plate, which is involved in the fastening of the belt retractor, and which is provided as a separate reinforcement plate (13) with a continuous opening (14) for a fastening means. The reinforcement plate (13) comprises a slot-like opening (25) for placing it on the fastening bracket (12) of the belt retractor (10) such that the fastening bracket (12), when mounting the belt retractor (10) on the body part (26), rests between the reinforcement plate (13) and the body part (26), and the continuous openings (14) of the fastening bracket (12) and reinforcement plate (13) are aligned with one another.

Abstract: A slide for placement between an object to be moved, such as furniture and flooring over which the object is to be moved. A sheet of substantially rigid material is provided and the bottom face of this sheet is for sliding on a floor surface and the top face is provided for support contact with the furniture or object to be moved. A cloth cover is also provided for fitting over the bottom face of the slide sheet and is provided with elastic securement to keep it attached to the slide sheet. This cloth cover further includes a non-slip elastomer interior backing surface which engages the bottom face of the furniture slide sheet to inhibit slippage therebetween so that the cloth cover does not become accidently dislodged from the slide sheet.

Abstract: A bingo pack printed by a printer responsive to a computer consisting of a plurality of bingo pages imprinted with at least one bingo card and a reference corresponding to a bingo game, including but not limited to, a game name, a game number and/or a bingo pattern. A bingo pack is dispensed to a player from a self-service computer-controlled printing kiosk. The kiosk displays a menu of available bingo packs on a touchscreen display and accepts currency, credit cards and refund vouchers. Bingo packs dispensed from the kiosk may be printed on paper of various colors, indicating a prize level. Each bingo page comprising a printed bingo pack may be imprinted with a pack identification number, date, bingo hall name, advertisement, coupon, sweepstakes identification, player's name and/or player identification number. In addition to paper bingo cards, kiosks may transmit electronic bingo cards to electronic bingo player units.

Abstract: The present invention includes a box comprising a housing having a height-of about 2 millimeters. The housing comprises a bottom portion. The bottom portion defines a bottom surface, an internal lateral flank, and a top bottom surface. The top bottom surface is elevated from the bottom surface, extending from the internal lateral flank. The box also includes a thin film and at least one weld that seals the thin film to the housing.

Abstract: An article comprising a substrate having a first portion of transparent plastic and/or cellulosic material, and a security device provided at a second position on the article spaced laterally from the transparent first portion, wherein the transparent first portion includes verification means to verify and/or inspect the security device when the first and second portions of the article are brought into register with one another. The article, which may comprise a label and/or tag, may be used as means for authenticating the origin of high value products.

Abstract: A thin flat plastic card, which is colored in the form of a rectangular configured card. With front and back surfaces, made of a flexible material so that it can be bent. An anti-fraud credit card that is of the utmost simplicity, ease of use and minimum cost to make. A card that uses ones telephone number and address as its numbers, to prevent misuse of the credit card.

Abstract: A decoupling hose for mounting in an exhaust pipe of a motor vehicle engine, the hose comprising in particular an inner mechanical portion for guiding the flow of exhaust gas through the hose, a sealing portion forming an outer casing that is leakproof relative to exhaust gas, an intermediate portion providing thermal insulation, and means for connecting the ends of the inner and outer portions of the hose to the exhaust pipe, wherein the inner mechanical portion of the hose is constituted by a metal tubular part in the form of sheet metal joined by dual folded seam connections that are very loose.

Abstract: A fluid connector includes at least one barb adjacent one end for expanding a flexible conduit thereover. At least one axially and radially extending, non-annular rib is carried on the connector adjacent to the barb. The rib alters the end shape of the flexible conduit into raised and lowered portions which resist rotation of the flexible conduit relative to the connector. The ribs may be employed on any fluid connector, including an adaptor between two fluid conduits, or on a one or two piece fluid quick connector coupling an end form to a flexible conduit.

Abstract: A segmented arc generator is adapted to convert mechanical power such as wind or water power into electrical power at a wide range of wind or shaft speeds. A rotor has a plurality of salient poles disposed about a periphery of a rotor ring. A stator has a stator ring disposed radially about and in close proximity to the rotor ring. The stator ring includes a plurality of stator coils wound on a ferromagnetic structure and having permanent magnets imbedded within the structure. Relative motion between a rotor pole and a corresponding stator coil induces a coil voltage across that coil. A phase controlled converter in electrical communication with the stator coils rectifies the output voltage. A pulse width modulated inverter is in electrical communication with the phase controlled converter for converting the D.C. voltage output by the phase controlled converter to an A.C. voltage of controlled amplitude and phase relationship determined with respect to a voltage waveform present on a connected utility grid.

Abstract: A conversion device for nature energy at sea is disclosed. The device effectively accesses low energy wave and wind and converts the energy into operable energy for application. The device is applicable to the change of tide and the size of wind power and is suitable for use at the shallow sea side.

Abstract: A wafer container, and methods of constructing a wafer container. The wafer container has an enclosure portion with at least a top, a bottom, a pair of opposing sides, a back, an open front, and a door to close the open front. The door includes a door chassis with at least a first latching mechanism. The latching mechanism has a rotatable cam member and at least one latching arm. The latching arm has a bifurcate cam follower portion that engages with the periphery of the cam member.

Abstract: A bayonet locking system for vending machines or the like is provided for locking and unlocking the machine preferably with a remotely controlled electronic operating device. The lock system includes at least one axially and rotationally movable bayonet that can be mounted selectively on the door of the machine and at least one receptacle receiving device disposed within the interior of the machine and positioned for engagement by the bayonet when the door is moved between an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position. When the door is manually moved from the open position to the intermediate position, the bayonet advances into the receptacle and rotates to capture it in the receptacle. Then the bayonet axially retracts to pull the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the vending machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery.

Abstract: A securement apparatus and methods of use thereof for selectively securing and barring one or more hinged doors or windows against opening and, thereby, prevent unwanted and/or unauthorized entry therethrough. The apparatus is effectively and operatively secured to the door or window frame, jamb and/or studs that define an opening without necessarily defacing, marring or damaging the door, window, frame, jamb, trim or molding during installation, use or removal thereof beyond that caused by the installation and/or removal of conventional door or window hardware. The apparatus generally includes a bracket that may be secured to the jamb behind a strike plate using the same screws, bolts or nails that secure the strike plate to the jamb. The apparatus further includes a barrier that selectively bars or prevents the pivotal movement of the closed door or window.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a fastening element which can be easily mounted on an attaching gun as well as provide a fastening element with less generation of jamming at the time of operation.

Abstract: An adjustable door guide latch slot assembly for aligning a slidable door latch with a fixed door guide includes a striker plate having a latch opening and a door guide having an inner surface with a recessed area on such inner surface, said recess area being larger than said striker plate and having an opening therein, whereby said striker plate may be placed flat against said door guide inner surface in said recessed area and adjustably affixed to said door guide inner surface so that said striker plate latch opening may be made to align properly with said slidable door latch.

Abstract: A fully adjustable bumper system that absorbs impact and thereby, avoiding damage to the bumper. The bumper system includes a bumper assembly mounted to a vertically pivoting assembly through horizontally and vertically adjustable assemblies. A stop assembly is attached to the vertically pivoting assembly and allows the bumper assembly to pivot away from an applied force and then causes the bumper assembly to return to its position with the force is removed. The bumper system can be bolted, welded or otherwise fixedly attached to either the frame or rails of a trailer or truck for ease of installation.