Abstract: A flying vehicle assembly apparatus comprises a winged flying craft and a powered craft for propelling the flying craft and a tether assembly comprising one or more first rigid struts having a first end pivotally secured to first biased pivot connections adjacent to the flying craft and a second end pivotally secured to second biased pivot connections, and one or more second rigid struts having a first end pivotally secured adjacent to the powered craft and a second end pivotally secured to a second biased pivot connection. The first and second biased pivot connections urge the flying craft and the powered craft toward one another, and whereby during flying operation, the powered craft is generally forward of the flying craft.

Abstract: A biomimetic pitching and flapping mechanism including a support member, at least two blade joints for holding blades and operatively connected to the support member. An outer shaft member is concentric with the support member, and an inner shaft member is concentric with the outer shaft member. The mechanism allows the blades of a small-scale rotor to be actuated in the flap and pitch degrees of freedom. The pitching and the flapping are completely independent from and uncoupled to each other. As such, the rotor can independently flap, or independently pitch, or flap and pitch simultaneously with different amplitudes and/or frequencies. The mechanism can also be used in a non-rotary wing configuration, such as an ornithopter, in which case the rotational degree of freedom would be suppressed.

Abstract: An integrated and/or modular high-speed aircraft and method of design and manufacture. The aircraft can have a supersonic or near-sonic cruise Mach number. In one embodiment, the aircraft can include an aft body integrated with a delta wing and a rearwardly tapering fuselage to define a smooth forward-to-rear area distribution. A propulsion system, including an engine, inlet, and exhaust nozzle can be integrated into the aft body to be at least partially hidden behind the wing. In one embodiment, the entrance of the inlet can be positioned beneath the wing, and the exit of the nozzle can be positioned at or above the wing. An S-shaped inlet duct can deliver air to the aft-mounted, integrated engine. The aircraft can include aft-mounted elevators, wing-mounted elevons, and forward-mounted canards for pitch control. The construction of the aircraft can be modular to take advantage of commonalties between near-sonic and supersonic structures.

Abstract: A strut (10) for hooking an engine (16) under a wing body assembly (12) of an aircraft comprises a rigid structure as well as a mechanism for hooking this structure under the wing body assembly. This mechanism comprises a front fastener (22), a rear fastener (24) and a structure (26) for absorbing thrust. To install an engine (16) of greater diameter under the wing body assembly (12) of an existing plane, the rear part (20b) of the strut (10) is given a width which increases as it progresses to the rear. Furthermore, the rear fastener (24) comprises two braces which are fixed on both sides of the rigid structure and two shackles which connect each of the braces to an additional transverse rib integrated into the wing body assembly.

Abstract: An empennage assembly for a model aircraft. The empennage assembly includes a fuselage having a bottom portion with an opening and a housing positioned in the opening in the bottom portion of the fuselage. The housing has a first end defining an opening and a second end. A rod extends from an underside of a vertical stabilizer, and a horizontal stabilizer having a hole is aligned with the opening in the bottom portion of the fuselage, the housing and the rod, whereby the rod is positioned within the opening in the first end of the housing to secure the vertical and horizontal stabilizers to the fuselage. A method and device for attaching an empennage assembly to a model aircraft are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and means are provided for extending the life of carbon brakes on aircraft. The method comprises measuring the speed of the aircraft and the intensity of braking and comparing these to predetermined maximum values for each. If the values are both lower than the maximum values, one or more of the brakes are selectively disabled.

Abstract: A spacecraft window assembly for providing external viewing from inside an inflatable module is claimed. The inflatable shell has a plurality of layers and each layer has a window opening. The spacecraft window assembly comprises a body, a window assembly window opening, and at least one pressure pane disposed within, and forming a substantially airtight seal with, the window assembly. The body of the window assembly is adapted for securedly receiving each one of the plurality of layers of the inflatable shell to the body of the window assembly such that the window opening in each layer of the inflatable shell is substantially aligned with the pressure pane. Further, the body of the window assembly is adapted to form a substantially air tight seal with at least one layer of the inflatable shell.

Abstract: A gauge mounting device (20) for an improved mounting a gauge (17) to an instrument panel (19) including an annular gauge bracket assembly comprised of a gauge bracket having an inner tapering thread profile forming a helical pitch, a gripper ring disposed within the inner tapering thread profile having a plurality of gripping teeth radially aligned on a inner surface of the gripper ring and freely moveable along the inner tapering thread profile. The gauge bracket engaged onto a conical or cylindrical gauge housing having a gauge disposed therein and preventing further rotation of the conical gauge housing forming a stationery helix. The gauge bracket rotated causing forward movement by the helical pitch traveling along the stationery helix from the gripper ring resulting in increasing gripping force applied to the conical or cylindrical gauge housing and increasing sandwiching force between the gauge bracket and the conical or cylindrical gauge housing.

Abstract: An adjustable collapsible refuse funnel has a generally planar body formed of a relatively rigid but flexible and shape-retentive material, the body having a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges, the body being deformable into a funnel configuration by bringing the rear corner portions of the body into overlapping relation and releasably connecting the overlapping rear corner portions to form a throat, leaving the front portion of the body adjacent to the front edge in generally planar configuration. Attachment means for releasably attaching a leaf bag or other refuse container are provided on the body. Creases are preferably formed in the body to facilitate forming the rear portion into a throat while maintaining the generally planar configuration of the front portion.

Abstract: A baby bottle holder includes a clamp unit that is used to support the unit on a stroller or the like, a support section that is flexible, and a bottle-engaging unit that has a liquid filled peripheral section and a flexible central section. A cross hair shaped slot unit is defined through the flexible central section and accommodates a baby bottle therein. Toys, mirrors and/or teething elements are supported on the bottle-engaging unit. The liquid in the peripheral section can be a glow-in-the-dark type liquid.

Abstract: A portable elbow support having a hanger portion, a horizontal stabilizing portion, a vertical stabilizing portion, a support platform, and an elbow receiving portion that is coupled to the support platform.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to any improved display system unit for holding display panels, photomurals, banners, signs or the like in a variety of sizes. There is also depicted multi-unit systems consecutively joined by hinged and straight connectors to form any desired display configuration. Interchangeable snap or press fit connectors allow alternate assemblies and wall or floor mounting.

Abstract: A display device configured to receive a board shaped sporting device. The display device has substantially parallel arms that extend away from a mounting surface thereby forming at least one slot. A board shaped sporting device, such as a skateboard, is received by the slot and thereafter cantilevered in a storage position. The display device leaves the design of the received board substantially unobstructed for display.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching gauges or other accessories to vehicles provides a base member for securing the assembly to a vehicle surface and a clamp arrangement secured to the base member for superior versatility and customization. The clamp arrangement includes a substantially spherical ball member and a ball clamp, which grips the ball member and allows for the fixed positioning of a gauge frame member to the inner or outer edges of the ball clamp. A tachometer, gauge or other accessory can be secured within the gauge frame member. The ball clamp may be adjusted about the ball member and the gauge frame member can be fixed in different positions to achieve a desired positioning of the gauge. The gauge frame member can be one of a number of designs, including single or double split clamps.

Abstract: The invention is a method for adjusting a keyboard support assembly from a storage position under a support surface to a use position. A keyboard tray is extended in a direction generally parallel to and past the support surface. A first side arm is translated in a direction generally parallel to the support surface. A front portion of the first side arm is attached to the keyboard tray at a front attachment point. A front sliding member portion of the first side arm and a rear sliding member portion of the first side arm is slid along a rail. The rail is fixably mounted to a mounting surface. A positioning surface of the first side arm is engaged with a positioning mechanism fixed to the mounting surface. The front portion of the first side arm is forced to rotate the first side arm about a pivot point in the rear sliding member due to the engagement of the positioning surface with the positioning mechanism. The keyboard tray is translated in an upward direction.

Abstract: A holder for a powered device with a power supply, where the holder includes a cradle for seating the powered device, and a seating member for seating the power supply. The seating member and the cradle are preferably removably attached to each other at a pivot point. Preferably, the cradle and the seating member can be arranged together for holding the powered device in either a first or a second arrangement. In the first arrangement, the power supply is seated on the seating member and the cradle is attached to the seating member such that the power supply may be plugged into a wall outlet with the power supply and the powered device being fully supported against the wall by the holder. In the second arrangement, the power supply is not seated on said seating unit, but the seating unit is instead used as a base for the cradle.

Abstract: A support arm apparatus and method for stabilizing an outward, distal portion of a thin, rigid panel attached at an inward, vertical edge opposite the outward, distal portion to a fixed vertical surface, comprising a support bar having externally threaded first and second ends and formed at an elbow angle nearer the first end; a first mounting assembly installed on the first end of the support bar for attaching the first end of the support bar to the thin panel at a first location thereon; and a second mounting assembly installed on the second end of the support bar for attaching the second end of the support bar to the fixed vertical surface at a second location thereon; wherein the externally threaded first and second ends of the support bar enable adjustment of the first and second mounting assemblies respectively along a longitudinal axis of each first and second end of the support bar to stabilize the outward, distal portion of the thin panel at a predetermined panel angle.

Abstract: A plastic pedestal with a height adjustment function is employed to support an LCD monitor. The plastic pedestal has a rail module, a plastic upper housing and a plastic lower housing. The rail module has a leaf spring, an inner rail and an inner block. The plastic upper housing docks with the rail module while the plastic lower housing docks with the plastic upper housing. Thus, the plastic upper housing is sandwiched between the rail module and the plastic lower housing so as to provide enough rigidity for the LCD monitor.

Abstract: A book support apparatus includes a base and a post that has a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end is removably coupled to the base. A rod has first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the top end of the post. The rod is adapted for being selectively bendable into a shape such that the rod retains the shape. A panel has a first side edge, a second side edge, a front side and a back side. The second end of the rod is attached to the back side. Slots extend into the first and second side edges. Each of a pair of plates is removably extended into one of the slots. The plates each have an outer edge. Each of a pair of securing members is attached to one of the outer edges for attaching a book to the plates.

Abstract: A novel support pole design that is both stable and easily removable in an outdoor environment. The support pole is universally adaptable for use with flags, umbrellas, or other objects requiring support to an elevated position relative to the ground. A key feature of the present invention is the means that anchors the present invention to the ground. This means includes a small locking pin that maintains a large flat base in close coupling with the ground.

Abstract: A machine shoe and a method for the support of objects, such as apparatuses and machines, characterized by being tolerant to irregularities in the surface on which the object to be supported is placed. The machine shoe has a movable spindle which is secured in concealed fashion in a base by insertion into two locking rings integrated in a polymer material of a lower part of the base. The centre point between the locking rings forms the centre for the movements of the spindle.

Abstract: A compound valve assembly for controlling oil flow includes a first and a second valve. The first valve is a pressure relief valve including a spring-biased plunger in a side gallery opening off a primary oil supply gallery leading to a pressure-actuated device. The relief spring allows oil above a predetermined pressure to displace the plunger and to be returned to an oil sump. The side gallery is closable by a secondary valve seat and a solenoid-actuated valve head. A passage through the plunger leads to the second valve seat. When the solenoid is deactivated, oil flows through the passage, through the second valve, and is returned to the sump. When high pressure is desired at the device, the solenoid closes the second valve. Captive oil assumes the same pressure as the supply pressure, and the relief valve function is disabled, causing high pressure oil to flow to the device.

Abstract: A ball valve has a body, a stem engaging a ball closing component having a main flow hole and auxiliary flow holes, and a spanner having shaft body and a handle. The shaft body has a base with a seating hole and a latch with an elastic pressure element located slidably in the base. In the body there is a recess which accepts an end of the latch to retain the spanner in a position where flow is effected through the auxiliary flow holes and not the main flow hole. The shaft body is connected with the stem by a screw. A handle is connected to an upper end of the shaft body.

Abstract: In a proportional solenoid valve, a valve drive portion that includes a coil, a core that is excited by application of a current to the coil, a plunger that is displaced by a magnetic attraction force generated by the excited core, and a spring that biases the plunger in a direction in which a distance to the core is increased. The spring is set so that a space is maintained between the plunger and an attraction surface of the core when the spring is fully compressed.

Abstract: A ball value has a valve body defining a cavity, a ball closing component disposed within the cavity through a cavity opening, a cover, and seal assemblies having seating rings with seals disposed engaging both sides of the ball closing component. The seating rings slide in recesses of the valve body into and out of engagement with the ball closing component. The seating rings have flange with seals each engaging a side of the corresponding recess. A closing ring is screwed into the cavity to engage the seating rings. The flange of the seating ring defines a working chamber with the recess and the closing ring. The working chamber is communicated with a pressurized medium source and the working chamber is pressurized to displace the seating rings from the ball closing component to allow seal replacement.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly includes a retainer and a sealing element disposed within the retainer. The retainer includes a step and one or more installation pads. The sealing element includes a first sealing lip for sealing a valve stem, and a second sealing lip for sealing a chamfer of a valve guide. The step of the retainer exerts a compression force, F, against the second sealing lip to seal the second sealing lip against the chamber of the valve guide. The one or more installation pads exerts a frictional force against the valve guide to prevent movement of said valve stem seal assembly. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct flow tap for dispensing drinks, of the type with ball valve and actuated by a handle linked to said ball and provided with means suitable for limiting the rotation of said handle between two end positions, respectively corresponding to the closing and opening of said tap, characterized in that said means suitable for limiting the rotation of said handle is housed into the tap body. Said means suitable for limiting the rotation of said handle comprises a pin (14) provided with a prismatic portion (17) which alternately abuts for opening and closing, against a pair of jig locators (19) and (20) obtained on a fixed portion of the tap body.

Abstract: A flexible, resilient incompressible seal for a butterfly valve is disclosed formed from a loop having a perimeter mounting surface and a perimeter sealing surface with first and second oppositely disposed axial surfaces extend between the perimeter sealing and mounting surfaces. Channels are positioned in the axial surfaces in spaced relation around the seal. The channels extend from the perimeter mounting surface toward the perimeter sealing surface and provide fluid communication to the perimeter mounting surface allowing fluid trapped against the perimeter mounting surface to escape when compressed by the closing of the valve. A void space is positioned in the perimeter mounting surface in the form of grooves or dimples allowing the perimeter sealing surface to deform under compression when the seal is captured within the valve and substantially restrained from deforming.

Abstract: The injection valve has a housing, a nozzle body and a clamping nut connected to the housing that contacts the nozzle body with first contact surface (9) acting on a second contact surface (10), whereby the clamping nut clamps the nozzle body against the housing. The first or second contact surface has a curvature (24) towards the second or first contact surface and the both contact surfaces are in contact in the area of the curvature.

Abstract: A manual marine winch includes a housing, a rotating drum in the housing, a drum rotating and holding mechanism, and a winch line having a lead in end formed by a webbing strap. The webbing strap can include an integral safety indicator such as load indicating indicia, operating indicia indicative of operating extremes for the webbing strap, reflective material, or abrasion resistant material. The drum may include a slot receiving the webbing strap. The winch line may include wire rope, chain or rope coupled to the webbing strap. The method of tensioning the winch line includes feeding a lead in end of the winch line through the drum, manually pulling the lead in end through the rotating drum removing slack, and rotating the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for internally framing a vinyl gate suitable for use with vinyl fencing provides completely hidden structures formed of sheet metal and assembled for greater strength and rigidity. Beams may be formed as channels from sheet metal, which may be placed together, with open edges of the channel juxtaposed and positioned within each other, in order to provide fully closed perimeters for beams. Various types of corner ties are provided to support loads and squareness required between vertical and horizontal members of the frame. In various embodiments, vinyl sleeves may be placed over various beams before or after the beams have been fully assembled, as appropriate, possible, or required. In certain embodiments, the entire systems of gate framing may be shipped in a long format appearing primarily as linearly-extending, channel-shaped stock. Likewise sheathing can ship as long stock.

Abstract: A dispenser for a volatile liquid includes a housing and a fan mounted in the housing for generating an air stream. A guide associated with the housing and defines an opening having predetermined dimension to selectively receive a wick and to position the wick in alignment with the fan to immerse the wick into an air stream when the fan is actuated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carburetor arrangement of a portable handheld work apparatus and includes a carburetor (1), an accelerator pump (2) and a venting pump (3). The venting pump (3) acts on the accelerator pump (2) via a venting line (4). A check valve (5) is mounted in the venting line (4) in such a manner that its outlet end (6) is directed in the direction of the venting pump (3). A pretensioning device (7) is provided which holds a valve body (8) of the check valve (5) closed below a selected difference pressure between the outflow end (6) and an opposite-lying inflow end (9). A support device (10) which acts on the valve body (8) and is actuable, at one end, by pressure at the outflow end (6) without considering pressure at the other end (9) or by pressure on the inflow end (9) without considering the pressure on the other end (6).

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid type cooling tower. The cooling tower includes a water distributing device for distributing cooling water of a high temperature, a counterflow type filler through which the cooling water distributed from the water distributing device flows downward, an eliminator for preventing drift of the cooling air, louvers which serve as passages for allowing inflow of outside air, a fan for forcibly circulating the outside air through the cooling tower and discharging air to the outside, which air undergone heat exchange with the cooling water, and a water tank for collecting the cooling water which is chilled while flowing downward through the counterflow type filler. In the present invention, a crossflow type filler is disposed inside the louvers and under the counterflow type filler.

Abstract: A humidifier including a steam generator with a container for water and an immersed heating module. The heating module has a spherical shape and is formed of a stainless steel outer surface and an aluminum inner body. Electrical heating coils are affixed to the aluminum body to heat the aluminum body and transfer heat through the stainless steel into water. The composite of the inner and outer bodies provides efficient heat transfer for boiling water. The stainless steel resists any permanent adherence of residue to the heating module during the boiling process. Steam from the boiling water transfers through a mixing stack to surrounding air in the humidifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring damper system for bicycles having a first load-applying segment, a second load-applying segment, at least one spring mechanism, a damping means, and a regulating mechanism that automatically effects a damping behavior of the damping means based on a tension or load present in the at least one spring mechanism. A method of spring suspension and damping of bicycles is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration damper, in particular for a helicopter rotor, the damper comprising both a driving element and a rigid element and including a damper assembly functionally interconnecting the driving element and the rigid element, the damper assembly comprising firstly a hydraulic damper device disposed in at least one viscous fluid cavity and a laminated flexible device. The hydraulic damper device comprises first and second sets of interleaved plane vanes. In the invention, the hydraulic damper device also has at least one damper element which is disposed in one of said viscous fluid cavities and which is secured to the driving element, said damper element presenting an outer outline which tapers going away from a base situated beside one axial end of the damper towards an apex situated beside the sets of plane vanes.

Abstract: A shock absorbing and magnetic levitating cushion used as a supporting pedestal for an audio-video equipment, the cushion including a housing, two mutually excluded annular magnets, a magnetic conductive member and a cover. The housing has two annular magnets mutually excluded and opposite to each other, and has a magnetic conductive member filled with material of high specific weight. The housing is covered with a cover. According to the principle of mutual exclusion between two poles of two magnets of identical polarity, the two annular magnets undergo a magnetic-levitating phenomenon and are provided therebetween with a space for movement, and the magnetic levitating cushion gets an effect of shock isolation and shock absorbing.

Abstract: An optical pickup includes a light source emitting a laser beam and an optical path changing unit altering a traveling path of an incident beam. An objective lens, disposed on an optical path between the optical path changing unit and an optical disk, focuses the incident beam from the light source to form a light spot on the optical disk of the objective lens. The optical pickup further includes a photodetector and an detecting-correcting unit, arranged on the optical path between the optical path changing unit and the objective lens, performing at least one of detecting the thickness of the optical disk and correcting aberration caused by thickness variations of the optical disk. The objective lens includes a first transmitting portion divergently transmitting an incident beam, where the first transmitting portion is at a relatively near-axis region from an optical axis of the objective lens.

Abstract: A tension rod positioning apparatus and method for C-type clamps and Vises including a shaped threaded rod inserted into a shaped threaded hole on an engagement collar. When the shaped rod and shaped hole are aligned, the rod may be freely positioned within the collar. When the shaped rod is inserted into the collar and turned, the rod engages and turns the engagement collar. The engagement collar includes an external thread sized to fit an internal thread on a clamp base. In this manner, the rod may be inserted and then turned in one direction to both engage the engagement collar and increase the clamping pressure. After clamping, the shaped rod may be turned in the opposite direction to loosen the clamping pressure and disengage the engagement collar. Once the rod and collar have been disengaged by aligning the shaped rod and shaped hole of the engagement collar, the length of the rod may be freely moved within the engagement collar to reposition the clamp for the next operation.

Abstract: A paper identification counter comprises a counter body, a hopper which is formed to the counter body and to which papers to be identified and counted are fed, a paper conveyance unit including a conveyance passage along which the papers such as currency notes from the hopper is conveyed one by one in a direction of a short width side of the papers, a paper identification unit disposed on a way of the conveyance passage for identifying and counting the papers; and a stacker in which the papers delivered from the conveyance passage are stacked. The conveyance passage includes a U-shaped curvilinear conveyance region on a way between the hopper and the stacker.

Abstract: A paper cassette for an image forming apparatus includes a cassette body, a pair of aligning plates, paper separating fingers, and a biasing member. The cassette body has a knock-up plate on which paper is stackable. The pair of aligning plates are disposed on the paper cassette body and moving in a widthwise direction for aligning paper stacked on the knock-up plate in the widthwise direction. The paper separating fingers are disposed on the aligning plates and are vertically movable to a predetermined distance above the aligning plates, for pressing against two corners of a leading edge of an uppermost sheet of paper stacked on the knock-up plate. The biasing member is connected to at least a side of one of the paper separating fingers, for increasing a relative downward pressure exerted by the paper separating finger on the uppermost sheet of paper stacked on the knock up plate.

Abstract: A top registration transport mechanism and method for a mailing machine is provided. The transport mechanism includes one or more displaceable rollers that have a diameter larger than the drive/idler rollers. A semi-elastic belt is looped around the drive/idler rollers and displaceable rollers. The larger diameter of the displaceable rollers causes a portion of the transport belt in the area of the displaceable rollers to be slightly raised. The registration plate can contact the raised portion of the belt to displace the belt and displaceable rollers, thereby ensuring that very thin mail pieces can be effectively processed by the transport. As thicker mail pieces traverse the transport, the displaceable rollers can be further displaced before the entire transport mechanism must be displaced to maintain registration of the mail piece against the bottom of the registration plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a game of chance combining the attributes of lottery and casino style games. The game involves the selection of three numbers by a player from the group consisting of the digits 0 through 9 and wagering what combinations and permutations of those numbers will appear on a grid of randomly selected numbers. Winning matches pay an amount based on the probability of the combination or permutation occurring.

Abstract: An automatic card dispenser unit for displaying and dispensing cards includes a storage housing for storing an array of cards. A holding member operatively positions a lower most card at a load station in a vertical alignment for display. A controller unit can receive a user input to dispense a card which will activate a dispenser assembly to cause a pickup member to removably grasp the card surface and release it from the holding member along a predetermined path of movement. A stopper member is mounted in the path of movement for separating the card from the pickup member to enable the card to be dispense to the user.

Abstract: A universal role playing game elevation indicator system for efficiently indicating elevation measurements of playing pieces used in role playing games. The universal role playing game elevation indicator system includes a support member having a lower end and an upper end, a plurality of multiplication indicia and elevation indicia positioned upon the support member, a first band movably positioned about the support member for indicating the multiplication rate of a character's elevation number, and a second band movably positioned about the support member for indicating the elevation of a character. The support member is comprised of an elongated and straight structure. The upper end is flat and level for receiving a figurine representing the character. The support member has a cross sectional size small enough to fit within a space upon a game board.

Abstract: A combination role playing and board game comprising a plurality of action figures configured with detachable arm and head members, and which are moved within a grid-like board surface that represents an arena, wherein confrontations and other events are simulated. Multiple types of dice are used to direct the locations of the action figures and the type of event that may occur upon confrontation with an opposing figure. Each action figure is capable of being disassembled as a result of such confrontation and has certain confrontational qualities which lend themselves to enhanced types of attacks and resistances thereof. Playing cards are used to represent the “health” of each game character, and a plurality of other game cards and chips may be placed on the grid board to represent traps and other devices.

Abstract: A board game including game pieces and rules for playing a game for a plurality of players, the goal of which is to defeat an opponent through battle of game pieces. The invention provides a board, multiple tile-like pieces, and at least one die. The tile-like pieces are used to block or challenge an opponent through the use of indicia on the outer periphery of each piece. Several levels of play are provided through the use of several game piece sets, which may be obtained independently.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering card game for a number of player using standard playing cards having a standard rank and involving standard poker hand rankings comprises: each player placing at least four distinct wagering parts to participate in the game; dealing three cards to each player and at least two common cards, all of the at least two common cards being dealt face down; giving each player the chance to examine the cards received by that player and to withdraw at least a first part of the at least four distinct wagering parts wager based on the rank of the player's cards prior to one of the at least two common cards being dealt face down being exposed; showing the at least one common card, thereby providing at least a partial hand for each player, each player's at least a partial hand comprising the shown at least one common card and the cards each player was dealt; allowing each player to withdraw a second part of the at least four wagering parts and forfeiting a third part of the at least four wager

Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion gas seal for injectors and to a seal structure disposed therewith, for preventing leakage of combustion gas in a state in which an injector is mounted to an engine head. And, the number of parts is reduced, vibration and noise are reduced, and sealing performance is improved. A tapered surface, in which an clearance between the tapered surface and an inner peripheral surface of a mounting hole of the engine head narrows from an engine bore side towards an atmospheric side, is disposed at a groove bottom of an attachment groove of the injector, and an abutment portion that abuts against the tapered surface is disposed at the combustion gas seal for injectors.