Abstract: A stacked set of playing cards are supported to expose an information bearing portion bearing a first machine-readable indicia and an information bearing portion bearing a second machine-readable indicia, such that each of the first and second machine-readable indicia from a number of cards are read by at least one reader. The second machine-readable indicia may provide redundancy, or may be related to the first machine-readable indicia to allow the authentication of the playing card.

Abstract: A casino-adapted wagering game that employs a Pinochle deck of eighty cards in conjunction with a gaming table, finalist board, and statistically derived payout schedules. The game as envisioned here is typically played by at least nine players in groups of three, who tally melt and card points to score at least as many points as the amount of the bid tabled by the highest bidder.

Abstract: A method for playing a modified blackjack game between a dealer and at least one player. Each player places an first wager, the outcome of which is determined by conventional rules of blackjack. Players may optionally place an additional wager corresponding to a predicted total point value or point value range of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player. After the dealer has dealt a player placing an additional wager a second card from one or more standard decks of playing cards, an actual total point value is computed for the two-card hand of that player. If an actual total point value is equal to or in a range of a predicted total point value or range, a player placing an additional wager wins a predetermined multiple of an amount of the additional wager. A second predetermined multiple may be paid if a player's two card hand includes two cards of the same suit.

Abstract: A method for playing a modified blackjack game between a dealer and at least one player. Each player places a first wager, the outcome of which is determined by conventional rules of blackjack play. Players may optionally place an additional wager or side bet corresponding to a five-card poker hand made up of two cards dealt to the player and three community cards. A predetermined multiple of an amount of the additional wager is paid out or collected based on the rank of the poker hand. Players may also place additional wagers corresponding to a predicted color of their initial two card hand.

Abstract: An improved poker game is disclosed that provides a player with an initial five card poker hand plus an indication of additional nudge cards. Four cards in a deck having the same face value, but not suit, are the nudge cards. For each nudge card that a player is initially dealt or receives thereafter during the course of game play the player receives an option to replace a card in their hand. The nudge cards may also be single cards or wild cards.

Abstract: A video poker machine is provided which includes at least one display device, at least one input device and at least one computer. The computer is configured with the display device and the input device to deal a first hand of at least five cards, all face up, and to cause a selection of none, one or more of the face up cards from the first hand as cards to be held. The cards selected to be held from the first hand are duplicated into a second hand. The face up cards not selected to be held are discarded from the first hand. Each of the discarded cards are replaced with a face up card, and the second hand is completed to have at least five cards by dealing additional face up cards. The computer configured with the display device and the input device further determines the poker hand ranking of the resulting cards of the first hand and the second hand.

Abstract: If a wager is made on at least one hand of cards, at least five cards are selected from at least one deck of cards, all displayed face up. The deck of cards includes a plurality of cards each having a rank and a suit. At least two of the ranks are different and at least two of the suits are different. Zero, one or a plurality of the cards are selected from the first hand as cards to be held. If a second wager is made on a second hand, a card having the same rank as the card selected to be held from the first hand is displayed in the second hand for each card selected to be held from the first hand. The first and second hands can be completed to include at least five face up cards. Any awards for any determined winning combinations of cards of the completed first or second hands can be displayed.

Abstract: An easy to manufacture toy figure (10) for throwing balls or other aerial projectiles by emulating a jump shot in simulated games such as basketball. Resilient means (12) may be bent or compressed and then released to rebound substantially to their original form and position with speed sufficient to throw an aerial projectile (15) placed upon a body of animate shape (13) linked or attached directly or via said resilient means to supporting base (11). Said resilient means may be provided by a coil, leaf or other type of spring, or by a resilient or elastic material forming a part of the body or the base. Said animate body (13) may be designed to resemble popular ballplayers or imaginary animate shapes for marketing purposes, including player numbers on club color uniforms, with fixed or rotatable arms.

Abstract: An archery target having a first and a second elongated support plate extending parallel to one another between a respective first and second plate ends. Each of the support plate having a support-plate length, inner surfaces facing one another and outer surfaces opposed to the inner surfaces. Each plate further including a strap opening. The target further including a plurality of elongated foam sheets extending parallel to one another to form a foam laminate having side surfaces parallel to the sheets and end surfaces transverse to the sheets. The side surfaces each facing one of the inner surfaces of the support plates and defining a foam laminate length that is shorter than the support-plate length. The foam laminate further including a front surface extending between the plates having an arrow receiving zone.

Abstract: System for providing sealing between a rotor and a turbine casing in a hydraulic turbomachine includes a sealing ring arranged in a peripheral region of the rotor. The sealing ring forms at least one hydrostatic bearing with respect to at least one of the rotor and the turbine casing. The at least one hydrostatic bearing includes at least two bearing surfaces which face one another. At least one of the at least two bearing surfaces is arranged on the sealing ring. At least another of the at least two bearing surfaces is arranged on at least one of the rotor and the turbine casing. At least one groove is formed on at least one of the at least two bearing surfaces. At least one pressure-liquid line is coupled to each of the at least one groove and a pressure-liquid supply. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A tool holder for a power tool, in particular a drilling and/or hammering tool comprising a manually actuable sleeve (40) wherein components of the tool holder are held within the sleeve by a snap ring (100) which snap ring is fitted within the sleeve. The snap ring has at least one resilient arm (102) and the sleeve has a corresponding number of through holes (105) which extend to a radially outwardly facing surface of the sleeve, arranged such that the or each arm is engageable with a corresponding through hole in a snap fit. Each arm and through hole cooperate so that the portion (104) of the or each arm which can be viewed from the radially outwardly facing surface of the sleeve appears in the shape of a symbol. Thus, the snap ring (100) has the dual function of maintaining components, such as a locking ring (42) within the sleeve (40) and of providing an external indication to a user of how to actuate the sleeve.

Abstract: A wheel support system (3, 5, 6) designed to connect a wheel to suspension elements (4) of a vehicle. The wheel support system includes a curved slide (6) or two levers (54, 55) which confer upon the wheel carrier (3) a degree of camber freedom relative to the suspension elements (4), and a triple hinge (5, 51) that operates along three essentially longitudinal axes. The triple hinge (5, 51) is connected on the one hand to the wheel carrier (3) and on the other hand to the suspension elements (4).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for determining a custom fit stance for the user of a board-type conveyance such as a snowboard, wake board, or the like.

Abstract: A foldable frame assembly includes a base frame having a wheel-carrying end for mounting a wheel unit, a handgrip end, and an intermediate portion connected to a prop member so as to lift the base frame to a standing position. A tabletop has a front tabletop end pivoted to the intermediate portion for suspending a machine above the ground surface so as to enable a rear tabletop end to turn from a working position to a folded position. A bracing member has an anchoring end pivotally mounted on the wheel-carrying end, and a slidable end coupled with the rear tabletop end such that when the rear tabletop end is turned from the working position to the folded position, the slidable end is turned to be close to the intermediate portion. A rear locking unit is disposed to guard against movement of the slidable end.

Abstract: A child's wagon is provided with a mobile base portion and a body portion that define a large inner cavity for storing various articles. Head, neck and tail assemblies may be provided so that the wagon resembles a desired animal. A frame assembly provides the head and neck with realistic movement when the wagon is moved. A cover for the wagon's inner chamber may be shaped like a saddle to support one or more children. Additional accessories such as saddlebags, bottle holsters, and a coiled cord pacifier may be provided. The tongue may be pulled manually or disassembled into a tow bar to be pulled by other motive devices.

Abstract: An automated axle control system provides both indication to the driver when a lift axle should be raised or lowered, and takes action to effect axle positioning when the driver fails to respond. Operations are based on estimates of vehicle weight and vehicle speed and are implemented primarily through preexisting vehicle controllers and a controller area network over which the controllers communicate.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a seat, a back, and a support structure supporting the seat and the back. A wheelchair base frame includes a beam extending transversely across the wheelchair base frame. An adjustable extendable column extends between the beam and the support structure for adjustably supporting the seating unit on the wheelchair base frame. The support structure and/or the transverse beam can be constructed to receive the same structure as is provided on a standard task chair. By this arrangement, a plurality of similar chairs can be ordered, some having standard bases and others having a wheelchair base. Concurrently, the seating unit with the wheelchair base can include substantially all options and styling offered in the standard task chair.

Abstract: A crown portion for bicycles includes a first tube through which the steerer tube of a front fork extends, and two arms which are connected to the first tube and two second tubes are respectively connected to two distal ends of the two arms so that two leg portions of the front fork extend through the second tubes. Two passages are defined through each of the two arms and a separation ridge is located between the two passages to maintain the structural strength of the arms. The two passages communicate with the first tube so as to define two openings in an inner periphery of the first tube, and communicating with the second tubes so as to define two openings in an inner periphery of the second tubes at the conjunction of the second tubes and the arms.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension assembly elastically supports a first frame member to a second frame member. The suspension assembly preferably forms a bottom bracket unit that allows the rear frame member to pivot about the axis of the bicycle crank axle without any adverse affects to the drive train assembly. Preferably, the suspension assembly includes a first suspension member, a second suspension member, a first bearing unit, and a shock-absorbing structure. The first bearing unit is operatively disposed between the first and second suspension members to movably support the first suspension member for rotation relative to the second suspension member about a center pivot axis. In the preferred embodiment, each of the shock-absorbing structure includes a plurality of biasing members. Preferably, the suspension assembly includes a second bearing unit that is axially spaced from the first bearing unit along the center pivot axis.

Abstract: A push handle for a child's vehicle has an elongated body with at least two elongated tubes of different diameters configured in a telescoping relation where the tube(s) of smaller diameters are slidable within the tube(s) of larger diameters between an extended state and a retracted state. The tubes include a top tube with a top end and a bottom tube. The bottom tube is fixed to the child's vehicle. A grip is mounted on the top end of the top tube for gripping by a user's hand. A locking mechanism is disposed within the body for locking the tubes in either the extended state or the retracted state. A release device is disposed on the body and activated for remotely unlocking the locking mechanism so that the body may be moved between the extended and retracted states.

Abstract: A hitch damping system for dampening forces transferred between a towed vehicle and a towing vehicle. The hitch damping system includes a first assembly being designed for being operationally coupled to the towed vehicle. A second assembly is designed for being operationally coupled to the towing vehicle. A plurality of dampening members are operationally coupled between the first assembly and the second assembly. The dampening members permit the first assembly to swing in an arc with respect to the second assembly whereby the dampening members are designed for reducing longitudinal forces exerted on the towing vehicle, such as a truck, by the towed vehicle, such as a fifth wheel trailer, when a momentum of the towed vehicle differs from a momentum of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A tow hook hitch assembly attaches to one or both of the front tow hooks provided on a four wheel drive vehicle for mounting a tow ball, winch, or other accessory to the front end of the vehicle. The tow hook hitch includes an upper member extending above the tow hook, a lower member extending below the tow hook, a shaped insert secured to the upper member or lower member for extending within the tow hook, and a clamp bolt for securing the aforementioned components together.

Abstract: A rear wheel synchronous brake system used in a pushcart such as a baby jogging stroller is disclosed to include two rear brakes respectively coupled to the two rear wheels of the baby jogging stroller, a hand control unit mounted on the handle of the baby jogging stroller at the top, and two brake lines coupled between the brake lever of the hand control unit and the two rear brakes for driving the rear brakes to brake the two rear wheels of the baby jogging stroller synchronously when the user pulling the brake lever.

Abstract: A close out retainer for a side air bag chute comprising at least two retainer pieces, a bar code wherein a portion of the bar code is printed on said at least two retainer pieces, and a strap connecting that retainer to the side air bag. This close out retainer increases the safety of side air bags by utilizing a retainer that ensures correct installation. Correct installation is only obtained when the bar code printed on each of at least two retainer pieces is aligned and complete.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door trim part with a lateral airbag module for a passenger car the support part of which is provided with a lateral impact protection in the form of an airbag.

Abstract: An air bag assembly (80) configured to deploy in a generally vertical direction from the roof of a vehicle, comprising: an air bag (100) having at least one inflatable chamber (110, 112) defined by a material so configured, the inflatable chamber including a top (top end) and an opposite bottom (bottom end); first mounting elements (192, 196) for mounting the air bag to a mounting surface such as the roof of the vehicle and for providing, proximate the top end of the inflatable chamber, a wide and stable base portion from which the air bag extends; an external tether enveloping the material forming the inflatable chamber and positioned on opposing sides of the inflatable chamber, the external tether connected to the air bag proximate the bottom end of the chamber and including respective tether ends connected to the first mounting elements.

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus includes an air bag device 20 for deploying an air bag between a steering wheel 11 and an occupant H and an impact-energy-absorption-type steering column 12 equipped with an energy-absorbing mechanism 30, and absorbs impact energy of the occupant H during a vehicle collision event. Both the air bag device 20 and the energy-absorbing mechanism 30 are of a variable energy absorption load type. When their energy absorption loads are varied, the energy absorption loads change in the same direction.

Abstract: A seating condition detecting system has four load sensors, a belt tension sensor and a self-diagnostic system. The first and second abnormal ranges are set for detecting abnormal operations of the system. The upper limit of the first range is set so that a total load becomes heavier as a belt tension becomes higher. The lower limit of the second range is set so that the total load becomes heavier as the belt tension deviates from the point at which the total load becomes lightest. When the total load falls in the first range or the second range, an abnormal operation of the seating condition detecting system is determined.

Abstract: An opening portion 14 of an inflator housing 12 and a diffuser portion 20 are connected by welding, and an inflow portion 42 of a gas discharging port 40 is press-fitted in and connected to a first gas discharging hole 22 of the diffuser portion 20.

Abstract: An adjustable anti-tip stop for a wheelchair is disclosed.

Abstract: A loader implement includes a support mast that is provided with a mounting area for a front loader arrangement. The loader implement includes a roll-over protective assembly that is coupled to one of the other or both of the loader implement, or support mast. The protective assembly can be selectively pivoted between a raised protective position wherein it extends over an operator's platform and a lowered non-protective position, wherein it extends forward of the operator's platform. So as to prevent the loader arrangement from being used without the benefit of the protective assembly in its protective position, the mounting area for the loader arrangement is blocked by the protective assembly when the latter is in its non-protective position and is not cleared to permit the mounting of the loader arrangement until the protective assembly is moved to its protective position.

Abstract: A mechanism for snowboard support while riding a chair lift is provided. The support mechanism includes a flexible retractable cable within a housing having a recoil mechanism. The housing is advantageously mounted to the snowboard or the snowboard binding mechanism. The recoil assembly has two main elements, a housing member which stores a retractable cable and a spring assembly that retracts the flexible cable advantageously into the housing member. The recoil assembly may allow for adjustment of an elongation length of the retractable flexible cable.

Abstract: A mudguard for a wheel of an agricultural vehicle comprises two or more radially stacked parts and that are movable relative to one another in the axial direction of the wheel and lockable in different relative axial positions to form a mudguard of adjustable width.

Abstract: A drain seal for connecting a drain tube to a support structure includes a molded unitary body having first and second moldingly joined portions, each formed of dissimilar durometer materials. The first portion is formed to sealingly join the body to a drain tube. The second portion is formed to mount the body in an aperture in a support structure. A bore extends completely through the body.

Abstract: A hose clamping assembly comprises a branched pipe having a plurality of projected stoppers thereon, each of the stoppers formed around an outer surface of each branch of the branched pipe and spaced apart a certain distance from each other, a hose connected to each branch of the branched pipe by sliding onto each of the branches, the hose contacting a nearest stopper from the end portion of the branch among the plurality of stoppers, a clamp formed on an outer surface of the hose and between the stoppers by a molding apparatus, a portion of the clamp on the outer surface of the hose connected to a portion of the clamp between the stoppers and an arm connecting the clamp to an adjacent clamp having a different axial direction, the arm formed by the molding apparatus.

Abstract: A fluid operated contractile drive which has a contractile hose (4) extending between two head pieces (2 and 3), and attached to at least one head piece (2 and 3) by having its respective end section (10) clamped in an annular clamping gap (26) defined between clamping surfaces (24 and 25), extending in an at least partially inclined manner in relation to the longitudinal axis (9) of the contractile hose (4) of a first clamping unit (22) having a force output means (17) serving for external force output and a second clamping unit (23) able to be shifted axially in relation to the first clamping unit. In addition to the contractile hose (4) between the two clamping unit (22 and 23) there are loading means (45), effective between same, such loading means (45) acting on the clamping unit (22 and 23) to produce a reduction of the width of the clamping gap (26).

Abstract: A conduit system is described for providing fresh air to aircraft positioned on the ground. The conduit system includes self-similar conduit sections having a female or connection end in a male or insertion end. The conduit sections may be back-compatible with existing fresh air conduits. The connection end forms sides or flaps joined by integral flexible bellows or gussets. The connection end thus forms a closed ring. The male end may be secured within the connection end by means of hook-and-loop fastener material and the connection end may be closed over the male end. The connection end is then completely closed by securement of extension tabs to an exterior surface of the connection end, thereby collapsing the integral bellows.

Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided for releasably interconnecting confronting ends of conduit members. The coupling assembly creates a self-locking, and self-bonding connection wherein locking and unlocking is achieved by a predetermined amount of rotation of a lock nut group with respect to a stationary threaded flange. The overall construction of the coupling assembly creates the rigid connection between the conduit members, yet adequate sealing between the conduit members is provided by a single sealing member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door latch assembly having an integrated means to accommodate multiple backset dimension requirements while facilitating the backset adjustment selection to be done in an easy and convenient manner. The multiple backset latch has as primary components a housing body assembly and a latch bolt housing assembly. The latch bolt housing assembly includes a housing body channel member, a cam support plate member, a bolt retractor member, a cam lever member, a positioning spring member, and a housing body plate. The latch bolt housing assembly further includes a latch bolt head. The housing body channel has an oval aperture corresponding to accept the cam lever member. The oval aperture has multiple radii sufficient to accommodate lateral movement to provide 60 mm (2? inches) and 70 mm (2¾ inches) backset.

Abstract: A flush mounted latch for a sliding panel or pocket door includes a snap-in, installation, from the edge of the panel or door. A slide handle operates a pair juxtaposed, pivoting, keeper-engaging, hooks to open them. The handle carries a lock rod which is engaged by a privacy knob operated from the inside of the latch or a lock cylinder/lock plug operated from the outside of the latch. A case/housing encloses the latch mechanism with two walls. Each case wall has side top-edge flanges that seat on respective face of the door. A plurality of screws and threaded studs are utilized to adjust the distance between the two opposing flanged housing walls to accommodate variances in door thickness. A first gasket seals the case/housing adjacent its outside wall. A second gasket seals the case housing and slide handle adjacent the inside wall. Cover plates are included on both sides of the latch.

Abstract: Device for locking two elongated elements the first of which slides in the second telescopically, comprises members for locking in the longitudinal direction the first element relative to the second element, which include a lock washer arranged around the first element and whereof a circumferential portion is placed between two longitudinally opposite supports of the second element and an elastic return member placed between the second element and the washer and acting on the washer in a point distant from said supports so as to bring the lock washer into an extreme inclined position relative to the first element wherein the two opposite parts of said washer are in contact with the first element so as to lock the first element relative to the second element in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a striker, having an attachment bracket including a base fastened to a panel, and a protruding portion joined to the base. The protruding portion extends in a direction different from a direction in which the base is arranged. The striker may have a swelling portion which swells in a direction going away from the base, and is attached to the protruding portion. The structure may include a cover member for covering an outside of the attachment bracket, and a work hole for adjusting the position of the striker is formed in the cover member. Typically, the striker has a base plate and a striker main portion. The base plate is selectively approachable to and retreatable from the attachment bracket via screw members which are inserted through a through hole provided in the protruding portion of the attachment bracket and are adjustably screwed into the base plate.

Abstract: A fastening structure is provided which mounts a spoiler between a front bumper face and an under cover. The front bumper face has a lower end portion disposed in overlapping relation to a front end part of the under cover such that the lower end portion of the front bumper face is located below the front end part of the under cover. Downwardly projecting spacer portions are formed on an under surface of the front end part. When the lower end portion of the front bumper face and the front end part of the under cover overlap each other, the lower end portion of the front bumper face and the front end part of the under cover are spaced from each other by the spacer portions to define a clearance therebetween. The spoiler has a mounting portion retained in the clearance.

Abstract: An article that is mounted for protecting an automobile body is stored within the automobile body by electric power when the automobile body does not need to be protected. A device stores within the automobile body by electric power an article (2) having an article (1) for protecting the automobile body mounted thereto and being of the same material as the automobile body. The device installs by electric power the article for protecting the automobile body into a state in which it protects the automobile body, primarily, when the automobile is parked. The device stores by electric power the article for protecting the automobile body when the automobile is running.

Abstract: A bumper system includes a beam having mounts adapted for mounting the beam to a vehicle, and a thermoformed energy absorber positioned on a face of the beam for distributing impact energy prior to deformation of the beam. The bumper system further includes a fascia support having a first section with a rear concave surface matably engaging a front surface of the energy absorber and a second section with fascia attachment structure adapted for securing a fascia to the fascia support in a supported position. By constructing different fascia supports, different fascia can be supported on the same beam and energy absorber combination, thus saving tooling costs and reducing the number of different parts that must be inventoried.

Abstract: A bumper system includes a tubular beam and a thermoformed energy absorber with crush boxes formed into a base flange, such as by vacuum or thermoforming processes. The crush boxes have planar energy-absorbing sidewalls a depth of about 10 mm to 35 mm, wall thicknesses of about 1 mm to 3 mm, and are formed from polyethylene or other thermoform materials having a memory. The base flange can include thermoformed features engaging recesses in the beam, and is combinable with injection-molded or foam energy absorbers for design flexibility. In one form, the energy absorber includes a thermoformed first sheet forming crush boxes and a second sheet bonded to the first sheet to define apertured air pockets. A method of manufacture includes providing a plurality of separately usable thermoformed energy absorbers which can be used in conjunction with a common vehicle structure to vary the absorption characteristics of a vehicle bumper.

Abstract: A carpet kicker includes a housing with a containing space, a front end and a rear end; a handle above the housing; a motive power device in the containing space, a motor supplying electric power and controlled by a switch and coupled to a reducer, a first gear at an output axle of the reducer, and a second gear driven by the first gear to rotate a second gear; a gear rack engaged with and driven by the second gear, and the front section of the gear rack being extended out from a front end of the housing; and a kicking unit coupled to a front end of the gear rack and linked by the gear rack, and a bottom surface of the kicking unit having a plurality of protruding pins for hooking a free end of the carpet to move it forward and spread the carpet.

Abstract: A motion assisted manure fork having a handle, a fork head having a plurality of tines, and a motor assembly that imparts a sinusoidal motion to the plurality of tines. The fork head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of a handle and a plurality of tines. The plurality of tines has an inner tine section, and an outer tine section on each side of the inner section with a hinge positioned between the inner tine section and each of the outer tine sections. The fork head also has an angle of inclination, which divides the plurality of tines into an upper portion of tines at a first angle to the handle and a lower portion of tines at a second angle to the handle. A support member extends across the plurality of tines, which includes a plurality of supports positioned between the tines to provide strength to the fork head during use. The outer tine sections are attached to and extend from the frame, while the inner tine section is not fixedly attached to the frame except by the hinge.

Abstract: A motion assisted manure fork having a handle, a fork head having a plurality of tines, a leverage assembly and a motor assembly that imparts a sinusoidal motion to the plurality of tines. The fork head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of a handle and a plurality of tines. The plurality of tines has an inner tine section, and an outer tine section on each side of the inner section with a hinge positioned between the inner tine section and each of the outer tine sections. The fork head also has an angle of inclination, which divides the plurality of tines into an upper portion of tines at a first angle to the handle and a lower portion of tines at a second angle to the handle. A support member extends across the plurality of tines, which includes a plurality of supports positioned between the tines to provide strength to the fork head during use.

Abstract: A vacuum handling device comprises includes a vacuum source having a suction nozzle means (6) operating on the ejector principle and furthermore a suction gripper (3) which possesses a gripper part (26) connected with the suction side of the suction nozzle (6). The housing of the vacuum source (2) and of the suction gripper (3) constitute a housing unit (4), the gripper part (26) being adjustably mounted on the housing unit (4) for setting in the acting suction direction (44) thereof.