Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for decelerating a signature comprises a movable belt arrangement, and a motor coupled to the movable belt arrangement for controllably moving the movable belt arrangement through a cyclical velocity profile. Pursuant to a feature of the present invention, the movable belt arrangement is moved through a signature engaging section with the cyclical velocity profile causing the motor to decelerate the movable belt arrangement from a first speed to a second speed while engaging a signature in the signature engaging section. The signature enters the signature engaging section at the first speed, and leaves the signature engaging section at the second speed, lower than the first speed. The cyclical velocity profile causes the movable belt arrangement to accelerate upon the signature leaving the signature engaging section, back to the first speed, prior to a next signature entering the signature engaging section.

Abstract: During a slot machine game, game effects are also displayed on a liquid crystal panel 39d provided in a reel display window unit 39, and thus the liquid crystal panel 39d serves as a new machine component for performing game effects. Therefore, new effects for the game can be performed on the liquid crystal panel 39d, which facilitates maintaining the novelty of game effects. Furthermore, since the reel glass base 39b is black-colored, any light incident on the reel glass base 39b is not easy to be reflected on the liquid crystal panel 39d. Consequently no light incident on the reel glass base 39b is mirrored into the liquid crystal panel 39d.

Abstract: A fundraising board game for an organization includes a board, the board including a device which supplies an indicia. The indicia corresponds to one or more donation values, wherein the indicia is disposed on a front surface of the board, wherein when the device is activated, the device supplies the indicia corresponding to the one or more donation values, and a user donates the one or more donation values to an organization.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game involves a dealer and at least one player. Each player makes at least first and second stage wagers against a gaming house conducting the game. The first card is dealt to each player for the first stage and a payout is made to each player having a winning card according to a predetermined payout schedule or rule. A second card is dealt to each player for a second stage and then a payout is made to each player having a winning hand of two cards by comparing each hand to the payout schedule of winning two card hands. In the event that there is at least one player who has won at the second stage so as to qualify for a third stage, a third card is dealt to each player who is qualified and a payout based on the third stage wager is made to each player having a winning hand at three cards by comparing the hand to a payout schedule for a winning three card hand.

Abstract: A card game that includes both wild and skip card features has a predetermined number of cards designated for use as dual-function wild/skip cards. At the option of the card holder at his playing turn, such a dual-function card may be selectively used either as a wild card for melding purposes or as a penalty-imposing card to cause an opponent to whom the card is given to be skipped, i.e., to lose his or her next playing turn or to receive some other comparable or additional penalty.

Abstract: In a card game played with a deck of conventional playing cards, the face value of each card in each player's hand is added up. When the sum of the cards in each player's hand is more than one digit, the leading digit is removed to leave a single digit (e.g.; 13 is changed to 3, 20 is changed to 0, 25 to 5, and 18 to 8). In one implementation, the player with the single-digit value now closest to 8, without going over 8, is the winner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a progressive fact or trivia game. In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a series of cards, each having a unique multiple choice question as well as a unique number or other identifying indicia placed conspicuously thereon. After each possible answer to the question, another number or identifying indicia appears referencing a separate card in the series. When a player answers a question from a given card, the number or other indicia placed beside the player's answer indicates the next card to which the player should proceed. The next card holds the next question for the player to answer. The present invention can be implemented through physical cards or electronically over a network, for example.

Abstract: A method for playing a game and a game assembly 10 in which the game of blackjack is played only after a certain bonus round is played. Particularly, the bonus round requires a separate bonus bet and is based upon the value of a poker hand which is formed by the cards that a player is given and one card which is controlled by the dealer. Alternatively, the bonus round is based upon the number of blackjack hands present upon the playing portion 12 for a player or for all of the players during a bonus round.

Abstract: An interactive toy apparatus. The apparatus may include a launch assembly adapted to receive a communication signal and to project one or more projectiles corresponding to a launch result corresponding thereto. The launch result may be representative of one of a plurality of actions of the launch assembly including projecting at least one projectile from the launch assembly. The apparatus may include an input assembly disposed remotely from the launch assembly and having a plurality of manually operable input devices each adapted to transmit an input signal. Optionally, the apparatus may include a control system in communication with the launch assembly and with the input assembly. The control system may be adapted to receive a combination of input signals and to determine a launch command, corresponding to one of the plurality of actions of the launch assembly therefrom. The control system may be further adapted to transmit the communication signal representative of the launch command to the launch assembly.

Abstract: A dartboard cover for covering a dartboard in an aesthetically pleasing manner wherein the dartboard cover includes a frame having a central aperture and a graphic panel removably mountable in the central aperture. A rib extends from a rear surface of the frame and is removably engagable with an upper edge of the dartboard to removably mount the dartboard cover to the dartboard.

Abstract: A sports goal practice backstop which attaches to a regulation goal and may remain in place, if desired, at the conclusion of practice and during games. During practice, the sports goal backstop of the present invention provides a suitable backstop to stop most balls from traveling beyond the goal. At the conclusion of practice, the sports goal backstop of the present invention is foldable such that it need not be removed at the conclusion of practice. Rather, the sports goal backstop of the present invention may remain in position, out of sight, in its folded configuration during a game without interfering with normal play.

Abstract: A radiation limiting opening for a structure includes a door with a gasket which seals against a door frame about the opening. Spaced apart channels in the door frame define a strike plate therebetween. A film made of a material galvanically compatible with the gasket to prevent corrosion is in intimate contact with the strike plate by a seal. This seal lodges an edge of the film in each channel to create a tortuous path for radiation.

Abstract: A scraped surface heat exchanger includes a seal assembly between a rotating tube and the end housing. The seal assembly is removable by removing the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for cylinder bearings, in particular, oil film bearings or roller bearings. According to the invention, a sealing ring (6) which has a cylindrically-shaped sealing surface (7) is connected to the cylinder journal (2) or the journal bushing (3). An elastic sealing element (9, 10) which is arranged in a fixed manner in a holder (8), which connected to an insertion piece (5), lies on said sealing surface. The sealing surface (7) is rolled.

Abstract: A fluid seal assembly including a specialized protective filter unit which is adapted for use with a fluid seal, as well as to the combination of a protective filter unit with an associated seal unit to form a complete seal assembly. The seal provides increased reliability, particularly in those specialized seals wherein high internal pressure and the possibility of particulate contaminants are present.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a MLS gasket that includes a metal layer having an external periphery, an upper surface generally defining a first plane, and a lower surface generally defining a second plane. The first and second planes define a layer thickness therebetween. At least one cylinder aperture is formed in the metal layer. The metal layer includes a stopper portion formed adjacent at least a portion of the external periphery. The stopper portion is formed such that at least a portion of the stopper portion extends above the first plane. At least a portion of the stopper portion extends below the second plane. An average thickness of the stopper portion is less than the layer thickness. The gasket also includes a first sealing layer adjacent the metal layer. The first sealing layer includes a first bead portion. Compression of the first bead portion is selectively limited by the stopper portion.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement, for example between adjacent nozzle guide vane platform segments (2A, 2B) in a gas turbine engine, comprises a seal (12) which extends across a gap (13) between the platform segments (2A, 2B) and engages, at opposite ends, in grooves (8A, 8B). The seal (12) comprises a web element (14) having recesses (20A, 20B) at its opposite edges, which receive sealing elements (16A, 16B). The sealing elements (16A, 16B) may comprise a braided amorphous silica yarn or other filamentary temperature-resistant material.

Abstract: An electronic height control system for a vehicle chassis air suspension is modified to provide bimodal operation. In the second mode of operation the chassis air suspension system is maintain a stationary in a stable, level position to serve as a base for a mobile aerial lift unit installed on the vehicle. Operation of the suspension system in its stabilization and leveling mode is triggered by activation of a vehicle power take-off unit (“PTO”) used to position the aerial lift unit.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support. The traction device includes a storage position and a use position.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow that includes a frame assembly and a hopper assembly. The frame assembly has at least one wheel rotatably coupled thereto and a forward extension extending beyond the at least one wheel. The hopper assembly has a hopper. The hopper is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly at a first pivot point. The forward extension has a ground contact point structured to act as a second pivot point. The hopper is structured to be emptied by pivoting the hopper about either the first or the second pivot points. The first and second pivot points are stationary pivot points when the hopper is being emptied.

Abstract: A unit structure for a container comprising a base, a cover and a supporting board; the base including a left wall, a right wall, a rear wall, an upper surface and a lower surface. The connecting place between an upper edge of the said three walls and a peripheral of the upper surface forming a hole respectively; and a female linking tape is defined in the connection of the respective hole and the upper surface; the connecting place between a lower edge of the said three walls and a peripheral of the lower surface forming a male linking tape respectively, and the male linking tapes that are opposite to the holes and the female linking tape respectively. The cover is a board with a handle thereof, the lower edge of the cover is connected with the front edge of the lower surface. The supporting board is bended to form a ?-shaped member for putting into the base.

Abstract: A suspension trailing arm suspends a vehicle chassis from a beam type axle. The trailing arm includes a chassis mounting feature, an axle mounting feature, and an arm portion intermediate the chassis mounting feature and the axle mounting feature. The arm portion has a generally X-section profile with four limbs.

Abstract: A shock absorber assembly includes a coil spring that reacts between first and second spring seats. The first spring seat is fixed to a shock cylinder and the second spring support is fixed to a rod that is slidably received within the shock cylinder. At least one of the first and second spring seats comprises an adjustable two-pierce spring seat. First and second spring seat pieces are initially movable relative to each other to achieve a desired spring pierce point location for a selected operational position. Once the first and second spring seat pieces are adjusted to a desired position, the first and second spring seat pieces are permanently attached to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for driving movable mechanical components (10; 12a, b), at least two (10; 12a, b) of which are effectively interconnected in such a way that one component (10) can be driven by means of the other component (12a, b), play being provided between said two components (10; 12a, b). Said play between the components (10; 12a, b) can be eliminated by moving or bracing at least said two components (10; 12a, b) towards or against each other with the aid of a hydraulic mechanism (14).

Abstract: A bicycle suspension assembly including an inertia valve is described. The suspension assembly includes first and second telescopingly engaged tubular portions configured to move closer together during compression of the suspension assembly. The first telescopingly engaged portion defines a portion of a gas spring that at least partially surrounds the second telescopingly engaged tubular portion.

Abstract: A structural improvement for a foldaway bicycle includes a head tube having a handlebar on the top and a front wheel at the bottom, a two-piece slant cross bar having a front end pivoted to a positioning device on the head tube, and a rear end respectively connected to a rear wheel and a pair of extensions each of which has a standing roller, a slant down tube having a lower end pivoted to a lug on the head tube and a turning point in a middle portion pivoted to a lug of the cross bar, a driving set having a belt wheel carrying a belt and a crank with pedals pivoted to an inverse U-shaped seat on an underside of the cross bar and a seat tube having an upper periphery connected to the upper end of the down tube, an adjustable saddle with a pulling handle on the top and an elastic pad at a lower end stopped against the top of the inverse U-shaped seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.

Abstract: An air bag guide (44) for a vehicle seat component (14) includes flexible inner and outer panels (46, 48) having outer extremities (50, 54) located adjacent a release seam (32) of a trim cover (30), with the outer extremity (50) of the flexible inner panel secured to the trim cover, and with the outer extremity (54) of the flexible outer panel (48) unconnected to the trim cover and curved to provide a guide flap (62).

Abstract: A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in conjunction with the fixing element.

Abstract: In an airbag device, a decorative member is prevented from being scattered with a simple structure at the time of expansion of an airbag. That is, a concave part of the airbag cover (50) on which the decorative member is mounted is connected to an unmoved connection member while freely separable from other portions at the time of expansion of an airbag. To that end, there are formed, on the inner faces of the airbag cover (50), a circular tear line Lc for partitioning the concave part (52) and a plurality of tear lines L1˜4 extending outward from the tear line Lc in the radial direction thereof for forming each of opening pieces (50a). Further, attachment pieces (50b) of respective opening pieces (50a) are fastened to plastic deformable attachment parts of a base plate by screws. With this structure, the concave part of the airbag cover can be immovably held at the time of spread of the airbag.

Abstract: A whiplash protection structure for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat back and an airbag. The vehicle seat back is configured to be mounted in a vehicle in a substantially upright position to support an occupant's back. The air bag is arranged in the seat back to deploy from an uppermost end along an upward deployment path to form a head restraint above the uppermost end of the seat back when inflated upwardly. The seat back can be absent a headrest that projects upwardly. Alternatively, the seat back can include a headrest that projects upwardly with the airbag arranged in the headrest.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a housing (22) containing a fluid (32) at a first pressure. A portion of the housing (22) includes a nickel-based alloy. The nickel-based alloy has a strain hardening index less than about 0.2. In one embodiment, the housing (22) has an outflow opening (42) closed by a membrane (44). A surface (110) of the membrane (44) extends across the opening (42) and includes a plurality of indentations (130).

Abstract: A ski or snowboard has a lower running surface and comprises means for attaching a boot to the ski or snowboard, a deformable lubricant reservoir, and means for conveying lubricant from the reservoir to the running surface, the arrangement being such that, in use, an attached boot can exert pressure on the reservoir to deform the reservoir and drive lubricant from the reservoir, via the conveying means, to the running surface. The means for conveying lubricant is preferably arranged to convey lubricant from the reservoir to a plurality of positions on the running surface, via one or more porous members that each have an outer surface which forms part of the running surface. A corresponding lubrication method is described.

Abstract: There is provided a book tag engageable with and detachable from a ring that binds at least one piece of paper through a plural number of holes made on one side of the paper comprising: a main body, including a first side surface, a second side surface and a connecting portion wherein the first side surface and the second side surface are connected at one end with the connecting portion while the other end, not connected, is opened at an angle between 30 degrees and 150 degrees; and at least one engaging portion, which engages the main body with the ring.

Abstract: A scrapbook assembly apparatus, comprising: (a) a first substrate, comprising: (1) an upper surface; (2) a lower surface; (3) an upper edge; (4) a lower edge; (5) a first side edge; and (6) a second side edge; (b) a second substrate, comprising: (1) an upper surface; (2) a lower surface; (3) an upper edge; (4) a lower edge, wherein the lower edge of the second substrate is hingeably associated with the lower edge of the first substrate; (5) a first side edge; and (6) a second side edge; (c) a third substrate, comprising: (1) an upper surface; (2) a lower surface; (3) an upper edge; (4) a lower edge, wherein the lower edge of the third substrate is hingeably associated with the lower edge of the second substrate; (5) a first side edge; and (6) a second side edge; (d) a first cavity; and (e) a second cavity.

Abstract: A file folder system is disclosed which allows the manufacturer to display indicia information (such as source indicia, such as a trademark) to the folder without detracting from the utility of the folder itself. Several embodiments are disclosed include a notch in one folder panel which creates a window in the other panel where the indicia in imprinted. In another embodiment, one panel is punched through to reveal portions of the other panel. These apertures are formed in the pattern of the desired indicia, so that the user can determine if there are contents in the folder and simultaneously, the indicia is permanently displayed without obstructing the use of the folder.

Abstract: The present invention provides identification documents with security features. For example, a document may include two or more inks that are designed to cohesively fail upon a de-lamination attack. A resulting failure pattern is preferably difficult to predict. The two or more inks are applied to an identification document including a core and laminate layer. At least one of the inks is characterized such that an adhesive strength of the ink to the core and an adhesive strength of the ink to the laminate layer is each greater than the cohesive strength of the ink itself. Thus, the ink rips apart in a somewhat random-like manner upon a de-lamination attack. The ink can be arranged in interwoven or interlocking patterns or in other desired patterns and locations.

Abstract: A repair clamp made of heavy-duty plastic material. The repair clamp is used to fix a problem on an anodeless riser. The clamp has two sides and six stainless steel bolts and nuts.

Abstract: A joint is provided permitting relative radial and axial movement between a first wall thermally expanding at a first amount and a second wall thermally expanding at a second amount. The joint includes a first fixed connection between a first edge of the second wall and the first wall. The joint also includes an endplate including a first edge and a second fixed connection between a second edge of the second wall and the first edge of the endplate. The joint also includes a clip and a third fixed connection between the clip and the first wall. The joint further includes a fourth fixed connection between the clip and the endplate, the clip permitting the relative radial and axial movement.

Abstract: A coupling element (1) comprising a male sealing element (5) is disclosed herein. The male sealing element comprises a first end (7), second end (9), and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second end. The coupling element is housed within a nut (3). In one aspect, the male sealing element has a generally cylindrical shape. Also, the male sealing element defines a fluid passageway therethrough for the transmission of fluid. The male sealing element is secured to a ferrule (13) which is located within a cavity of the nut. The first end of the male sealing element defines a conical sealing surface. In one aspect, the male conical sealing surface (17) mates with a female sealing element (23) which has a receptacle that is defined by a nearly complementary conical geometry. In this aspect, the male conical sealing surface has a mismatched angle when compared to the complementary conical female sealing element.

Abstract: A threaded connection including a pin member and a box member, and methods for manufacturing and forming said threaded connection. The pin member has a pin thread with a pin thread crest, a pin thread root, a pin load flank, and a pin stab flank. The box member has a box thread with a box thread crest, a box thread root, a box load flank, and a box stab flank. At least one of the pin thread crest, the pin load flank, the pin stab flank, the box thread crest, the box load flank, and the box stab flank has at least one perturbation formed thereon. Upon a selected make-up of the pin member with the box member, a reduced clearance gap exists between the pin thread and the box thread at the at least one perturbation.

Abstract: A pipe joint construction comprising an elastic seal member (4) for hermetically sealing between an inner circumferential surface of a receiving pipe section (1) and an outer circumferential surface of an inserted pipe section (2) inserted into and connected to the receiving pipe section in a pipe axis direction (X), and a lock member (7) provided in the inner circumferential surface of the receiving pipe section (1) adjacent a receiving opening thereof for preventing separation of the pipe sections by contacting an engaging projection (5) protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the inserted pipe section (2) in the pipe axis direction, wherein the construction further comprises an attachment/detachment control device (A) for attaching and detaching the lock member (7) to/from the receiving pipe section (1) by rotating the lock member (7) about the pipe axis direction (X) relative to the receiving pipe section (1) and by moving, in the pipe axis direction (X), the lock member (7) placed in a speci

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a power generating system particularly suitable for field use in remote locations, which is fuel-efficient, relatively quiet, tolerant of dust, capable of operating on low-grade logistics and diesel-like fuels and capable of generating between 500 W and 2 KW of continuous electrical power. This generating system employs a two-cycle MICE generator having a piston that operates within a cylinder, and an interconnected, axially moving piston shaft that oscillates an alternator coil within a magnetic core. The piston shaft is attached to, and resisted by, the free end of a strong spring with a second, opposing end fixed to the MICE casing. To control operation of the MICE generator a clipper circuit is employed with a set threshold to resolve peaks and an adjustable harshness for applying load to the coil based upon an amps/volt harshness setting.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a power generating system particularly suitable for field use in remote locations, which is fuel-efficient, relatively quiet, tolerant of dust, capable of operating on low grade logistics and diesel-like fuels and capable of generating between 500 W and 2 KW of continuous electrical power. This generator employs a miniature internal combustion engine/generator (MICE) having a piston moving within a cylinder arranged for two-cycle operation, and an interconnected, axially arranged piston shaft that oscillates an alternator coil within a magnetic core. The piston shaft is opposed by a strong, multiple-helix spring. The cylinder head, in which the piston operates, is cooled by moving (electrically pumped) fluid in a cooling head, or by another heat-transfer mechanism. The MICE generator's intake arrangement includes a preheater heated by a heated fluid flow thereon.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a power generating system particularly suitable for field use in remote locations, which is fuel-efficient, relatively quiet, tolerant of dust, capable of operating on low grade logistics and diesel-like fuels and capable of generating between 500 W and 2 KW of continuous electrical power. This generating system employs a two-cycle MICE generator having a piston that operates within a cylinder, and an interconnected, axially moving piston shaft that oscillates an alternator coil within a magnetic core. The piston shaft is attached to, and resisted by, the free end of a strong spring with a second, opposing end fixed to the MICE casing. To control operation of the MICE generator a dual clipper circuit is operatively connected with the alternator coil.

Abstract: A coordination control device of a power output apparatus includes a coordination control unit. The coordination control unit calculates an intermediate value between the maximum value and minimum value among voltage controls for a first motor generator, and voltage control from an AC voltage control generation unit to generate an AC voltage across neutral points of first and second motor generators, and outputs a value that is each phase voltage control for the first and second motor generators minus the calculated intermediate value to a signal generation unit as the final voltage control for the first and second motor generators.

Abstract: A bicycle fitted with an on-board control system which is adapted in such a way that it can control the state of a functional element of the bicycle, in order to detect an error in the operation of said functional element and in order to signal said error.

Abstract: A method and system to capture kinetic energy of the sea waves and convert it to electrical power is presented. The hydrodynamic power of the waves is converted to mechanical power after impacting and moving a special panel. The mechanical power is converted into a controlled-cycle hydraulic power to activate a hydraulic motor, which in turn activates an electrical generator. Electrical power is then measured, controlled and distributed to a power grid or end users.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fastener for multiple locking of doors or wall portions in housings or cabinets, particularly for outdoor use, by means of a lockable actuation member such as a handle lever, comprising a drive toothed wheel which is connected to the actuation member supported in the door so as to be rigid against rotation and which engages with a lock rod which is supported in the door so as to be displaceable axially and which has teeth on at least one side, and with lock elements which are held in the door so as to be rotatable or swivelable and which are coupled with the lock rod. According to the invention, for each lock element, a driven toothed wheel which is connected to the lock elements so as to be rigid against rotation and which engages with the teeth of the lock rod is held on the door in a rotatable manner in order to couple the lock rod with the lock elements.

Abstract: A multi-functional mortise lock that can be rapidly converted between different functions without opening the mortise lock case by installing blocking screws that extend through threaded blocking openings in a sidewall of the case and into blocking interference with moving components inside the case. The moving components include a lock/unlock lever, a latch retract lever and a spindle hub. The blocking screws are stored in threaded storage openings in the sidewall of the case. The sidewall of the case is marked adjacent to the threaded blocking openings and storage openings to identify functions that will be performed when the blocking screws are installed in one or more of the blocking openings.