Abstract: A hand-held game consisting of a spinning top and a play object over which the player maneuvers the top. In the preferred embodiment the play object has a planar disc-shaped base play surface with satellite disc-shaped base play surfaces attached at the edge of the base play surface and oriented perpendicular to the base play surface. The player receives points based on the difficulty of maneuvers involving tossing of the spinning top off one play surface and landing on and continuing to spin on a second play surface.

Abstract: A casino game similar to, or the same as, a craps game is disclosed. On the “Come-out,” the Pass Line betting area is compared against a House position before the Don't Pass betting area; if “the point is established and before a seven is made,” the Come betting area is compared before the Don't Come betting area, the Pass Line betting area with odds is compared before the Don't Pass betting area with odds, and the Come Betting area with odds is compared before the Don't Come betting area with odds; and if “the point is established and a seven is made,” the Come betting area is compared before the Don't Come betting area, the Don't Pass betting area with odds is compared before the Pass Line betting area with odds, and the Don't Come betting area with odds is compared before the Come Betting area with odds.

Abstract: A card shoe that includes a housing forming a receptacle sized to receive a plurality of playing cards, the housing having a sloped front face, an opening formed in the front face sized to allow the withdrawal of playing cards, a card support surface proximate a bottom of the opening. At least one protuberance may extend upward from the card support surface, proximate the opening such that playing cards pass over the protuberance when withdrawn from the receptacle. An anti-backsliding protrusion may extend generally downwardly from at least proximate the top of the housing and positioned within the receptacle proximate the front face. A lever may be positioned to selectively disengage a wedge from a locking mechanism that retains the wedge toward a rear of the housing to facilitate loading.

Abstract: A board game simulates a league in which sports teams play matches against one another. The hoard has a path (10) extending from a start (S) to a finish (F), and players of the game each move a team token along the path (10) according to the throw of a die. The path (10) is divided into pink squares (P), yellow squares (Y), green squares (G), blue squares (B) and red squares (R). Each green square (G) represents a round of matches in the league, whereat the players determine results by the throw of other dice. The other coloured squares present various sport-related hazards such as the issue of yellow or red cards from designated areas (16) and (18). Knockout cup matches may also be played, and players may strengthen their teams by acquiring star players from a pool at areas (20 to 26).

Abstract: A game that includes a playing board is disclosed herein. The playing board can have a series of holes such that a plurality of playing pieces having pegs can be secured to the playing board. During the game, players can take turns placing playing pieces on the playing board by inserting the pegs of the playing pieces into the holes on the playing board with an objective of forming a path across the playing board that is defined by the playing pieces. The playing pieces can have a variety of shapes, including shapes that are similar to shapes of alphabetic characters. The playing pieces can also be made from plastic and can be made in different colors. In another embodiment players can take turns placing playing pieces onto the board by inserting the pegs into the holes to form predetermined shapes on the playing board.

Abstract: A single piece body foldable along hinges between a three-dimensional generally closed configuration and a generally rectangular two-dimensional configuration. The body includes a plurality of components. The components are foldably interconnected through lateral and longitudinal hinges. A display face is provided on one side of body. A number of separate permanent magnets are embedded within the body Some of permanent magnets are positioned to magnetically interengage one another when the body is in the three-dimensional generally closed configuration. Some or all of the permanent magnets serve to retain objects in various predetermined locations on the display face when the body is in the generally rectangular two-dimensional configuration. An object collector is provided for collecting magnet containing playing pieces from the display face. The object collector is designed to be grasped by a user and dragged across the display face to magnetically collect the playing pieces.

Abstract: A novel method of playing a poker-type game is disclosed wherein in a single deal a player is given the opportunity to bet twice against posted house odds, bet against a dealer hand, and bet against the other players. Each player makes initial wagers against the house odds and the other players. Each player and the dealer are then dealt two cards. In addition two community cards are dealt face down. Each player decides independently whether to bet against the dealer. The first community card is turned over and is used by each player and the dealer to form a three-card hand. Each player's two-card hands are compared to the house odds and the first bet is settled. The second bet against the house odds and any additional bets against the dealer's three-card hand are settled. The second community card is turned over and used by each player to form a four-card hand that is used to determine the winner of the bet against the other players.

Abstract: A method of playing a house-banked casino card game includes dealing player cards to a player, dealer cards to a dealer, and community cards to form a player hand and a dealer hand. The players are provided with options to place wagers, wherein a number of placed wagers in play is determined according to a rank of the dealer hand. Moreover, not all wagers are required for the player to stay in the game.

Abstract: Blackjack table of a type used in a casino. Has an imprint of a 5, 6, or 7 circles, Squares or customs spots. Blackjack can be dealt from one to eight decks of cards. Prior to the dealing of any cards, all players must make a wager up to the posted table limit. The dealer then deals himself and each player two cards. The dealer will expose one of his cards as the up card. The player's cards are dealt either face down if it's a hand held game, or face up if it's dealt from a multiple-deck shoe. The object of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible and beat the dealer. Twos through Nines count as their face value. Tens, Jacks, Queens and Kings count as 10. Aces can count as 1 or 11. An Ace and a 10-value card dealt on the first two cards are called a blackjack, which beats all other hands. The players are allow to bet that the dealer's final hand will be 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 or blackjack. Prior to the dealing of any cards, all players must make a mandatory blackjack wager up to the posted table limit.

Abstract: A method of playing a house-banked casino card game includes dealing player cards to a player, dealer cards to a dealer, and community cards to form a player hand and a dealer hand. After initial wagers, the players are provided with options to place additional wagers, which are not required to stay in the game. Competition wagers are resolved based on a comparison of the dealer hand and the player hand, and a proposition wager is resolved based on either the player hand or the dealer, or possibly the better of the two, against a payout scale.

Abstract: A method and system for simulating games of chance using cards are disclosed using a shuffler to shuffle a set of cards and dispensing one or more cards. Current regulations prohibit certain game operators from using certain games such as traditional craps and roulette. By simulating those games with cards, operators can still provide players with games they recognize and thereby develop excitement and new gaming alternatives for their players, as well as draw players new players to such games through their familiarity with the indicia on the cards.

Abstract: Game table (10) includes four upstanding legs (12) that mount a plurality of construction panels referred to as side panels or end panels. First end panels (14) and first side panels (16) extend between pairs of adjacent legs (12) to surround and define a play area (17). End brace (19) and side brace (20) help to stabilize the game table. Each leg (12) includes a pair of arcuate webs (64, 65) having a C-shaped slideway (66, 67) at opposite leg edge portions (68, 69) oriented at an angle with respect to one another. Floor (15) is supported by the upper edges of second end panels (24) and second side panels (26) to provide the playing surface for game table (10). End panels (14) and side panels (16) are then mounted to legs (12) by inserting respective ribs (75) of panel sections (34, 35, 46, 47) in slideways (66, 67).

Abstract: Board games include one or more of a game board with a pathway, a plurality of playing pieces, a target, one or more projectiles for launching at the target, a plurality of cards, and a movement indication device. Movement of the playing pieces around the pathway is determined by where a projectile lands on the target upon being launched by a player, by indicia on a card drawn from the plurality of cards, and/or by a movement indication device. Targets may be integral to or separate from the game board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cylinder head gasket for internal combustion engines, comprising a metallic support plate in which passage zones for gaseous and liquid media as well as through-holes for screws are incorporated. Said support plate is made of light metal alloy while being provided with embossed area at least in the region of one of the sealing surfaces thereof, outside the passage zones for the gaseous media, said embossed areas being filled at least in part with an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A seal comprising a carrier frame which is provided with fixing holes and which contains partial areas extending at an angle in relation to each other and joined to each other in a single piece, at least one radially sealable and one axially sealable through opening in at least one of the partial areas and at least one other partial area which contains at least one axially active seal area, wherein the axially active seal areas of individual partial areas are provided on the same side of the carrier frame opposite the sealable component openings.

Abstract: A pressure sensor including a molded seal. With the aid of the molded seal the pressure sensor is held in place in an installation hole and seals the latter. The molded seal is attached to a sensor stem in a form locked manner. The molded seal is made of an elastic material and has, on its end facing away from the sensor head, a protrusion whose diameter exceeds the diameter of the installation hole. At least one annular recess is provided on the circumference of the sensor stem.

Abstract: A brush seal extends between static and rotary components. The brush seal includes a fence on the high pressure side, a bristle pack behind the fence, a bristle pack backing plate and a pressure plate. The backing plate includes a plurality of circumferentially and radially spaced arcuate slots arrayed in staggered relation about the brush seal segment. The pressure plate includes radially extending grooves opening toward the backing plate and intersecting each of the slots along that radius to afford a substantially uniform distribution of pressure on the downstream side of the bristle backing plate. In another embodiment, the grooves extend along the downstream faces of the bristle backing plate.

Abstract: A coating suitable for use as a wear-resistant coating for a gas turbine engine component comprises a lubricating material and a hard carbide material.

Abstract: A composite seal including multiple seal elements is disclosed along with corresponding methods and seal structures. In one embodiment, the composite seal may include a first, substantially annular seal element having an upper body portion, a neck portion, and an axial protrusion. The upper body portion includes opposing inclined surfaces extending toward the neck portion defining a first angle. The axial protrusion includes opposing inclined surfaces extending towards an axial end of the axial protrusion defining a second angle, wherein the first angle and the second angle are substantially similar. The composite seal may further include a second, substantially annular seal element having a mouth portion, a neck portion and a recess portion, wherein the axial protrusion is configured to be complementarily engaged with the recess portion in an interlocking manner.

Abstract: Gasket for an engine exhaust gas-driven turbochager includes a gasket plate having at least one metallic gasket layer, an exhaust gas opening, at least one sealing bead deformable in height surrounding the exhaust gas opening, and at least one deformation limiting element adjacent the sealing bead and having a height profile so formed prior to installation of the gasket as to vary around the exhaust gas opening in manner to maintain a sufficient gasket sealing function at the very high temperatures of 800 degrees C. and above experienced by the gasket during operation of the turbocharger. The sealing bead and the deformation limiting element can be formed on the same metallic gasket layer for a single layer gasket or on different metallic gasket layers for a multi-layer gasket.

Abstract: A compressible sealing gasket for supporting a cable in a wall opening contained in a housing wall includes a pair of gasket sections each having a planar surface that contains a recess, and at least one integral compressible sealing projection extending from the planar surface adjacent the recess. When the gasket sections are placed in an assembled condition with their planar surfaces in contiguous engagement, the recesses cooperate to define a cable opening for receiving a cable, and the projection is compressed between the gasket sections to seal the space between the gasket sections adjacent the cable opening. Preferably two laterally spaced integral sealing ribs are provided in each recess, which sealing ribs extend transversely completely across the recess and terminate at each end in a sealing projection that extends upwardly from the associated planar surface.

Abstract: A sealing system in which, even if the system is subjected to pressure variation, a buffer ring has stable behavior, enabling the system to always exhibit excellent sealing performance. A buffer ring (B) has a greater cross-section than a rod packing (R). The greater cross-section provides the ring with increased rigidity and a greater interference to stabilize behavior of the ring caused by pressure variation, restricting the slide surface of the ring from separating from a rod (5). The buffer ring is composed of a U-packing (2) where the edge of a lip head (9) of an inner circumferential lip section (6) is rounded to reduce a maximum contact pressure gradient and of a backup ring (4) in contact with an inner circumferential heel section (3) of the U-packing (2) to protect the heel section (3).

Abstract: The inventive composite gland sealing for the interlocking coupling of a housing end piece (8) comprising an anchoring groove (82), a plastic ring (14) and several locking inserts (20). Each locking insert (20) comprises a radially external head (30)provided with a first front projection (50, 52) applicable against the annular front surface (90) of the anchoring groove (82). The head (30) comprises a second frontal projection (52, 50) radially shifted from the first front projection (50, 52). Said invention is used for cast-iron pipe joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expansion chucking device having: a base body (2); an expansion sleeve (4) provided at an axial end region of the base body (2), which sleeve forms a central receptacle (5) for a component to be chucked; and a chucking ring (6) that surrounds the expansion sleeve (4), forming an annular pressure chamber (7) located therebetween, and is thread-joined to the base body (2), the pressure chamber (7) being filled with a hydraulic medium (11) and the expansion sleeve (4) being capable of being elastically deformed in order to secure a component in the receptacle (5) by the fact that the chucking ring (6) is axially displaced by rotation with respect to the base body (2), with a reduction in the volume of the pressure chamber (7), wherein multiple slits (4b) are embodied in the expansion sleeve (4) which extend in the axial direction and are spaced apart from one another when viewed in the circumferential direction, the expansion sleeve (4) being sealed off with respect to the pre

Abstract: A ski for a snowmobile or other snow machine is provided with a pair of lateral wings and a central channel for increasing the flow of snow under a gliding surface at the bottom of the ski. The increased flow of snow enhances flotation of the ski. The channel may be formed by two downwardly extending keels. The wings are defined between the keels and outer edges of the ski.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus having a frame, a base unit and a winch unit. The frame includes wheels. The base unit is used to position an object on and is attached to the frame such that the base unit is moveable along the frame. The winch unit is attached to the frame and the base unit and provides a lifting force to the base unit in response to a control input.

Abstract: A convertible cart readily convertible between a cart configuration and a table configuration. A leg coupled to each end of the convertible cart is shiftable between a ground-clearing position as a cart and a ground-engaging position as a table. A coupling mechanism couples the leg to a chassis and includes a locking element and a coupling member with two gravity seats. To shift between a cart configuration and a table configuration, the locking element is disengaged from the first gravity seat, the leg is rotated between the ground-clearing position and the ground-engaging position, and the locking element is engaged with the second gravity seat.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame and supporting the frame above a floor, a wheel, a push handle that is coupled to the frame and that is gripable to maneuver the patient support apparatus along the floor, and a brake handle coupled to the push handle and movable to move a brake to impede rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A collapsible patient supporting carrier configured as either a backboard or a stretcher for being pulled or towed behind a person, animal or vehicle, such as a bicycle, motorcycle, snow mobile or jet ski. The carrier comprises a plurality of support sections interconnected by connecting mechanisms that are configured to selectively place the carrier in a collapsed condition having a support surface for carrying medical supplies or an extended condition for transporting an injured person. Each support section is made up of a frame and one or more support members, such as a rigid plate or a somewhat flexible material, attached to the frame. The forward end of the carrier has a tow connector member to connect to a tow member for towing. Transport members, such as wheels, skis or a floatation member, are operatively connected near the second end of the carrier to facilitate movement over a surface.

Abstract: A cart assembly includes a generally M-shaped support member having (i) a first arcuate segment that defines a first apex portion, and (ii) a second arcuate segment that defines a second apex portion. The cart assembly also includes a first wheel base attached to the generally M-shaped support member, and a first caster assembly secured to the first wheel base. The cart assembly additionally includes a second wheel base attached to the generally M-shaped support member, and a second caster assembly secured to the second wheel base. Moreover, the cart assembly includes a handle assembly having (i) a first linearly upstanding segment, and (ii) a second linearly upstanding segment. In addition, the cart assembly includes a cross member connected to both the first linearly upstanding segment and the second linearly upstanding segment.

Abstract: An all-terrain retail merchandising unit or kiosk that can be used outdoors and across grass and gravel for outdoor events. The all-terrain retail merchandising unit can include a chassis, pneumatic tires, and steering that can provide the all-terrain retail merchandising unit with mobility across grass, gravel, and any other uneven or non-flat surfaces. The all-terrain retail merchandising unit can be used inside facilities, moved across a campus, shifted from place-to-place during indoor or outdoor events, and loaded on trucks or trailers for away events.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus or device for jacking an individual axle of a truck or a truck trailer having an air line. The device includes a valve in fluid communication with the air line, a first air bag in fluid communication with the valve, and a second air bag in fluid communication with the first air bag.

Abstract: The invention is a mobility cart for a person having an injured or disabled lower limb for use in confined spaces, such as the home. Of particular note, the cart has three wheels and has a low center of gravity thereby improving the stability of the cart and rider.

Abstract: A device for motor vehicles and a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a support structure, which is mounted in the vehicle, and a steering wheel, which is rotatably connected to the support structure. The device includes a control unit and a sensor device, which is connected to the control unit. The sensor device is adapted to sense vibrations in the steering wheel and to provide a sensor signal related to the sensed vibrations. An actuator device is connected to the control unit and adapted to influence vibrations in the vehicle. The control unit is adapted to control the actuator device, with regard to the sensor signal, to act on the vehicle in such a way that a desired vibration character in the steering wheel is obtained.

Abstract: A steering damper apparatus includes: a body frame; wheels suspended by the body frame; a steering shaft rotatably supported by the body frame, one end of the steering shaft being connected to the wheel side; a handlebar connected to the other end of the steering shaft for rotating the steering shaft to steer the wheels; and a damper for damping the rotation of the steering shaft. The rotation of the steering shaft is damped by the damper only when there is an input from either the handlebar or the wheels.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear for a vehicle comprising a housing (2), a pinion (1) rotatable about a first axis (14) in the housing, a rack (7) laterally displaceable with respect to the housing, and an intermediate gear (8) interposed between, and meshing with, the pinion (1) and with the rack (7), the intermediate gear (8) rotatable about a second axis (9). The second axis (9) is laterally movable with respect to the housing as a function of at least one vehicle parameter, by an actuator mechanism, thereby varying the relationship between the angular displacement of the pinion and the lateral displacement of the rack as a function of the vehicle parameter.

Abstract: A method for producing a tubular bar, more particularly a stabilizer bar, is provided. The method comprises providing a tubular bar of desired size having an outer and inner surface, heating the bar to an elevated temperature, quenching the bar by application of a cooling fluid to the surfaces of the bar, and forming the tube to a desired shape without annealing. The method further provides for the composition of a high-strength, high formability carbon steel alloy to be used in conjunction with the method. Advantageously, the bar is formable without thermal processing subsequent to quenching. In this fashion, metal tubular bars, such as stabilizer bars, may be formed at reduced cost.

Abstract: A suspension system includes first and second wheel carriers, a stabilizer having a first end and a second end, the stabilizer being coupled to the wheel carriers, a first cylinder/piston unit being arranged between the first end of the stabilizer and the first wheel carrier and a second cylinder/piston unit being arranged between the second end of the stabilizer and the second wheel carrier. Each cylinder/piston unit is a double-acting cylinder/piston unit and the two cylinder/piston units are cross-connected.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a mud flap of a vehicle includes a mounting bracket for securing to a vehicle. A squeeze member having at least one aperture formed therein is provided with the mounting assembly. At least one wedge member having a wedge body with a transverse dimension that increases along the length of the wedge body is also provided. At least one wedge receiving member is coupled to the mounting bracket and projects through the at least one aperture of the squeeze member. The wedge receiving member has a wedge receiving portion configured for receiving the wedge body. The wedge body forces the squeeze member against the mounting bracket when the wedge body is received within the wedge receiving portion of the wedge receiving member so that the mud flap positioned between mounting bracket and squeeze member is frictionally held therebetween.

Abstract: A wheel with a self-contained drive mechanism is provided to propel (or assist in propulsion of) bicycles, tricycles, and similar vehicles. The wheel preferably takes the form of a shock absorbing detachable wheel, which is readily received within the dropouts of a bicycle frame or fork to be attached therein by a standard quick-release mechanism. Thus, the wheel may be added to (or removed from) preexisting standard bicycles and the like.

Abstract: The bicycle gear mechanism, in particular a rear wheel change mechanism, comprises a derailleur provided with a drive chain guide element. The derailleur comprises: an arm (2); a first attachment element (5), rotatingly constrained to the arm (2) by a first shaft (3), the first attachment element (5) being predisposed to connect the arm (2) to the bicycle frame; a second attachment element (6), rotatably constrained to the arm (2), the second attachment element (6) being predisposed to connect the arm (2) to an element (7) predisposed to guide the drive chain (30) of the bicycle; a mechanism predisposed to rotatingly connect the first shaft (3) and the second shaft (4); at least an actuator, operatively connected to the arm (2) and the bicycle frame, which actuator is predisposed to rotate the arm (2) about the first shaft (3).

Abstract: An office chair includes a base and a height adjustable seat mounted to the base and having a front end. The base includes a pair of centrally positioned, laterally spaced apart drive wheels that are manually operated by a user or which are motorized.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a grab bar with sufficient attachment strength and rigidity, minimum wall thickness and size and no deterioration in external appearance. The grab bar has a grab section to be grabbed by a rider and attachment sections to be attached to left and right seat rails. The attachment sections extend through a space below a rear edge of a seat toward the front and are connected to the left and right seat rails.

Abstract: A transportation system cradle cradles and moves a transportation system structure of a transportation system in an assembly process. The transportation system cradle contains a drive unit connectable to the transportation system structure to move or transport the transportation system structure. The transportation system cradle also has at least one first and second cradle units that are designed to cradle a first or second foot area of the transportation system structure. Intermediate products, formed of a transportation system structure and a cradle, may be moved between assembly stations in an assembly plant.

Abstract: A tractor/trailer combination wherein a trailer is connected to a tractor through the connection of a kingpin with a fifth wheel is provided with a trailer steering system. Using given dimensions of the tractor/trailer combination and a measured articulation angle between the tractor and trailer during a turn, the wheels of the rear axles of the trailer are turned so that they turn approximately about the instant center established for the tractor. In this way, the trailer turns around approximately the same point as does the tractor, thus significantly eliminating off tracking.

Abstract: A trailer hitching machine including a trailer hitch with a ratcheting pulley system, and support plates cooperating in mechanical linkage to provide a hitch ball with additional rearward extension and sideways sweep.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the backing of a vehicle to couple a hitch and trailer, the system including a camera and a mirror for allowing capture of visual images of both the approaching vehicle and the trailer tongue, to assist in backing the vehicle and making the coupling.

Abstract: Improved boot bindings for backcountry splitboarding are disclosed. Each of a pair of soft-boot bindings has an integral boot binding lower that conjoins the two halves of a splitboard without the additional weight or height of an adaptor mounting plate and extra fasteners. Attached to the integral boot binding lower are the elements of a boot binding upper. The integral boot binding lower, in combination with upper boot bindings, provides improved torsional stiffness for splitboard riding. The integral boot binding lower further includes a toe pivot for free heel ski touring. The boot bindings can be readily detached from the ski touring position and reattached to the snowboard riding position, or vice versa, as is advantageous in backcountry touring and riding.

Abstract: A carrier basket has a bracket body, a pair of front basket-holding rods, a pair of positioning elements, and a rear basket-holding rod. The pair of front basket-holding rods is connected to both sides of the stroller frame, respectively. Each of the pair of positioning elements has a connecting portion for connecting with rear end of the front basket-holding rods, a pivotal portion for connecting with the rear basket-holding rod, and a pair of snap edges for holding the rear basket-holding rod in a first position. When the rear basket-holding rod is rotated in a direction against the snap edges, the snap edges can be pressed to open wider, thereby releasing the rear basket-holding rod from the first position and opening the rear end of the bracket.

Abstract: A mounting element having an essentially rectangular base plate with four edges from which two first arms extend and face each other. The first arms have a first contact section a first distance from the base plate. At least two second arms also face each other, which exhibit a second contact section a second distance from the base plate which is greater than the first distance. At least the first arms extend to their first contact section from the base plate in such a way that their distance from each other increases. In order to achieve an improved retaining effect, one arm extends from each edge of the base plate so that the base plate and arms surround an inner space.