Abstract: A system for playing a game of chance includes a plurality of playing cards, each of the playing cards displaying game symbols thereon. At least some of the plurality of playing cards display an eligible game symbol for participation in bonus levels of play. A master game card is provided for use in conjunction with the playing cards. The master game card includes a plurality of playing areas, each playing area representing a playing level. In each playing area, one or more of the eligible game symbols are included as a bonus level game symbol for the respective level of play. In each successive level of play, more of the eligible game symbols are identified as bonus level game symbols. Cover members conceal the bonus level game symbols prior to play. By opening one of the cover members at each level in turn, a winning one of the eligible game symbols is revealed.

Abstract: A method of controlling the game of baccarat is disclosed, the method including the steps of providing a card delivery shoe equipped with a sensor capable of reading at least a rank of each card; a first processor capable of controlling operation of the card delivery shoe; and a second processor capable of receiving signals from the sensor and programmed to display information related to the game of baccarat.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the personality type of a person or a group of persons in the tradition of the Enneagram. The device includes a number of cards and each of the cards has at least a color band, an image and a group of words, which collectively identifies an ego type.

Abstract: A method for playing a game, involving the steps of determining a combination number; dealing to at least one player at least three cards from a deck to make a hand, the deck having at least one group of cards sequentially numbered from one to thirteen; and providing a reward to the player for each combination the player makes of the cards equaling the combination number. A typical combination number is 10, or multiples of 10.

Abstract: An omnidirectional target system includes a target movable between a retracted position and an extended position and an actuation mechanism for moving the target to the extended position, the target and the actuation mechanism being releaseable so that the target can be moved back into the retracted position despite movement of the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A target apparatus including a portable case; a target; and a drive contained within the portable case, the drive having a drive shaft accessible through an access opening in a side of the portable case. When the target is connected to the drive shaft for rotation relative to the portable case, the portable case provides stable support to the target apparatus.

Abstract: An air swivel ring includes a non-rotating member having an air inlet, a rotating member having an air outlet, and a split seal having a first sealing surface and coupled to one of the non-rotating member and the rotating member so that the first sealing surface on the seal is disposed proximate a second sealing surface on the other of the non-rotating member and the rotating member.

Abstract: The invention provides a method that can be applied, for example, to seal a constant velocity joint. The invention includes a method comprising the steps of substantially sealing the constant velocity joint with the primary boot which includes first and second ends, fixedly associating the first end of the primary boot with the constant velocity joint, and slidably associating the second end of the primary boot with the shaft which extends from the constant velocity joint. In one aspect, the invention includes a primary boot having a body defining a substantially smooth interior surface and a secondary boot associated with the primary boot and spaced from the interior surface. In another aspect, the invention includes a constant velocity joint having an outer joint member, an inner joint member positioned in the outer joint member, a plurality of ball members positioned between said outer and inner joint members, and a shaft engaged with and extending from the inner joint member.

Abstract: A seal assembly having a seal bumper wall with a series of pyramid shaped formations lying on the bumper wall. The formations cause their apex portion to wear down rapidly in use, while the remainder of the pyramids remain and act as slingers and/or produce a convection effect to reduce temperature along the sealed area. In another embodiment, there are two each pyramid shaped formations located on each of several thrust bumpers, which are held in position by a retainer.

Abstract: A brush seal assembly including a pair of annular plates (11,12) defining an annular slot (14) between them and a radially outer chamber (15) opening into the slot (14); and an annular brush seal (13) having bristles (16) and an enlarged portion (17) at its outer periphery formed by welding the bristles (16) together, the brush seal (13) extending through the slot (14) with its enlarged portion (17) retained in the chamber (15) wherein at least a portion of one of the plates (11, 12) has an extension thereof which is deformed over the other plate (11, 12) to hold the plates (11, 12) together to form the assembly characterised in that one of the plates (12) has a flat face in the region of the slot (14).

Abstract: A magnet is embedded in an outer rotational shaft provided in a bearing hole of a case, and an outer magnetic circuit and an inner magnetic circuit are formed on the outer peripheral surface and inner peripheral surface of the outer rotational shaft, respectively. In a magnetic fluid seal device, magnetic fluid is filled in minute gaps coming in contact with the outer peripheral surface and inner peripheral surface of the outer rotational shaft, and the two rotational shafts can be strongly sealed by the magnetic circuits formed by a magnet. As a result, the rotational shafts can be rotated while supported in a non-contact style. In addition, the dimension can be reduced, and the number of parts can be reduced.

Abstract: A chair configured for transporting a subject (e.g., up or down an elevated surface (e.g., a stairway, a curb, a ramp, etc.)) and methods of using the same is provided. In particular, a chair comprising a rail assembly, a pair of back legs and a pair of front legs, wherein the rail assembly is fastened to the back legs and wherein the back legs and front legs are interconnected via a pair of side rails and a seat assembly, wherein the seat assembly comprises a seat frame and a swivel seat assembly, and methods of using the same (e.g., to load and/or unload a subject onto the chair and/or to transport a subject) are provided.

Abstract: An air suspension system is configured to adjust and maintain a desired vehicle ride height and spring rate. The air suspension system includes a plurality of air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted around the piston airbag. A controller receives ride height input data and adjusts pressures within the primary and piston airbags until the desired ride height and spring rate is achieved. The controller accommodates for system hardware differences by varying flow rates into and out of the primary and piston airbags relative to each other.

Abstract: A cargo carrier for movably supporting cargo includes a frame configured to support cargo at the cargo carrier and at least two wheels at each side of the frame. Each of the wheels is rotatably mounted to a respective support arm. The support arms are pivotally mounted to respective sides of the frame and are pivotable relative to the frame to adjust at least one of a height and tilt of the frame relative to a support surface. The cargo carrier is readily adapted to position the frame at a lower position for road applications and a raised position for uneven terrain applications. The cargo carrier may include a deck that is movably mounted to the frame and is longitudinally movable along the frame.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a pliable upper component and a molded unitary support structure formed of a plurality of wall stuctures and methods of manufacturing are disclosed. Some embodiments include a sole and first and second side wall structures extending therefrom and partitioned from one another. The sole and the first and second side wall structures may be in part or entirely constructed of multiple layers of fibers having different orientations from one another and disposed in a hardened resin matrix. The pliable upper component comprises outer and inner panels that overlap the inner and outer surfaces of one or more of the side wall structures and are conjoined thereto.

Abstract: A sled attachment configured to a load carrying cart for maneuvering thereto on pathways covered with snow, ice and/or slush. The load carrying cart comprises a frame supported over a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. The sled attachment comprises a panel member and at least one fastening member. The panel member includes a first arcuate section and a second arcuate section. The second arcuate section extends inwardly toward the first arcuate section from a common edge portion of the first arcuate section and the second arcuate section. The at least one fastening member is capable of removably engaging the panel member to a portion of the frame. The panel member is capable of being removably engaged, such that the first arcuate section poses outward from the frame and the second arcuate section poses toward a lower portion of the pair of front wheels.

Abstract: A trailer leveling system for adjusting a height of a frame of a trailer above a ground surface is disclosed. The trailer leveling system comprises at least one trailer leveling apparatus configured to adjust a distance between an axle of the trailer and the frame of the trailer. The at least one trailer leveling apparatus acts on a suspension of the trailer. The at least one trailer leveling apparatus moving the suspension between a traveling position and a leveling position, with the traveling position being characterized by the suspension being capable of supporting the frame during movement of the trailer along a road and the leveling position being characterized by a portion of the suspension being moved away from the frame with respect to the travel position.

Abstract: An insulated food tray transportation wagon. The single-piece, low-weight, insulated food tray transportation wagon is equipped with sliding panels designed to wedge into place by either friction at any intermediate position to limit the need for an external locking mechanism or by using a step-based notched locking mechanism. The wagon also provides for a flat-panel geometry system, a thin, shell-molded casing made of flame-retardant material and shell insulation for reducing the weight of the wagon. The wagon is also equipped with a series of bottom drains, a kick plate and a series of top handles for maneuvering the wagon. The wagon is equipped with a flat, beverage-holding section located above the wagon, symmetrical handling devices for pulling and pushing the wagon from all sides, and alternatively, a sturdy pivoting hitch to connect a plurality of wagons for simultaneous transportation.

Abstract: Wheel suspension (10) for a wheeled vehicle, comprising at least one lower, wheel-carrying radius arm (12) with an inner end, which is designed for fastening so that it can pivot about a substantially horizontal axis in a vehicle frame (14), and an outer end, which is pivotally fastened to a lower part of a wheel hub (24), and at least one upper support arm (28), one end of which is fastened to an upper part of the wheel hub (24), and the other end of which is pivotally connected to the vehicle frame (14). The inner end of the lower radius arm (12) is designed for pivotal connection to the vehicle frame (14) by way of a lower arm part (16) of a double rocker arm (18), swiveling about a substantially horizontal axis (20), whilst the upper support arm (28) is pivotally connected to an upper arm part (34) of the double rocker arm (18) via a connecting link (36), which is pivotally connected to the upper support arm (28) and to the upper arm part (34) of the double rocker arm (18).

Abstract: A bicycle steerer assembly that includes a stub tube, a steerer tube that extends upward from the stub tube, a pair of forks, and a fork crown or crown cap. A key and keyway are formed between the stub tube and a crown portion of each fork. The crown cap overlies the crown portion of each fork thereby preventing dissociation of the key and keyway between each of the pair of forks and the stub tube when the crown cap is positioned thereabout.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a front-wheel driven, rear-wheel steered vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicle having one front-wheel and one rear-wheel, wherein a power source is used to drive the front-wheel and a steering apparatus is used to transfer inputs from the user to the rear-wheel, and kits for creating such vehicles.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a kit and method for modifying a bicycle comprising attaching a platform to both sides of the bottom bracket crank spindle in place of a crank set and chain. The platforms include internal spindle slots adapted to crank spindle shape through which a screw or other fastener may be used to temporarily attach the platform to the bottom bracket crank spindle.

Abstract: Wheelchair side guards are provided with a strip and covering materials. The strip is sufficiently rigid to keep the shape and position of the side guards such that a user and their clothes are kept away from the wheelchair wheels. The side guards may also comprise a hinge near the middle that permit the wheelchair backrest to fold.

Abstract: A rear loading lowboy trailer is described having a pair of rear wheel assemblies mounted to a chassis of the trailer for movement between transport and loading positions such that the wheel assemblies are aligned across a back of the chassis when they are in the transport position and raised and positioned outwardly when the chassis is in the loading position. A linkage mechanism moves each of the wheel assemblies in both horizontal and vertical directions so as to move each of the wheel assemblies between the transport and loading positions. Each linkage mechanism automatically fastens the wheel assembly to the chassis of the trailer when the wheel assembly is moved to its transport position.

Abstract: A man-carrying vehicle has a chassis, which can be reduced for the vehicle to be easy to store, put away and transport; the chassis includes a front part, a rear part, and a stretching and reducing device interposed between the front and the rear parts; the stretching and reducing device includes first and second stationary components, first and second crank and connecting rod combinations, and a stretching and reducing assistant unit; the first and the second stationary components are fixedly joined on the front and the rear parts respectively; the crank and connecting rod combinations are interposed between and pivoted to the stationary components; the stretching and reducing assistant unit is interposed between and pivoted on one of the stationary components and one of the crank and connecting rod combinations to provide power to change position of the front part in relation to the rear part of the chassis.

Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow places the bucket at ground level when at rest. The wheelbarrow frame beneath the bucket rests on the ground while the wheelbarrow is at rest. The wheelbarrow wheel is lifted off of the ground at rest. The wheelbarrow provides greatly improved stability both at rest and while moving the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle includes a first storage compartment for use by an occupant of the vehicle and a second storage compartment for storing a first folded airbag prior to deployment. A single integrated cover overlies the storage compartments. The cover is configured to be integrated and installed into an instrument panel of the vehicle when the airbag module is installed in the vehicle. The cover includes a manually operable first door covering a first opening to the first storage compartment, and wherein, in an open position, the first door permits access to the first storage compartment. The cover includes a second door configured to open when the first airbag thereby creating a second opening in the cover to permit the first airbag to deploy into the vehicle.

Abstract: A first exemplary seat with a side airbag disposed therein includes a front seat cover and a side seat cover. The seat covers are releasably attached together at a junction configured for the airbag to be deployed therethrough. The front seat cover is less stretchable than the side seat cover. A second exemplary seat with a side airbag disposed therein includes a front seat cover and a side seat cover. The seat covers are releasably attached together at a junction configured for the airbag to be deployed therethrough. The junction includes a first thread of the front seat cover, and a second thread of the second seat cover. The first thread is stronger than the second thread.

Abstract: A steering wheel (13) for a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel module (1) supporting electrical/electronic subassemblies (18). The steering wheel module is inserted from a front side of the steering wheel into a center of the steering wheel in order to be attached to the steering wheel. A lower end of the steering wheel module forms a torsion module (8) of a torque detection device for a steering power-assist system. The torsion module is operable to receive and be attached to a steering spindle (14) of a steering column on the back side of the steering wheel in order to attach the steering wheel to the steering spindle when the steering wheel module is attached to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing having an adapter formed integral with the housing to enable operative coupling of the gas generating system to an associated gas-actuatable device. The adapter may include openings formed therein to enable distribution of gases to an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A gas generation device includes an elongated housing and an ignitor tube. The elongated housing defines a generant bed. The ignitor tube is disposed within the housing and extends at least substantially along the entire length of the generant bed. The ignitor tube defines an unobstructed path for ignitor gases to travel into the generant bed. The ignitor tube is constructed of a consumable material.

Abstract: A dual stage inflator device including a housing defining first and second chamber each containing a quantity of gas generant material ignitable to produce combustion products. A divider plate, separating the first chamber from the second chamber, is disposed and fixed within the housing. The divider plate includes an opening to allow gas flow communication from the second chamber to the first chamber. A removable plug element is normally disposed in the divider plate opening to prevent gas flow communication between the first chamber and the second chamber when in a static state.

Abstract: A tether for a passenger airbag cushion of a vehicle includes first and second twist preventing parts formed at both edges of the tether in the deployment direction of the tether by an inflator such that the thickness of both edges of the tether is increased. The airbag cushion is more reliably deployed because the tether is not twisted or folded due to the above structure when the tether is deployed.

Abstract: The safety guard mechanism for a lifting device is a mechanism that can automatically deploy a safety guard pivotally mounted to the lower surface of the frame of a portable aerial lift device when the lift is raised. By lowering the guard member, the distance between the lower surface of the base and the ground is decreased. The helical screw-based mechanical device includes a mechanical translator coupled with a rotator, the entire assembly interconnecting the guard member and a scissors-type lift so that raising the lift drives the lowering of the guard member. In the lowered position, the guard prevents tipping of the lift should one or more wheels enter a pothole or other depression. A helical screw latch is included to provide a self-locking feature.

Abstract: A roll-over protection system (1) for a vehicle (2), such as a quad bike. The system (1) comprises a telescopic hairpin-shaped roll-over guard (3), a lower mount (4) and an upper mount (5) for mounting the guard (3) to regions of the vehicle (2) that may move relative to each other. In use, the guard (3) extends upwardly from the vehicle (2) so as to prevent the vehicle (2) from remaining upside down after having turned over, and the mounts (4, 5) are moveable relative to the guard (3) when the two spaced apart regions move relative to each other during normal use of the vehicle (2).

Abstract: Book, in particular an album, characterised by two front and back covers which are separate from each other and are joined with a spacing from each other by at least one flat strip-like spine part, the portion of the spine part between the opposing inner edges of the two covers being foldable in the manner of a concertina into a predetermined number of peak folds of the same height, and four respective pages being formed by a centrally folded sheet which has, at the centre along the fold, at least one narrow slotted opening of predetermined length and width for feeding through a peak fold which projects above the slotted opening in at least one sheet at such a height that a narrow, web-like connecting element is configured so as to be insertable through the protruding opening in the peak fold for detachable connection to the book.

Abstract: A method or corresponding apparatus for remote transmission of a negotiable instrument. In an example embodiment, the process provides a carrier that secures a negotiable instrument. Next, the process creates a unique identifier, associated with the carrier, and generates an electronic image of the negotiable instrument. After generating the electronic image, the process transmits the electronic image of the negotiable instrument and the unique identifier to a remote location. The negotiable instrument may be transmitted via a fax, a scanner, a device designed to transmit electronic data, other image device compatible with ITU-T recommendations T.30 or T.4, or combination thereof. The process may also verify the negotiable instrument has a valid endorsement, verify image quality of the electronic image to ensure compliance with financial industry standards, or validate any received security information.

Abstract: A plug-type coupling for connecting two fluid lines includes a coupling component which has an opening with an adjacent receiving duct, and a coupling piece which is inserted into the receiving duct and has a holding rib which extends from its circumference outwardly and forms a locking surface, wherein the holding rib interacts with a locking stirrup which has at least one leg which is resilient toward the opening. A disassembly element is movably mounted in the coupling component, wherein the disassembly element acts on the leg in the direction of opening the coupling.

Abstract: A connector assembly and method of creating a connection is described. The connector assembly includes a connector fitting having at least one receiving component on an end of the connector fitting and a gasket having at least one appendage, where the at least one appendage of the gasket engages the at least one receiving component to create an at least temporary secured attachment of the gasket to the connector fitting end.

Abstract: A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined end-to-end by adjustable connection members. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. One or more gripping bodies are captured between the segments. The gripping bodies are arranged opposite to each other. The segments have angularly oriented reaction surfaces on the connection members. The gripping bodies have angularly oriented contact surfaces which interface with the reaction surfaces. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping bodies radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping bodies engage and retain the pipe elements.

Abstract: The receptacle for a gate drop rod includes a buried plastic canister having an open bottom for drainage. The open top of the canister is covered, and at least one gate rod opening is formed through the plastic cover. Preferably two such openings are formed to provide for different drop rod diameters. A plastic receptacle pipe of appropriate diameter is installed in the appropriate opening, and the unused passage is plugged. The canister is placed on a bed of drainage stone in the bottom of the hole, the top of the canister preferably about two inches below grade. The hole is filled with gravel and stone around the canister, and the top is covered with concrete to grade. A high visibility disc is preferably installed about the top of the protruding pipe to facilitate locating the drop rod receptacle in poor light or at night.

Abstract: The door latch mechanism independently operated by first and second handles of the door handle assembly comprising a cam member having a cam surface which facilitates translation of movement of the handles to displacement of the cam member. The cam member can be coupled to a latch member and move the latch member between an extended and retracted position. A door lock mechanism can prevent displacement of the second door handle while simultaneously allowing displacement of the first door handle.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle body including a portal having a first end and a second end. A first door and a second door are pivotably coupled to the first end and the second end, respectively, of the portal. The first door includes an end panel opposite the first end of the portal, and a pivot is fixed to the end panel. A cancel lever is rotatably coupled to the pivot, and the cancel lever is arranged to be contacted by the second door at any location within a zone of contact determined by the relative positions of the first and second doors such that a force applied to the cancel lever by the second door includes a component perpendicular to a radius of the cancel lever at the point of contact.

Abstract: An underrun protector mounting structure includes: a chassis frame; a front underrun protector which is disposed at the front or rear of the chassis frame and extended in a lateral direction of the vehicle; a bracket 6 for fixing the front underrun protector to the chassis frame; and a support part interposed between the front underrun protector and the bracket. The support part has a first plate part disposed on the front underrun protector side and a second plate part disposed on the first plate part on the bracket 6 side. The first plate part is formed to be wider in the lateral direction of the vehicle than the second plate part 32. The first and second plate parts are stacked to form a leaf spring shape in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A magnetic bumper guard, the guard being constructed such that it may be magnetically mounted onto a structural member to be protected, such as the corner, post, rail or leg of a structure composed of a suitable metal, the guard having a rear wall bounded by a pair of side flanges, a magnet-receiving recess positioned within the rear wall, a hollow interior, a rounded or curved forward wall, and a magnet, whereby frontal force is absorbed by the guard and lateral or angular forces cause the guard to disengage from the structural member, thereby dissipating the force.

Abstract: A hand-operable feces collection apparatus for catching animal excrements prior to reaching a ground surface may include an elongated curvilinear handle and an annular ring attached to a distal end thereof. A retention bag may be attached directly to the annular ring in such a manner that the retention bag is maintained at a substantially stable position while receiving the animal excrements therein. The apparatus may also include a mechanism for resiliently adjusting a diameter of the annular ring such that the retention bag is caused to automatically disengage the annular ring. Such a mechanism may be activated by a lever attached to the proximal end of the handle. The annular ring may be composed of a semi-circular solid male core and a hollow female sleeve. The male core is urged along the female sleeve as the mechanism is activated, causing the diameter of the annular ring to adjust.

Abstract: An end effector for a robot having an array of suction cups includes an air control valve connected to each suction cup. Each valve can be individually operated so that specific zones of suction cups may be activated while others are dormant. The dormant suction cups are closed to the sub-atmospheric pressure, so that leakage of air through unused suction cups is avoided, while only the suction cups of the selected zone perform the picking of the work products. This allows the end effector to provide accurate and constant sub-atmospheric pressure to the work products during the picking process.

Abstract: Apparatus for gripping and handling a length of pipe includes first and second pipe gripping members supported on a frame. The first pipe gripping member is movable along a straight line path from an open position to a closed position closer to the second pipe gripping member. The first pipe gripping member is supported on a movable transfer plate having an engagement member connected thereto and to a piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A robot includes a base unit, at least two link mechanisms arranged on the base unit, drive units capable of bending and expanding the link mechanisms, and a control unit controlling the drive units. At least one drive unit has a drive force larger than those of the other drive units, and the other drive units are passively displaced by external forces larger than their own drive forces.

Abstract: A body mount included at least one clip, at least one plate and a sleeve. The clip may include a generally cylindrical body having a central aperture therethrough. The clip may further include at least one set of inwardly extending prongs. The clip may further include at least one set of outwardly extending prongs. The sleeve may have opposed openings capable of engaging a first clip and a second clip between their respective plates.