Abstract: A dominoes starting template for providing a location for each player of a multiple-player game of dominoes a location for laying their dominoes during play. The template includes a plate having first and second surfaces, and a number of sides. The plate has a spinner hole therethrough between the first and second surfaces of the plate sized to receive a domino therein. Each of the sides of the plate has a pair of cutouts therethrough between the first and second surfaces of the plate. Each cutout of the pair of cutouts of each of the sides of the plate is sized for receiving an end portion of a domino therein.

Abstract: A system of sensors to prevent cheating at a casino gaming table, where the sensors are strategically positioned about a casino gaming table to monitor the movement about certain established areas on the gaming table during certain established times during the play of the game. The tripping of a sensor in response to the detection of unauthorized movement about a certain area of the table sends a signal to a monitoring system which in turn alerts the casino so that the casino may respond to the unauthorized movement accordingly. The system of sensors can be used with a wide variety of card-based or chip-based casino gaming tables.

Abstract: A new class of actuators and mechanisms use opposing repulsive magnetic forces. The repulsive forces are typically generated between a stationary magnet and a moving magnet, where the moving magnet is coupled to the mechanism output member. The mechanisms are generally configured such that the repulsive force from one electromagnet is opposed by a repulsive force from another electromagnet, where the opposing forces are simultaneously applied to the mechanism's output member. This configuration is similar in certain aspects to the way biological flexor and extensor muscles are configured in a musculoskeletal system. The opposing configuration allows for open loop control of position and stiffness. The actuator mechanism may have both rotary and linear motion output, and may have either a single degree of freedom or multiple degrees of freedom. Permanent magnets can be used to create a baseline repulsive force without electric power, and electromagnets can modulate the repulsive force magnitude.

Abstract: A game player is allowed to punch a punching ball and the shape of a captured image is transformed in conformity with the punching force applied to the ball. An image is captured by a camera or memory card reader. The player punches the punching ball, causing the shape of the captured image to be transformed. The larger the acceleration of the punching ball when it is punched, the greater the transformation in the shape of the captured image. The transformed image is displayed on a display unit and may be printed if desired. The player can experience a game more realistic than one in which the shape of a computer-graphics image is transformed.

Abstract: A blackjack strategy calculator 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention provides an enclosure 20 sized to fit in the palm of the user. A preferred circuit having a power supply 70, output vibrator 80 and microcontroller 90 implements the functionality of two modes. A plus button 30, a minus button 40, an output button 50 and a mode button 60 allows the user to control the operation of the circuit. The microcontroller executes software defining two modes of operation, each mode having a card-counting algorithm providing information to the player to enable the player to make better decisions related to selecting an appropriate wage amount for a hand of blackjack or for playing progressive blackjack jackpot, respectively.

Abstract: An integrated blackjack game control system having multiple sensors and output devices, electronic signal processing equipment, passive and active operator control devices, and a computer system. The system components are capable of being installed on or near existing blackjack tables and support equipment, and to operate with standard playing cards. The system performs several simultaneous functions to accelerate the play of a game of blackjack, enhance the shuffling process, and perform continuous monitoring of key dealer and table performance attributes.

Abstract: A user interactive decorative array for providing a more friendly computing environment through the use of computer accessories revolving around a common theme. The array comprises a collection of elements all having artistic indicia of a common theme selectable by the computer user. Preferably, the array comprises a mouse house for storage of a computer mouse, a mouse pad, an artistic backdrop, a wrist pad and mouse pals. The appearance of the elements is configured in accordance with the common theme selected by the computer user. Additionally, children can play with individual components of the array in order to enhance their computing experience.

Abstract: A bridge bidding device having a keypad visible only to the user and a display board visible to the other players. The keypad and display board are each arranged in two rows of ten blocks. The keypad has bidding indicia on each block that includes the numbers one through seven, the four card suits and NT, and PASS, DBL, REDBLE, SKIP BID and ALT. The keypad also has the control indicia for BID, ER and CLOSE. The keypad blocks are also touchpads for the transmission of the bidding and control information. The top row of the display board can exhibit the numbers one through seven and PASS, DBL, REDBLE, SKIP BID and ALT. The bottom row of the display board can exhibit the four card suits and NT. The bidding information is exhibited by means of light emitting diodes. A large-scale silicon integrated active component and support components mounted on a multilayer printed circuit board controls the accumulation and dissemination of information.

Abstract: A device for randomly selecting and illustrating a trump suit for a card game. A spinner is used to point out a trump suit as marked on a flat planar member. The device may also be provided with a marker to track the number of cards dealt in the current hand. A method for playing a card game using the device where from 2 to 7 players may play the game. A series of hands are played, wherein each player is first dealt 7 cards and 1 less card for each subsequent hand. Each hand consists of a series of tricks where each player throws one card, following the suit led if possible. The player who takes the trick, by throwing the highest ranked card, leads the next trick. A series of tricks are played until all cards have been thrown, signalling the end of the hand. Any player who took at least one trick remains to play another hand which is dealt by the winner of the previous hand. The dealer also selects trump, after examining his hand. Hands are played until only one player, the winner, remains.

Abstract: A secure game table system, adapted for multiple sites under a central control, for monitoring each hand in a live card game. A common deck identity code is located on each card. A shuffler has a circuit for counting the cards from a previous hand which are inserted into the shuffler and which reads the common identity code. The game control verifies that no cards have been withdrawn from the hand by a player or that new cards have been substituted. A unique code also placed on each card is read as the card is dealt to indicate the value and the suit. The game control stores this information in a memory so that a history of each card dealt is recorded. Sensors are located near each of the player positions for sensing the presence of a game bet and a progressive bet. A card sensor located near each player position and the dealer position issues a signal for each card received.

Abstract: A coin game machine enables a player to easily count the number of coins 23 that are paid out from a coin pay-out hole 10 of the coin game machine. Three rows of grooves 22a are formed on a receiving pan 22 of the coin game machine. The coins 23 that are paid out from the coin pay-out hole 10 are orderly lined up along each of the grooves 22a. Therefore, the player can see all the coins 23 and count the number of the coins 23 easily. In this case, by counting in advance the number of coins that can be stored in each row of the grooves 22a, the player can count the number of coins stored on the receiving pan 22 further easily.

Abstract: A machine (20) for voiding playing cards (30) utilizes a card receptacle (22), a feed apparatus (24), and rotary cutting implements (52, 54) to void playing cards (30) at high speed. The card receptacle (22) stacks the playing cards (30) substantially vertically above the feed apparatus (24), and the feed apparatus (24) includes feed belts (40) which repeatedly feed the bottom cards of the stack to the cutting implements (52, 54). Card movers (56, 57) are mounted adjacent to the cutting implements (52, 54) for rotation therewith and grip the cards (30) to move the cards (30) between the cutting implements (52, 54).

Abstract: A new class of actuators and mechanisms use opposing repulsive magnetic forces. The repulsive forces are typically generated between a stationary magnet and a moving magnet, where the moving magnet is coupled to the mechanism output member. The mechanisms are generally configured such that the repulsive force from one electromagnet is opposed by a repulsive force from another electromagnet, where the opposing forces are simultaneously applied to the mechanism's output member. This configuration is similar in certain aspects to the way biological flexor and extensor muscles are configured in a musculoskeletal system. The opposing configuration allows for open loop control of position and stiffness. The actuator mechanism may have both rotary and linear motion output, and may have either a single degree of freedom or multiple degrees of freedom. Permanent magnets can be used to create a baseline repulsive force without electric power, and electromagnets can modulate the repulsive force magnitude.

Abstract: A device for collecting board game pieces into a piece bag comprises a flexible board cover with a perimeter defining a first opening that may be secured to the game board, and a collar defining a passageway that may be secured to the piece bag. The board cover is preferably made out of mesh fabric and the perimeter is defined by elastic which when stretched is bigger than the board and when contracted is smaller than the game board. The collar may be secured to the piece bag by VELCRO or snaps. Alternatively, the collar is secured to the bag by an exterior bag formed integrally with the board cover section. The invention contemplates a board game packaged with such a device.

Abstract: A game wherein a player is sprayed with water if the player does not correctly answer a question within a time interval. The game may include a spray unit and an electronic visual display that are attached to a housing. The spray unit and visual display are connected to a controller circuit. The controller circuit may generate a question that is displayed by the visual display. The question can be provided to a player of the game. Alternatively, the game may have a speaker so that the question is provided to the player in an audible form. The game may initiate a timer when the question is displayed. The controller circuit can actuate the spray unit to spray a fluid onto the player if the player does not correctly answer the question within a time interval. The game may also have a reset switch which can reset the timer if a correct answer is provided within the time interval. If a correct answer is provided by the first player the same question can be provided to a second player and so forth and so on.

Abstract: A game board for playing a game upon which wagers are made. The board comprises an upper playing surface (12) presenting a plurality of player areas with each of the player areas including at least one wager indicator (20, 22, 24). Each wager indicator (20, 22, 24) is characterized by including a lens (27) substantially flush with the playing surface (12) and a sensor (28) for sensing the presence of a chip on the lens (27). The sensor (28) comprises a photocell under the lens (27) and in the center thereof for sensing the presence of a chip on the lens (27). The lens (27) is circular and a light (30), comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes in a circular tube, is disposed about the circumference of the lens (27) and around the sensor (28). A register (34) accumulates the wagers on each indicator (20, 22, 24) and a switching device (36) maintains the light (30) for each indicator (20, 22, 24) illuminated after a chip is removed from the lens (27).

Abstract: A system tracks information indicative of operations of one or more gaming tables, a dealer, a floor manager or a player. An electronic input device is placed at each table and receives the information.

Abstract: A multiple play gaming ticket, such as a pull-tab ticket 10 or "instant winner" lottery ticket, and a coordinating validation system. In its preferred form, the pull-tab ticket has multiple groups or plays 26 of indicia 22 which each create an independent opportunity to win. To deter fraud, a validation code 24 is provided which uniquely identifies the pull-tab ticket 10 and is not merely a representation of the indicia 22. The pull-tab ticket 10 is validated by a combination of validator machine 30 and a host computer 100. The validator machine reads the validation code and relays it the host computer to check for legitimacy (i.e., proper form and availability) and to correlate it to a stored record of gaming indicia 22. If approved, the host computer sends its record of gaming indicia back to the validator machine for display on monitor 50 and pay-out, as appropriate.

Abstract: A slidable card device is disclosed for assisting coaches, and assistant coaches, in alternating player positions during a T-Ball League or Little League ball game. In the preferred embodiment, the invention includes a thin, generally rectangular housing or sheath having a front, a back, two closed sides, and two opened ends. The front of the sheath includes a roster box for the coach to handwrite the names of his/her players in column format, as the players show up. Next to the player names is a viewing window which exposes an insert card inside the sheath. This insert card has a series of preprinted matrices that match the number of possible player positions for a ball game. Once the number of players has been determined, the coach selects which matrix appears in the window. Each matrix includes a series of columns which lists the possible player positions, for that game, in various orders.

Abstract: The gambling chip 10, having the general shape of a disc, includes two identical half-discs 11 and 12 in contact via axial spacing rings 21 and 22 respectively located on their internal faces. The half-discs 11 and 12 made of rigid plastic are fastened together by injection of a plastic seal 14 on the edge 35 of the chip into a peripheral annular region 16 lying between the two half-discs 11 and 12. The half-discs 11 and 12 have a central recess 26, 27 forming an internal central region 28 taking an electronic identification device 30 embedded in a wafer based on epoxy resin.

Abstract: The structure has a panel provided with a number of openings arranged in parallel rows and columns. Each opening may be opened and closed by a flap. A corner of each flap is removed so that a part of each opening remains open when the flap is closed. A completed crossword puzzle is held stationary beneath the upper panel. Each square of the puzzle displays either a letter or a blank. The square also displays in one of its corners an indication of what the remainder of the square displays whether a letter or a blank. Each square is visible through a respective opening when the flap which is closed by the opening is open and when the flap is closed the letter or blank within the square is hidden but the indication within the square is visible through the open part of the opening.

Abstract: Each of the four players of a game of contract bridge are provided with an identical battery operated module containing switches which a player uses to enter bids of from 1 to 7 in "Spades", "Hearts", "Diamonds", "Clubs" or "No-Trump", according to the rules of the game. Additionally there are switches for signalling, "Pass", "Double", and "Re-Double". After entering a bid via the switches of a player's module, an internal microcontroller decodes the switch values and generates the bid's digital representation which is stored in RAM, and is also input to an internal voice synthesizer. The voice synthesizer drives a small loudspeaker mounted in the module which outputs a verbal message audible to all the players which is the linguistic expression of the selected bid. The verbal message's expression is free of all oral mannerisms, and is determined solely by the electromechanical characteristics of the voice synthesizer.

Abstract: A system of sensors to prevent cheating at a casino gaming table, where the sensors are strategically positioned about a casino gaming table to monitor the movement about certain established areas on the gaming table during certain established times during the play of the game. The tripping of a sensor in response to the detection of unauthorized movement about a certain area of the table sends a signal to a monitoring system which in turn alerts the casino so that the casino may respond to the unauthorized movement accordingly. The system of sensors can be used with a wide variety of card-based or chip-based casino gaming tables.

Abstract: A reversible beverage coaster and lottery number picker having an opaque base, transparent covers attached to upper and lower portions of the base and a plurality of small disks in upper and lower cavities of the base. In the upper and lower cavities are traps for capturing some of the disks. The number of disks which can be captured by the traps is related to the lengths of the traps. The center portions of the transparent covers are depressed for supporting beverage glasses. Each of the disks has a number marked on opposite circular faces. Lottery numbers are generated by agitating the coaster to randomly position the disks inside of the coaster and then rotating the coaster to capture disks in the traps.

Abstract: A gambling chip includes a decorative pattern provided on at least one side thereof and on an edge thereof. The pattern is formed by pressure pad marking, i.e., applying an ink pattern to a deformable head and stamping the pattern on the chip. Repeated stamping of different color inks can create different patterns. A layer of varnish is also applied to the chip, either between ink layers or above or below all of the ink layers.

Abstract: A dual card scanning module announces when the symbols of a face-up standard playing card and a face-down standard playing card achieve a desired combination. The module has a scanner system that illuminates and scans at least a portion of a symbol of the face-up standard playing card and at least a portion of a symbol of the face-down standard playing card and stores the results thereof in a first and second array device, respectively. The module also has a guide to assist in receiving and positioning the cards such that the face-up standard playing card is above and aligned with the face-down standard playing card. When in this position, the symbol portions of the face-up and the face-down standard playing cards can be scanned by the array devices to generate respective scanning results. The module compares the scanning results with a memory storing a plurality of references representing respective symbols of the standard playing cards to determine if the cards have achieved the desired combination.

Abstract: A small, hand held, pocket size blackjack primer provides recommended actions for a blackjack player, depending upon the cards dealt to the player and the single open or face up card of the dealer. The device comprises an inner cylinder with a table of recommended actions therearound, and an outer cylinder with a single elongate window therein providing a view of a single row of recommended actions on the table at one time. A knob is provided at each end of the cylinder, to turn the table to an appropriate position. A position for the dealer's face up card and various combinations of the player's cards is provided adjacent the window. The player need only note the dealer's face up card and turn one of the knobs to position that value beneath the dealer card portion of the window, and then read the appropriate recommended action (hit, stand, double down, or split a pair) beneath his or her card value appearing in the window.

Abstract: The reminder device records the number rolled in the game of craps and displays a reminder to bet only when the number rolled meets a predetermined criterion. The reminder device also records the number of times the dice have been rolled since the number rolled was equal to seven and displays a reminder to bet only when the number of rolls meets a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: A combination lotto checker and scraper (26) comprising a handle/blade (28) having a transverse slot (30) extending through opposite side edges (32) and (34) thereof and a top recessed surface (36) above the transverse slot (30). In a first instance, a person (38) can write with a writing instrument (40) winning numbers (42) within the top recessed surface (36), insert and slide a lotto ticket (44) through the transverse slot (30) to compare the winning numbers (42) with numbers (46) on the lotto ticket (44). In a second instance, the person (38) can use the side edges (32) and (34) of the handle/blade (28) to scratch off lottery cards (48) to see the numbers (50) thereon.

Abstract: A playing card holder which includes a generally upstanding slot device extending into wings, the slot device being formed from a front plate and a rear plate with an elongated depression therebetween, the slot device being supported by a pillar which is capable of being supported by grasping the pillar by the fingers or one hand or supporting the pillar directly on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A selector apparatus is disclosed herein for randomly selecting a predetermined quantity of numbered spheres or balls which includes a cylindrical housing having an internal storage compartment occupied by the numbered spheres in a liquid solution such as oil. The compartment is connected to a display chamber by a funnel whereby the numbered spheres are introduced to the display chamber in a randomly selected order. At least the display chamber is defined by a transparent window permitting visual observation of the selected spheres. The storage compartment is of greater area than the display chamber and a support base or chain device may support the apparatus.

Abstract: A game wherein a player is squirted with water if the player does not correctly answer a question within a time interval. The game includes a plurality of cards that each have at least one question and a spray unit which has a manually activated resettable timer assembly. The timer assembly releases a fluid from the spray unit if not reset within a time interval. To play the game, the timer assembly is activated and a player is asked a question provided by a card. If the player answers the question correctly the timer is reset and the question is provided to another player. If the player does not answer the question correctly within the time interval the spray device squirts fluid onto the player. The player must then take the card, select a new card and repeat the process of setting the timer and asking other players a question from the newly selected card. This process is repeated until the players hold all of the cards. The player with the least amount of cards wins the game.

Abstract: A blackjack play option response indicator which presents the 350 card combinations and the appropriate play option response for each card combination, composed of two disk rotatably connected to each other. The back disk has thereon a plurality of radially arranged rows of play option response indicia, wherein "B" designates "blackjack"; "H" designates "hit"; "S" designates "stand"; "D" designates "double down"; and "SP" designates "split". There are 350 play option response indicia which correspond to the recommended play option responses uniquely corresponding to each and every one of the 350 card combinations possible in blackjack. Adjacent the perimeter of the back disk, dealer's up card value indicia are provided thereon. The front disk is provided with a view port in the form of, preferably, four radially arranged slots for being selectively aligned with the aforementioned play option response indicia.

Abstract: A dart score board has tokens moveable along tracks, each track corresponding to a region of a dart board. The score board also has point-score-keeping elements, such as sets of thumbwheels. Players record the progress (status) of a dart game by moving the tokens along the tracks and by advancing the point-score-keeping elements.

Abstract: The invention is a method of issuing or altering lottery tickets to make them less vulnerable to fraud. The method involves marking the ticket, either manually or mechanically, as void before it may be canceled by the machine. Ticket reprints would be eliminated, and the terminal would have to read a portion of the barcode and the void mark to cancel a ticket. A complete serial number could be typed in if the barcode is not able to be read by the terminal. The requirement that the actual ticket being canceled be read by the scanner in the terminal would eliminate the fraud associated with the cancellation of lottery tickets.

Abstract: A casino dolly for use in a roulette game includes sensors, preferably using passive infra red detection, to detect the presence of a hand or movement of chips in an area around the dolly. When the dolly is placed on the area of a winning number on a roulette board it will act to set off an alarm if the sensors detect an attempt to place late bets in the area around the dolly.

Abstract: A device for speeding the pace of a game of blackjack is provided. The device is comprised of a housing having a top surface. A card reader for reading at least a portion of a playing card is located within the housing. An indicator cooperating with the card reader is provided to inform the dealer if his down card is of a desired value. There is also disclosed herein a method for increasing the speed of play in an organized game of blackjack.

Abstract: A game timer is constructed in a form resembling an eye with a movable eye lid. The lid is positionable to cover the eye and to uncover the eye in accordance with an objective of the game in the timing of events in the game. Because the eye is an icon of knowledge and power, the psychological connection of such an icon with a game of information, the answering of questions and the evaluation of intellect, composure and other competitive aspects of human nature is important to the success of the game. A numerical processor and associated elements of the device provide programmability for controlling various aspects of the game and for keeping score.

Abstract: A composite gaming chip which includes a strong frame made of a brass ring with axial protrusions and a central aperature with notches. A display or electronic transponder is situated between two clear polycarbonate disks each having a recessed face surrounded by a rim. Tabs radially extending from each disk engage the notches in the brass ring. The assembly is inserted into the cavity of a plastic injection mold where it is bonded together by an injected thermoplastic. The gaming chip can be ground flat without scratching the clear recessed face of either disk.

Abstract: A module for announcing when a Dealer has blackjack without exposing the face of the Dealer's down-card. The module scans a character from the Dealer's face-down standard playing card, compares the result of the scan with a set of references, and identifies the down-card. The module also receives input from the Dealer as to the identity of the Dealer's up-card, and announces whether the Dealer has blackjack or the hand continues. The module is designed to be mounted to a blackjack table such that the surface of the module on which the standard playing card rests while being scanned is in the plane of the surface of the blackjack table, allowing the Dealer to slide the down-card across the table and onto the scanner without lifting, and potentially exposing, the card's face. The module also removes the noise generated by a casino's heat, dust, cigarette and cigar ashes, and lint from the felt of the blackjack table, during the scanning process.

Abstract: A network service system capable of providing economical services comprises a plurality of host computers connected to a network for providing services through the network and an information processing terminal connected to the network. The information processing terminal identifies a service identifier, provided in a storage medium for network service, for identifying a type of a network service when the storage medium is attached, connects the line to the host computer which corresponds to the identified service identifier and receives the network service from the line-connected host computer.

Abstract: A help-in-hand device that includes a housing member. The housing member has a base portion with four peripheral walls attached. The base has an upper surface that is accessible from within the housing member. Included are a pair of linear raised portions that are attached to the upper surface of the base portion. The pair of linear raised portion are spaced apart so as to define a channel. An extension pole with a bulbous end is coupled within the channel to the pair of linear raised portions. The extension pole is capable of rotating upward and downward within the housing. A clip is attached to the extension pole and capable of clasping a bingo card. Lastly, a lid is provided. The lid has a top portion with a front end, a back end and a pair of side ends. The lid is capable of being slidably positioned over the housing.

Abstract: This jig-saw puzzle holder comprises two co-extensive work panels hinged together at their inner edges to take a closed folded position and an open coplanar position with their inner edges forming a smooth joint. A liner sheet covers and is secured to the panels and serves as a work surface upon which puzzle pieces can be assembled. To each panel is associated a generally co-extensive flexible cover sheet to cover puzzle pieces on the liner sheet. The liner and cover sheets are hook-and-loop fastener fabric so that the cover sheets can adhere to the liner sheet to surround the partially assembled puzzle pieces and thus prevent shifting of these pieces. When the pieces are being assembled, the cover sheet is rolled up and retained in an out-of-the-way position. Each panel is provided with a drawer to store individual puzzle pieces. Each panel is used to assemble half of the completed puzzle and the two halves are assembled across the smooth joint of the two open coplanar panels.

Abstract: A module for announcing when a dealer has blackjack without exposing the face of the dealer's down-card. The module scans a character from the dealer's face-down standard playing card, compares the result of the scan with a set of references, and identifies the down-card. The module also receives input from the dealer as to the identity of the dealer's up-card, and announces whether the dealer has blackjack or the hand continues. The module is designed to be mounted to a blackjack table such that the surface of the module on which the standard playing card rests while being scanned is in the plane of the surface of the blackjack table, allowing the dealer to slide the down-card across the table and onto the scanner without lifting, and potentially exposing, the card's face. The module also removes the noise generated by a casino's heat, dust, cigarette and cigar ashes, and lint from the felt of the blackjack table, during the scanning process.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for recommending plays in the game of blackjack including a sheet having a sheet first face and a sheet second face, a dealer up card symbol printed on the sheet identifying a possible dealer up card, a player hand column of player hand symbols printed on the sheet first face corresponding to possible player card hands, and a recommended play column printed on the sheet first face beside the player hand column and containing symbols indicating recommended plays for a player to make corresponding to each player hand symbol in the player hand column for the particular dealer up card printed on the sheet. The apparatus preferably includes several of these sheets, where the sheets have differing dealer up card symbols for various possible dealer up cards. The sheets are preferably arranged in sequential order of dealer up card values indicated by the dealer up card symbols.

Abstract: A blackjack play option response indicator which presents the 350 card combinations and the appropriate play option response for each card combination, composed of two disk rotatably connected to each other. The back disk has thereon a plurality of radially arranged rows of play option response indicia, wherein "B" designates "blackjack"; "H" designates "hit"; "S" designates "stand"; "D" designates "double down"; and "SP" designates "split". There are 350 play option response indicia which correspond to the recommended play option responses uniquely corresponding to each and every one of the 350 card combinations possible in blackjack. Adjacent the perimeter of the back disk, dealer's up card value indicia are provided thereon. The front disk is provided with 4 radially arranged rows of apertures for being selectively aligned with the aforementioned play option response indicia.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a winning entry exists in a bingo game with a large number of entrants includes providing entry cards where the spaces on the cards containing numbers are divided into two or more groups. The symbols in the spaces of a group are arranged in patterns and patterns appear on more than one entry card. As numbers are selected as winning numbers in the bingo game, they are compared with a map of all patterns. If winning patterns are found to exist, the set of winning patterns is compared to a group map which lists all the combinations of patterns which exist to form entry cards. If a card exists with more than one group with winning patterns, a winning card exists and no more winning numbers need be selected.

Abstract: A jigsaw holder comprising a support member on which the jigsaw can be assembled, and a cover pivoted or hinged to the support member so as to be able to overlie the latter. The surface of the cover has a compressible non-slip layer to lock the assembled jigsaw pieces in position. Velcro tabs releasably secure the cover means in overlying relationship to the support member. The surface of the support member also has a non-slip compressible layer. A retaining sheet is provided to trap non-assembled jigsaw pieces between same and the cover.

Abstract: In a converting device for converting a box score in hockey game eventually to final statistics relating to composite power play, composite penalty efficiency, two-player power-play, two-player penalty efficiency, major power play, major penalty efficiency, composite hot seat, hot seat two-player disadvantage, hot seat major disadvantage, and earned goal average, and wherein the final statistics are, in turn, obtainable from intermediate statistical data, the improvement, wherein the intermediate statistical data are identifiable by a combination of respective letters and/or numbers, and are feedable into a standard calculator or computer so as to obtain the final statistics therefrom and wherein the connecting device is composed of a longitudinal carriage adapted to having a timing chart affixed thereto, and a converting apparatus for obtaining the intermediate statistical data from the box score.

Abstract: A lottery number picker which is supplied to a purchaser in disassembled form as a kit for picking numbers for daily and weekly lotteries comprising: a base having a cavity, a trap in the cavity for capturing thin cylindrical disks which are stored in the cavity; a plurality of thin cylindrical disks for loading into the cavity; and a transparent cover for viewing disks in the cavity. During an assembly of the kit by a purchaser, a selected number of disks which correspond to a purchaser's lottery are loaded into the cavity, excess disks are discarded and the cover is attached to the base. The disks are marked with numbers which correspond to the numbers from which the purchaser must choose in the purchaser's daily or weekly lottery.