Certain novel formulations of plant growth media additives that act in such a manner as to permit proper amounts of moisture to contact root systems in order to reduce hydrophobicity within said media. The inventive formulation comprising multi-branched surfactant compounds with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic constituents within each branch attached to a polyfunctional base compound permit effective moisture penetration through plant growth media for sustained seedling and plant growth therein. Such multi-branched wetting agents provide sustained moisture penetration over a sustained period of time, since the individual branches of such compounds may become dissociated from its base polyfunctional compound. Since such branches include both hydrophobic and hydrophilic constituents themselves, and thus act as wetting agents, even after degradation of the initial surfactant compound, repeated wetting and moisture penetration, at least, are permitted. Methods of treating plant growth media with such compounds and formulations thereof are also contemplated within this invention.

An improved plant breeding system for high throughput analysis of plant phenotype and genotype is provided. A method for analyzing the impact of genetic modifications on plants and selecting a plant with a genetic modification of interest is also provided. Also provided is a method for developing marketable information for improved plant breeding and a method for collecting data on a selected plant phenotype for rapid analysis of the effect of a genetic modification on the selected phenotype.

An automated method for analyzing seeds generally includes collecting image data from individual seeds using a seed sampling system, determining at least one characteristic of each of the individual seeds based on the collected image data, and removing tissue from each of the individual seeds using the seed sampling system. The method also includes, prior to removing the tissue sample from each of the individual seeds, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the seed sampling system based on the at least one characteristic of the seed from which the tissue is to be removed to thereby allow for generally consistent removal of tissue from each of the individual seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic.

Turf (1) for sports, recreational activities and/or for ornamental purposes comprising a mat of flexible material (10) equipped with a first face (11) and a second face (12) opposite to each other. To the mat (10) a plurality of fibers (20) are connected of an artificial material in such a way that it forms an artificial turf (50) that protrudes from the first face (11). The turf (1) comprises, furthermore, a measured amount of a loose infill material (50), for example of granular type, distributed on the face (11) of the mat (10). The turf (1) comprises, furthermore, natural vegetable material, i.e. plants, belonging to one, or more plant species (30) put in the loose infill material (50) by means of sowing, transplantation of portions of plants, or a combination of the two solutions. The fibers of artificial material (20) have a profiled shape comprising a main blade (21) and at least one side wing (22). More precisely, the side wing (22) has a curved profile suitable for forming a channel (25) arranged substantially parallel to the main blade (21) in order to form a channel that is substantially parallel to said main blade, so that the profile of the channel partially or completely encircles the spaces that are occupied by water, roots and loose infill material, creating a water reserve for roots.

A method for cultivating algae can include providing a body of water in a substantially enclosed system. The enclosed system can have a length of channel and a cover. The method can optionally include circulating the body of water through the enclosed system under positive pressure conditions. The positive pressure should prevent ingress of any external atmosphere or material. Further, the method can include cultivating the algae in the body of water at conditions which promote growth. Likewise, a system for cultivating algae can include a channel with a cover, water in the channel, and a pump to introduce positive pressure into the system.

A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly.

A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

A prevegetated blanket is formed, grown, and transported to an installation site in a tray specifically suited for this purpose. Growth in a tray system offers an improved and protected root system and provides for ease of transport and installation. The tray has side walls and a t-grid floor to permit growth of the blanket. The tray also has interlocking capabilities for nestable or non-nestable stacking. After growth in a controlled environment, the prevegetated blanket with the tray is transferred to a specific site and installed immediately after soil is prepared. Due to the tray design, the product is light weight and facilitates ease of handling with minimal disturbance of the root structure.

A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a coating having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that has an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, and boron; wherein the nonmetal is present in at least about 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate.

An automated seed sampler system includes an imaging device for obtaining images of seeds, an orienting device for orienting the seeds based on the images, and a sampling station for removing tissue from the oriented seeds. In some aspects, the system also includes a transport subsystem for supporting the oriented seeds and conveying the oriented seeds to the sampling station. A method for removing tissue from seeds includes imaging the seeds, orienting the seeds based on image information obtained from the seeds, and removing tissue from the oriented seeds. In some aspects, the method also includes transporting the oriented seeds in a transport subsystem to a sampling station for removing the tissue from the oriented seeds, and/or collecting the tissue removed from the oriented seeds so that a one-to-one correspondence exists between the tissue and the sampled seeds, and/or analyzing the tissue for characteristics indicative of genetic and/or chemical traits.

A plant cultivation device and feed-water control method, in which a detected moisture amount to start watering and a water amount to be used per watering are easily determined, includes a plant cultivation container for pooling plant cultivation water; a water-absorbing plant cultivation bed material; a feed-water device for supplying the plant cultivation water to the plant cultivation container; a first moisture sensor for detecting moisture around an immersed part of the plant cultivation bed material; a second moisture sensor for detecting moisture around a growth part of the plant cultivation bed material where a root of a plant is received; and a controller for supplying water when values detected by both of the first and second moisture sensors are below respective reference values, and for stopping water supply when a value detected by either the first or second moisture sensor is above the corresponding reference value.

Embodiments are described for a closed-loop, vertical garden system for growing plants and filtering air and water comprising: a support structure; a composite, grow media configured to physically support the growth of plants and distribute water to the roots of the plants through capillary action through the area of the grow media; a water source coupled to the grow media through a pump and plumbing system, wherein the plumbing system is configured to draw water from the water source through the grow media and back to the water source in substantially closed loop aquatic system; and an air flow subsystem configured to draw outside air through the plants and transmit filtered air back out of the support structure.

A planter for holding a plant includes a container having an open upper end. The container has side walls extending downward from the upper end and tapering inward to a lower end. A base at the lower end of the container has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the upper end. A circumferential ring surrounds the lower end of the container. The circumferential ring has an upper edge that extends outward from the container by a distance such that removal of the container and ring from a mold as a single unit would be inhibited. Accordingly, the container and the circumferential ring are molded from a thermoplastic material as separate components. The circumferential ring fits around the lower end of the container and is held in place by a mechanical interlock between the container and the ring.

A pneumatic system of an agricultural implement includes a radial fan coupled with a plenum. The plenum contains outlets which distribute the airflow into a plurality of product distribution lines for application to a field. An airflow deflector plate has a back face fixed on a sidewall of a region interconnecting the fan outlet and plenum inlet to modify the airflow pattern and obtain an airflow that is at a uniform pressure and flow rate for each product distribution line. The deflector plate is tapered with a narrow edge pointed upstream and includes front face having at least one generally rectangular groove with a bottom surface extending generally parallel to the deflector back face.

A diffusion device for atomizing liquids includes a floating magnet disposed within a track inside at least one package with liquid for the atomizing diffusion device, wherein as a liquid level inside the package changes, the floating magnet moves substantially vertically along the track, a plurality of Hall effect sensors or Hall effect switches disposed outside the liquid at various positions, the Hall effect sensors or Hall effect switches each generating an output voltage in response to a magnetic field of the floating magnet, and a processor that receives the output voltages and fits them to a model that includes the floating magnet position with respect to various sets of output voltages to determine a position of the floating magnet with respect to the Hall effect sensors.

The invention regards in a first aspect a body-worn/carried pump station comprising a housing having at least one compartment, in said housing having at least a pump, a motor and an internal power supply, where said motor is powered by said internal power supply, and a container comprising material to be pumped, wherein said pump has means for connecting said container, at least one hose connected to said pump in one end and connected to a dispensing means in the other end for dispensing material pumped from the container, control means for start/stop and/or for controlling and/or setting up said pump station, and a display, wherein at least said control means or said display is located remotely from said pump station. The invention regards in second aspect a container connector assembly, comprising: a first connector comprising a first inlet and first outlet, a second connector comprising a second inlet a second outlet, a first mounting means on said first connector for connecting said first connector to a container comprising a container opening, a second mounting means on said first connector for connecting said first connector to second connector, a third mounting means on said second connector for receiving said first connector, a fourth mounting means on said second connector for connecting said second connector to a device comprising a device opening, a valve inside said first connector and/or inside said second connector to be opened and closed, wherein said second and/or third mounting means is configured for connecting said first connector to said second connector by a translational movement of said connector(s), and wherein said translational movement is substantially perpendicular to an axis formed along said first outlet and second inlet when the connectors are connected.

The present invention provides spray devices for plumbing fixture fittings and unitarily formed components thereof having complex flow paths, made of multiple materials, and/or that are movable.

In one embodiment, a method of creating a protected field is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes directing a first flow of air around a target space, drawing the first flow of air in through a primary air intake vent to create a first flow field envelope. In one embodiment, a second flow of air is directed within the first flow field envelope.

Hand-operated pliers for piercing an irrigation pipe and fitting such an irrigation pipe with a drip emitter, include two jaws, a device for piercing the pipe as the two jaws are brought closer together and a device for fitting a drip emitter onto the pierced pipe while the two jaws are being brought closer together, for fitting such a pipe with such a drip emitter.

A multifunctional hand-operable beverage service tool includes a casing having a cavity defined therein, the casing having a proximal end region and a distal end region. A plurality of tools are pivotally coupled to said casing, the tools each being independently pivotable relative to the casing along an arcuate path defined between retracted and deployed positions; wherein one of said plurality of tools comprises a wine key lever. A first opening is positioned through the distal end region of the casing, the first opening being constructed and arranged to engage and remove a bottle cap. A second opening comprising a finger hole is positioned through the proximal end region of the casing.

An on-board hydride storage system and process are described. The system includes a slurry storage system that includes a slurry reactor and a variable concentration slurry. In one preferred configuration, the storage system stores a slurry containing a hydride storage material in a carrier fluid at a first concentration of hydride solids. The slurry reactor receives the slurry containing a second concentration of the hydride storage material and releases hydrogen as a fuel to hydrogen-power devices and vehicles.

This tool, which is in particular a hammer, comprises a gripping handle, a striking head, and an intermediate shaft extending the handle and supporting the head, whereas the handle comprises a tube in which the shaft partially extends, this tube and this shaft being made from a rigid material presenting a first hardness. This shaft has a radial area bearing against the tube, with interposition of a link part, for absorbing vibrations, made from flexible material presenting a second hardness that is much lower than the first hardness, and a free terminal area, not covered by the link part, radially separated from the walls of the tube so as to be able to vibrate freely in an internal volume of the tube.

A combination axe, sledge hammer and pick (CASHP) that is particularly designed for use by firefighters. The CASHP includes a front end and a rear end. The front end has an upper section that functions as an axe blade and the lower section functions as a sledge hammer. The rear section includes a pick that can be utilized for a variety of functions. By incorporating three tools in a single structure the weight that a firefighter carries is lessened. Thus, reducing fatigue and the time that is required to cut through an obstruction to reach fire victims.

An exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus comprising: a brush component comprising a handle on a first end of a shaft and a brush on a second end of the shaft; and a shovel component removably connected to the brush component; wherein the brush is at least partially enclosed within the shovel component when the shovel component is connected to the brush component, and wherein the brush is exposed when the shovel component is disconnected from the brush component.

The invention concerns barrier films comprising: (i) a substrate comprising at least first and second coatings on the substrate; (ii) the first coating comprising an inorganic oxide, metal oxide or metallic coating; and (iii) the second coating capable of adhering to the substrates, wherein the second coating is polymeric; wherein the degradation of oxygen transmission rate is reduced when compared to a barrier film without the second coating when the barrier film is subjected to Gelbo-type flexing as described in ASTM F392.

Silane-crosslinkable polymeric compositions comprising a polyolefin having hydrolyzable silane groups, an acidic silanol condensation catalyst, a phenolic antioxidant, and an ester-functionalized thioether. Such crosslinkable polymeric compositions can be employed in various articles of manufacture, such as in the wire and cable industry.

A method for protecting a surface of an article from sulfate corrosion resulting from exposure to a sulfate containing material at an elevated temperature includes coating the surface with a nickel based material to form an anti-corrosion coating. The nickel based material includes NiO, a spinel of formulation AB2O4, or a combination thereof, wherein A includes nickel, and B includes iron or a combination of manganese and a B site dopant.

An anchor layer formation composition, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer-attached optical film, and an image display device are provided, in which the composition includes an oxazoline group-containing polymer and an ionic compound including a cation component and a sulfonyl group-containing anion component and is capable of forming an anchor layer that can improve the adhesion between a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and an optical film when interposed therebetween, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer-attached optical film has high durability and good reworkability and allows the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to resist chipping, and the image display device has the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer-attached optical film.

An aromatic printed object containing a film-like substrate and a printing section formed on the film-like substrate using a perfume microcapsule-containing toner. The aromatic printed object is an adhesive sheet wherein the printing section is adherend surface. A protective layer is pressed with the adherend surface. A fragrance diverges by peeling off the protective layer of the film-like substrates.

Provided is a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having excellent ductility and stretch-flangeability as well as weldability in a range in which a tensile strength is 980 MPa or higher and a 0.2% yield strength is less than 700 MPa (preferably 500 MPa or higher). In the high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet of the present invention, the chemical composition is adjusted as appropriate, and the area ratio of below-mentioned metal structures at a position of ¼ sheet thickness in the steel sheet satisfies following requirements: tempered martensite: 10 area % to less than 30 area %, bainite: more than 70 area %, total of tempered martensite and bainite: 90 area % or more, ferrite: 0 area % to 5 area %, and retained austenite: 0 area % to 4 area %. The high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet has excellent ductility, stretch-flangeability, and weldability, and has a tensile strength of 980 MPa or higher and a 0.2% yield strength of less than 700 MPa.

Methods of producing a polyamide filaments and fibers are provided. The methods include providing a dual-terminated polyamide and spinning the dual-terminated polyamide at a speed of 3500 m/min to 8000 m/min to form a fiber. In one embodiment, the polyamide has an amine endgroup concentration of 25 mmol/kg to 40 mmol/kg and a carboxyl endgroup concentration of 18 mmol/kg to 50 mmol/kg. Fibers and yarns comprising polyamide filaments and fibers formed from the method are also disclosed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an ultrafine fiber-containing sheet with suppressed yellowing. Another object of the present invention is to provide an efficient method for eliminating an introduced substituent, and a composite sheet comprising an organic layer and/or an inorganic layer laminated on the obtained sheet. The present invention provides a method for producing an ultrafine fiber-containing sheet, comprising (a) introducing a substituent having electrostatic and/or steric functionality to a fiber raw material to obtain substituent-introduced fiber; (b) machine-processing the substituent-introduced fiber obtained in the step (a) to obtain substituent-introduced ultrafine fiber; (c) preparing a sheet from the substituent-introduced ultrafine fiber obtained in the step (b); and (d) eliminating at least a portion of introduced substituents from the sheet obtained in the step (c). In a preferred aspect, the substituent having electrostatic and/or steric functionality is a phosphoric acid-derived group, and the method may further comprise, after the step (a) and before the step (c), the step of (e) changing the degree of neutralization of the substituent-introduced fiber or the substituent-introduced ultrafine fiber.

The present invention relates to a sizing composition that, when applied to paper substrate, creates a substrate, preferably suitable for inkjet printing, having increased print density, print sharpness, low HST, and/or image dry time, the substrate preferably having high brightness and reduced color-to-color bleed as well. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of reducing the HST of a paper substrate by applying the sizing composition to at least one surface thereof. Further the application relates to methods of making and using the sizing composition, as well as methods of making and using the paper containing the sizing composition.

A reduced weight, reduced density gypsum panel that includes high expansion vermiculite with fire resistance capabilities that are at least comparable to (if not better than) commercial fire rated gypsum panels with a much greater gypsum content, weight and density.

A laminate including a radio wave permeable member having a radio wave permeability; and a heat conducting member having an electromagnetic wave shielding property and/or a rigidity retaining member having an electromagnetic wave shielding property in the thickness direction of the radio wave permeable member; wherein the laminate has a radio wave permeable area solely constituted from the radio wave permeable member as a part of the laminate, and the radio wave permeable area is a thin area; and an integrally molded article using such laminate.

A base for a magnetic recording medium includes, a substrate made of an Al alloy, and a film made of a NiP-based alloy and provided on the substrate. The Al alloy of the substrate includes Mg in a range of 0.2 mass % to 6 mass %, Si in a range of 3 mass % to 17 mass %, Zn in a range of 0.05 mass % to 2 mass %, and Sr in a range of 0.001 mass % to 1 mass %. An average grain diameter of Si grains in an alloy structure of the substrate is 2 μm or less. The film has a thickness of 10 μm or greater. The substrate has an outer diameter of 53 mm or greater, a thickness of 0.9 mm or less, and a Young's modulus of 79 GPa or higher.

There is provided a surface-treated copper foil including a surface coating layer provided on at least one surface of a copper foil, the surface coating layer being mainly composed of silicon with a hydrogen content of 1 to 35 atomic % and/or a carbon content of 1 to 15 atomic %. This foil can be manufactured by forming a surface coating layer composed mainly of silicon with the above hydrogen and carbon contents on at least one surface of the copper foil by PVD or CVD. The present invention can provide a copper foil with a surface coating layer that can achieve a high bonding strength to a resin layer even if the copper foil has an extremely smooth surface such as one formed by vapor deposition, for example, sputtering and also has a desirable insulation resistance suitable for achieving a fine pitch in a printed wiring board.

This invention combines the use of double sided reversible informational wrist badges (badges) with trading card games. The badges are worn on the inside and the outside of the wrist and coupled with the trading cards introduce a further degree of randomness in the game play. The objective of the game is to reduce the health indicator of the other player to zero, where the player is forced to play another character until one player remains with no surviving characters. Badges are utilized in primarily two or more ways, technical data is labeled on each side of the battle badge, the player turns the badge over to show the attribute they wish imbued on their character (such as additional health, strength, aid another character, shields/defense, and offense/attacks). Badges may also be shifted from the front to the back of the wrist to communicate a further degree of game play information.

Card shuffler apparatuses include a card repositioner used to randomly reposition a plurality of cards on-edge over an aperture extending through a card support surface to allow cards to sequentially pass through the aperture in a random order. The apparatuses may be capable of continuously and sequentially forming playing card hands for use in a game. Shuffler apparatuses may be used to obtain a measurement relating to a thickness of the deck of cards. Methods involve the use of card shuffler apparatuses to form one or more playing card hands in a playing card game. Additional methods involve counting playing cards present within a stack of playing cards using a shuffler apparatus. In further methods, a number of shuffler apparatuses and a lesser number of shuffler activation devices are provided in a gaming establishment so as to preclude simultaneous use of all the shuffler apparatuses in the establishment.

This invention relates in general to target games and methods for animating a target game and playing an animated target game. In the present invention, a game with an animated component comprises a target structure having a first target surface and a second target surface. In some embodiments, the first target surface is separated from the second target surface by a joint. An animation mechanism is provided for moveably connecting the first target surface to the second target surface at the joint.

A new competitive indoor/outdoor skill game, based on a smaller table-top version. The patio/lawn-sized cup and ball game allows for various modifications and improvements to earlier versions. The game is played on a scale similar to traditional outdoor games, such as horseshoes and washers.

An educational word game designed to be played with cards or with card squares with three level and three series. The game is entertaining and competitive and functions for the entire family with its multitude of games. It is a developmental tool, a teaching tool and an ongoing learning process of vocabulary building skills. In the Level I game the three letters selected are used independently of each other in the first position of each word, Level II Game in the second position, and Level III in the third position. The first series focus on single letters for all three game levels, the second series on the double letters, and the third series on triple letters. The alphabet letters and the corresponding numbers guideline have many useful purposes.

The present invention provides shuffled playing cards which eliminate the need for a game host to shuffle cards before games by taking a lot of time as well as eliminate the possibility of cheating. A shuffled playing cards (1) obtained by shuffling a predetermined number of decks of playing cards (12) using a shuffling machine is packaged as an individual pack. The shuffled playing cards (1) is individually packaged and sealed with an adhesive label (13). A bar code (13a) which represents a unique shuffled card ID has been printed on the adhesive label (13). The shuffled card ID is registered in a database by being associated with information which allows identification of a shuffling machine used to shuffle the playing card set.

Card handling devices may include a card shuffling apparatus and a card output portion having a card buffer area positioned at an interface of the card shuffling apparatus and the card output portion. The card output portion may be configured to move relative to the card shuffling apparatus and alter the orientation of the card buffer area. Card handling devices having a substantially flat card output area may include an interface portion having an at least substantially flat draw surface. The substantially flat card output area may permit playing cards to be drawn from an outlet of the substantially flat card output area in a plurality of at least substantially horizontal directions. Methods of shuffling playing cards may include altering an orientation of a card buffer area and inserting cards into the card buffer area at both a top and a bottom of a group of cards within the card buffer area.

A novelty apparel includes multiple attached conformable, selectable and viewable occupational role playing indicia. A baseball cap includes a dome shaped crown of compound curves and a forward facing sun visor brim portion, a display region in a central front face portion of the dome shaped crown, where the display region displays a first permanent occupational status identifier and a mounting region for a secondary occupational status identifier selectable from a number of different indicia carried on a display surface conformable to said dome shaped crown. The selected indicium is displayed centered above the brim. The display surface conforms to the curved exterior of the dome shaped crown, wherein the baseball cap does not deviate substantially from the look of a typical baseball cap with a single permanent indicium.

Disclosed is a dart game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in order to implement the aforementioned object. The dart game apparatus includes: a dart target having a plurality of score areas; a sensing module configured to sense an electrical signal changed as a dart pin hits the dart target; a controller configured to control an overall operation of the dart game apparatus; and a camera module configured to include a plurality of camera units, wherein the camera module includes a first camera unit configured to photograph a throw line which is a location where a player throws a dart and a whole body of the player, a second camera unit configured to photograph at least a part of a body for identifying the player, a third camera unit configured to photograph the entirety of the dart target, and a fourth camera unit configured to photograph at least a partial area in an area formed between the throw line and the dart game apparatus in order to photograph a blind zone which is not photographed by the first camera unit, the second camera unit, and the third camera unit.

Cornhole games have been a mainstay during tailgating events at football games across the United States. However, the traditional cornhole game offers little challenge as the board has but one target opening and scoring is limited. Further, the traditional cornhole game has no real connection to the game of football; it does not present a representation of the field of play and does not apply the rules of football. The purpose of this invention is to create a method of play for a bean bag tossing game that is based on the game of football and incorporates the rules and strategies of the game of football. In an effort to create such a football-based bean bag tossing game, the game should incorporate the concepts of kickoffs, including onside kickoffs, punts, including fake punts, driving down the field by gaining yardage, the ability to kick a field goal or score a touchdown when in scoring position, the loss of yardage through application of penalties, the loss of possession through the application of turnovers, the possibility of scoring a touchdown after an opponent's turnover, the ability to attempt a last-chance Hail Mary touchdown, and the option to try for a 2-point conversion after a touchdown is scored. The game should also provide the player with an opportunity to use strategy when deciding what plays to make. With this football-based bean bag toss game, all of the main elements of the game of football listed above are incorporated and the game plays out similarly to a real game of football.

Tailgating, or having party prior to a sporting event, most often a football game, is an American pastime. In recent years, tailgating has expanded to other sports, including baseball. For many years, cornhole games have been a mainstay during tailgating events at football games across the United States. However, the traditional cornhole game offers little challenge as the board has but one target opening and scoring is limited. Further, the traditional cornhole game has no real connection to the game of baseball; it does not present a representation of the field of play and does not apply the rules of baseball. The purpose of this invention is to create a method of play for a bean bag tossing game that is based on the game of baseball and incorporates the rules and strategies of the game of baseball. In an effort to create a baseball-based bean bag tossing game, the game must incorporate the imagery of a baseball field, the rules of the game, and the concepts of pitching, including balls, strikes and hits, one-, two- and three-base hits, homeruns, sacrifice bunts and sacrifice flies, outs at first, second and third base, fly outs, infield fly-outs and outfield fly-outs, double plays, steals and extra base hits. Players attempt to get hits to get runners on base, then try to bring the runners home to score.The game should also provide the player with an opportunity to use strategy when deciding what plays to make. With this baseball-based bean bag toss game, all of the main elements of the game of baseball listed above are incorporated and the game plays out similarly to a real game of baseball.

A method of automatically generating a calibration file for a card handling device comprises automatically generating a calibration file stored in memory of a main control system for a card handling device. Automatically generating the calibration file comprises identifying at least one parameter associated with a rank area around a rank of at least a portion of the card, identifying at least one parameter associated with a suit area around a suit of the at least a portion of the card, and storing the at least one parameter associated with the rank area and the at least one parameter associated with the suit area in the calibration file. Additionally, a method of automatically generating deck libraries for one or more decks of cards comprises automatically generating a plurality of master images for the cards of the first deck type using the parameters from the calibration file.