Abstract: Described are embodiments directed to an apparatus that is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle with a fifth wheel. The apparatus allows a towing hitch to be attached to the vehicle which allows the vehicle to tow other vehicles. The apparatus includes an elongated beam with a forward portion, middle portion, and rearward portion and a kingpin connected to the middle portion of the beam and adapted to engage a fifth wheel. A mounting pin with a first end and a second end is connected to the rearward portion of the beam and is substantially perpendicular to the elongated beam. The apparatus further includes strut braces connected to either end of the mounting pin and that extend at an angle away from the mounting pin. The strut braces are also connected to leveling assemblies which are adapted to connect to a frame of the vehicle and are adapted to change the vertical position of the rearward portion of the beam.

Abstract: In some embodiments, system, devices and methods for monitoring and verifying foster care placement and processes are provided, the system and devices including a fingerprint scanner having a capability to associate fingerprint images within categories including clients, staff and providers, and also having the capability to group fingerprint images into visitation sets of data, and software for use in monitoring visitations by staff members with providers and clients using fingerprint images.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems are provided for mining alluvial gold deposits. The methods can comprise collecting feed from alluvium and washing the feed at high pressure. The feed can be separated into a plurality of separate fractions. At least one fraction is transferred to a metal sensor system using a conveyer, wherein when gold is detected in a piece of the fraction, an air blast can be targeted and delivered at the piece, with the air blast diverting the piece to a receiving container.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fishing float are provided. The fishing float has an internal axial passageway for use when a slip-type configuration for the float is desired, and a plurality of divergent passageways for use when a fixed-type configuration for the float is desired.

Abstract: In some embodiments, system, devices and methods for monitoring and verifying foster care placement and processes are provided, the system and devices including a fingerprint scanner configured with limited function keys to limit data tampering opportunities for users, with the fingerprint scanner having a capability to associate fingerprint images within categories including clients, staff and providers, and also having the capability to group fingerprint images into visitation sets of data, and software for monitoring the visitations by staff members with providers and clients using fingerprint images obtained using the fingerprint scanner.

Abstract: A wireless audience response system can have a host unit, presenter device, and a plurality of audience response units with keypads, with the host unit being communicatively coupled to a computer. In some embodiments, the audience response units can be used to execute functions using application programs within the computer remotely. Also, in other embodiments, the audience response units track delay times required for transmitting input data, with the delay times being usable in comparing response times at the host unit.

Abstract: A method for use in a system for prioritizing risks associated with the design and manufacture of products involves performing a failure mode detection analysis. Functions of the product and/or of the process and the effects of undesirable events related to malfunctions are characterized, and potential failure modes and causes for the effects are identified. The features of the product/process that are responsible for the undesirable effects are determined. Severity, occurrence and detectability of the undesirable events are evaluated using specific measures designed to encourage score keeping, and risk factor numbers are computed. The resultant numbers are ranked and prioritized for a set of selected functions. Risk reduction may then be performed through engineering activities directed to remedy causes associated with the malfunctioning features. Failure mode detection analysis may be updated to continue incremental and focused improvements to the product and/or process.

Abstract: Various game embodiments and methods of playing the same comprising a plurality of game components that can be projected onto a surface. The game components can have a plurality of indicia thereon with some indicia being determinative of how a particular game component can interact with other game components and some indicia signifying a distance within which a game component must be deployed to another game component in order for the game component to affect the another game component.