Abstract: A method for determining term senses by identifying terms having multiple “senses” or meanings. For a given source term and trigger term, a list of important terms having high relevance to a combination of the source term and trigger term is created. The list of important terms is determined to be a “sense” for the source term in accordance with the present invention. A sense is assigned to a given term of a given document by determining similarity of the document to one or more senses and assigning a sense as a function of the degree of similarity. A sense-indicative index is created to treat multiple occurrences of a term distinctly, as a function of each respective assigned sense. Accordingly, the index may be used for sense-relevant information retrieval when a sense of a query term is discernible or specified.

Abstract: A gaming system has a central authority connected to a plurality of gaming machines. Player activity is tracked at the gaming machines during regular gaming sessions and during virtual gaming sessions. Such data is transmitted to the central authority for providing player points in a player account file of a central database. Regular gaming sessions occur between player card insertion and player card removal. Virtual gaming sessions may occur prior to player card insertion as well as after player card insertion. For example, a coin-in event prior to player card insertion will establish a virtual session, and credits remaining on the credit meter at a card-out event will establish a virtual gaming session.

Abstract: A sanitary brush cover system (10) for breathably isolating the bristled portion (2) of a brush (1) from contaminant particles and organisms is provided. The sanitary brush cover system (10) comprises a shroud member (20) which substantially enshrouds the bristled portion (2) of a given brush (1). The shroud member (20) includes a flexible body portion (25) formed of an air-permeable composition which is substantially impermeable to the contaminant atmospheric particles and organisms from which the bristled portion (2) is to be protected. The shroud member (20) also includes an inlet portion (30) through which bristled portion (2) of brush (1) is received. The shroud member (20) has coupled thereto adjacent the inlet portion (30) a closure mechanism (40) for selectively closing and opening the inlet portion (30) to, thereby, substantially enclose the bristled portion (2) therewithin. In one embodiment, the air-permeable composition is a fibrous fabric typically employed in forming surgical masks.

Abstract: A sleeping bag enclosure (10, 10', 100, 200, 200') is provided which includes an envelope (20, 20', 120, 220, 220') extending longitudinally from a closed end (26, 126, 226) to an open end (28, 128, 228). The sleeping bag enclosure (10, 10', 100, 200, 200') further includes a vented cover member (40, 40', 240) secured to the open end (28, 128, 228) of envelope (20, 20', 120, 220, 220') for forming a closure therefor. Vented cover member (40, 40', 240) includes a plurality of ventilation openings (42, 242) formed therethrough to allow air to be exchanged between the external environment and an internal space (34). The internal space (34) is maintained in an open condition to allow the user to be comfortably enclosed within the space (34).

Abstract: A gage for measuring diametral displacement within a rock sample for use in a rock mechanics laboratory and in the field, comprises a support ring housing a linear variable differential transformer, a mounting screw, and a leaf spring. The mounting screw is adjustable and defines a first point of contact with the rock sample. The leaf spring has opposite ends fixed to the inner periphery of the mounting ring. An intermediate portion of the leaf spring projecting radially inward from the ring is formed with a dimple defining a second point of contact with the sample. The first and second points of contact are diametrically opposed to each other. The LVDT is mounted in the ring with its axis parallel to the line of measurement and its core rod received in the dimple of the leaf spring. Any change in the length of the line between the first and second support points is directly communicated to the LVDT.

Abstract: A cutting table for cutting house siding is provided for use with a power saw held on a guide rotated to make miter cuts and hold the sheet on the table and against the rail. The guide swings free and folds off the table surface when mitered cuts are not necessary. A second guide may be folded onto the table surface to hold the power saw and cut at a 90.degree. angle to the rail.