Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating and distributing electronic trading cards, such as for use with mobile devices, generates instances of electronic trading cards and distributes the instances to users over a computer network. A finite number of instances of each electronic trading card may be generated. Electronic trading card instances may include an image and a digital watermark. Each instance of an electronic trading card may have a unique identifier. One instance of an electronic trading card may include content that is not included on all other instances of the same card. A randomly-generated “pack” of cards may be purchased by and distributed to the user. The contents of the pack may not be made visible to the user until completion of the purchase. Users may purchase additional features, such as a guarantee that the user will not be provided with duplicate instances of any trading card.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system distributes digital content (such as electronic trading cards) to users and receives such content back from the users. Consideration, such as rewards, may be provided to users in exchange for the digital content they return to the system. For example, a redemption program may provide a reward to users who redeem a specified group of electronic trading cards. Users may trade digital content with each other, and a user who returns a particular unit of digital content need not be the user to whom the digital content unit was originally distributed. Cards may be individually identifiable, enabling both the original recipient of a digital content unit and the redeeming user to be identified. Each user may use the system to keep track of the digital content units that the user has returned to the system so far.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, purified mammalian NPFF receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian NPFF receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of isolating mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian NPFF receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of NPFF receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: A spring-biased filter assembly for a liquid dispenser is disclosed that permits ready removal of a filter assembly from a filter housing. The filter housing includes a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a liquid passageway therebetween. The filter housing also has an opening in communication with the liquid passageway. The filter assembly comprises a closure element positioned in the opening and releasably coupled to the filter housing through movement between connected and disconnected positions with respect to the filter housing. A filter element is positioned in the liquid passageway and coupled to the closure element. A biasing member is coupled to the closure element and the filter element and biases the closure element into the connected position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing data and communicating encrypted data are provided. A method of processing data and communicating encrypted data may include receiving input traffic data at a first interface of a channel service unit/data service unit (CSU/DSU). The method may also include determining management data associated with the input traffic data. The method may also include encrypting the management data at the CSU/DSU to produce encrypted management data. The method may further include sending the encrypted management data via a second interface of the CSU/DSU to a remote terminal of a local area network for viewing by user via a data router coupled to the CSU/DSU.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, purified mammalian NPFF receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian NPFF receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of isolating mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian NPFF receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of NPFF receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: A system for delivering blood, cardioplegia solution, and other medications or fluids in a pulsatile flow pattern to a patient during cardiopulmonary bypass is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a pumping apparatus having at least one chamber is utilized in which a pumping action is achieved by compressing one of the chambers with a piston mechanism, while allowing the other chamber to fill with fluid via retracting its respective piston. The instantaneous flow rate of either of the chambers is determined by the speed of the piston. In a preferred embodiment, a pulsatile flow of fluid is achieved by cyclically alternating the velocity of the piston between two different speeds. A desired average flow rate and/or delivery pressure and/or constant pulse pressure is maintained by adjusting the alternating velocities at the desired frequency and duty cycle. The calculations necessary to obtain a desired average flow rate are performed by a microprocessor, which also controls the movement of the pistons.

Abstract: A method and system for use in identifying customer premises equipment (CPE) in a distributed network are presented. The method includes receiving a first point-to-point-over Ethernet active discovery packet generating a device identifier code that identifies a product model of a customer premises equipment (CPE) device, and sending a second point-to-point over Ethernet (PPPoE) active discovery packet. The second PPPoE active discovery packet includes a tag that includes the device identifier code.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, purified mammalian SNORF33 receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian SNORF33 receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian SNORF33 receptors, methods of isolating mammalian SNORF33 receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian SNORF33 receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian SNORF33 receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of SNORF33 receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: A method and system for use in identifying customer premises equipment (CPE) in a distributed network are presented. The method utilizes a unique identifier provided by a CPE device to a host server during the discovery stage of PPPoE communications in a distributed network. The server receives the unique identifier and stores the identifier for use in identifying and managing CPE devices attached to a service provider's network. The host server is configured to receive an active discovery packet from a communications device. The active discovery packet has a tag comprising a device identifier field. The device identifier includes chipset and firmware information regarding remote DSL CPE.

Abstract: Provision for scalable cleansing and value enhancement of data in the context of a multi-source multi-tenant data repository. The source data comes from multiple sources and on multiple topics. Evolutionarily tracked source data tags are used to hold tracking information reflecting the nature and sources of each change to the data, as it is affected during the various stages of data processing. The stages of processing include validation, normalization, single-source cleansing and cross-source processes. Various rules are applied during these stages, and evolutionarily tracked source data tags are used to record sources and agents of all changes to the data. As information is processed, transformed, and added to the repository, corresponding evolutionarily tracked source data tags are stored in association with the various information elements. The information contained in these tags can be used to enforce data entitlements in a multi-tenant data repository environment.

Abstract: A multi-source multi-tenant reference data utility and methods for forming and maintaining the same, delivering high quality reference data in response to requests from clients, implemented using a shared infrastructure, and also providing added value services using the client's reference data. Included are data cleansing and quality assurance of the received data with full tracking of the sourcing of each value, storage of resulting entity values in a repository which allows retrievals and enforces source based entitlements, and delivery of retrieved data in the form of on demand datasets supporting a wide range of client application needs. An advantageous implementation has additional services for reporting on data quality and usage, a selection of value adding data driven computations and business document storage.

Abstract: A manifold for a liquid material dispenser has a unitary manifold body with process air and liquid material passages formed therethrough. Heaters for heating the process air and liquid material are both coupled directly to the manifold body and cooperate to simultaneously heat both the air and liquid material. The air and liquid material heaters may be arranged in either a generally vertical orientation, or a horizontal orientation with respect to the manifold body. In one embodiment, the process air heater includes a cylindrical member which is substantially exposed to the process air to optimize heat transfer from the cylindrical member to the process air.

Abstract: A tool for removal of an automotive window belt molding from a body member includes a formed hook on the end of a generally flat, rigid, elastically deformable planar sheet.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding chimeric G proteins, vectors comprising nucleic acids encoding chimeric G proteins, cells comprising such vectors, processes of determining agonists and antagonists of mammalian G protein-coupled receptors utilizing chimeric G proteins, processes of determining compounds which bind to mammalian G protein-coupled receptors utilizing chimeric G proteins, processes for making a composition of matter which specifically binds to a mammalian G protein-coupled receptor utilizing chimeric G proteins, processes for preparing a composition which comprises admixing a carrier and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a chemical compound identified by a process of the invention utilizing chimeric G proteins, processes of identifying a ligand for a mammalian G protein-coupled receptor utilizing chimeric G proteins, and processes of screening a plurality of independent clones to identify and isolate a clone encoding a mammalian G protein-coupled receptor utilizing chi

Abstract: A manifold for distributing liquid and process air to at least one dispensing module including a manifold body adapted to overlie at least a portion of a substrate. The manifold body includes a front surface having a liquid outlet vertically spaced above a process air outlet. The front surface of the manifold body is configured to carry at least one dispensing module having a liquid inlet and a process air inlet in communication with the liquid outlet and process air outlet in the manifold body. A groove is formed in the front surface of the manifold body between the liquid outlet and process air outlet and adapted to collect any liquid dripping from the liquid outlet toward the process air outlet when the dispensing module is removed from the manifold body thereby preventing the liquid from reaching the process air outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid onto a substrate including a horizontally-oriented manifold body having spaced apart front and rear surfaces and a lower surface extending between the front and rear surfaces. The lower surface is adapted to overlie at least a portion of the substrate. At least one dispensing module is mounted on the front surface of the manifold body and includes a discharge end for dispensing liquid onto the substrate. The discharge end is positioned proximate the lower edge of the front surface and the forward edge of the lower surface. The lower surface of the manifold body is angled in an upward direction generally from the front edge to the rear edge to progressively increase the distance between the lower surface and the substrate from front to rear when the front surface is vertically oriented and the substrate is horizontally oriented beneath the manifold body. The angled lower surface also facilitates substrates approaching the apparatus at a similar angle.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, purified mammalian NPFF receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian NPFF receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian NPFF receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of isolating mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian NPFF receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian NPFF receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of NPFF receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, purified mammalian SNORF33 receptors, vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to mammalian SNORF33 receptors, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding mammalian SNORF33 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding normal or mutant mammalian SNORF33 receptors, methods of isolating mammalian SNORF33 receptors, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of the mammalian SNORF33 receptors, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian SNORF33 receptors, methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of SNORF33 receptors, and agonists and antagonists so identified.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a mammalian galanin receptor, an isolated galanin receptor protein, vectors comprising isolated nucleic acid encoding a mammalian galanin receptor, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to a mammalian galanin receptor, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding a mammalian galanin receptor, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding a mammalian galanin receptor, nonhuman transgenic animals which express DNA encoding a normal or a mutant mammalian galanin receptor, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian galanin receptors.