Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a player zero, one or more benefits based on zero, one or more skill-based inputs the player makes during one or more plays of one or more games of skill, wherein the benefits obtained are independent of any awards determined during such plays of such games of skill.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a player zero, one or more benefits based on zero, one or more skill-based inputs the player makes during one or more plays of one or more games of skill, wherein the benefits obtained are independent of any awards determined during such plays of such games of skill.

Abstract: A desuperheating spray chamber for use in a rocket exhaust recovery system for a nuclear thermal propulsion rocket, including a substantially-cylindrical outer tank with an upper end including an entrance port and two exhaust ports, a substantially-cylindrical shroud extending downwardly from an inner surface of the upper end of the tank, an annular inner spray ring that is both disposed within and concentric with the shroud; and an annular outer spray ring that is disposed between a side wall of the outer tank and the shroud, the annular outer ring being concentric with the shroud.

Abstract: Training apparatus and methods are disclosed for teaching practices for operation of machines. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of input selectors; a plurality of status indicators; an alarm; and a programmable controller switchable between programming and operator testing modes. In the programming mode, a sub-set of the control operators is used to select a testing program, and a second sub-set is used to select modifications to the testing program. Each program defines a sequence of input selections and a corresponding sequence of signals from the status indicators. In the testing mode, the controller is configured to receive input selections and to activate the alarm in response to deviation from the sequence of input selections of a selected testing program.

Abstract: A desuperheating spray chamber for use in a rocket exhaust recovery system for a nuclear thermal propulsion rocket, including a substantially-cylindrical outer tank with an upper end including an entrance port and two exhaust ports, a substantially-cylindrical shroud extending downwardly from an inner surface of the upper end of the tank, an annular inner spray ring that is both disposed within and concentric with the shroud; and an annular outer spray ring that is disposed between a side wall of the outer tank and the shroud, the annular outer ring being concentric with the shroud.

Abstract: A fixture clamp adjustment system includes a test workpiece and an alignment block. The test workpiece has a load cell and is configured to nest upon a fixture that has a clamp such that the load cell aligns with the clamp when open and such that the clamp contacts the load cell when closed. The alignment block is configured to couple with the clamp and engage the test workpiece when the clamp is closed to maintain clamp and load cell alignment.

Abstract: An improved staple-in fabric awning system is provided. The awing has a frame made of ribs with outwardly exposed longitudinally extending staple slots. A fabric canopy covers the frame and is tucked into and secured within the staple slots. A vinyl strip is configured to snap into the staple slots of the awning atop the canopy to span and hide the tucked in portions and cover the staples therein. The vinyl strip is covered at least on its exposed top portion with fabric that may visually blend into the fabric of the canopy or that may visually contrast with the fabric of the canopy. The system includes snap-in and snap-on plastic perimeter flanges and out rod flanges that are mounted on the perimeter ribs and out rods that form a grid on the underside of the awning. The plastic flanges form inwardly projecting lips around the openings of the underside grids that support egg crate ceiling panels to form an aesthetically pleasing underside ceiling of the awning.

Abstract: An improved staple-in fabric awning system is provided. The awing has a frame made of ribs with outwardly exposed longitudinally extending staple slots. A fabric canopy covers the frame and is tucked into and secured within the staple slots. A vinyl strip is configured to snap into the staple slots of the awning atop the canopy to span and hide the tucked in portions and cover the staples therein. The vinyl strip is covered at least on its exposed top portion with fabric that may visually blend into the fabric of the canopy or that may visually contrast with the fabric of the canopy. The system includes snap-in and snap-on plastic perimeter flanges and out rod flanges that are mounted on the perimeter ribs and out rods that form a grid on the underside of the awning. The plastic flanges form inwardly projecting lips around the openings of the underside grids that support egg crate ceiling panels to form an aesthetically pleasing underside ceiling of the awning.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for exploiting the discovery that members of the small integrin-binding ligand, n-linked glycoproteins family termed SIBLINGS bind to complement Factor H, and moreover that SIBLINGS proteins, such as BSP, exist in relatively acidic forms. The methods provided can be used to detect SIBLINGS proteins in samples from subjects that are suspected of having tumors or abnormal bone turnover. The invention also provides methods of using SIBLINGS proteins to protect cells from complement mediated lysis. Finally, the discovery allows for the creation of specific binding agents that facilitate the detection of SIBLINGS proteins when they are associated with Factor H.

Abstract: An elevator-type mechanism is disclosed which raises and lowers an animal into desired vertical position to facilitate treatment of injuries, treatment of illnesses, grooming, and the like of the animal.

Abstract: A thermal collector and storage system is described as comprising a plurality of energy storage elements or rods mounted in a parallel array within an enclosure, which is adapted to be readily built into a housing wall. Each such storage rod contains a heat phase transformable medium having a melting temperature sufficiently above that temperature desired to be maintained within the housing to promote efficient transfer thereto. Each rod of the array includes an insulating element that is disposable between a first position wherein solar energy loss to the exterior of the house is retarded, and a second position wherein solar energy may be directed onto the rods.