Abstract: A method of conducting a fantasy event. The method comprises acquiring information for one or more members of one or more fantasy teams participating in the fantasy event, automatically selecting one or more portions of audio, visual, and/or audio/visual content stored in an electronic memory device using the acquired information, and generating a playback program using the selected content that reenacts at least a portion of the fantasy event. Separately or in combination, the method comprises assigning a point enhancer to a member of a fantasy team in response to a user input, the enhancer serving to enhance the fantasy point total of that team member, acquiring information corresponding to the team member, and determining, based on the information and on the enhancer, a point total for the team member in accordance with a scoring scheme. Also provided is a system for implementing the method.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle and boot therefor that includes a sound system and/or video system which contains prerecorded messages for playback during refueling by a user of the fuel dispensing nozzle. The sound system and/or video system includes a speaker for playback of audio messages. A switch is also included to initiate the playback of messages. The switch can activate the system when the nozzle is inverted to pump fuel or can activate the system in response to squeezing of the handle actuator used to control fuel flow through the nozzle.

Abstract: Nozzles (6) for fuel dispensing devices are equipped with system that enable anyone fueling a vehicle to participate in an interactive activity. Those nozzles (6) can have those systems (54) integrally incorporated therein, or those systems can be incorporated into boots (40) that are designed to fit over standard nozzles (6). The systems (54) include a power source (84), an on-off switch, and one or more of the following systems: identifying the user, conveying information from the user to a remote location, sensing and communicating current environmental conditions, an interactive game, conducting a survey, coupon dispensing, delivering a sound or an audio message, providing visual information, a counting mechanism and/or an illumination system. As such, games, quizzes, surveys, and passage of information and promotional materials can be carried out in conjunction with the use of the nozzle assembly. A nozzle also can include a spout composed primarily of a plastic material.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle and boot therefor that includes a sound system and/or video system which contains prerecorded messages for playback during refueling by a user of the fuel dispensing nozzle. The sound system and/or video system includes a speaker for playback of audio messages. A switch is also included to initiate the playback of messages. The switch can activate the system when the nozzle is inverted to pump fuel or can activate the system in response to squeezing of the handle actuator used to control fuel flow through the nozzle.

Abstract: This invention deals with a novel boot and its use on fuel dispensing devices. The boot contains a sound system and/or a video system for messages or sounds as fuel is being pumped into a vehicle. Also disclosed is a novel nozzle for dispensing fluids.

Abstract: A process for absorbing polar materials using a crosslinked polymeric composition such as poly-2-ethyloxazoline and ethyleneamine tetracetic acid. The crosslinked polymeric composition swells into a gel-like mass in the presence of polar materials to entrap them.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of solids are readily flocculated in high brine-containing aqueous media using polymeric anionic flocculants containing from 5 to about 20 weight percent of repeating units containing a carboxyl group, e.g., sodium acrylate.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprising a poly-2-oxazoline reacted by transamidation with a carboxylic acid, anhydride, salts of a carboxylic acid or combination thereof which can be blended with another polymeric composition to form a water wettable blend. In another aspect, the poly-2-oxazoline is crosslinked with a polybasic carboxylic acid by transamidation. The crosslinked polymeric composition is useful as an absorbent for polar materials.

Abstract: An improved method for flocculating suspended particulate solids from an acidic aqueous medium and for clarifying said aqueous medium comprises initially contacting the suspension with a water-soluble polymer having an anionic character followed by contacting the suspension with a water-soluble polymer having a cationic character. Such method is particularly useful in clarifying acidic aqueous media used in mining operations, etc.

Abstract: A fibrous mass or fluff comprising a fibrous absorbent and a water-swellable hydrophilic polymer absorbent is injected into a borehole during well drilling process. The fibrous mass or fluff forms an essentially fluid-tight plug when wetted with water and acts to reduce drilling fluid loss via penetration of porous subterranean structure or formation openings.

Abstract: A process for absorbing water containing relatively large amount of acid comprises contacting an aqueous medium with a rapidly water-swellable polymer comprising an alkali metal sulfonic acid salt containing polyelectrolyte. For example, a crosslinked polymer containing polymerized acrylamide and sodium 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonate can be used to remove acidic water from fuels, battery casings, etc.

Abstract: Water absorbent compositions exhibiting increased gel strengths comprise a water-swellable hydrophilic polymer and an inorganic powder and are prepared by physically blending the polymer and powder. The compositions can be incorporated into film laminates and can be employed in preparing improved disposable diapers.