Abstract: A computer game simulates the playing of an athletic game such as a baseball game to its conclusion. In particular, the game simulates the sequential game play events and determines the outcomes of the events in accordance with historical or simulated data representative of the game playing characteristics of each team member under selected circumstances. The progress of the game is tracked in accordance with the outcomes through completion of the events to determine the winner of the athletic game and the score thereof.

Abstract: A top rail assembly (20) utilizes a support brace (22) and an awning mount groove (26) recessed in a rail body (24) to provide a strong top rail assembly (20) without using undue space or degrading aesthetics. The brace (22) extends between a side wall brace tab (72) and a roof brace tab (64) to reinforce the top rail body (24) and define a wire chase opening (76) between the brace (22) and a tansition section (74) of the body (24). The groove (26) is recessed into the rail body (24) and is defined by two opposed legs (80, 82) and a bottom segment (84) which are integral to the rail body (24).

Abstract: An adjustable hinge assembly is provided for use on a ventilator apparatus, wherein the ventilator apparatus includes a curb, a removable curb cap covering the curb and presenting side and rear edges, and a ventilator supported on the curb cap. The assembly includes a pair of laterally spaced curb cap support plates that each include a first arm adapted to be secured to the curb cap and extending along one of the side edges of the cap, and a second arm adapted to be secured to the curb cap and extending along the rear edge of the cap. The assembly also includes a back plate connected to and between the support plates along the rear edge of the cap, and a pair of laterally spaced curb plates adapted to be secured to the curb. The curb plates support the curb cap support plates, and define a pivot axis about which the curb cap support plates pivot between a first position in which the cap covers the curb, and a second position in which the cap is raised from the curb.

Abstract: A milking equipment comprises a milking member (1) having teatcups (3) and a milk hose (4) connected to the milking member. A balancing device (6, 10, 11), which carries the milking member and at least a portion of the milk hose, is adjustable to an application position (FIG. 1), at which the balancing device is arranged to balance essentially the weight of the milking member and the weight of said portion of the milk hose in order to permit a milker to apply the teatcups to the teats of an animal without the need for the milker to carry the whole weight of the milking member. Furthermore, the balancing device is adjustable to a milking position, at which essentially the whole weight of the milking member acts on the teats of an animal when the teatcups are attached to the teats.

Abstract: A method of providing dispatch mode calling in a code division multiple access (CDMA) wireless network (10). The method includes the steps of defining at least one dispatch mode talk-group, receiving a dispatch mode call request from an originating mobile phone (48) in the talk-group, determining location information for destination mobile phones (50, 52, 54, 56) in the talk-group, and encoding and sending the voice packets to the destination phones, along with information to enable the destination phones to decipher the encoded voice packets.

Abstract: A longitudinal launcher tube made substantially of polyurethane resin or plastic having a rear end closed by a transverse rear wall and an open front end. The invention allows a projectile to be housed in the tube and adapted to slide longitudinally inside it towards the front, to be expelled from it via the front end tube, means for defining with the tube and projectile a rear gas expansion chamber immediately to the rear of the projectile, and an impulse cartridge adapted on command to develop gas pressure in the rear chamber to cause the expulsion of the projectile via the front end of the tube. The apparatus is a pyrotechnic device for rigidly supporting fireworks such as mortar-type, rocket-type, projectile-type, and other pyrotechnic devices so that the launcher device is reusable, whereby the launcher substantially retains its integrity after each launch to minimize harm caused to persons and the environment.

Abstract: A safe live recombinant virus as well as a vaccine is produced by the deletion of a portion of the native glycoprotein E (gE) coding region of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) followed by the insertion of a plasmid including a foreign functional &bgr;-gal at the gE locus. The deletion of gE gene stably attenuates the virus and serves as an immunological marker differentiating vaccinated animals from infected animals. Moreover, production of &bgr;-gal allows easy assessment of gE&Dgr;3.1IBR&bgr; virus replication in vaccinated animals and serves as a phenotypic marker which distinguishes it from wild type virus replication in infected animals.

Abstract: A multiple effect pyrotechnic shell (20), having a lift chamber (22), primary break (24), secondary break (26), and a tertiary break (28) has a desired weight distribution to inhibit tumbling. The secondary break weight is less than the primary break weight, and the tertiary break weight is less than both the primary and secondary break weights. Thus, the center of gravity of the shell (20) is positioned below a midpoint of the shell height. A first timing fuse (46) extends from a lift charge (30) into a primary break charge (50A) of the primary break (24), and a primary internal timing fuse (64) extends from the primary break (24) to the secondary break (26). Further, a secondary internal timing fuse (70) extends from the secondary break (26) to the tertiary break (28). Fuse fragments (52) are preferably disbursed within the break hulls (48) to provide filler and add an additional effect to each break (24-28).

Abstract: The disc carrying case includes a housing defining a chamber in which the disc is stored. An elongated slot provides access to the chamber, such that the disc moves edgewise through the slot when it is transferred into and out of the chamber. A pair of tracks aligned with the slot serve to support the disc within the chamber by only the outer rim thereof. Furthermore, a spring biased catch located within the chamber automatically projects into the mounting hole of the disc, when the disc has been sufficiently inserted into the chamber, to prevent relative edgewise movement of the disc. While the disc is held by the catch, an ejector engages the outer edge of the disc and exerts a yieldable ejection bias thereagainst. Removal of the catch from the mounting hole is caused by actuation of a release mechanism. Such removal of the catch permits the ejector to urge the disc out of the chamber.

Abstract: An electric fan mounted overhead for universal adjustment of the air flow direction. A mounting plate clamped to an overhead beam carries a sleeve that rotatively receives a vertical column. The lower end of the column pivotally connects with a mounting arm which carries the fan. A rotation motor can rotationally adjust the column to adjust the lateral direction in which the fan faces. A linear actuator pivots the mounting arm up and down to adjust the tilt angle of the fan.

Abstract: An anhydrous ammonia injection apparatus is disclosed for injecting anhydrous ammonia into the soil. The apparatus includes a tank adapted to contain liquid anhydrous ammonia and a conduit extending between the tank and a pump. The pump is configured to variably increase the pressure of the anhydrous ammonia within the conduit. The apparatus also includes a restrictive orifice in fluid-flow communication with the conduit downstream from the pump. In addition, the apparatus includes a terminal outlet connected in fluid-flow communication with the conduit for discharging the anhydrous ammonia from the apparatus. The restrictive orifice cooperates with the pump to maintain a pressure within the conduit therebetween that is greater than the vapor pressure of the anhydrous ammonia.

Abstract: Improved dough-forming processes (and resultant doughs) are provided by measuring the tyrosine content of starting wheat flour and/or analyzing doughs during manufacture by periodically analyzing the doughs for tyrosine bond level. Preferably wheat flours are analyzed by derivatizing the amino acids therein and measuring derivatized tyrosine content. In the case of dough analyses, the dough samples are periodically fluorometrically analyzed to determine tyrosine bond levels therein. Such data is then compared with preestablished standards and modifying additives such as oxidizing agents or free tyrosine can be added to adjust the tyrosine bond formation rate and tyrosine bond content of the dough.

Abstract: An expansion temperature tolerant, dry, expandable sealant and baffle is provided which is capable of undergoing a desired degree of full expansion when an automobile body containing the sealant and baffle product is conveyed through a conventional bake and/or curing oven. The sealant and baffle product is fully expandable over a wider temperature and time range than heretofore available expandable baffle products. The composition for preparation of a molded expandable sealant and baffle component includes a grafted anhydride polymer, an epoxide terminated additive polymer which are capable of reacting with the grafted anhydride polymer and a blowing agent.

Abstract: An edge protector for a fenestration product is integrally formed of a single sheet of corrugated paperboard that has been perforated, slit, scored, glued, and folded in a particular manner so as to be generally flat in overall configuration prior to being placed in use. At the time of installation, the protector is partially unfolded out of its flat plane to assume an overall generally transversely L-shaped configuration, having a pair of legs intersecting one another at right angles to form a receiving corner for the face and side margins of the product. One leg of the protector forms a flap that covers a marginal portion of the face of the product when the protector is fitted onto the product, while the other leg forms a second flap that covers a marginal portion of the sides of the product.

Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is provided for supporting a violin or similar stringed instrument on the shoulder of a musician. The cradle broadly includes a base for coupling adjacent the back of the violin body and a shoulder rest. The shoulder rest is contoured to substantially conform to the musician's shoulder while maintaining the desired substantially horizontal orientation of the violin along its longitudinal axis while in use. The outer surface of the shoulder rest is generally sloped from the remote edge toward the proximate edge inwardly toward the base, and includes a waist section which is closest the base, rising toward the first end in a plurality of steps.

Abstract: A wheelchair cart configured for rollable transportation while carrying medical gas or other equipment is provided having a linkage assembly operable for linking the cart with a wheelchair while allowing the wheelchair/cart assembly to pass over uneven surfaces. The cart allows a single person to connect the cart to a wheelchair and transport the two simultaneously. The cart is configured such that equipment that should be transported with the patient and is often physically connected to the patient (e.g. ventilators, IV's, and monitors) is stored and transported on the cart. Risks associated with disconnecting the patient from vital medical equipment are minimized by eliminating the typical separate transportation of an equipment cart and a wheelchair by more than one person, which may result in a stretching or breaking of the attachment lines between the patient and the equipment.