Abstract: A method of playing a card game adds a “showdown” aspect to a conventional game such as Texas Hold 'Em or the like. Generally, a round of the conventional game is played out in the usual fashion. Then, the winning hand from this play is pitted against a specially dealt showdown hand. A jackpot is awarded to the player holding the winning hand if the showdown hand beats the winning hand based on a pre-established ranking of hands.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a ride-on trowel includes a vehicle frame forming a bay sized to receive the ride-on trowel and a system for supporting the ride-on trowel from the vehicle frame. The vehicle frame includes a lower frame that surrounds the bay on three sides. The lower frame has an open rear end and a tapered front end and is configured to closely match the shape of the ride-on trowel outer frame.

Abstract: A composite article includes a matrix having first and second opposing surfaces defining a transverse dimension and a filler material embedded in the matrix. The filler material presents a density gradient in the transverse dimension wherein a minimum filler density is at the first surface. In one embodiment, the composite article is a non-laminated article defining first and second regions wherein the first region encompasses the first surface. The first region has a filler-to-matrix ratio that varies along the transverse dimension, the filler-to-matrix ratio being at a minimum at the first surface. The first region can include one or more additives. A method for forming a composite article includes injecting first and second compositions into a die head at different points so as to produce a partially mixed composition that is discharged from the die head. The second composition contains less filler material than the first composition.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite article includes injecting first and second compositions into a die head at different points so as to produce a partially mixed composition that is discharged from the die head. The second composition contains less filler material than the first composition.

Abstract: A method and system for using a mobile computing device to wirelessly print data includes establishing a first wireless link with a printer system and establishing a second wireless link with a central computer system. User account data is transmitted to the central computer system via the second wireless link for verification. Upon verification, a mobile print package is generated and transmitted to the printer system via the first wireless link for printing. Depending on the level of service selected by the user, advertisement content can be included in the mobile print package.

Abstract: An artificial tear film over the surface of an eye having a first layer in direct contact with the ocular surface, an aqueous layer over the first layer, and a layer of a phospholipid over the aqueous layer. The first layer has polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The phospholipid is derived from Amisol® Clear. The artificial tear film is effective in significantly prolonging the tear break up time in patients with dry eye syndrome.

Abstract: A biodegradable container includes a body structure made of a foamed hydrocolloid gelling matrix system having a fibrous material and a firming agent embedded therein and a water-resistant coating disposed on a surface of the body structure.

Abstract: A stabilizer includes a base and a shaft rotatively mounted to the base. An arm attached to the shaft is able to swing about the axis of rotation defined by the shaft in response to centrifugal force. In one possible application, the stabilizer can be incorporated into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first frame and a second frame pivotally connected to the first frame, wherein the frames pivot with respect to one another about an axis of rotation. The second frame includes an outwardly extending support arm having a seat mounted thereon. The arm swings in response to centrifugal force so as to laterally displace the seat relative to the first frame. In one aspect, the seat is located below the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions that include a foamed gelling hydrocolloid system to which a firming agent and a fibrous material, with or without other optional components, are added. When articles prepared from such compositions are coated with a suitable coating, they are impervious to boiling water and able to withstand microwave heating.

Abstract: Efficiency and/or power are increased in a turbine engine by using a self-contained, passive heat transfer device, such as a heat pipe, to transfer heat from working fluid in one section of the engine to working fluid in another section of the engine.

Abstract: A method for transforming spatial data includes displaying a first graphical representation that represents spatial data formatted in a first coordinate system and displaying a second graphical representation that represents spatial data formatted in a second coordinate system. The data represented by the first graphical representation is transformed into the second coordinate system in response to the first graphical representation being dragged and dropped onto the second graphical representation. In another aspect, a computer-readable medium contains instructions for controlling a computer system to perform a method of transforming spatial data.

Abstract: A method of making cathodes includes forming a first intermediate assembly having a current wire in juxtaposition with an outer mandrel wire and a basket wire wound around the first two wires. The first intermediate assembly is wound around a central mandrel to form a second intermediate assembly. Pulses of energy are used to produce an alloy solder joint between the current wire and the basket wire at selected locations. The second intermediate assembly is cut into segments, and the mandrels are removed. This results in a cathode having a coiled current wire and a basket wire wound around the current wire, with the basket wire being bonded to the current wire by the alloy solder joints. The cathode includes a central bore that is substantially free of the alloy solder joint.

Abstract: A method of playing a modified version of blackjack between participants including a dealer and one or more players. The method includes the steps of each player placing a first wager to participate in a standard blackjack game against the dealer, and each player and the dealer placing a side wager into a side wager pot. The dealer then deals a two-card hand to each player and a two-card hand to the dealer and each hand is played out according to standard methods of playing blackjack. The method further includes awarding the side wager pot to the participant, if any, having a final hand count that is higher than all other final hand counts without exceeding twenty-one.

Abstract: A method and system for treating feedwater includes evaporating a portion of the feedwater in a first evaporation chamber so as to separate water vapor from the remaining feedwater. Droplets of the remaining feedwater are dispersed into a stream of hot air produced in a second evaporation chamber. The droplets evaporate and solids in the feedwater precipitate. The precipitated solids are collected in the lower section of the second evaporation chamber. Water vapor discharged from both evaporation chambers can be treated in a cyclone separator to remove residual solids therefrom. The cleansed water vapor output from the cyclone separator can be condensed to recover clean water. Dry solids can be discharged from the second evaporation chamber and the cyclone separator for recovery.

Abstract: A bench for seating a number of children includes a shelf and a number of seating stations. Each seating station has an opening formed in the shelf and a seat assembly removably mounted to the shelf in engagement with its opening. In one possible arrangement, each seat assembly is slidingly supported by a pair of brackets located adjacent to the opening and includes a seat back that extends through the opening.

Abstract: A tether system for use in a balloon ride having a balloon envelope and a gondola includes a tether connected to the balloon ride to prevent free flight. The system includes structure for offsetting the gondola from the tether so as to enable use of a smaller, lighter, less costly gondola and better minimize gondola tilt. In one embodiment, the structure has first, second and third connection points, wherein the balloon envelope is pivotally connected to the first connection point, the gondola is pivotally connected to the second connection point, and the tether is pivotally connected to the third connection point. In another embodiment, the tether system includes a load ring attached to the gondola and a plurality of envelope lines extending between the envelope and the load ring. The tether is connected so as to be offset from the gondola.