Abstract: Methods and systems for venting a well that receives a liquid. The method includes providing a microplate including a well that has a cavity with an open inlet and a closed end. The cavity extends between the open inlet and the closed end. The cavity is defined by a wall surface having a cross-sectional contour that includes at least one continuous section and at least one discontinuity section. The method also includes depositing a liquid into the open inlet of the well. The liquid enters the cavity and flows toward the closed end to at least partially fill the well. The liquid flows along the continuous section of the wall surface and remains separated from the discontinuity section of the wall surface, thereby maintaining a gas exhaust path along a spacing between the liquid and the discontinuity section as the liquid flows toward the closed end.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a watering system configured to provide water to livestock. The system includes a water basin defining a trough configured to retain water, a reservoir mounted to the water basin, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive and retain water above the water basin. A water path is defined from the reservoir to the trough, wherein water within the reservoir is configured to pass into the water basin through gravity. A first heating element configured to heat water within the reservoir. A second heating element is configured to heat water within the trough, wherein the second heating element is separate and distinct from the first heating element.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one of an effluent concentration profile, a breakthrough time and a filter cartridge recommendation includes receiving at least one input parameter, determining at least one of the effluent concentration profile, the breakthrough time and the filter cartridge recommendation based on the input parameter, and graphically displaying at least one of the effluent concentration profile, the breakthrough time, and the filter cartridge recommendation. The effluent concentration profile includes a plot of a concentration of a chemical species over a period of time. The breakthrough time includes a time at which a predetermined concentration of the chemical species passes through a filter cartridge.

Abstract: An extension cordset assembly includes a receptacle and a sealing gasket. The receptacle includes a receptacle main body, a receptacle connecting interface and first and second spade mating holes extending into the receptacle main body from the receptacle connecting interface. The receptacle is configured to mate with a plug having a standard spade configuration. The sealing gasket is positioned on the receptacle connecting interface and includes first and second spade openings aligned with the first and second spade mating holes, respectively. The sealing gasket is configured to provide a water-resistant seal between the receptacle and the plug.

Abstract: A pet bed is configured to transfer heat from a pet to a support structure. The pet bed may include at least one pad defining an internal chamber, and a batting secured within the at least one pad. The batting allows water within the internal chamber to easily flow therethrough so that heat is transferred away from the pet through convection and conduction.

Abstract: A deicing system includes a heating element configured to impart heat to water within a water-retaining structure, a guard configured to prevent the heating element from abutting surfaces of the water-retaining structure, and a securing spring that securely fastens the heating element to the guard.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for programming and/or charging one or more audio/video devices such that the audio/video devices will be programmed and charged to receive transmitted audio and video signals associated with an event, allowing a user to use the audio/video device to observe the sights and sounds of the event. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cart with a docking port for each of a plurality of personal audio/video devices, a charger configured to charge the power source of each personal audio/video display device, and programming logic configured to program each of the personal audio/video devices.

Abstract: A gas detector is provided. The gas detector includes a measurement source of optical radiation, a reference source of optical radiation, a measurement detector configured to provide an output signal indicative of a gas of interest, a reference detector configured to provide an output signal at least partially independent of the gas of interest, a measurement optical path extending from the measurement source to the reference and measurement detectors, and a sample region for receiving a gaseous sample. The sample region is located along the measurement optical path. A window is positioned in the measurement optical path downstream from the measurement source and upstream from the reference and measurement detectors. The window is partially transparent to optical radiation and partially reflective to optical radiation.

Abstract: An electroosmotic (EO) pump is provided that includes a housing having a pump cavity, a porous core medium and electrodes. The porous core medium is positioned within the pump cavity to form an exterior reservoir that extends at least partially about an exterior surface of the porous core medium. The porous core medium has an open inner chamber provided therein. The inner chamber represents an interior reservoir. The electrodes are positioned in the inner chamber and are positioned proximate the exterior surface. The electrodes induce flow of a fluid through the porous core medium between the interior and exterior reservoirs, wherein a gas is generated when the electrodes induce flow of the fluid. The housing has a fluid inlet to convey the fluid to one of the interior reservoir and the exterior reservoir. The housing has a fluid outlet to discharge the fluid from another of the interior reservoir and the exterior reservoir. The housing has a gas removal device to remove the gas from the pump cavity.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and devices for sequencing of nucleic acid, such as short DNA sequences from clonally amplified single-molecule arrays.

Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.

Abstract: An electrolysis-resistant coupling assembly for connection with a line fitting of a fluid line includes a fitting having a first mating surface and having an aperture extending therethrough, wherein the fitting is configured to be aligned with and face the line fitting for coupling thereto. The assembly also includes a coupler having one end provided with an outer coupler flange, the fitting being loaded onto the coupler such that the outer coupler flange passes through the aperture. The assembly also includes a substantially non-compressible, electrically non-conductive rigid captive ring. The captive ring is positioned against the outer coupler flange and interposed between the fitting and the coupler to provide electrical separation between the fitting and the coupler, wherein the fitting is held against the captive ring when the fitting is interconnected with the line fitting.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a validator that assesses a token includes an input device 4 for receiving messages 5 from a machine 2 including a validator 6. The messages contain data indicative of validator events such as an assessment of a token resulting in acceptance of the token and an assessment of a token resulting in rejection of the token. The system further includes a processor 7 for deriving timing information for the validator events and for comparing the data and timing information with predetermined criteria. Personnel alerts are raised when predetermined criteria are satisfied, and maintenance of validators may be scheduled in dependence upon criteria related to assessments of tokens resulting in rejection.

Abstract: A method of awarding a prize in a network of electronic gaming machines in which the probability of a machine winning the prize is dependent upon a change in a win meter of the electronic gaming machine within a polling cycle.

Abstract: A water control fixture for use in a water circulation system includes a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a bypass port, and a fixture outlet port, wherein water is dispensed via the fixture outlet port. The water control fixture includes at least one operating valve disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the fixture outlet port, and a bypass valve disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water through a bypass path between the hot water inlet port and the bypass port. The bypass valve includes a valve unit in the bypass path of the water circulation system that is operable in a closed state, an open state, and a failed state. The valve unit restricts water flow through the bypass path in the closed state, the valve unit allows water flow through the bypass path in the open state, and the valve unit restricts water flow through the bypass path in the failed state.

Abstract: A locking cord connector assembly may include a male housing and a female housing. The male housing defines a male interior chamber configured to house one of a plug or outlet portion of an extension cord. The male housing includes male threads outwardly extending from an outer surface, and at least one tab. The female housing defines a female interior chamber configured to house the other of the plug or outlet portion of an extension cord. The female housing includes female threads inwardly extending from an interior surface. The at least one tab cooperates with a portion of the female housing to provide a ratcheting mechanism configured to maintain a secure connection between the male and female housings.

Abstract: An extension cordset assembly includes a receptacle and a sealing gasket. The receptacle includes a receptacle main body, a receptacle connecting interface and first and second spade mating holes extending into the receptacle main body from the receptacle connecting interface. The receptacle is configured to mate with a plug having a standard spade configuration. The sealing gasket is positioned on the receptacle connecting interface and includes first and second spade openings aligned with the first and second spade mating holes, respectively. The sealing gasket is configured to provide a water-resistant seal between the receptacle and the plug.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a watering system configured to provide water to livestock. The system includes a water basin defining a trough configured to retain water, a reservoir mounted to the water basin, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive and retain water above the water basin. A water path is defined from the reservoir to the trough, wherein water within the reservoir is configured to pass into the water basin through gravity. A first heating element configured to heat water within the reservoir. A second heating element is configured to heat water within the trough, wherein the second heating element is separate and distinct from the first heating element.

Abstract: A flows cell for use in a microfluidic detection system is provided. The flow cell includes a flows cell body having a channel that is configured to convey a solution through the flows cell body. The flow cell also includes a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface is configured to be removably held by the detection system, and the top surface is transparent and permits light to pass therethrough. The flow cell body also includes fluidic inlet and outlet ports that are in fluid communication with the channel. A pump cavity is also provided in the flow cell body. The pump cavity fluidly communicates with, and is interposed between, an end of the channel and one of the fluidic inlet and outlet ports. An electroosmotic (EO) pump is held in the pump cavity. The EO pump induces flow of the solution through the EO pump and channel between the fluidic inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner power head (40) for vacuum cleaning and having two counter rotating agitators 52 and 54. Motor (60) rotates agitators (52) and (54) through transmission (70), and also rotates suction fan (65) to provide suction air to the rotary brush agitators. Exterior housing 48 and inner housing (49) provide air suction passageways to direct suction air through fan (65) and out of the housing to a dirt collection bag (34). Self-propelled function is provided by using user force on handle (32) to create differential contact friction between the two counter-rotating rotary brush agitators so that a net traction force is generated that propels power head (40) in the direction the user is pushing.