Abstract: A method of playing a multiplayer game comprises steps of providing a plurality of blocks and providing a plurality of viewable images. Each of the images represents a configuration of at least two of the plurality of blocks oriented in a particular manner with respect to each other. The method also comprises designating at least one game player of a first team to serve as an instructor of the first team. The instructor of the first team views the configuration of a first one of the images and then provides instructions regarding how to assemble the configuration shown in the first one of the images while at least one other of the game players of the first team attempts to construct at least part of the configuration out of the blocks using the instructions.

Abstract: Novel corn opaque modifier loci, associated molecular markers and methods for obtaining the loci, markers, and resultant seed are provided. Vitreous seed with reduced alpha-zein storage protein content that contain the opaque modifier loci are also described. Processes for obtaining milled corn seed products from the vitreous seed with reduced alpha-zein storage protein content that contain the opaque modifier loci are also provided.

Abstract: A propulsion system 10 for a watercraft, comprises a surface-piercing propeller 12, a propeller drive 14, a shroud unit 16 which surrounds the propeller and a mounting arrangement 18 for mounting the propeller and the shroud unit to a watercraft. The shroud unit comprises an inner shroud 31 and an outer shroud 33 which define leading and trailing ends of the shroud unit and which define an air gap between them in the form of a rearwardly-opening annular recess 34. In use, due to sub-atmospheric pressure conditions created behind the trailing edge of the shroud unit as the watercraft travels through water, air is aspirated into the recess below the waterline, forming a curved sheet of air in the water aft of the shroud unit which decouples water flowing within the shroud from water flow externally thereof, thereby decreasing drag induced by the shroud.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a solution of a gelatin derivative and at least one amino acid, if desired in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or carboxylic acid derivative, for inhibiting renal uptake of substances, that are potentially damaging for the kidneys, in a living being.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microchip for performing electrophoresis with pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) for the separation and detection of underivatized carbohydrates, amino acids, sulfur-containing antibiotics, etc. PAD allows for the direct detection of amines, thiols, alcohols and carbohydrates and therefore is a useful technique for the development of electrochemical detection for microchip electrophoresis.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods, via an internet website, developed for the efficient implementation of workers' compensation cost containment practices for multi-unit employers, more particularly relating to indemnity (lost wages) and medical costs of workers' compensation claims in each unit. The methods analyze information about the user's current workers' compensation injury handling best practices and provide quantified results, customized recommendations and tools to reduce costs and improve best practices quality control.

Abstract: A combustion air supply blower includes a blower housing having a housing body and housing cover. The cover is removably attached to the housing body and generally provides access to a motor and fan assembly including a fan and a motor. The motor and fan assembly is removably mounted within the housing body and is captured between the housing body and the housing cover such that, upon removal of the housing cover, the motor and fan assembly is exposed and may then be lifted out of the housing body for easy maintenance, repair, and/or replacement of any portion of the motor and fan assembly. Alternatively, upon removal of the housing cover, the motor and fan assembly may be accessed while remaining within the housing body to complete any maintenance and/or repair of the motor and fan assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible baggage comprises structural side assemblies. The structural side assemblies comprise a plurality of interconnected panel members. When the baggage is expanded, the panel members of each side assembly are generally in plane with each other and are able to prevent the baggage from collapsing under load. The panel members can pivot relative to each other in a manner allowing the baggage to collapse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding. More specifically, the present invention includes a method of using haploid plants for genetic mapping of traits of interest such as disease resistance. Further, the invention includes a method for breeding corn plants containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are associated with resistance to Gray Leaf Spot, a fungal disease associated with Cercospora spp.

Abstract: Recombinant nucleic acid constructs for the efficient expression of eukaryotic selenoproteins and related methods for production of recombinant selenoproteins are provided. The nucleic acid constructs comprise novel selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) elements. Certain novel SECIS elements of the invention contain non-canonical quartet sequences. Other novel SECIS elements provided by the invention are chimeric SECIS elements comprising a canonical SECIS element that contains a non-canonical quartet sequence and chimeric SECIS elements comprising a non-canonical SECIS element that contains a canonical quartet sequence. The novel SECIS elements of the invention facilitate the insertion of selenocysteine residues into recombinant polypeptides.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade for cleaning the surface of a conveyor belt and a method of manufacture of the scraper blade. The scraper blade includes a body having a base member adapted to be attached to a cross shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner and a scraping member which extends outwardly from the base member to a scraping tip. The scraper blade includes one or more electrical sensors that are embedded in an insert member. The insert member and the sensors are molded and embedded within the body of the scraper blade. Each of the sensors is adapted to provide an electrical output signal representing a physical condition of the scraper blade sensed by the sensor. A variety of sensor embodiments are described, as well as two embodiments of control and monitoring systems for use in conjunction with the various blade and sensor combinations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to restricted access media (RAM), methods for preparing restricted access media, and kits for preparing restricted access media that contain protected ligand binding agents or protected enzymes. Certain RAM provided contain a plurality of protected regions of the support that contain ligand binding agents that are protected by blocking agents. Certain RAM provided contain a plurality of protected regions of the support that contain unbound ligand binding agents or enzymes that are retained in the protected regions by a capping agent. Methods of making the RAM of the invention and associated kits are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed herein for customizing pages of a rental vehicle reservation booking website with deep-links for specialized rental vehicle reservations. The specialized rental vehicle reservations may comprise reservations for a division of a customer entity and/or promotional offer reservations. Multi-division and multi-offer pages can also be defined for the website through an administrative tool.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for generating a new contour and/or a 3D surface from contour data using a surface displacement field. The technique is preferably applied to un-contoured target images within a 4D image sequence for which contour data is desired. The technique can be initialized with contour data related to a reference image that has already been contoured, e.g. by a doctor who manually enters contour information into a computer. Image registration (calculation of correspondence between the reference image and target image) can be performed simultaneously with segmentation (identifying regions of interest in the target image). This allows one to make use of segmentation information in a reference image to improve the accuracy of contouring within the target image.

Abstract: An engine comprises a combustion chamber, an expansion cylinder with a piston adapted for reciprocating motion in the expansion cylinder via combustion products combusted in the combustion chamber, and a transmission associated with the expansion cylinder. The transmission has a guide frame with a first drive wheel rotatably mounted at one end of the guide frame and a second drive wheel rotatably mounted at an opposite longitudinal end of the guide frame. Each of the drive wheels is driven by an inextensible continuous loop. The guide frame has a crank head adapted to reciprocatingly translate along the guide frame. The crank head has a drive connection pivotally connecting the crank head to the loop. The crank head is operatively connected to the piston such that reciprocating motion of the piston results in corresponding reciprocating motion of the crank head, movement of the loop, and corresponding rotation of the drive wheels.

Abstract: A belt scraper (10) includes a blade mount (12) of a stiff resiliency flexible material to which a scraper blade (16) can be mounted or is mounted. The blade mount (12) has a front (18), a rear (20) and two sides (22) and defines at least one securing passage (24) extending transversely through the blade mount (12) through the sides (22) of the blade mount (12) for receiving a securing member to secure the blade mount (12) to a carrier of a belt cleaner.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for directing laser energy to surfaces of materials via elements which have sharp points, and for reducing the adverse effects of particles which become dislodged by scribing and laser machining of materials.

Abstract: A nozzle for introducing pressurized fluids into an industrial vessel is releasably attachable to and detachable from a mounting member securedly attached to an exterior surface of the vessel. The mounting member is attached, via extension piping, to a source of pressurized gas, such as the exhaust valve of an air cannon. Both the nozzle and the mounting member include respective mating collars which engage each other in a twist lock manner. Additional securing members are provided to securely retain the nozzle and mounting member in twist lock engagement. Removal of the nozzle is performed by releasing the securing members, twisting the nozzle from inside of the vessel to unlock it from the mounting member, and uncoupling the nozzle from the mounting member. Installation of a replacement nozzle is performed by performing the foregoing steps in the reverse order.

Abstract: A method of processing a reservation transaction between a customer and reservation-booking entity via a computer network inter-connecting a customer computer with an automated reservation transaction processor, the reservation transaction requiring submission of at least three different types of reservation data from the customer for successful completion thereof, each reservation data type having one of a plurality of different values, wherein each reservation data type value is dependent upon other reservation data type values, the method including presenting an initial page for data value entry for a plurality of reservation data types, accepting for partial data entry data values for less than all of said reservation data types, and determining, on the basis of the interdependence of the different data values for the different reservation data types, a list of acceptable data values for any un-entered reservation data types.