Abstract: Apparatus and method for manipulating particles on a micro- or nano-scale. An embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic micro-manipulation technique that utilizes micro-coils and soft magnetic microscopic wires for localized manipulation of particles. Another embodiment of the present invention uses magneto-static interaction between two magnetic microscopic wires to mechanically manipulate particles. Yet another embodiment of the present invention combines a magnetic particle with a magnetic manipulator or other device for generating magnetic fields to operate as a micro-fluidic micro-motor. Other embodiments of the present invention employ a magnetic separation system employing porous membranes partially filled with magnetic wires.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for manipulating particles on a micro- or nano-scale. An embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic micro-manipulation technique that utilizes micro-coils and soft magnetic microscopic wires for localized manipulation of particles. Another embodiment of the present invention uses magneto-static interaction between two magnetic microscopic wires to mechanically manipulate particles. Yet another embodiment of the present invention combines a magnetic particle with a magnetic manipulator or other device for generating magnetic fields to operate as a micro-fluidic micro-motor. Other embodiments of the present invention employ a magnetic separation system employing porous membranes partially filled with magnetic wires.

Abstract: A novel lottery ticket as well as a lottery game and method of playing that game using the lottery ticket are disclosed. The lottery ticket can be used to participate in at least one of a plurality of drawing events that occur over a period of time. The lottery ticket comprises a number of panels that conceal a number of playing game pieces and/or free spaces. The playing game pieces and/or free spaces are concealed by a removable coating material. Participants can choose which drawing event to play, manifesting their intent to play a particular drawing event by revealing the playing game pieces associated with the panels that are designated specifically for that particular drawing event. The game is played further by selecting a combination of winning game pieces and determining whether any of each participant's playing game pieces match some or all of the winning game pieces.

Abstract: Several embodiments of promotional games of chance played using game tickets, having one or more playing game pieces, that are pre-printed on the reverse side of a cash register till roll and a method of and system for playing the promotional game are disclosed. The promotional game tickets may be distributed at a point of sale terminal, e.g., sales register, at or during the normal course of a sales transaction at which at least one item is purchased. Furthermore, the odds of winning one or more prizes may be improved as the number of items purchased as part of the sales transaction increases. The promotional games may include an instant lottery-type format, a draw-type lottery format, an interactive game format, or a combination of any and all of these formats.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for manipulating particles on a micro- or nano-scale. An embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic micro-manipulation technique that utilizes micro-coils and soft magnetic microscopic wires for localized manipulation of particles. Another embodiment of the present invention uses magneto-static interaction between two magnetic microscopic wires to mechanically manipulate particles. Yet another embodiment of the present invention combines a magnetic particle with a magnetic manipulator or other device for generating magnetic fields to operate as a micro-fluidic micro-motor. Other embodiments of the present invention employ a magnetic separation system employing porous membranes partially filled with magnetic wires.

Abstract: A game of chance and a method and system for playing the game for a plurality of game participants that is based on “tic-tac-toe”. Game participants self-select or have selected automatically for them a plurality of playing game pieces from a population of game pieces. Game participants assign the plurality of playing game pieces into one of a plurality of discrete cells of at least one matrix that appears on each game ticket. A selection device randomly selects a plurality of winning game pieces from the same population of game pieces with or without replacement. Game participants can win a prize if a plurality of their playing game pieces match a plurality of winning game pieces to form one of more winning lines. A winning line comprises a plurality of matched playing game pieces, which are located in adjoining cells of the at least one matrix, forming one or more horizontal, vertical or diagonal “rows”.

Abstract: A game of chance for a plurality of game participants that is played in a plurality of drawing stages and a method and system for playing the game are disclosed. Game participants self-select or have selected automatically for them a plurality of playing numbers from a population of numbers that are arranged on a game ticket in a number of columns and/or rows, which are grouped in a plurality of discrete blocks. A selection device randomly selects a plurality of winning numbers from the same population in two or more stages. Game participants can win a prize during or at the completion of each drawing stage if all of their playing numbers in designated rows and/or columns match the winning numbers selected in that drawing stage. Thus, game participants can win some prize for matching fewer than all of the winning numbers selected. Moreover, a plurality of winning combinations is possible on each game ticket, producing a plurality of ways to win on a single ticket.

Abstract: A novel lottery ticket as well as a lottery game and method of playing that game using the lottery ticket are disclosed. The lottery ticket can be used to participate in at least one of a plurality of drawing events that occur over a period of time. The lottery ticket comprises a number of panels that conceal a number of playing game pieces and/or free spaces. The playing game pieces and/or free spaces are concealed by a removable coating material. Participants can choose which drawing event to play, manifesting their intent to play a particular drawing event by revealing the playing game pieces associated with the panels that are designated specifically for that particular drawing event. The game is played further by selecting a combination of winning game pieces and determining whether any of each participant's playing game pieces match some or all of the winning game pieces.

Abstract: A braking device for a wheeled vehicle such as a cart or trolley includes a braking member which can contact the ground and lift the vehicle to impede further movement thereof, a blocking member which can block the braking member to prevent its contact with the ground, and a trigger which is actuated by a magnet in the ground to release the blocking member and its blocking relationship with the braking member.