Abstract: A biopesticidal composition for controlling insects (e.g., pecan weevils, the diaprepes root weevil, fall armyworm, fire ants), containing an agriculturally acceptable carrier and an effective insect (e.g., pecan weevils, the diaprepes root weevil, fall armyworm, fire ants) biopesticidal amount of a fungus selected from the group consisting of Beauveria bassiana having the identifying characteristics of Beauveria bassiana NRRL 30593, Metarhizium anisopliae having the identifying characteristics of Metarhizium anisopliae NRRL 30594, Beauveria bassiana having the identifying characteristics of Beauveria bassiana NRRL 30601, Beauveria bassiana having the identifying characteristics of Beauveria bassiana NRRL 30600, or mixtures thereof. Also, a method for controlling insects (e.g., pecan weevils, the diaprepes root weevil, fall armyworm, fire ants), involving applying an effective insect biopesticidal amount of the composition to the insects or to the plants, areas or substrates infested with the insects.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel while manufacturing cord reinforced articles. The apparatus includes a rotating build mandrel, a cord supply, and a feed capstan for assisting in feeding cord from the cord supply to the mandrel along a defined cord path. At least two drums of differing diameters are located in the cord path. Encoders are connected to each drum for measuring at least the angular movement of the drum. Using the angular movement of the drums, the effective pitch line differential of the cord is determined.

Abstract: A method for sequentially forming teeth in a belt that is supported on two cylinders. The method avoids having to measure the neutral plane radius by dividing the uncured belt into discrete molding sections and adjusting the length of each section prior to molding. The adjustment to the length is made so that the belt section is equivalent to a required length necessary to accommodate the proper fraction of total teeth. The first section to be molded is marked and aligned with the mold. Sequential belt sections are marked and aligned in similar fashion until teeth are molded along the entire circumference of the belt. The inventive method eliminates cumulative error by positioning each section of teeth relative to the underlying belt structure and not relative to the previous section which may have position errors within its own position tolerance.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel while manufacturing cord reinforced articles. The apparatus includes a rotating build mandrel, a cord supply, and a feed capstan for assisting in feeding cord from the cord supply to the mandrel along a defined cord path. At least two drums of differing diameters are located in the cord path. Encoders are connected to each drum for measuring at least the angular movement of the drum. Using the angular movement of the drums, the effective pitch line differential of the cord is determined.

Abstract: A dipping sauce includes generally egg, mayonnaise, sugar, distilled water, salt, vegetable oil, sour cream, lime juice, horseradish sauce, slaw dressing, sandwich and salad sauce, and soy. A method of preparing the dipping sauce includes combining an interim mixture with a second interim mixture which is agitated to form a homogeneous status.

Abstract: A gaming machine 10 has a display 12 and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 12. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 12 and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize. The game controller monitors and stores data relating to a number of free games awarded to a player during a playing session. The gaming machine 10 includes a selector for operation by the player so that the player can choose when, during the playing session, any free game is to be played.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved shipping system that provides for third-party billing and shipment of a package from a first location to a second location where neither the first or second location is the location of the third-party. An embodiment is disclosed in which a pre-existing call-tag system is modified to permit third-party billing and anywhere to anywhere functionality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel utilizes control of cord length, rather than cord tension, as the control parameter. The apparatus includes a mandrel with an inflatable diaphragm mounted on an outer surface of the mandrel. The diaphragm is selectively inflatable via a control valve and source of pressurized fluid for dynamically adjusting a circumference of the mandrel in response to a control input. The control input reads a tension in the cord being wound. The cord is positively fed to the mandrel according to a defined algorithm based on the mandrel's shape, circumference and rotational speed, rather than by demand feed of the cord. The apparatus includes a positive feed control capstan which is electronically geared. The apparatus further includes a cord-laying wheel which isolates radially directed forces from circumferentially-directed forces.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing an image-based document handling and delivery system provides a business entity with information and guidance required to convert the entity's current document handling and delivery system and methodology to an image-based document handling and delivery system and methodology. The system and method of the present invention uses a planning component, an execution component, and a control component. The planning component gathers information about the business entity's infrastructure and the business entity's current paper-based document handling and delivery system and methodology. The implementation component provides the business entity with process maps that provide step-by-step instructions for executing the image-based system and methodology. The control component provides the business entity with guidelines and procedures for monitoring and maintaining the performance of the executed image-based system and methodology.

Abstract: A button (10) consists of a base (12) for securing to a garment or the like, and a removable cover (14). The cover defines a pair of resilient arms (22, 24) adapted for releasable engagement with a mounting profile (16) on the rear of the base (12). In a preferred embodiment, the mounting profile (16) and arms (22, 24 are provided with recesses (18) and corresponding projections (26) for secure mounting, and projections (28) enabling the arms to be bent outward in order to release the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a synchronous drive belt or timing belt is disclosed. The method allows a belt with axially interlocked teeth to be manufactured. The method utilizes transfer molding, as opposed to compression molding, and involves an inflatable diaphragm which pushes rubber radially outwardly from a mandrel into a mold having teeth on an inner surface. The method includes the provision of a barrier layer which can be advantageously built into the belt to improve the transfer molding process.