Abstract: The present invention provides a market for empowering users to control what personal information is collected, who can access the personal information, and how it can be used, as well as to monetize their data. In one implementation, the market (600) includes users (602), buyers (604), and patrons (606) who interact via a market platform (608) and a data trust (610). The users (602) are the individuals or entities who own or control the personal or sensitive data. The buyers (604) are generally companies or organizations that are willing to pay for certain data or insights. They can access data from the marketplace for a fee. Patrons (606) are companies or other persons or entities that sponsor data collection. The market (608) lists available data and pricing. It serves as a store front for buyers (604) and patrons (606). The data trust (610) aggregates data from the users (602) and presents data insights to the buyers (604).

Abstract: A Bingo card trade feature is disclosed. This feature can offer players the option to trade one set of Bingo cards for another set of different Bingo cards. This exchange can cost nothing or an additional preset cost. These trades can be established through the entity hosting the game. The traded cards can be available for further trades for the same Bingo game based on the business rule set by the entity. The players can be able to trade cards up until a specified time before the start of the actual game. The players can also be able to trade a card as many times as they wish depending on their budget. In one specific example, a “Bonanza Trade” can offer the player the ability to take a daubed Bonanza card that was purchased, add a dollar and get two new Bonanza cards in exchange.

Abstract: A Bingo card trade feature is disclosed. This feature can offer players the option to trade one set of Bingo cards for another set of different Bingo cards. This exchange can cost nothing or an additional preset cost. These trades can be established through the entity hosting the game. The traded cards can be available for further trades for the same Bingo game based on the business rule set by the entity. The players can be able to trade cards up until a specified time before the start of the actual game. The players can also be able to trade a card as many times as they wish depending on their budget. In one specific example, a “Bonanza Trade” can offer the player the ability to take a daubed Bonanza card that was purchased, add a dollar and get two new Bonanza cards in exchange.

Abstract: Firing-readiness diagnostics in an electronic pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator or an electronic blasting system thereof. The diagnostics may include a check for any incompatible attached devices, a resistance or continuity check of an ignition element, and/or a capacitance check of a firing capacitor.

Abstract: Firing-readiness diagnostics in an electronic pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator or an electronic blasting system thereof. The diagnostics may include a check for any incompatible attached devices, a resistance or continuity check of an ignition element, and/or a capacitance check of a firing capacitor.

Abstract: A gaming machine providing symbols, located in a display area, that are capable of displaying movement. In one embodiment, the gaming machine is a slot machine. With slot machines, the symbols are located on reels and appear on one or more pay lines located in the display area. The slot machine may be programmed so that, when a symbol appears in a pay line as part of a winning combination, it will display movement across all or some portion of the pay line. Movement may also be provided when a non-winning combination is present in the pay line. The gaming machine may also be a video poker terminal, video bingo terminal, or other gaming machine.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic bracket having a bracket body that is either translucent or transparent. The bracket body is coated with a colored layer of water insoluble material that contrasts sharply with the color of teeth. As a result, when the orthodontic brackets are affixed to the teeth, they are easy to see and can be readily aligned by an orthodontic practitioner. The layer of water insoluble material coating the orthodontic brackets is highly soluble in alcohol. As a result, the color coating can be removed from the orthodontic brackets by rinsing the mouth with a mouth wash that contains alcohol. As such, after the orthodontic practitioner has applied the orthodontic brackets to the teeth, the colored layer of material can be dissolved away leaving only the translucent or transparent bracket body behind.

Abstract: A prophylactic device and associated method for preventing contamination between the mouth and a mouthpiece. The prophylactic device is a generally tubular structure, having a two open ends, that is made of a highly elastic and water impermeable material such as latex. The tubular structure is configured to conform to the contours of the mouthpiece as the mouthpiece is placed within the tubular structure. As the tubular structure is pulled over the mouthpiece, the tubular structure stretches and conforms to the mouthpiece, thus creating a watertight seal against the mouthpiece. When applied to a mouthpiece, the tubular structure covers the exterior surfaces of the mouthpiece. One end of the tubular structure is the folded into itself and is passed through the center of the mouthpiece, thereby protecting the interior surfaces of the mouthpiece.