Abstract: Methods and systems for creating and managing stored value cards from within a gaming environment that can be used to place wagers on gaming machines such as slot machines are disclosed. Stored value card systems are described which include one or more gaming machines with a stored value card reader, a stored value card server and a stored value card management module used for creating stored value cards and also for validating the cash value associated with a stored value card when read by a stored value card reader.

Abstract: A system for the nondestructive evaluation of aircraft comprising a plurality of positional transmitters forming a perimeter around a test airplane and an inspection station within the perimeter. The inspection station includes a moveable cart, a nondestructive testing device coupled the cart, and a computer coupled to the cart and nondestructive testing device. The computer configured to receive aircraft positional data from positional receivers mounted on an aircraft and overlay a model of the aircraft on the received aircraft positional data to determine a coordinate system for the aircraft. The computer is further operable to determine the location of the cart from data received from onboard positional receivers, the location of the cart referenced to the coordinate system for the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for analyzing test data from nondestructive evaluation of an aircraft includes generating a model of the aircraft with an inspection point. The aircraft is mapped to the model of the aircraft. Then, measurement data is generated by nondestructive testing an area of the aircraft corresponding to the inspection point. The measurement data is stored with associated location data of the inspection point and measurement parameters for comparison. The model of the aircraft with the inspection point is displayed. The measurement test data is displayed for a selected inspection position.

Abstract: An inspection device for performing nondestructive testing on a test subject includes a manually controlled inspection cart. The inspection device also includes a nondestructive testing platform and a computer coupled to the inspection cart. The computer is operable to control the movement of the nondestructive testing device when the inspection device is within a predetermined distance from the test subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified cell having adhesion properties that are increased as compared to the adhesion properties of an unmodified cell, comprising a) a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an integrin ?3 subunit; b) a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an integrin ?v subunit; c) a recombinant nucleic acid encoding an integrin ?IIb subunit; and/or d) any combination of (a), (b) and (c).

Abstract: An electron beam tube apparatus comprises a plurality of electron beam tubes having a common output cavity. Power is coupled to the common cavity from the resonant cavities of the beam tubes, and is then fed to an output line. This arrangement permits the outputs of two or more beam tubes to be combined in a compact arrangement with little rf power loss. Previously, the signals from the output lines of respective beam tubes were combined. The output line may be transmission line or waveguide. The means for coupling signals between the cavities may comprise loops or irises, both of which may be selectively adjustable.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the trimming and grinding of disks to make lens blanks and/or lenses for lithographic stepper camera optical systems, and in particular to disks made of calcium fluoride (CaF2), metal fluorides of general formula MF2 where M is calcium, magnesium, barium and strontium, and other materials suitable for use in optical systems

Abstract: A method for fabricating a multilayered structure out of sheets of green-tape without the application of high pressures includes the step of applying an adhesive to the sheets of green-tape. Selection of an adhesive with a polymer that decomposes at a higher temperature than the binder present in the green-tape promotes stability of the interfaces during the firing process and promotes void-free sintering within the interfacial regions.

Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic device having a substantially monolithic structure is formed by sintering together a plurality of green-sheet layers. The substantially monolithic structure has an inlet port for receiving fluid, an outlet port for releasing fluid, and an interconnection between the inlet port and the outlet port. The substantially monolithic structure may also include a variety of components to enable useful interaction with the fluid, such as electrically conductive pathways, heaters, fluid sensors, fluid motion transducers, and optically transmissive portions. The components are preferably fabricated using thick-film or green-sheet technology and are preferably co-fired with and sintered to the green-sheet layers to become integral with the substantially monolithic structure.

Abstract: A fuel processor and integrated fuel cell including a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer and including an integrated fuel cell stack. The reformer includes a vaporization zone, a reaction zone including a catalyst, and an integrated heater. The integrated heater is thermally coupled to the reaction zone. The fuel processor further includes an inlet channel for liquid fuel and an outlet channel for hydrogen enriched gas. The fuel processor is formed utilizing multi-layer ceramic technology in which thin ceramic layers are assembled then sintered to provide miniature dimensions in which the encapsulated catalyst converts or reforms inlet fuel into a hydrogen enriched gas.

Abstract: A system and method for organizing and structuring conceptual business information is disclosed addressing clustering, connecting and accessing information at the desktop by knowledge professionals for work, business and research related decision-making. This content delivery system licenses, selects, aggregates and organizes the high quality concepts from leading authors and publishers. The system combines information frameworks, content, technology, editorial and technological experts in an integrated environment that can continuously adapt to meet user needs and intentions. The invention creates a multi-dimensional framework for conceptual information, navigable based on variables such as subject.

Abstract: A returnable and reusable packaging and storage system for elongated members, such as awnings. The system includes a container upon which a series of tubular members are stacked. Each tubular member is adapted to slidably receive an elongated member and allows individual elongated members to be removed from the stack of tubular members regardless of their vertical position within the stack. Spacers are attached to the elongated members that are shorter than the tubular member holding the elongated member, so that the combined spacer-elongated members are accessible from either end of the tubular member. The tubular members project in a cantilever fashion from the container, the projecting ends being protected and supported by end bags. The end bags preclude the tubular members, as well as the elongated members therein, from moving longitudinally, and thereby prevent the awnings from sliding out of the tubular members during the shipment and storage thereof.

Abstract: A radiographic scanner (10) has a stationary gantry portion (12) defining a subject receiving region (16) and a rotating gantry portion (20) on which an imaging x-ray tube (22) is mounted. The rotating gantry portion (20) is rotatably mounted to the stationary gantry portion (12) for rotation about the subject receiving region (16). A slip ring assembly extending around the subject receiving region (16) connected with the stationary and rotating gantry portions, includes a scintillating optical fiber (44) mounted around the patient receiving region (16) to one of the rotating and stationary gantry portions. A communication x-ray tube (40) is mounted to the other gantry portion and directed such that radiation therefrom enters the scintillating optical fiber (44) from a lateral direction. The scintillating optical fiber (44) converts the incident x-rays (52) to light (58) and transmits the light (58) along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A multilayered ceramic integrated sensor 200 for monitoring auto exhaust gases is capable of existing in the relatively harsh environments of the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine. The integrated sensor 200 may include discrete devices such as an oxygen sensor 104, a hydrogen sensor 206, an NO.sub.x sensor 208, and a carbon monoxide sensor 210. The device 200 may further include a temperature sensor 202 as well as total combustion calorimetric sensor 102. The multilayered ceramic integrated sensor may be fabricated from a plurality of layers of ceramic material disposed in stacked relationship with respect to one another.