Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for playing a video game in which a user is associated with a particular gaming level in a plurality of gaming levels and is subjected to one or more challenges. The user responds to the challenges. The user is provided with a first mechanism for acquiring a first subpart, from among a plurality of subparts, at a time when the user has collected none of the subparts. The subparts collectively define a virtual composite item that has functional value within the game and the subparts do not have functionality within the game until the user has collected the entire plurality of subparts. Subsequently, the user is provided with a second mechanism for acquiring a second subpart from among the plurality of subparts. Use of a virtual composite item is enabled when the user has collected all the subparts of the composite item.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for playing a video game in which a user is associated with a particular gaming level in a plurality of gaming levels and is subjected to one or more challenges. The user responds to the challenges. The user is provided with a first mechanism for acquiring a first subpart, from among a plurality of subparts, at a time when the user has collected none of the subparts. The subparts collectively define a virtual composite item that has functional value within the game and the subparts do not have functionality within the game until the user has collected the entire plurality of subparts. Subsequently, the user is provided with a second mechanism for acquiring a second subpart from among the plurality of subparts. Use of a virtual composite item is enabled when the user has collected all the subparts of the composite item.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for playing a video game in which a user is associated with a particular gaming level in a plurality of gaming levels and is subjected to one or more challenges in an action format. The user responds to the challenges. The user is provided with a first mechanism for acquiring a first subpart, from among a plurality of subparts, at a time when the user has collected none of the subparts. The subparts collectively define a virtual composite item that has functional value within the game and the subparts do not have functionality within the game until the user has collected the entire plurality of subparts. Subsequently, the user is provided with a second mechanism for acquiring a second subpart from among the plurality of subparts. Use of the virtual composite item is enabled when the user has collected all the subparts.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for playing a video game in which a user is associated with a particular gaming level in a plurality of gaming levels and is subjected to one or more challenges in an action format. The user responds to the challenges. The user is provided with a first mechanism for acquiring a first subpart, from among a plurality of subparts, at a time when the user has collected none of the subparts. The subparts collectively define a virtual composite item that has functional value within the game and the subparts do not have functionality within the game until the user has collected the entire plurality of subparts. Subsequently, the user is provided with a second mechanism for acquiring a second subpart from among the plurality of subparts. Use of the virtual composite item is enabled when the user has collected all the subparts.

Abstract: A power generation system valve stem comprising a nickel-based substrate and a WC-based coating thereon, wherein the WC based coating comprises WC particles in a matrix of Ni and/or Co wherein the average interfacial spacing between the WC particles is between 5 microns and about 20 microns on average.

Abstract: A power generation system valve stem comprising a nickel-based substrate and a WC-based coating thereon, wherein the WC based coating comprises WC particles in a matrix of Ni and/or Co wherein the average interfacial spacing between the WC particles is between 5 microns and about 20 microns on average.

Abstract: A kiln and method of firing a kiln are provided for use in connection with the firing of small-scale pottery firing. The kiln includes a kiln wall that defines a main kiln volume that is no larger than 60 cubic feet and is less than 10 cubic feet in one embodiment. The main kiln volume is structured to receive a pottery item for firing. The kiln further includes a combustion chamber that is thermally connected to the main kiln volume. A feeder automatically feeds solid fuel to the combustion chamber to reach and maintain at least a cone 10 temperature within the main kiln volume. In use, solid fuel is automatically provided to a combustion chamber at a controlled rate and is combined with combustion air in the combustion chamber. The solid fuel is combusted in the combustion chamber to warm a thermally-connected main kiln volume.

Abstract: An assembly and method for attaching a medical device, or other structure, to a bone, according to which two projections are formed on one end of a driver that extend in two corresponding recesses, respectively, formed in the head of the screw to drivingly engage the driver and the screw.

Abstract: An arrowhead includes a threaded stud at the front end of the body for accepting an arrowhead tip. A longitudinal finger is disposed coaxial with the stud and projects forward therefrom. Engagement means are operatively associated with the tip for engaging the finger when an arrowhead tip is screwed onto the body to inhibit the tip from becoming unintentionally loosened with respect to the body. In another aspect of the invention, a blade is pivotably mounted to an arrowhead body such that the blade is pivotably movable between first and second positions. The blade lies adjacent the body when in the first position. A slot is formed in the body adjacent the mounting position so as to receive a portion of the blade therewithin when the blade is in the first position, and a recess is formed around the slot to provide a means of escape for mud.

Abstract: An arrowhead comprises an elongated body having front and rear ends, means at the front end of the body for accepting an arrowhead tip, and means at the rear end of the body for coupling the body to an arrow shaft. At least one blade or barb member is pivotably mounted to the body such that the blade member is movable between a first position, in which the free end of the blade is disposed rearward of the mounting location and a major portion of the blade is positioned adjacent the body, and a second position, in which the free end of the blade is disposed radially outward of the mounting location. A flexible ring is disposed around the circumference of the body, and a notch formed in the blade member is configured to engage the flexible ring to releasably retain the blade member in the first position.

Abstract: An exchange hub is provided that is programmed to receive by way of an open, standardized, secure messaging protocol, a payment card transaction request from a consumer's CSP. A consumer transmits to an EBPP system a request to pay a bill electronically using a payment card. The consumer's payment card transaction request is submitted to the consumer's CSP. The payment card transaction request is then submitted to the exchange hub of the EBPP system. The exchange hub parses the payment card transaction request, and generates a payment message to the biller's acquiring bank (the “acquirer”). The acquirer generates an authorization request message and transmits it to the issuer of the consumer's payment card. The issuer either approves or denies the consumer's payment card transaction request, and notifies the acquirer. The acquirer then, in turn, submits and appropriate approval or denial response to the exchange hub of the EBPP system.

Abstract: A compression ignition engine (60) has a control system (66) for processing data, one or more combustion chambers (62), and fuel injectors (64) for injecting fuel into the chambers. The control system controls fueling by processing engine speed and load, to select one of four fueling modes (HCCI+RVT, HCCI+IVC, HCCI+IVC+EVC, and CD+RVT) for operating the engine (FIG. 5). When HCCI+RVT mode is selected, intake valves operate with regular valve timing (RVT), and the engine is fueled to cause homogeneous-charge compression-ignition (HCCI) combustion. When HCCI+IVC mode or HCCI+IVC+EVC mode is selected, intake valve timing is changed relative to RVT, and the engine is fueled to cause HCCI combustion. When the processing selects the CD+RVT mode, the intake valves operate with RVT, and the engine is fueled to cause CD combustion. In HCCI+IVC+EVC mode, exhaust valve closing is retarded relative to its timing in HCCI+IVC mode to reduce cylinder pressure and temperature.

Abstract: The trailing, load supporting component of a product conveyor is connected to a powered, leading component by a shock absorbing tow bar that employs relatively movable friction elements in a sandwich configuration to absorb the shock by sliding engagement at internal wear surfaces. A brake tongue slides between opposed brake pads of the sandwich which are placed under pressure against the tongue. A two-piece, telescoping tubular housing shields the brake assembly from contaminants and enhances the structural integrity of the unit.

Abstract: The trailing, load supporting component of a product conveyor is connected to a powered, leading component by a shock absorbing tow bar that employs relatively movable friction elements in a sandwich configuration to absorb the shock by sliding engagement at internal wear surfaces. A brake tongue slides between opposed brake pads of the sandwich which are placed under pressure against the tongue. A two-piece, telescoping tubular housing shields the brake assembly from contaminants and enhances the structural integrity of the unit.

Abstract: A medical fastening system for a modular knee prosthesis system includes a femoral component having a first surface, a second surface, and an aperture extending therebetween. A modular adapter element has a first end that is mountable adjacent the first surface of the femoral component and a second, mating end that is engagable with a second prosthesis component. The system also includes a first bolt that mates the adapter element to the femoral component. Various connection options are possible to secure different components of the system to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a jack device that is a body interposable between prosthetic joint components to provide a selectable spacing between them, and to thereby ensure that rotatably mated components are secured together in a selected angular orientation.

Abstract: A method of forming a stable welded joint between low alloy steels and austenitic stainless alloy steels which is characterized by increased resistance to chemical corrosion and mechanical stress and which has a greatly extended service lifetime. The method comprises forming a deposit of a low alloy steel containing niobium onto a portion of low alloy steel to be welded; heating the deposit to a first temperature at which all carbides present therein have dissolved; quenching the deposit and forming a solid solution of the elements of the dissolved carbides; and reheating the deposit for a time period and at a second temperature sufficient to form niobium carbides therein containing substantially all of the carbon present in the deposit. The austenitic stainless steel portion is welded to the deposit using a substantially nonferrous nickel-based alloy as the weld filler material, thereby joining the low alloy steel portion to the austenitic stainless steel portion.