Abstract: An electronic gaming system includes a processor configured to execute instructions, which when executed, cause the processor to at least receive a wager amount from an electronic gaming machine (EGM), where the wager amount is associated with a player wager in a base bingo game played by a player of the EGM. The instructions also cause the processor to receive a bingo card parameter from the EGM, where the received bingo card parameter is associated with a bingo card provided to the player in the base bingo game, determine, based upon the wager amount, an award eligibility probability, and determine, based at least in part upon the award eligibility probability, whether the player is eligible to receive an award, and in response, compare the received bingo card parameter to a plurality of bingo card parameters, the plurality of bingo card parameters defining a paytable. Moreover, the instructions may cause the processor to determine, based upon the comparison, whether to provide the award to the player.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vending one or more portable, user-replaceable power supplies using an enclosure with one or more shelf-type structures. A plurality of charging ports is integrated into the shelf-type structures for charging a power supply for type of user device. A user interface is utilized to select a vending function of the system, a receiving portion accepts and recharges one or more user-returned power supplies, and a delivering portion transfers one or more power supplies to a user in response to a user selecting a power supply delivery vending function using the user interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vending one or more portable, user-replaceable power supplies using an enclosure with one or more shelf-type structures. A plurality of charging ports is integrated into the shelf-type structures for charging a power supply for type of user device. A user interface is utilized to select a vending function of the system, a receiving portion accepts and recharges one or more user-returned power supplies, and a delivering portion transfers one or more power supplies to a user in response to a user selecting a power supply delivery vending function using the user interface.

Abstract: Bacterial endophytes isolated from maize are described. The endophytes are useful in preventing or inhibiting fungal growth on a plant, in particular preventing or inhibiting dollar spot disease and/or brown spot disease in grass. Genes required for the anti-fungal activity of the bacterial endophytes are also described.

Abstract: A vacuum pick mechanism (100) for picking sheet media comprising control circuitry (126), a pump (110), a suction cup (106), a pick line (112) connecting the pump (110) to the suction cup (106), a pressure sensor (122) arranged to measure the pressure within the pick line (112) and a motor arranged to drive the pump, the control circuitry being arranged to receive the pressure measured by the pressure sensor and to control the motor to drive the pump such that a predetermined target pressure is measured by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a phosphorus solid-phase buffering system that can be spatially localized, i.e., banded on top of, or at specific depths, in media, e.g., soil, by which phosphorus concentrations in the media are reduced or maintained at levels sufficient for optimal plant performance. Also provided are methods for improving the cultivation of plants growing in different media. The present invention provides benefits, such as reduced water and pesticide requirements, reduced phosphorus leaching and runoff, and enhanced root growth. The invention can be used in connection with containerized or field-grown plants, e.g., crops, grasses, trees, and the like. The invention is particularly useful for greenhouse and nursery plants, ornamental propagation, vegetable and bedding transplants, and for turf used for stadium fields, golf courses, lawns and the like, where phosphorus leaching is particularly undesirable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the proteins not previously identified as proteases; the use of those peptides in screening for compounds that modulate protease activity; treating individuals in need of treatment with the compounds or proteases; and in methods for diagnosing a disease or disorder associated with a protease of the instant invention.

Abstract: A vacuum pick mechanism (100) for picking sheet media comprising control circuitry (126), a pump (110), a suction cup (106), a pick line (112) connecting the pump (110) to the suction cup (106), a pressure sensor (122) arranged to measure the pressure within the pick line (112) and a motor arranged to drive the pump, the control circuitry being arranged to receive the pressure measured by the pressure sensor and to control the motor to drive the pump such that a predetermined target pressure is measured by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A sensing arrangement (12) is described. The arrangement comprises: a moveable object (80) including a plurality of marker portions (112) disposed in a calibrated configuration, each marker portion (112) being capable of emitting light in response to stimulation. The arrangement also includes a light source (42) directed towards the marker portions (112) and for causing light emission therefrom. An imaging device (44) is directed towards the marker portions (112) and includes an array of light-detecting elements for sensing light emitted from the marker portions (112) to generate image data. A processor (52), in communication with the imaging device (44), analyses image data received from the imaging device (44) to determine the location of the moveable object (80) based on the calibrated configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a phosphorus solid-phase buffering system that can be spatially localized, i.e., banded on top of, or at specific depths, in media, e.g., soil, by which phosphorus concentrations in the media are reduced or maintained at levels sufficient for optimal plant performance. Also provided are methods for improving the cultivation of plants growing in different media. The present invention provides benefits, such as reduced water and pesticide requirements, reduced phosphorus leaching and runoff, and enhanced root growth. The invention can be used in connection with containerized or field-grown plants, e.g., crops, grasses, trees, and the like. The invention is particularly useful for greenhouse and nursery plants, ornamental propagation, vegetable and bedding transplants, and for turf used for stadium fields, golf courses, lawns and the like, where phosphorus leaching is particularly undesirable.

Abstract: An optical media detector, for use in a media transport mechanism, the detector comprising a light source and an optical sensor, is described. The light source and sensor are optically coupled via two distinct optical paths which are formed in part by a pair of optical light guides, each of which is formed into part of a pinch roller adapted to contact or being close to contacting media being transported.

Abstract: A note skew detector, for use in a note transport mechanism of an Automated teller Machine (ATM) is described. The detector comprises a light source and a single optical sensor, optically coupled via a pair of optical wave-guides arranged to have an air gap there between so as to provide a note transport path between the said wave-guides. The wave-guides are further arranged to provide a first optical path and a second, distinct, optical path between said light source and said sensor.

Abstract: An optical detector is disclosed, which is adapted to measure the opacity of media. The detector comprises a light means and a light sensor, arranged so as to have a media path there between. The light source has a drive means, which is actively adjustable, during use, for detecting media of different opacities, so as to maintain a substantially constant sensor output.