Abstract: One or more additional “bonus hand” cards that have no playing value are added to the deck of playing cards that is used in a video poker. When a “bonus hand” card appears in the player's initially dealt hand of cards, the player receives a second bonus hand of the initially dealt hand of cards. Alternatively, if the bonus hand card appears as one of the replacement cards during the draw step of video poker, the player is provided with another poker hand. In general, any type of triggering event is provided which awards the player another hand of video poker for no additional charge if the triggering event occurs during the player of the video poker hand.

Abstract: Peer-to-peer redundant file server system and methods include clients that determine a target storage provider to contact for a particular storage transaction based on a pathname provided by the filesystem and a predetermined scheme such as a hash function applied to a portion of the pathname. Servers use the same scheme to determine where to store relevant file information so that the clients can locate the file information. The target storage provider may store the file itself and/or may store metadata that identifies one or more other storage providers where the file is stored. A file may be replicated in multiple storage providers, and the metadata may include a list of storage providers from which the clients can select (e.g., randomly) in order to access the file.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless charging. A charging device configured to wirelessly charge one or more electronic devices may comprise at least one charging region, wherein each charging region of the at least one is configured for placement of one or more electronic devices. The charging device may further include an interface configured to convey information relating at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices placed within the at least one charging region.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to an apparatus for a battery system for electric vehicles and, more particularly, to removable modular batteries and a battery case to store the batteries.

Abstract: An improved heat sink comprises a plurality of wire fins mounted on a heat sink base. Each wire fin comprises a coil made up of a plurality of contiguous loops of wire. A wire fin can be manufactured by deforming a helical wire member to an elongate, relatively compact shape. Several such wire fins can then be mounted to a heat sink base in order to form a pin-fin type heat sink.

Abstract: An adaptive filtering arrangement for providing bit-synchronous, time-dependent filtering of a time-varying analog input signal taking the form of a time-dependent low pass filter including at least one adaptive resistive element that exhibits a varying resistance value as a function of a time. The time-dependent low pass filter uses as a “control” input a modifying element responsive to a clock signal associated with the received signal for creating a time-varying control signal applied as an input to the adaptive resistive element. The time-varying control signal is created to be synchronous with a baud interval of a created output signal such that the instantaneous bandwidth of the time-dependent low pass filter is synchronous with the baud interval, exhibiting a relatively small bandwidth during a central portion of the baud interval and exhibiting a relatively large bandwidth during a transition from one baud interval to the next.

Abstract: A container includes a plurality of panels integrally arranged with respect to each other and with respect to a set of orthogonal x, y and z axes, the z-axis defining a direction line in which the container is configured to support a stacking load. The plurality of panels include a first panel having a first planar surface, and a second panel having a second planar surface, wherein the first panel and the second panel form a contiguity with a fold line disposed therebetween, and wherein the first planar surface is disposed parallel to the x-z plane or the y-z plane. The container further includes a compression reinforcement feature having a planar edge oriented orthogonal to the first planar surface and perpendicular to the z-axis, the planar edge being disposed a distance away from the fold line but at a distance no greater than half a thickness of the first panel, the first panel having a void between the fold line and the planar edge.

Abstract: Method for applying an electrical contact to a hole (2) of a metal wall portion (1), comprising the steps of providing a bush (12), a punch (11) with a shaft (16), an expansion portion (19) and a connecting portion (20) thereof, a pulling device (21) with an abutment portion (22) and a pulling mechanism (23) for engaging the punch (11) and to pulling it proximally with respect to the abutment portion (22), inserting the punch (11) in a passage hole (25) of the bush (12) so that the connecting portion (20) protrudes proximally from the bush and the expansion portion (19) is located on end (14), bush connecting the punch (11) to the pulling device (21), inserting the preassembled bush (12)-punch (11)-unit from a proximal side of the wall portion (1) distally in the hole (2) and activating the pulling device (21) to pull the punch (11) proximally through the bush, thereby radially expanding bush and permanently anchoring it in the hole (2).

Abstract: A system for providing a multi-mode, multi-static interferometer may include a transmitter array, a receiver array and a processor. The transmitter array includes at least a first transmitter and a second transmitter spatially separated from each other by a first known distance. The receiver array includes at least a first receiver and a second receiver spatially separated from each other by a second known distance. The receiver array is positioned to enable receipt of a return signal from transmissions provided by the transmitter array and reflecting off an object. The processor is configured to enable the transmitter array to generate uniquely coded signals and configured to distinguish, based on the uniquely coded signals, a first signal transmitted by the first transmitter from a second signal transmitted by the second transmitter in response to reception of a combined signal including reflected signals corresponding to at least the first and second signals by the receiver array.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet. A support structure is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head and a portable cleaning unit is removably mounted to the support structure. An above floor cleaning wand is provided.

Abstract: An automated animal feeder may have a pair of traditional pet bowls, one for food and one for water, and the water bowl may be physically lifted and dumped on a timed schedule as the water bowl may be mounted upon a hinged plate which swings up to empty the water bowl at programmed intervals controlled by a programmed logic controller, and the water bowl may be refilled whenever the weight of the bowl is light enough to indicate that the bowl is not full. Food may be metered by means of a portion control hopper located beneath the food supply hopper. The programmed logic controller (PLC) allows the timing of feeding and watering to be controlled by the user.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus having comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet; a longitudinally extending upper portion moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, the upper portion comprising first and second longitudinally spaced apart portable surface cleaning unit mounting members; a portable surface cleaning unit removably mounted to the upper portion and comprising an air treatment member and a suction motor; above floor cleaning wand removably mounted in the upper portion and removable when the portable surface cleaning unit is mounted to the upper portion; and, a flexible air flow conduit forming at least part of an air flow path from the above floor cleaning wand to the surface cleaning unit.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a casual wagering game including a matrix having a plurality of positions. A plurality of path endpoints are positioned along a perimeter of the matrix. Each path endpoint is associated with one of an award, a symbol indicating advancement to a subsequent level, and a terminator symbol. Each position, except a starting position, is configured to accommodate one of a plurality of tiles. Each tile includes one or more path segments. When the tiles are placed in certain configurations, path segments of bordering tiles form a complete path between the starting position and one or more of the path endpoints. The objective of the game is for a player to place tiles at positions in the matrix such that connecting path segments form a complete path between the start position and one or more path endpoints to win the path endpoint award(s).

Abstract: The invention provides compounds with enhanced permeability for selectively inhibiting glycosidases, prodrugs of the compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds or prodrugs of the compounds. The invention also provides methods of treating diseases and disorders related to deficiency or overexpression of O-GlcNAcase, accumulation or deficiency of O-GlcNAc.

Abstract: Iron oxide complexes, pharmacological compositions and unit dosage thereof, and methods for their administration, of the type employing an iron oxide complex with a polyol, are disclosed. The pharmacological compositions employ a polysaccharide iron oxide complex, wherein the polysaccharide is a modified polyol such as a carboxyalkylated reduced dextran. The complex is stable to terminal sterilization by autoclaving. The compositions are suitable for parenteral administration to a subject for the treatment of iron deficiencies or as MRI contrast agent. The complex is substantially immunosilent, provide minimal anaphylaxis and undergo minimal dissolution in vivo. The pharmacological compositions of the complex contain minimal free iron which can be quantified by a variety of methods.

Abstract: A stent graft introducer has a pusher, a nose cone, a region between the pusher and the nose cone for a stent graft, a sleeve extending over the pusher and proximally to the nose cone to cover the stent graft when retained in the region. An indwelling auxiliary catheter with a pre-curved proximal end is fitted into the introducer. The nose cone has an elongate groove and the auxiliary catheter has its proximal end in the elongate groove. In a partially retracted position of the sleeve the curved proximal end of the indwelling auxiliary catheter is exposed and uncovered by the sleeve and in an advanced position of the sleeve the curved proximal end of the indwelling auxiliary catheter is straightened, extends along the length of the groove in the nose cone and is covered by the sleeve.

Abstract: Radiolabeled tracers for sodium/glucose cotransporters (SGLTs), their synthesis, and their use are provided. The tracers are methyl or ethyl pyranosides having an equatorial hydroxyl group at carbon-2 and a C 1 preferred conformation, radiolabeled with 18F, 123I, or 124I, or free hexoses radiolabeled with 18F, 123I, or 124. Also provided are in vivo and in vitro techniques for using these and other tracers as analytical and diagnostic tools to study glucose transport, in health and disease, and to evaluate therapeutic interventions.

Abstract: A power transmitting system for hybrid vehicle with first and second planetary gear mechanisms of different ratios used for power derivation: a first planetary gear mechanism (4) dedicated to low vehicle speeds and the second planetary gear mechanism dedicated (5) to the high vehicle speeds. The planetary gear mechanisms are driven in parallel by a thermal engine (1) and by an electric motor (2). The planetary gear mechanisms drive, in parallel, a differential gear (6) connected to wheels (9). Pilot shafts of the planetary gear mechanisms (4) and (5) alternatively connect and disconnect to an electric generator (3) which regulates the driving force of the vehicle by controlling resistive torque through a clutch (7). Advantages of the system include improved efficiency, reduced cost, regenerative braking and power input from an electrical grid.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a material property of a pavement material from a microwave field generally includes generating a microwave frequency electromagnetic field of a first mode about the pavement material. The frequency response of the pavement material in the electromagnetic field can be measured, such as by a network analyzer. The measurement of the frequency response permits correlating the frequency response to a material property of the pavement material sample, such as the density. A method of correcting for the roughness of a pavement material divides the pavement into a shallow layer and a deep layer. Two planar microwave circuits measure the permittivity of the shallow and deep layer. The permittivities are correlated to correct for roughness. An apparatus for obtaining the density of a pavement sample includes a microwave circuit and a network analyzer. The network analyzer measures the frequency response to determine the density of the pavement material.