Abstract: Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game, a poker game or the like. The EGM (1) displays a gaming image on a display (5), e.g. virtual symbol reels or card hands, and receives player instructions via an input (6) or the like, e.g. to spin the reels or manage the cards. The EGM (1) includes a guarantee feature in which an event is guaranteed to trigger if a monitored event (e.g. of the same type as the guaranteed event) does not occur within a set amount of gameplay. A guarantee indicator (9), e.g. a numerical countdown or gauge, indicates the remaining amount of gameplay required before the guarantee feature triggers. The monitored and/or guaranteed event may be a win event or a feature event, e.g. the triggering of a bonus round, free game or the like.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock (202) and a sensing module (200). The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The insert dock (202) is a passive component made for different prosthetic component manufacturers as well as for different size prosthetic components. The sensing module (200) fits in an opening or cavity of the insert dock (202). The intra-operative insert device is substantially equal in dimension to an implanted final insert. The sensing insert device (100) is also a permanent prosthetic component. The sensing module (200) residing within the sensing insert device and coupling to a bearing surface of the insert.

Abstract: A sensing assemblage (1) for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium is disclosed to measure a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing assemblage (1) comprises a transducer (2) and a waveguide (3). The transducer (2) is coupled to the waveguide (3) at a first location. A second transducer (11) can be coupled to the waveguide (3) at a second location. An interface material that is transmissive to acoustic energy waves can be placed between transducers (402, 404) and a waveguide (414) to improve transfer. The interface material (408, 410) can affix the transducers (402, 404) to the waveguide (414). Alternatively, a reflecting feature (5) can be placed at a second location of the waveguide (3) to reflect acoustic waves back to the transducer (2) where transducer (2) emits energy waves into the medium and detects propagated energy waves.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock (202) and a sensing module (200). The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (1802), electronic circuitry (307), and communication circuitry (320). An interconnect stack within the sensing module (1700) couples at least one circuit board (1612 and 1616) to one or more sensing assemblages (1802). The interconnect stack includes at least one flexible interconnect (1506) that couples to the circuit board (1612 and 1616). The flexible interconnect (1506) can be in a path for conducting an energy wave through the sensing assemblage (1802).

Abstract: Provided are a method and a system for inventorying batteries. In exemplary embodiments, a computer assisted method for inventorying batteries includes identifying a battery string at a location and reading battery identification data associated with one or more batteries in the battery string which includes a battery voltage. After reading the battery identification data and aggregating the magnitudes of the battery voltages in the battery string, if the aggregate of the magnitudes of the voltages is not equal to a required voltage then an error message is generated. If the aggregate of the voltages of the batteries is equal to the required voltage then the process may be repeated for the next string, if any, at the location.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game. The controller (2) displays a suitable gaming image on a display (6), e.g. virtual symbol reels (11) having a plurality of pay lines (12), and a player interacts with the EGM (1) through push buttons (8) or the like, e.g. to select the number of pay lines (12) to play and to spin the reels (11). The EGM (1) includes means for selecting one or more of the pay lines (11) as bonus pay lines and for associating a bonus feature with the bonus pay lines, so that if an appropriate win event occurs on a bonus play line, the bonus feature will trigger. For example, a win on a bonus pay line could pay out three times the prize of a win on a normal pay line.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus (1), e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game, casino game or the like. The controller (2) displays a suitable gaming image on a screen (6), e.g. virtual symbol reels or card hands, and a player interacts with the EGM 1 through buttons (8) or the like, e.g. to spin the reels or deal cards. The apparatus includes award means for awarding a player event points during the course of play, accumulator means for accumulating the awarded event points, and purchasing/selection means for allowing a player to purchase a game event using the accumulated event points. These game events may provide the player with the chance of higher returns or the like, and may include free plays, high return games, a jackpot game and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise device of the rowing machine type, which may impose both flexion and extension forces against motion of a user with respect to the seat and/or arms of the exercise device. Rotation of the seat about a pitch axis may be provided to allow a user to impose forces against the seat pan more comfortably in opposition to seat travel flexion resistance, while rotationally free grips may allow the user to maintain proper orientation of the hands and wrists during exercise using the exercise device. Other improvements are discussed in the detailed description of the invention above.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game, casino-type game or other betting game. The EGM (1) displays a gaming image on a display (6), e.g. virtual symbol reels or card hands, and receives player instructions via an input (7), e.g. to spin the reels or manage the cards. The EGM (1) includes a means for playing a game and for receiving bets, and means for monitoring game events over a number of plays of the game. It also includes means for placing one or more series bets on the occurrence of game events over a series of game plays, and series win means for determining that a player has won a series bet based on the bet placed and the monitored events. The monitored game events may be prize events, e.g. the winning of a cash amount, or feature events, e.g. the triggering of a bonus round, free game or the like. The series bet win may be a prize, e.g. a jackpot, or may be some other valuable feature.

Abstract: The invention provides a hairpin polynucleotide, having a loop and a stem region, characterised in that a sulfur-based nucleophile is attached to an internal nucleotide in the hairpin through a linker to enable binding to a solid support.

Abstract: An offshore hydrocarbon transfer system (10) wherein a conduit (24) connects a floating structure (12) to a second structure (22) to carry hydrocarbons between them, and one of the structures has a shutoff valve (30) that produces a pressure surge in the conduit if the shut-off valve closes too fast. The invention provides a surge protection apparatus (40) with an overflow container (50) that receives hydrocarbons in the event of a pressure surge. The overflow container lies adjacent to the conduit and is connected to the conduit by a pressure relief valve (60). In one apparatus (40), the overflow container lies coaxial with a relief conduit section (42), and includes an elastic outer wall (44) that surrounds the conduit section. In another apparatus, the overflow container (72) lies completely outside the conduit section (42), and can be removed after it has filled with hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An emergency shower system for attachment to a water pipe located behind a wall and a valve mounted to the pipe. The system includes a frame mounted to the wall around the valve, a panel connected to the frame for covering an opening in the wall to expose the valve, the panel having an opening, a plate mounted to the panel to close the panel opening and a handle mounted to the plate. The system also includes a linkage pivotally connected to the plate and to the valve, such that vertical movement of the handle and plate are translated to rotational movement by the linkage so as to operate the valve. There are no openings apparent in the front of the shower system. The handle only moves vertically and at a constant distance of about one and a half inches from the wall. An eye/face wash station may be included with the shower. The eye/face wash station includes a pull down tray with two spray nozzles. The nozzles are connected to another valve which is opened by the rotation of the pull down tray.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise device of the rowing machine type, which may impose both flexion and extension forces against motion of a user with respect to the seat and/or arms of the exercise device. Rotation of the seat about a pitch axis may be provided to allow a user to impose forces against the seat pan more comfortably in opposition to seat travel flexion resistance, while rotationally free grips may allow the user to maintain proper orientation of the hands and wrists during exercise using the exercise device. Other improvements are discussed in the detailed description of the invention above.

Abstract: A control release device for the delivery of active components, the device including; a rigid housing containing at least one discrete aperture therein, and a driving substance containing the active component(s) placed within the housing, characterized in that the driving substance swells in the presence of fluid, driving the substance and active components out of the housing through the apertures.

Abstract: The present invention concerns phenylcyclopentylacetamides and phenylcyclopropylcarboxamides and analogues thereof, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a system for inventorying batteries. In exemplary embodiments, a computer assisted method for inventorying batteries includes identifying a battery string at a location and reading battery identification data associated with one or more batteries in the battery string which includes a battery voltage. After reading the battery identification data and aggregating the magnitudes of the battery voltages in the battery string, if the aggregate of the magnitudes of the voltages is not equal to a required voltage then an error message is generated. If the aggregate of the voltages of the batteries is equal to the required voltage then the process may be repeated for the next string, if any, at the location.

Abstract: A method for making a plant growth regulator includes the step of reacting vinyl chloride with a phosphorous reagent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for providing color corrected images to a user over a network. The user's computer and its associated devices may be remotely calibrated and or characterized and the data made available over the network to permit multiple image providers to provide color corrected images to a user. A notification technique is also provided to notify a user when the image or images being displayed is color corrected. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for providing color corrected images to a user over a network. The user's computer and its associated devices may be remotely calibrated and or characterized and the data made available over the network to permit multiple image providers to provide color corrected images to a user. A notification technique is also provided to notify a user when the image or images being displayed is color corrected. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An emergency shower system for attachment to a water pipe located behind a wall and a valve mounted to the pipe. The system includes a frame mounted to the wall around the valve, a panel connected to the frame for covering an opening in the wall to expose the valve, the panel having an opening, a plate mounted to the panel to close the panel opening and a handle mounted to the plate. The system also includes a linkage pivotally connected to the plate and to the valve, such that vertical movement of the handle and plate are translated to rotational movement by the linkage so as to operate the valve. There are no openings apparent in the front of the shower system. The handle only moves vertically and at a constant distance of about one and a half inches from the wall. An eye/face wash station may be included with the shower. The eye/face wash station includes a pull down tray with two spray nozzles. The nozzles are connected to another valve which is opened by the rotation of the pull down tray.