Abstract: Method, article and apparatus for executing computer games, and in particular, computer-based racing games. In a racing game, a player may be allowed to earn one or more game play options which may be exercised during the race. The game play options, when exercised, may modify the predefined race path to create an advantage for the player or a disadvantage to the competitors.

Abstract: A sealed and decontaminated fiber optic detection apparatus includes an optics portion with individual chambers. Each chamber housing optical and electro-optical components. A manifold accommodates fibers, with each of the fibers being in optical communication with the optical and electro-optical components of a corresponding chamber. The apparatus also includes a sample holder that holds a sample to be tested and a mounting device provided between the sample holder and the manifold. The mounting device and the manifold form a sealed fiber optic interface between the sample holder and the optics portion.

Abstract: A sealed and decontaminated fiber optic detection apparatus includes an optics portion with individual chambers. Each chamber housing optical and electro-optical components. A manifold accommodates fibers, with each of the fibers being in optical communication with the optical and electro-optical components of a corresponding chamber. The apparatus also includes a sample holder that holds a sample to be tested and a mounting device provided between the sample holder and the manifold. The mounting device and the manifold form a sealed fiber optic interface between the sample holder and the optics portion.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a circuit breaker racking apparatus having a frame configured to couple to a switchgear section configured to receive a circuit breaker; a coupling operable to couple to a racking handle of the circuit breaker to be racked to or from the switchgear section; and a drive member coupled to the coupling and remotely operable to rotate the coupling and racking handle to accomplish racking of the circuit breaker. System and method aspects are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: The application provides sample preparation devices and analyses. The devices and analyzes allow for the rapid preparation and analysis of samples using a variety of techniques, including PCR, by even unskilled users.

Abstract: A drilling machine drills at a multiplicity of target locations on a component. Two robots, calibrated with calibration data, move the component in a 6-D coordinate system. A metrology system ascertains the position of the component relative to the drilling machine. The movement of the robots is effected by commands generated by off-line programming. The component is moved relative to the drilling machine to a target position, ready for drilling, by a closed-loop process in which the differences in position between the expected position (the target position) and the actual position (as viewed by the metrology system) are corrected.

Abstract: An integrated hands-free, point of view, action-sports, digital video camera (or camcorder) (10) includes: a rotary horizon adjustment controller (14) for adjusting the orientation of a horizontal image plane (16) recorded by an image sensor with respect to the orientation of a camera housing (22); a laser alignment system with laser sources (48) capable of projecting light to define a horizontal projection axis (52) that is coordinated with orientation of the horizontal image plane (16); a manually operable switch (80), which covers a microphone (90) whenever the switch (80) is in the OFF position, for controlling video data capture; and a “quick-release” mounting system (120) that retains a desired orientation of the camera (10).

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a biological sample for PCR analysis has an inlet (4) for receiving the sample (15) and a sieve (13) through which the sample is forced by screwing down an inlet cap (16). A lysis solution between two rupturable seals (11 and 12) is effective to disrupt the cells of the sample and release nucleic acid. The apparatus is mounted releasably on a PCR machine (2) having a motor (2?) releasably coupled with a drive mechanism (3, 36,40) in the apparatus to effect a rotary and a vertical up and down movement of its components (30, 31, 32, 42). The apparatus has a transparent cuvette (5) and a needle (71) extending to the lower end of the cuvette, by which the prepared sample is dispensed to the cuvette for PCR analysis.

Abstract: A holder for PCR sample collection and preparation and method of using which has a buffer container housing removably connected to a plunger housing. A swab attached to an end of a plunger collects a sample of a specimen to be analyzed for biological warfare agents. The swab and plunger are inserted into the plunger housing, a buffer container is positioned inside the buffer container housing and the buffer container housing and plunger housing are attached. A buffer passes through the swab and elutes off the sample and the sample mixes with a reagent. The prepared sample loads into a reaction tube, by a whipping action, for analysis.

Abstract: A sealed and decontaminated fiber optic detection apparatus includes an optics portion with individual chambers. Each chamber housing optical and electro-optical components. A manifold accommodates fibers, with each of the fibers being in optical communication with the optical and electro-optical components of a corresponding chamber. The apparatus also includes a sample holder that holds a sample to be tested and a mounting device provided between the sample holder and the manifold. The mounting device and the manifold form a sealed fiber optic interface between the sample holder and the optics portion.

Abstract: A reconfigurable sample preparation device includes a rotary plunger device having a hollow body and a coupling device, provided above one end of the rotary plunger, and accommodating a sample. The device also includes at least one sealed reagent module. When the rotary plunger is rotated on the coupling device, a film of the reagent module is pierced, mixing the sample with a substance from the reagent module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing assay information to a portable detection unit, by way of a remote server in communication with the portable detection unit or a consumable with stored information for use with the portable detection unit. Global Positioning System (GPS) information is provided to a portable detection unit having a GPS receiver, so that the unit can determine its current position, including altitude. Based on the determined position, assays and parameters, such as PCR melt temperatures, can be selected. Assays to be performed by the portable detection unit can be selected based on the results of a prior assay.

Abstract: A drilling machine drills at a multiplicity of target locations on a component. Two robots, calibrated with calibration data, move the component in a 6-D coordinate system. A metrology system ascertains the position of the component relative to the drilling machine. The movement of the robots is effected by means of commands generated by means of off-line programming. The component is moved relative to the drilling machine to a target position, ready for drilling, by means of a closed-loop process in which the differences in position between the expected position (the target position) and the actual position (as viewed by the metrology system) are corrected.

Abstract: An exemplary method for determining the appropriateness of service provider claims for payment includes scheduling appointments for patients with service providers based on requests for services, generating appointment information corresponding to each of the scheduled appointments, and capturing service information corresponding to claims received from the service providers for payment of charges associated with services rendered by the service providers to the patients. The method further includes automatically identifying candidate appointments that correspond to a particular received claim based on a degree of similarity between the service information associated with the particular received claim and the appointment information associated with the scheduled appointments.

Abstract: A detection device includes a housing containing a chamber configured to receive a specimen, a heating element disposed in the chamber, and an optical window to permit observation of the chamber. The housing includes a passage configured to allow fluid flow through the chamber to thereby provide cooling.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling flare in roll-forming processes are disclosed. An example system includes a component position detector configured to detect a component. The example system also includes a comparator configured to compare a flare tolerance value and a flare measurement value of the component and a storage interface configured to retrieve a roller position value from a memory based on the comparison. In addition, the example system includes a flange roller adjuster communicatively coupled to the storage interface and the component position detector and configured to obtain the roller position value from the storage interface and change a position of a roller based on the roller position value to condition the component.