Abstract: Members of a media community share content where each member of the community is associated with a profile and a portable media device. A portion of the profile is used to create a media card that includes on or more actionable elements that enable the member to interact with the media community. The media card may be embedded in a memory area of the portable media player and accessible by one or more other members of the media community. Utilizing the tag, a member may create and share playlists with other members of the community. Also, a member of the media community can create a friend list comprising of media cards of other members to interact with the other members associated with the media cards.

Abstract: A slurry tray and a method for removing residual vinyl chloride monomer from a polyvinylchloride resin slurry with reduced discoloration of the polyvinylchloride resin is provided. The slurry tray preferably includes partitioned channels that cause the slurry to flow at a velocity that maintains solids contained with the slurry in a liquid suspension and weirs contains holes to allow solids trapped at the bottom of the weir to flow continuously downward to a bottom of the plate tower for removal from the tower. The method preferably includes supplying the slurry towards the top of the tower and a vapor towards the bottom of the tower. The slurry descends the tower, while the steam simultaneously ascends the tower, both through directional valves. The solids trapped upon the surface of the trays travel down the tower through the holes within the weirs for removal from the tower.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a collection processing system comprises a payment service center that is configured to receive payments on behalf of a plurality of third parties, such as property managers and other parties expecting payments in return for their goods or services. The payment service center processes the payments, which includes scanning the payment that are typically in the form of checks or money orders, or other payment instruments. Each tenant or payer associated with a payment is identified, along with the building associated with that payment. A demand deposit account module (DDA X-Check) is set to first associate a payment to a corresponding tenant.

Abstract: A slurry tray and a method for removing residual vinyl chloride monomer from a polyvinylchloride resin slurry with reduced discoloration of the polyvinylchloride resin is provided. The slurry tray preferably includes partitioned channels that cause the slurry to flow at a velocity that maintains solids contained with the slurry in a liquid suspension and weirs contains holes to allow solids trapped at the bottom of the weir to flow continuously downward to a bottom of the plate tower for removal from the tower. The method preferably includes supplying the slurry towards the top of the tower and a vapor towards the bottom of the tower. The slurry descends the tower, while the steam simultaneously ascends the tower, both through directional valves. The solids trapped upon the surface of the trays travel down the tower through the holes within the weirs for removal from the tower.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for coordinating tournaments among multiple amusement games are disclosed. Tournaments of differing geographic and temporal scope are accomplished using communications systems linking amusement games at multiple sites. Player interactivity is enhanced through the communication of player game statistics and other player information between amusement game devices and also through the availability of such information over the Internet. Specialized tournament servers may be used to coordinate tournaments among multiple users, including tournaments involving different genres of games.

Abstract: A system for a networking electronic game units, includes an arcade router coupled with one or more game units at each of a plurality of locations and coupled to a communications resource for supporting bi-directional exchange of information with the one or more game units. A first router is coupled with a first group of the communications resources for supporting bi-directional exchange of information with a first group of game units. A first server is coupled with the first router for controlling the bi-directional exchange of information so as to support interactive play by game units at different locations.

Abstract: A first participating entities prepares a transaction offer notice on a data processing system. The transaction offer notice is stored in a database of such notices on a server system which is available to entities participating in the system. Transaction notices contained within the server system's database are available to a user community over the Internet and form the basis of a trading platform. Users are able to search the database for transaction offer notices that satisfy a set for search criteria, and are able to electronically negotiate with the offeror with respect to transaction parameters and other terms and conditions until the transaction is acceptable to both parties. The original transaction offer notice is retained in the database and is further available to the user community while negotiations are proceeding.

Abstract: An arcade game including an inclined playing surface, a playing piece which can be directed down the playing surface, and a vibration apparatus operative to overcome the frictional forces between the playing piece and the playing surface. The vibration mechanism preferably includes motor-driven eccentrics, and the playing piece is preferably a flat disc, such as a coin. The playing piece is preferably guided into target apertures by manipulating a handle to vary the angle of the playing surface. A variation of the game includes an award dispenser, which dispenses an award based upon the game score. Another variation includes a progressive bonus apparatus which receives score contributions from at least one individual game unit.

Abstract: An arcade game including an inclined playing surface, a playing piece which can be directed down the playing surface, and a vibration apparatus operative to overcome the frictional forces between the playing piece and the playing surface. The vibration mechanism preferably includes motor-driven eccentrics, and the playing piece is preferably a fiat disc, such as a coin. The playing piece is preferably guided into target' apertures by manipulating a handle to vary the angle of the playing surface. A variation of the game includes an award dispenser, which dispenses an award based upon the game score. Another variation includes a progressive bonus apparatus which receives score contributions from at least one individual game unit.