Abstract: A tree processing vehicle comprising a prime mover and a pair of tracks for propelling the tree processing vehicle, the prime mover being in a driving relationship with the tracks. The tree processing vehicle also comprises an operator cabin comprising a front side, a rear side, and a pair of lateral sides between the front side and the rear side. A first one of the lateral sides defines an access opening allowing an operator to enter or exit the operator cabin. The operator cabin also comprises a door for closing the access opening and a set of controls for allowing the operator to control the tree processing vehicle. The tree processing vehicle also comprises a pair of arms pivotally movable across a range of angular positions.

Abstract: Position sensor (10?) and method for measuring the position of an object comprising, a sensing element and an oscillator (30) coupled to the sensing element such that an electromagnetic field is emitted from the sensing element. An output, arranged to provide a signal, varies in dependence upon a change in an electrical property of the oscillator (30). Change in object position relative to the sensing element alters the electrical property of the oscillator (30). Sensing element comprises at least one discontinuity arranged to perturb the signal at a predetermined object position. Alternatively, there is a temperature compensator in proximity to the sensing element and arranged to compensate the signal for changes in temperature.

Abstract: A tournament feature is herein disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of providing the tournament feature comprises receiving a tournament participation authorization for a player to participate in said tournament feature; assigning a handicap to a tournament participation in said tournament feature; providing said player on one game machine with said tournament participation comprising a tournament play sequence depending on which a tournament score is obtained; storing said score in storing means with a plurality of scores throughout conduct of said tournament feature; evaluating stored scores upon or after detection of the conduct of said tournament feature having ended to establish a winning score and a winning player who obtained said winning score; and awarding a prize to said winning player.

Abstract: A tree processing vehicle comprising a prime mover and a pair of tracks for propelling the tree processing vehicle, the prime mover being in a driving relationship with the tracks. The tree processing vehicle also comprises an operator cabin comprising a front side, a rear side, and a pair of lateral sides between the front side and the rear side. A first one of the lateral sides defines an access opening allowing an operator to enter or exit the operator cabin. The operator cabin also comprises a door for closing the access opening and a set of controls for allowing the operator to control the tree processing vehicle. The tree processing vehicle also comprises a pair of arms pivotally movable across a range of angular positions.

Abstract: The present invention consists in a system for securing data exchanged between two users having a First Information Processing System (FIPS) and a Second Information Processing System (SIPS) that have been correspondently paired. To complete encryption, the system includes a FIPS to encrypt data with a key, a SIPS to encrypt said key with a stored correspondent key and to encrypt correspondent key identifier with a public key common to the SIPSs. The integrated secured data include FIPS and SIPS encrypted information. The invention is also suitable for decryption. The invention further comprises structures to perform correspondent pairing between two SIPSs in order to exchange secured information. Furthermore, it comprises a pairing method wherein the SIPSs identify each other, exchange ciphered availability codes on the basis of available keys and key identifiers, and also set a correspondence pairing when a key and key identifier available in both SIPSs are identified.

Abstract: A flexible array probe is disclosed suitable for use in the non-destructive testing and inspection of test pieces with varying cross-sectional geometries. Array elements—such as, but not limited to, eddy current sensors, piezoelectric sensor elements, and magnetic flux leakage sensors—are mounted on thin alignment fins and coupled together with pairs of pivot mechanisms along the axis of desired rotation. The pivot mechanisms allow rotation in exactly one dimension and force the flexible array probe to align its elements orthogonally to the surface of the structure under test. Alignment and coupling fixtures are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a system of a client and a server, the server stores three dimensional CAD data in a cache. The CAD data is stored in the cache in levels of detail further divided into tiles. When a client receives a request from a user to view part of a CAD file, the client determines which portion of the CAD file is being viewed, and at what resolution. The client then checks a client cache for tiles already stored for the desired view. The client requests the view data from the server by providing to the server the client's resolution, the boundary of the viewing area and a list of tiles that the client already has. The server uses the request information to return to the client only the data that is needed for the client's resolution and that is not already stored on the client.

Abstract: A method of providing a feature game using a primary game outcome, comprising: evaluating a primary game outcome according to feature game rules, and when the primary game outcome comprises a feature-point-awarding outcome, modifying a total feature point value. The total feature point value is compared to a target range of values and a feature prize is awarded if the total feature point value is comprised in the target range of values.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring light beams comprising a reflector for passing at least partially through the beam to reflect a sample of the beam and at least one sensor arranged to receive the reflected beam sample for determining a characteristic of the beam sample. The reflector may be arranged to oscillate and the sensors may he arranged at substantially forty-five or ninety degrees to the axis of the incident beam.

Abstract: A miniaturized body electronic implant for providing artificial vision to a blind person or for other uses as neuromuscular sensors and microstimulators. The implant has a high resolution electrode array connected to a chip integrating implant stimulation and monitoring circuits, mounted on the back of the electrode array. The implant is powered by and communicates with an external unit through an inductive bi-directional link.

Abstract: A miniaturized body electronic implant for providing artificial vision to a blind person or for other uses as neuro-muscular sensors and microstimulators. The implant has a high resolution electrode array connected to a chip integrating implant stimulation and monitoring circuits, mounted on the back of the electrode array. The implant is powered by and communicates with an external unit through an inductive bi-directional link.

Abstract: A tournament feature is herein disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of providing the tournament feature comprises receiving a tournament participation authorization for a player to participate in said tournament feature; assigning a handicap to a tournament participation in said tournament feature; providing said player on one game machine with said tournament participation comprising a tournament play sequence depending on which a tournament score is obtained; storing said score in storing means with a plurality of scores throughout conduct of said tournament feature; evaluating stored scores upon or after detection of the conduct of said tournament feature having ended to establish a winning score and a winning player who obtained said winning score; and awarding a prize to said winning player.

Abstract: A game method requiring skill from the players and involves a display on a gaming terminal screen of the game that comprises a model image representation and a game board wherein a plurality of moving objects are displayed. The objects comprise portions of said model image and at least one portion of an alien image. To play, the player selects at least one object. Upon selection, the gaming terminal identifies each object as from the model image or from an alien image. If one selected object is a portion of an alien image, the game ends. However, if all the selected objects are portions of the model image, these objects are removed from the group of moving objects on the game board. When all objects that are portions of the model image have been selected, the play is determined a win.

Abstract: A method for establishing a combination of a primary outcome and a secondary outcome in a casino-style game. To generate such outcomes, a population of game indicia comprising mixed primary and secondary game indicia is used. Game indicia are drawn from the population one at a time until the primary game outcome is fully raised. It results in a primary game outcome of a predetermined quantity of game indicia and in a secondary game outcome having a quantity of game indicia depending on the order of game indicia drawn. Both outcomes are evaluated; the primary, to establish a prize, and the secondary, a feature. The secondary outcome feature may take many forms: prizes, bonus, participations in another game, etc.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an endless cutting chain for an underground trenching assembly that has a plurality of cutter links with a strap link joining adjacent cutter links. Each cutter link has a pair of side plates and a support member bridging the side plates. The support member has an arcuate support surface for attachment of at least one cutting member. The support member and the cutting members are adapted so as to permit substantially unrestricted selection of lateral positions of the cutting members on the arcuate support surface of the support member. Additionally, some cutter links on the cutting chain have an arcuate drag plate attached to the support member of the cutter link. The drag plate in combination with the arcuate support surface produces a cleaner round bottom trench 11. Additionally, the drag plate provides wear protection to the chain rivet heads.

Abstract: The invention consists in a method of playing a participation game involving comparison of players' objects (a.k.a. game cards) with a common object (a.k.a. draw result) remaining the same until the end of the game. The method involves players placing requests. Upon reception of requests, the system provides the requesting player with a game card and the active draw result. The system evaluates if a comparison between the game card and draw result fulfills an end-of-game criterion. When such criterion is fulfilled, the game card is declared a winning card and the system prevents the distribution of new cards. Otherwise, the system continues providing cards until the criterion is fulfilled. Accordingly, a suitable system is also described for the play of said participation game.

Abstract: The present invention consists in a system for securing data exchanged between two users having a First Information Processing System (FIPS) and a Second Information Processing System (SIPS) that have been correspondently paired. To complete encryption, the system includes a FIPS to encrypt data with a key, a SIPS to encrypt said key with a stored correspondent key and to encrypt correspondent key identifier with a public key common to the SIPSs. The integrated secured data include FIPS and SIPS encrypted information. The invention is also suitable for decryption. The invention further comprises structures to perform correspondent pairing between two SIPSs in order to exchange secured information. Furthermore, it comprises a pairing method wherein the SIPSs identify each other, exchange ciphered availability codes on the basis of available keys and key identifiers, and also set a correspondence pairing when a key and key identifier available in both SIPSs are identified.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) is disclosed which includes a thermostat (22) in a bottom hose (24) of a radiator (16). An onboard diagnostic arrangement is provided to monitor the efficiency of the thermostat (22). Temperature sensors (S1, S2) are provided to monitor the temperature of the coolant across the radiator (16) so that a controller (40) can derive from those measurements the temperature differential across the thermostat (22). If the temperature Teng of the coolant at the thermostat inlet is below the thermostat opening temperature Topen and the differential temperature between the thermostat inlet temperature Teng and the thermostat outlet temperature Trad is below a fault threshold Dtstat, the thermostat (22) is evaluated as being stuck open or leaking, which results in a fault being recorded and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) being illuminated.

Abstract: A hydro massaging tub is used for massage treatment wherein the treatment is performed by ozone-mixed warm air or water jets distributed adjacent the bottom wall of the tub all about its circumference. Ozone generated by an ozone generator is injected in an air distribution duct to sterilize the air distribution system and help clean the skin of the bather's body. The oxygen liberated in the water and the air improves the quantity of oxygen in the bather's environment so that oxygen intake through the skin and lungs is facilitated. A mobile air jet and section control of the air jets enable the bather to massage selective body areas with adjustable intensity of sections of the massage to achieve a desired effect. In one embodiment, orientable valves are mounted in the air jet holes for adjusting the orientation of the air jets. In another embodiment, optical fibers or light emitting diodes are provided to emit light frequencies in the water turbulence for physiological and therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A powertrain control system is disclosed in which an electronic control unit (ECU) (13) controls a power output actuator (10) to drive a fuelling element (12) of an internal combustion engine (not shown). The ECU (13) receives a signal of demanded power from an accelerator pedal demand potentiometer 915) and signal of required power output characteristic (20, 21) from a range switch (16). The ECU (13) selects the required power output characteristic (20, 21) from memory (14) and applies it to control the power output actuator (10) in relation to the pedal demand signal (25) from the demand potentiometer (15). It is thus possible to select between plural power output characteristics (20, 21) depending on vehicle use or driving conditions.