Abstract: A scooping and dispensing device for efficiently storing, measuring, transferring, mixing, and/or dispensing materials such as powders. The scooping and dispensing device generally includes a funnel and a cover rotatably connected within the funnel. The cover is adapted to be rotated between a plurality of rotational positions with respect to the funnel. A handle may be grasped and rotated; with the handle being connected to the cover such that both the handle and cover rotate together. The cover may thus be rotated to an inverted position to form a chamber to store or mix one or more materials. A cap is removably connected to the lower opening of the funnel; with the cap being removed from the lower opening to dispense the material(s) out of the funnel.

Abstract: A scooping and dispensing device for efficiently storing, measuring, transferring, mixing, and/or dispensing materials such as powders. The scooping and dispensing device generally includes a funnel and a cover rotatably connected within the funnel. The cover is adapted to be rotated between a plurality of rotational positions with respect to the funnel. A handle may be grasped and rotated; with the handle being connected to the cover such that both the handle and cover rotate together. The cover may thus be rotated to an inverted position to form a chamber to store or mix one or more materials. A cap is removably connected to the lower opening of the funnel; with the cap being removed from the lower opening to dispense the material(s) out of the funnel.

Abstract: A computer network may include a host computer and a plurality of computer workstations selectively connectable thereto at which user work sessions may be initiated. Each computer workstation when disconnected from the host computer (e.g., due to server outage, etc.) may advantageously initiate a user session responsive to a user request and store session information for updating the respective user account balance when reconnected with the host computer. Additionally, when the computer workstations are connected to the host computer they may copy respective user account balances from the host computer upon initiation of user sessions, and update the copied account balances based upon computer usage during the respective user sessions. The computer network may also include at least one reservation computer for cooperating with the host computer to schedule user session reservations and provide a requesting user an estimated time before a user session will be made available.

Abstract: A computer network may include a host computer and a plurality of computer workstations selectively connectable thereto at which user work sessions may be initiated. Each computer workstation when disconnected from the host computer (e.g., due to server outage, etc.) may advantageously initiate a user session responsive to a user request and store session information for updating the respective user account balance when reconnected with the host computer. Additionally, when the computer workstations are connected to the host computer they may copy respective user account balances from the host computer upon initiation of user sessions, and update the copied account balances based upon computer usage during the respective user sessions. The computer network may also include at least one reservation computer for cooperating with the host computer to schedule user session reservations and provide a requesting user an estimated time before a user session will be made available.

Abstract: A computer network may include a host computer and a plurality of computer workstations selectively connectable thereto at which user work sessions may be initiated. Each computer workstation when disconnected from the host computer (e.g., due to server outage, etc.) may advantageously initiate a user session responsive to a user request and store session information for updating the respective user account balance when reconnected with the host computer. Additionally, when the computer workstations are connected to the host computer they may copy respective user account balances from the host computer upon initiation of user sessions, and update the copied account balances based upon computer usage during the respective user sessions. The computer network may also include at least one reservation computer for cooperating with the host computer to schedule user session reservations and provide a requesting user an estimated time before a user session will be made available.

Abstract: Provided are four new fluorescent proteins. The proteins were derived from two wild-type fluorescent proteins: a red fluorescent protein (RFP) that was isolated from Actinodiscus or Discosoma sp. 1 and a green fluorescent protein (GFP) isolated from Montastraea cavernosa. Two mutant forms were generated from each wild-type protein. Each of the mutated forms has a higher fluorescence intensity than the respective wild-type form. The mutant forms of the fluorescent proteins allow for more sensitive detection of the fluorescence emitted by the proteins. Additionally, one of the mutant proteins is more resistant to photobleaching than its wild-type protein. The invention also encompasses isolated nucleic acids encoding the mutant forms of the wild-type RFP and GFP.

Abstract: A computer network may include a host computer and a plurality of computer workstations selectively connectable thereto at which user work sessions may be initiated. Each computer workstation when disconnected from the host computer (e.g., due to server outage, etc.) may advantageously initiate a user session responsive to a user request and store session information for updating the respective user account balance when reconnected with the host computer. Additionally, when the computer workstations are connected to the host computer they may copy respective user account balances from the host computer upon initiation of user sessions, and update the copied account balances based upon computer usage during the respective user sessions. The computer network may also include at least one reservation computer for cooperating with the host computer to schedule user session reservations and provide a requesting user an estimated time before a user session will be made available.