Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for variable contribution progressive jackpots are disclosed. A variable contribution rate is determined as a function of a wager level. A contribution amount is determined by multiplying each wager by its corresponding contribution rate. The contribution amount is then added to a progressive jackpot meter.

Abstract: A blood pressure sleeve includes a first sheet having a top side and a bottom side and a second sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface. The second sheet is attached to the first sheet and defines an inflatable portion, the first and second sheets each having a fluid impermeable surface. The inflatable portion includes an opening sized for receiving a port that interconnects the exterior of the sleeve with the interior of the inflatable portion and in which the first sheet includes a slotted portion opposite the port and aligned therewith to receive the port when the sleeve is wrapped about the limb of a patient, and in which at least a portion of the wrapped cuff is treated to reduce frictional effects.

Abstract: Sealant compositions comprising: a wellbore treatment fluid; a set modifier; and, a polymeric component that inhibits release of the set modifier; wherein exposure to ionizing radiation causes degradation of the polymeric component resulting in release of the set modifier and an increase in the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.

Abstract: A method and system for printing simple data utilizing a raster image processor in a computer system is disclosed. The raster image processor is configured for use with a complex data stream corresponding to at least one complex page description language. The method and system include embedding at least one control structure in the complex data stream. The control structure(s) are for informing the raster image processor of the simple data. The method and system also include converting the simple data into a printable format based on the at least one control structure and without using the complex page description language to convert a portion of the complex data stream corresponding to the simple data into the printable format. The method and system also include converting a remaining portion of the complex data stream into the printable format using the complex page description language.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying unexpected cards in a card-handling device are disclosed. The method comprises providing a card-handling device, wherein the card-handling device comprises a card storage area, an output end for the manual removal of cards, a processor with associated memory, and a card recognition system capable of reading at least a rank of a card, wherein the associated memory has a data file of a set of expected card values, reading a value of a card, comparing the read card value to the set of expected card values, and when the card value is not an expected card value, generating an error signal indicative of a card not belonging to the set.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for error correction in a parallel RIP environment. The system comprises parallel RIPs and a serial RIP. The system receives a print job comprising logical pages, separates the print job into segments of logical pages, and distributes the segments to the parallel RIPs for interpretation and rasterization. The system further determines that a parallel RIP has encountered an error indicating that a segment includes multiple logical pages, and instructs the serial RIP to rasterize the segment responsive to detecting the error.

Abstract: A device for forming a random set of playing cards comprises a card in-feed area, a shuffling system, a card removal area, and a card reading system located within the device, the card reading system employing a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and a hardware component, the hardware component capable of converting signals from the CMOS sensor into vector sets and comparing the vector sets to known vectors to determine rank and suit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition containing a stabilized solvent ketone, ester, or glycol liquid concentrate of at least one N-alkyl thiophosphoric triamide and at least one surfactant. The invention also relates to methods of using the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition containing a concentrate of at least one N-alkyl thiophosphoric triamide and at least one surfactant. The invention also relates to methods of using the composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for error correction in a parallel RIP environment. The system comprises parallel RIPs and a serial RIP. The system receives a print job comprising logical pages, separates the print job into segments of logical pages, and distributes the segments to the parallel RIPs for interpretation and rasterization. The system further determines that a parallel RIP has encountered an error indicating that a segment includes multiple logical pages, and instructs the serial RIP to rasterize the segment responsive to detecting the error.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore and is subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: There is provided herein a robot-based electrical system for locating holidays within coated pipe that does not utilize a grounding wire. In a preferred arrangement, the robot will carry a metal rotating brush/capacitive pad combination and changes in the capacitance in the brush/pad circuit will be used to identify imperfections in the interior coating of the pipe and especially those located proximate a girth weld. In another preferred embodiment, a circumferential brush will be used that allows testing of the integrity of the internal coating throughout the length of the pipe as the robot travels the pipeline.

Abstract: A light assembly for a hand-held medical diagnostic instrument. The light assembly includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a light source mounted to the top surface, and the bottom surface having first and second electrical terminals. The light assembly further includes a circuit board disposed inclined to the substrate, the circuit board having first and second electrical terminals, a first connector mounting and electrically connecting the first electrical terminal of the substrate to the first electrical terminal of the circuit board, a second connector mounting and electrically connecting the second electrical terminal of the substrate to the second electrical terminal of the circuit board, a heat sink, and a thermal conductor thermally connecting at least one of the first and second electrical terminals of the substrate to the heat sink.

Abstract: A method and wireless device for conduction transactions at a point-of-sale terminal using the wireless device is disclosed and may include initiating a transaction with the point-of-sale terminal via a wireless link, receiving at least one price from the point-of-sale terminal, determining whether the at least one price satisfies a price warning condition, and transmitting a signal if the at least one price satisfies the price warning condition.

Abstract: A system for projecting changeable electronic content, such as video or digital still images, onto a curved surface. The system includes a housing, a reflector within the housing, and a projector. The housing has an exterior surface and an interior space. At least a portion of the exterior surface is a curved display surface capable of displaying electronic content projected upon it, and at least one portion of the exterior surface has an aperture through the exterior surface to the interior space. The projector is located proximate the aperture for projecting content through the aperture to the reflector. When the projector receives converted content and projects the converted content through the aperture to the reflector, the curved display surface displays the converted content undistorted to a viewer. The system can also provide for display of branded content on a product container having a shape corresponding with the brand.

Abstract: A vehicle signal light assembly includes: at least one color mixing light source; a support element configured to support the at least one color mixing light source on a vehicle as a signal light; and a controller configured to selectively drive each color mixing light source to generate light of a selected visually perceived color based on a received control signal. In some such embodiments, each color mixing light source of the vehicle signal light assembly comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) of at least two constituent colors. In some such embodiments, the controller is configured to operate each color mixing light source of the vehicle signal light assembly using time domain multiplexing (TDM) to generate the light of the selected visually perceived color. In some such embodiments, the vehicle signal light assembly comprises a taillight assembly. In some of the embodiments, the vehicle light assembly comprises an ambient or auxiliary lighting, or a dashboard lighting assembly.

Abstract: The methods of the disclosure provide fluorescence-based assays for calcineurin activity, especially in isolated T cells. The methods include the stimulation of the T cells with agents that specifically target the TCR with or without influencing co-stimulatory pathways. One TCR agonist is monoclonal antibodies specific for CD3, which more precisely distinguish the inducible activity of calcineurin than does an alternative method targeting the T cell receptor (CD3) combined with CD28 costimulation. This method more accurately distinguishes between the measured level of calcineurin activity of T cells from immunosuppressed transplant recipients and normal individuals, and thus has improved diagnostic accuracy with respect to the response of an individual to immunosuppressant therapy following an organ transplant.

Abstract: A device for forming a random set of playing cards comprises a card in-feed area, a shuffling system, a card removal area, and a card reading system located within the device, the card reading system employing a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and a hardware component, the hardware component capable of converting signals from the CMOS sensor into vector sets and comparing the vector sets to known vectors to determine rank and suit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying unexpected cards in a card-handling device are disclosed. The method comprises providing a card-handling device, wherein the card-handling device comprises a card storage area, an output end for the manual removal of cards, a processor with associated memory, and a card recognition system capable of reading at least a rank of a card, wherein the associated memory has a data file of a set of expected card values, reading a value of a card, comparing the read card value to the set of expected card values, and when the card value is not an expected card value, generating an error signal indicative of a card not belonging to the set.

Abstract: An adapter for permitting a medical diagnostic instrument having an illumination source including at least one LED (light emitting diode) to be used with a power supply normally configured for use with a diagnostic instrument having at least one incandescent lamp as an illumination source. The adapter includes circuitry for compensating LED specific characteristics for permitting the power supply to be used with the LED.