Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical drive emptiness indicator including a base and a flag output partially extends outside of an optical drive into which it is loaded to provide a load status of the optical drive.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for identifying an aberrant feature on a nucleic acid array. In general terms, the method comprises: a) obtaining a log transformed normalized value indicating the amount of hybridization of a test sample to a first feature on the nucleic acid array; b) calculating a z-score for the first feature using: the log transformed normalized value; and the distribution of reference log transformed normalized values that indicate the amount of hybridization of control samples to the same feature on a plurality of reference arrays; and c) identifying said test feature as aberrant if it has a z-score that is above or below a defined threshold.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an electricity transfer system network. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a system for measuring electricity. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or reducing the risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency in a subject having or in need of a gastrointestinal acid reduction treatment.

Abstract: A method and device for positioning a viewing objective and an alternate objective in relationship to a viewpoint and/or a light energy source are provided. A plurality of objective lenses are coupled with a carriage plate. The carriage plate moves along a single axis and positions the objective lenses for use in delivering a laser beam to an object and/or enabling observation of the object by a human operator. A version includes a linear turret or “optical turret” for positioning at least one objective relative to a light energy source, where the optical turret is communicatively coupled with a processor and the optical turret includes (1) at least one objective; (2) a carriage plate, (3) a linear rail, (4) a scale, (5) a sensor, and (6) a linear motor.

Abstract: The present invention is a fire-safe, non-incendiary tracer bullet that utilizes a rearward shining shock resistant and electrically powered directional light source to illuminate the ballistic trajectory. The rearward shining shock resistant and electrically powered directional light source, comprised of a light-emitting diode (LED), laser diode or equivalent, along with an electrical power supply and switch, is recessed into a cavity formed in the hollow base of the bullet so that emitted light is visible primarily to the shooter, regardless of the emitted wavelengths.

Abstract: Shear mixing apparatuses and associated methods are disclosed for producing small gas bubbles of a diameter of less than about 0.1 millimeters in a liquid, whereby mass transfer of the gas into the liquid is improved (as compared to the mass transfer achieved by conventional large bubble generators under the same circumstances) in applications benefiting by such improved mass transfer, involving injecting a gas under pressure via one or more orifices into a liquid that is flowing at a velocity sufficient to cause bubbles formed at the orifice(s) to subdivide to the desired small bubble size.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for producing a tripropylene glycol in which alkylene oxide, water, an acid catalyst and a dipropylene glycol are contacted together under conditions suitable to form the tripropylene glycol. Water is present in the reaction mixture in the range of about 1 to about 50 weight percent of the reaction mixture. The ratio of water to alkylene oxide is less than about 9. The tripropylene glycol thus produced exhibits a higher primary hydroxyl group content generally exceeding 36 percent. Such tripropylene glycols find utility in the production of acrylics. Also disclosed is a process for making esters from such glycols.

Abstract: Shear mixing apparatuses and associated methods are disclosed for producing small gas bubbles of a diameter of less than about 0.1 millimeters in a liquid, whereby mass transfer of the gas into the liquid is improved (as compared to the mass transfer achieved by conventional large bubble generators under the same circumstances) in applications benefiting by such improved mass transfer, involving injecting a gas under pressure via one or more orifices into a liquid that is flowing at a velocity sufficient to cause bubbles formed at the orifice(s) to subdivide to the desired small bubble size.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for producing a tripropylene glycol in which alkylene oxide, water, an acid catalyst and a dipropylene glycol are contacted together under conditions suitable to form the tripropylene glycol. Water is present in the reaction mixture in the range of about 1 to about 50 weight percent of the reaction mixture. The ratio of water to alkylene oxide is less than about 9. The tripropylene glycol thus produced exhibits a higher primary hydroxyl group content generally exceeding 36 percent. Such tripropylene glycols find utility in the production of acrylics. Also disclosed is a process for making esters from such glycols.

Abstract: A plurality of six-sided intransitive dice 10 include dice having two different sizes and three different colors. Indicia of three different colors and representing numeric values, is disposed on the six sides of the dice. Intransitive dice 10 are used to play a wagering game 700 between a contestant and an opponent, wherein the contestant always has an advantage.

Abstract: A device is described for use in locating and securing a component, for example a cover panel, in an adjusted position to a main structure. The device is formed from an elongated plate-shaped member which is turned down at each end to form locating legs. The main part of the device sits on the component which is secured to the main structure by a screw which passes through apertures in the device and the component and engages in a threaded aperture in the main structure. When the component has been secured in the desired adjusted position, the legs of the locating device extend into, and grip, the removable component thereby establishing a location in the component for the screw. It is then possible to remove the component from the main structure and replace it in the same position without further adjustment.

Abstract: The invention comprises a set of six dice that provides two groups of intransitive dice, each group containing three dice (10, 20 and 30). The dice of one group are sized larger than those of the other group. Each die is one of three colors and each group of three intransitive dice includes a die of each color. The six dice are used in a casino game wherein all dice are rolled and then twelve possible bets are resolved. These bets fall into three catagories: contests between two dice of the same size but different colors, contests between two dice of one color and two dice of another color, and contests matching two dice, each of a different color and different size versus another two dice, each of a different color and different size. Game apparatus includes a layout (40) providing twelve betting areas (A-L) and chips (50) for placing wagers on twelve possible bets.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting shopping trolley or carts. The vehicle has a tray for the loading of the shopping trolleys, and adapted for movement from a transportation position to a lower loading position in which trolleys can be easily loaded thereon. The tray maintains a substantially constant horizontal orientation through this movement. A tailgate or rear ramp is positioned at the rear of the tray and is movable between a ground engaging position and a raised position generally blocking the rear of the tray. A mechanical leverage mechanism lowers the ramp as the tray is being raised and raises the ramp as the tray is being raised between their respective upper and lower positions.