Abstract: A method and system encourage continued play of scratch-off lottery tickets remaining in a game after award of the seeded top prizes in the game. A total set of scratch-off lottery tickets for the game are subject to a single multi-tier prize structure that includes a top tier prize and a plurality of lower tier prize levels. Subsets of the total set of tickets each have a predetermined winning outcome at one of the lower tier prize levels. A first one of the subsets is divided into qualifying tickets and non-qualifying tickets, the qualifying tickets eligible for play in an additional game having a game prize at least equal to the top tier prize. The qualifying and/or non-qualifying tickets are provided with a printed mark that distinguishes the qualifying tickets from the non-qualifying tickets within the first subset. At redemption, the qualifying tickets are identified and entered into the additional game.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing the damaged portion of a flow-line of a Corrugated Metal Pipe is disclosed. A containment mold is created on the interior surface of the CMP using a series of overlapping rigid sheets that are attached to the CMP along the damaged flow-line. This mold is provided with injection ports through which a hydro-insensitive expanding polymer may be injected. External pressure is applied to the rigid sheet during injection and hardening of the polymer. The result is a single monolithic structure forming a patch over the damaged CMP flow-line.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a restriction determination module and a valve control module. The restriction determination module determines a desired exhaust back pressure of the engine based on an exhaust flow rate of the engine. The valve control module selectively adjusts a valve position of an exhaust valve that restricts an exhaust flow of the engine based on the desired exhaust back pressure. The exhaust valve may include a valve body, a throttle plate, and an annular protrusion coupled to an inner surface of the valve body and protruding towards the throttle plate. The annular protrusion may abut a side of the throttle plate and may restrict fluid flow through an annular space between the throttle plate and the inner surface when the throttle plate is positioned in a rotational position transverse to a direction of fluid flow. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a restriction determination module and a valve control module. The restriction determination module determines a desired exhaust back pressure of the engine based on an exhaust flow rate of the engine. The valve control module selectively adjusts a valve position of an exhaust valve that restricts an exhaust flow of the engine based on the desired exhaust back pressure. The exhaust valve may include a valve body, a throttle plate, and an annular protrusion coupled to an inner surface of the valve body and protruding towards the throttle plate. The annular protrusion may abut a side of the throttle plate and may restrict fluid flow through an annular space between the throttle plate and the inner surface when the throttle plate is positioned in a rotational position transverse to a direction of fluid flow. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing cracks and leaks in subterranean structures is disclosed. The system and method is particularly well suited for repairing damaged underground pipes from above ground. The system and method makes it possible to locate damaged areas of subterranean structures and inject an expandable polymer into those damaged areas without the need for extensive excavation. The system and method are also used to fill voids surrounding the damaged structure with the polymer. The need for excavation is minimized, creating a much safer project because men won't have to enter an open excavation and be exposed to cave-in hazards. Also, the risk of damage to neighboring utilities is greatly reduced. Furthermore, the system and method eliminates the cost of damaging adjacent trees, landscaping, and structures.

Abstract: A stripper assembly strips a media sheet from a photoreceptor belt. A support bracket supports a stripping finger base which includes a multiplicity of attached stripping fingers. The support bracket is fixed proximate to the photoreceptor belt in a media stripping position. Each stripping finger has a protruding distal stripping end extending toward the photoreceptor belt to form a gap therewith. The magnitude of the stripping finger-photoreceptor belt gap is controlled by adjusting the position or spacing of the finger base with respect to the support bracket. The support bracket pivots about an inboard pivot axial. The opposite support bracket outboard end is releasable, thus enabling the support bracket to pivot away from the photoreceptor belt.

Abstract: A stripper assembly strips a media sheet from a photoreceptor belt. A support bracket supports a stripping finger base which includes a multiplicity of attached stripping fingers. The support bracket is fixed proximate to the photoreceptor belt in a media stripping position. Each stripping finger has a protruding distal stripping end extending toward the photoreceptor belt to form a gap therewith. The magnitude of the stripping finger-photoreceptor belt gap is controlled by adjusting the position or spacing of the finger base with respect to the support bracket. The support bracket pivots about an inboard pivot axial. The opposite support bracket outboard end is releasable, thus enabling the support bracket to pivot away from the photoreceptor belt.

Abstract: The steam valve includes a fast-acting control valve and stop valve acting against a valve seat in a steam flow passage in a closed position. An outlet passage below the valve seat has transition walls therebetween, affording a smooth, continuous flow past the seat into an outlet whereby head losses are reduced. An annular screen about the valve has support structure recessed in the walls of the inlet to reduce flow blockage and vortex formation. A balance chamber disposed above the control valve has a bleed hole for equalizing steam pressure in the balance chamber and steam valve which inhibits depressurization of the balance chamber and facilitates fast closing of the control valve. Buttress threads interconnect the control valve stem and the control valve head to preclude binding of those parts due to oxide buildup.

Abstract: A combined control/stop valve assembly for use in steam cycle plants which include at least one steam turbine, the valve assembly including a butterfly valve having a valve plate pivotable about a first axis, and a stop valve located downstream and adjacent the butterfly valve, the stop valve having a cylindrical strainer with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the strainer having a solid portion facing the butterfly valve.