Abstract: A thin gaming device is provided. The thin gaming device comprises a display, at least one storage medium, an overlay server, and a rendered game overlay module. The overlay server is configured to parse one or more configuration files stored in the at least one storage medium and generate, based on the one or more configuration files, overlay data, the overlay data associated with one or more overlays for a game. The rendered game overlay module is configured to render the overlay data generated by the overlay server and cause to be displayed, on top of a game presentation on the display, the rendering of the overlay data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of optimising one or more airspace blocks within an airspace. The method comprises receiving the initial spatial coordinates and the initial temporal coordinates of one or more initial airspace blocks within the airspace; receiving one or more pairs of waypoints within the airspace; and receiving or calculating an initial flight path between each pair of waypoints. The method further comprises iteratively optimising the spatial coordinates and the temporal coordinates of the one or more airspace blocks by iteratively modifying the spatial coordinates and the temporal coordinates of the one or more airspace blocks, calculating corresponding modified flight paths between each of the pairs of waypoints where the modified flight paths are in compliance with the availability of the modified airspace blocks, and for each iteration calculating the modified total objective variable.

Abstract: Improved methods of transferring a portion of smokable material from a casing into a smokable tube include displacing the casing and the portion of smokable material into the tube by specified amounts and at least partially withdrawing the casing from the tube, while holding the portion in the tube. A device for carrying out the methods includes a tube receiving area for receiving a smokable tube to be filled, portion displacement means for displacing the portion relative to the casing, and casing displacement means for engaging and displacing the casing.

Abstract: A method of transferring a portion (12) of smokable material from a casing (11) into a smokable tube (202), the method comprising advancing at least one of the casing and the portion of smokable material toward the other to advance the casing and the portion into the tube by a first distance less than the length of the space within the tube, at least partially withdrawing the casing from the tube, while holding the portion in the tube, and further driving the tobacco portion into the tube, as well as a corresponding device.

Abstract: A data exchange marketplace through a private blockchain network is provided in association with a system facilitating automated data exchange and related methodology for effectuating the same.

Abstract: Methods for producing substantially pure cultures of human neural retinal progenitor cells, forebrain progenitor cells, and retinal pigment epithelial cells are disclosed. In addition, the successful differentiation of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells through the major developmental stages of human retinogenesis is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel positive working photosensitive composition having: at least one photoacid generator; at least one novolak polymer; at least one polymer, having a polymer backbone, said polymer comprising a structure of the following formula: wherein R1-R5 are, independently, —H or —CH3, A is a linear or branched C1-C10 alkylene group, B is a C1-C12 alkyl or alicyclic group, D is a linking group that may be a chemical bond, a carboxylate group, wherein the carbonyl carbon is bonded to the polymer backbone, or a —COOCH2— group, wherein the carbonyl carbon is bonded to the polymer backbone, Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group or heteroaromatic group, E is a linear or branched C2-C10 alkylene group, G is an acid cleavable group. The invention further relates to a process for using the novel composition for forming an image.

Abstract: A method of transferring a portion (12) of smokable material from a casing (11) into a smokable tube (202), the method comprising advancing at least one of the casing and the portion of smokable material toward the other to advance the casing and the portion into the tube by a first distance less than the length of the space within the tube, at least partially withdrawing the casing from the tube, while holding the portion in the tube, and further driving the tobacco portion into the tube, as well as a corresponding device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel positive working photosensitive composition having: at least one photoacid generator; at least one novolak polymer; at least one polymer, having a polymer backbone, said polymer comprising a structure of the following formula: wherein R1-R5 are, independently, —H or —CH3, A is a linear or branched C1-C10 alkylene group, B is a C1-C12 alkyl or alicyclic group, D is a linking group that may be a chemical bond, a carboxylate group, wherein the carbonyl carbon is bonded to the polymer backbone, or a —COOCH2— group, wherein the carbonyl carbon is bonded to the polymer backbone, Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group or heteroaromatic group, E is a linear or branched C2-C10 alkylene group, G is an acid cleavable group. The invention further relates to a process for using the novel composition for forming an image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative photosensitive composition suitable for image-wise exposure and development as a negative photoresist comprising a negative photoresist composition and an inorganic particle material having an average particle size equal or greater than 10 nanometers, wherein the thickness of the photoresist coating film is less than 5 microns. The negative photoresist composition is selected from (1) a composition comprising (i) a resin binder, (ii) a photoacid generator, and (iii) a cross-linking agent; or (2) a composition comprising (i) a resin binder, (ii) optionally, addition-polymerizeable, ethylenically unsaturated compound(s) and (iii) a photoinitiator; or (3) a composition comprising (i) a photopolymerizable compound containing at least two pendant unsaturated groups; (ii) ethylenically unsaturated photopolymerizable polyalkylene oxide hydrophilic compound(s); and (iii) a photoinitiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positive photosensitive composition suitable for image-wise exposure and development as a positive photoresist comprising a positive photoresist composition and an inorganic particle material having an average particle size equal or greater than 10 nanometers, wherein the thickness of the photoresist coating film is less than 5 microns. The positive photoresist composition can be selected from (1) a composition comprising (i) a film-forming resin having acid labile groups, and (ii) a photoacid generator, or (2) a composition comprising (i) a film-forming novolak resin, and (ii) a photoactive compound, or (3) a composition comprising (i) a film-forming resin, (ii) a photoacid generator, and (iii) a dissolution inhibitor. The invention also relates to a process of forming an image using the novel photosensitive composition.

Abstract: A system and a method for leveraging human knowledge held by system administrators to support improved or optimal management of an information technology network. The present invention monitors and records the states and values key management indicators related to actions taken by a human system administrator in improving a perceived sub-optimal state of the information technology network. The present invention predicts the effect of command in situations later occurring, and optionally suggests actions to a system administrator. The method of the present invention optionally enables embodiments of the present invention to automatically select one or more preferred system commands and execute the selected command or commands.

Abstract: The adjustable design is defined by examining the current residential & commercial market. To provide beamspread* flexibility of a 12V, 24V, 120V, 240V and 277V AC 50-60 HZ and 12V & 24V DC recessed or surface mounted fixture per drawing FALF dated 13-MAY-2009 (attached to provisional application) which may include all or in part the following: A. Housing B. Light source C. Optical system of some or all glass or plastic lenses, all diffusers, all refractors and shaping diffusers (holographic or otherwise) D. All mechanical adjustment systems E. All plastic or aluminum reflector/refractor Beamspread is defined as the angle of light emitting from the end of the fixture. Previously a lighting fixture installation would require the use of three or four distinct fixtures, whether round, square, asymmetric or rectangular . . . one fixture each for a narrow, medium and flood beamspread.

Abstract: A data query and reporting method and system are provided. The method and system allow non-technical computer users to build and execute complex database queries. The method and system accommodate the need for a simple, easy-to-understand interactive and iterative means for generating and validating database queries. The method and system reduce the complexity and costs associated with retrieving useful information for organizations of all sizes, especially smaller businesses. The method and system support a robust security model, enabling organizations to protect sensitive data while providing broad data access.

Abstract: A graphical user interface and method of use thereof that allows users to interact with an entity relationship model. The user interface includes zones that allow users to navigate among the entities, roles and fields to create queries that are run against the model. Clicking on an entity in the shows the available fields for the entity. Users can drag and drop entities and fields onto a design surface to quickly and easily build queries. Rules are applied when either an entity or a field is dropped onto the design surface based upon the item being dropped (either an entity or a field), the position of the drop and also the properties that are associated with the item. Entities may be grouped and filtered to sort and limit the results of the query. After query is run, the results may be displayed in a separate area to the user.

Abstract: A proactive IT infrastructure support system is set forth which provides operations performance benchmarking. The operations performance benchmarking makes use of data that is available from a direct supply model. The operations performance benchmarking collects, analyzes, and formats the data into a single, easy-to-use interface that provides customers an ability quickly evaluate absolute performance of key IT performance metrics and to evaluate relative performance by comparing the results to the customer's choice of a variety of external benchmarks (such as industry peers) and internal benchmarks (site vs. site, and performance to Service Level Agreement).

Abstract: A sabot and shotshell combination includes a bullet, a shotshell hull, propellant, a shotshell primer, wadding, and a sabot comprising a molded member having a base portion and a plurality of petal portions each extending from a proximal base root to a distal tip, the base and petals defining a volume for accommodating a bullet. A reinforcement is at least partially embedded in the base, the reinforcement being more rigid than the molded member and having a plurality of apertures with the base portion extending through at least one of the apertures to retain the reinforcement within the molded member upon firing.

Abstract: Recreations which simulate space travel with space communication simulate the communication delays that would inhere at space distances. Recreation-related communications are passed through a store-and-forward server in which they are stored before forwarding for a time interval which simulates the communication delay that would inhere between points at the simulated spatial locations of the parties. Methods are provided for discouraging the parties from circumventing the simulated delay by communicating through means other than the store-and-forward server.

Abstract: An exposure exchange and method of operation therefore. An offer is received from a first party to assume exposure to at least one type of catastrophic risk in exchange for another party assuming exposure to at least one other type of catastrophic risk. A database is searched for an offer from a second party that is compatible with the first party's offer.

Abstract: A sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge and firing assembly including a barrel or barrel insert for firing the sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge. The shotshell cartridge includes a cylindrical hull, a sub-caliber projectile, a propellant charge, and a sabot. A central pathway or thin membrane is defined within the base of the sabot between the sub-caliber projectile and propellant charge. The barrel or barrel insert for firing the cartridge includes a transitional area between chamber and sub-caliber rifled bore to retain sabot in the cartridge. Upon cartridge firing, propellant gases flow through central portion of sabot base propelling projectile out of the sabot and into sub-caliber rifled bore.