Abstract: The invention is a portable laboratory instrument that incorporates software designed to record laboratory tests results to analyze the biomass of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) using an Activated Sludge Process. The software uses the values entered by the user and its data bank/algorithms to determine the health/age of the biomass. It produces an interpretation of the collected data, and delivers a final set of instructions based on the overall health of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The final result is delivered using simple instructions and color coded lights for an easy and quick interpretation. Its use does not require extensive training in the field of wastewater treatment. Its purpose is to prevent environmental disasters by detecting current/future biological problems.

Abstract: The system and method allows a casino operator to re-configure one or more electronic gaming machines as part of a multicast. Where any reconfiguration requires a software package A and any dependent package B, a server is configured to combine as part of the multicast both packages A and B. The system and method also provides for scheduling reconfiguration though multi-casting. In the event any data packages are lost, corrupted or not received, those packages are repackaged and the data packets are re-sent as a multicast.

Abstract: A linear light emitting diode (“LED”) light fixture includes LED modules that interface with one another to provide a substantially continuous array of LED's. This continuous array allows for substantially uniform light output from the LED light fixture. The LED modules can interface with one another via one or more connectors, which allow two or more LED modules to be electrically and mechanically coupled together. The connectors may be disposed beneath the LED's so that the connectors are not visible when the LED modules are coupled together. The connectors may be disposed along opposite ends of the modules to allow for end-to-end configurations of the modules and/or along side ends of the modules to allow for angled or curved configurations of the modules. The LED modules can be powered via one or more wires, magnets, or clips, which are coupled to a power source.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, transceiver apparatus and methods for wired serial communication to a remote device. The transceiver can be configured to generate an output signal using received compensation information to maintain a specified signal quality at the remote device. The transceiver can include an input for receiving first information, a compensation input for receiving the compensation information and an output to transmit the output signal including the first information to a component coupled between the transceiver and the remote device.

Abstract: A packet control mechanism for a computer data system that dynamically adjusts packet training depending on the utilization load on the processor. The dynamic adjustment of packet training can be to enable and disable packet training, or adjust the number of packets in the packet train. In preferred embodiments, the computer data system includes a processor utilization mechanism that indicates a load on a processor. When the packet control mechanism determines the load on the processor is above a threshold limit, the packet control mechanism reduces the processor load by compressing the packets into the packet train. The compressing of the packets is stopped or reduced when the processor load is below a threshold in order to increase the data throughput on the network interface.

Abstract: A packet control mechanism for a computer data system that dynamically adjusts packet training depending on the utilization load on the processor. The dynamic adjustment of packet training can be to enable and disable packet training, or adjust the number of packets in the packet train. In preferred embodiments, the computer data system includes a processor utilization mechanism that indicates a load on a processor. When the packet control mechanism determines the load on the processor is above a threshold limit, the packet control mechanism reduces the processor load by compressing the packets into the packet train. The compressing of the packets is stopped or reduced when the processor load is below a threshold in order to increase the data throughput on the network interface.

Abstract: A packet control mechanism for a computer data system that dynamically adjusts packet training depending on the utilization load on the processor. The dynamic adjustment of packet training can be to enable and disable packet training, or adjust the number of packets in the packet train. In preferred embodiments, the computer data system includes a processor utilization mechanism that indicates a load on a processor. When the packet control mechanism determines the load on the processor is above a threshold limit, the packet control mechanism reduces the processor load by compressing the packets into the packet train. The compressing of the packets is stopped or reduced when the processor load is below a threshold in order to increase the data throughput on the network interface.

Abstract: A packet control mechanism for a computer data system that dynamically adjusts packet training depending on the utilization load on the processor. The dynamic adjustment of packet training can be to enable and disable packet training, or adjust the number of packets in the packet train. In preferred embodiments, the computer data system includes a processor utilization mechanism that indicates a load on a processor. When the packet control mechanism determines the load on the processor is above a threshold limit, the packet control mechanism reduces the processor load by compressing the packets into the packet train. The compressing of the packets is stopped or reduced when the processor load is below a threshold in order to increase the data throughput on the network interface.

Abstract: A method for configuring an EGM from a remote terminal thereby providing improvements in operational efficiency when configuring EGMs. For example, operational efficiencies are possible by providing direct access to configure an EGM without the technician traveling to the physical machine, which may be miles away. For local EGM's, there will be efficiencies obtained by the number of EGM's configured per hour/per technician. For extremely remote EGM's, there are additional efficiencies by the reduction of travel and lodging expenses for the technician. Additionally, remote configuration of an EGM reduces security overhead.

Abstract: A sending device dynamically adjusts a target number of data packets in a packet train by projecting a train property in advance of timeout, and adjusts the target accordingly. Preferably, the target size of the packet train is adjusted downward by checking the number of accumulated packets in the train at some predetermined time in the timeout interval, and halving the target packet train size if the accumulated packets number less than some intermediate target. This process can be repeated more than once in the same timeout interval. The target size is preferably adjusted upwards more slowly.

Abstract: The system allows a casino operator to manage groups of electronic gaming machines (EGMs). Managing new or existing collections (i.e., groups) of gaming devices reduces the effort required to download or configure large numbers of EGMs. For example, new software may be downloaded to groups of EGMs from a central location, and the EGMs may be configured from the central location. Accordingly, this operational efficiency reduces maintenance costs and minimizes EGM downtime due to maintenance or EGM set-up.

Abstract: A system that is adapted for attachment to a flatbed trailer that provides automated tightening of tie down straps for securing the trailer's load. An electric motor is attached to each end of a drive shaft and used to rotate the drive shaft. Tie down straps are uncoiled from around the drive shaft, stretched over the load and attached to the opposite side of the trailer to start the load securing process. The motors are then engaged to rotate the drive shaft and provide automatic tightening of the tie down straps, which completes the securing process. Cotter pins can also be used to provide a backup locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method of and a system (10) for providing a jackpot award for a plurality of gaming machines (40) are disclosed. The system (10) gaming machines (40) linked by at least one venue jackpot controller (300) to a central jackpot controller. The method includes increasing a jackpot value by an amount corresponding to a predetermined percentage; randomly determining whether to award the jackpot value; and randomly awarding the jackpot value to a selected gaming machine (40) associated with a selected venue jackpot controller (300) when jackpot award conditions are met.