Abstract: The present invention relates to terpene synthases capable of degrading precursors into biofuel compounds, such as terpenoid compounds. In one instance, a transformed organism can include such terpene synthases, as well as vectors encoding such synthases. Methods of employing such synthases and organisms are also described herein.

Abstract: A gaming system wherein a first reel strip is selected from a set of reel strips for a first game. The first reel strip has a set of first consecutive symbol positions and a set of second consecutive symbol positions, each associated with a plurality of symbols and the second consecutive symbol positions comprise at least two consecutive identical symbols. The first reel strip is then displayed within at least one reel. If the user desires to play one or more additional games, the system selects and displays at least one additional reel strip from a set of reel strips. The additional reel strip has a set of first consecutive symbol positions and a set of second consecutive symbol positions, each associated with a plurality of symbols, and the second consecutive symbol positions comprise fewer consecutive identical symbols than were present in the previous game.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to methods and systems for providing a skill-based redemption game: An indication of a user desire to participate in the skill-based redemption game is received. The user's account balance is decreased, and simulated reels are spun. A plurality of symbols is displayed in an area separate from the simulated reels. The user must select a symbol in the plurality to replace with a replacement symbol. If the user's replacement creates a winning pattern, the user is rewarded with an increased account balance. The user may also be provided a bonus amount for achieving a number of consecutive wins.

Abstract: A gaming system including an input device, at least one display device configured to display a game comprising a matrix of rotating reels, a processor, and at least one memory including computer program code. The processor and memory are configured to cause the gaming system to receive a request from the input device to initiate a spin in a first game, cause, in response to the request, causing a plurality of reels to virtually spin. Each of the plurality of reels includes a plurality of first symbols and at least one bonus symbol. The memory and processor are also configured to cause the gaming system to determine, in response to a cessation of spinning of the plurality of reels, a number of bonus symbols displayed within a reel display matrix and trigger a second game in response to the number of bonus symbols satisfying a predetermined bonus symbol threshold.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a multi-reel skill-based redemption game. An indication of a user desire to participate in the skill-based redemption game is received. The user's account balance is decreased, and simulated reels are spun. Adjustment arrows are displayed for a subset of the plurality of simulated reels. The player selects a simulated reel and a direction of adjustment for the simulated reel. If the player's adjustment creates a winning pattern, the user is rewarded with an increased account balance. The user may also be provided a bonus amount for achieving a number of consecutive wins.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a multi-reel skill-based redemption game. An indication of a user desire to participate in the skill-based redemption game is received. The user's account balance is decreased, and simulated reels are spun. Adjustment arrows are displayed for a subset of the plurality of simulated reels. The player selects a simulated reel and a direction of adjustment for the simulated reel. If the player's adjustment creates a winning pattern, the user is rewarded with an increased account balance. The user may also be provided a bonus amount for achieving a number of consecutive wins.

Abstract: A method for recycling AgInCd control rod absorber bar material from a used control rod from a nuclear power plant includes sectioning AgInCd absorber bar from a used control rod into a first section and a second section, the first section having a higher radioactivity than the second section; and recycling the material of the second section of the AgInCd absorber bar.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to methods and systems for providing a skill-based redemption game. An indication of a user desire to participate in the skill-based redemption game is received. The user's account balance is decreased, and simulated reels are spun. A plurality of symbols is displayed in an area separate from the simulated reels. The user must select a symbol in the plurality to replace with a replacement symbol. If the user's replacement creates a winning pattern, the user is rewarded with an increased account balance. The user may also be provided a bonus amount for achieving a number of consecutive wins.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to methods and systems for providing a skill-based redemption game. An indication of a user desire to participate in the skill-based redemption game is received. The user's account balance is decreased, and simulated reels are spun. A plurality of symbols is displayed in an area separate from the simulated reels. The user must select a symbol in the plurality to replace with a replacement symbol. If the user's replacement creates a winning pattern, the user is rewarded with an increased account balance. The user may also be provided a bonus amount for achieving a number of consecutive wins.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a multi-reel skill-based redemption game. An indication of a user desire to participate in the skill-based redemption game is received. The user's account balance is decreased, and simulated reels are spun. Adjustment arrows are displayed for a subset of the plurality of simulated reels. The player selects a simulated reel and a direction of adjustment for the simulated reel. If the player's adjustment creates a winning pattern, the user is rewarded with an increased account balance. The user may also be provided a bonus amount for achieving a number of consecutive wins.

Abstract: A slapper detonator includes a ceramic substrate, a silver bridge element attached on the substrate, electrical leads attached to the silver bridge element and the substrate, a flyer material covering the silver bridge, a spacer element attached to the ceramic substrate, an explosive pellet attached to the spacer element, electrical conductors attached to the electrical leads and a high voltage fireset attached to the electrical conductors.

Abstract: A method for recycling AgInCd control rod absorber bar material from a used control rod from a nuclear power plant includes sectioning AgInCd absorber bar from a used control rod into a first section and a second section, the first section having a higher radioactivity than the second section; and recycling the material of the second section of the AgInCd absorber bar.

Abstract: Devices for measuring single cell changes in photosynthetic efficiency in algal aquaculture are disclosed that include a combination of modulated LED trans-illumination of different intensities with synchronized through objective laser illumination and confocal detection. Synchronization and intensity modulation of a dual illumination scheme were provided using a custom microcontroller for a laser beam block and constant current LED driver. Therefore, single whole cell photosynthetic efficiency, and subcellular (diffraction limited) photosynthetic efficiency measurement modes are permitted. Wide field rapid light scanning actinic illumination is provided for both by an intensity modulated 470 nm LED. For the whole cell photosynthetic efficiency measurement, the same LED provides saturating pulses for generating photosynthetic induction curves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for calibrating a first self-powered neutron detector for long term use in a nuclear reactor core with a second self-powered neutron detector, where the emitter material of the second self-powered neutron detector has a neutron absorption cross-section that is greater than the neutron absorption cross-section of the first emitter material for the first self-powered neutron detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for calibrating a first self-powered neutron detector for long term use in a nuclear reactor core with a second self-powered neutron detector, where the emitter material of the second self-powered neutron detector has a neutron absorption cross-section that is greater than the neutron absorption cross-section of the first emitter material for the first self-powered neutron detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game is provided. The method may comprise predetermining a predetermined payout award. The method may also comprise displaying a first hand, where the first hand includes a first plurality of cards. The method may also comprise accepting a selection of held cards selected from the first hand. The method may also comprise displaying a second hand, where the second hand includes a second plurality of cards including the held cards. The method may also comprise determining a third hand, where the third hand including a third plurality of cards so that at least one of the second hand and the third hand provides the predetermined payout award. The method may also comprise displaying the third hand. The method may also comprise awarding the predetermined payout award to a player.

Abstract: A secondary game played on a gaming machine displays a plurality of objects, each object representing a hidden award. Upon a triggering event occurring, the player then touches one of the objects via a touch screen, and the award is granted to the player. The selected object is then disabled until the game is reset. The awards that remain available to be selected in the secondary game are displayed to the player separate from the objects. The secondary game is continuous and is not reset upon a player cashing out. The continuous secondary game motivates players to keep playing until the top prize is awarded and the game is reset. The trigger event that allows the player's to select an object is based on the player's accumulated wager amount and is preferably independent of any outcome of the main game or any outcome of a bonus game.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game is provided. The method may comprise predetermining a predetermined payout award. The method may also comprise displaying a first hand, where the first hand includes a first plurality of cards. The method may also comprise accepting a selection of held cards selected from the first hand. The method may also comprise displaying a second hand, where the second hand includes a second plurality of cards including the held cards. The method may also comprise determining a third hand, where the third hand including a third plurality of cards so that at least one of the second hand and the third hand provides the predetermined payout award. The method may also comprise displaying the third hand. The method may also comprise awarding the predetermined payout award to a player.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coating system for the selective application of coatings to substrates to apply a uniform coating to selected areas of the substrate without the need for masking. The system comprises a first coating applicator for coating large areas of the substrate, a second coating applicator for coating small areas of the substrate, a motion and positioning system for both coating applicators and a system controller. Also disclosed is an ultrasonic spray coating system comprising an ultrasonic transducer with spray forming head, integrated fluid delivery device with air and liquid supply passage ways, support brackets and an ultrasonic power generator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming method and machine with bonus round that allow a player select the risk level of the bonus play. Thus the player has control over risk during their bonus round. As the player becomes more familiar with the game, they can select a higher risk for the bonus round and be rewarded accordingly. The bonus may include a fixed or variable number of additional turns. The gaming method and machine may include a progressive counter incremented in dependence upon at least one of regular play and bonus play. The gaming method and machine may allow a player to win an additional bonus play during the bonus play.