Abstract: A computer-implemented method of managing risk in an investment portfolio, the method comprising: identifying an alternative asset vehicle, the alternative asset vehicle having a guarantee amount and an excess capital amount; issuing insurance on the alternative asset vehicle; and investing extra capital to maximize return. A system for managing capital for a commodity pool comprising a memory storage and a processing unit coupled to the memory storage. The processing unit is operable to: analyze a plurality of alternative asset vehicles, each alternative asset vehicle comprising a guarantee amount and an excess capital amount; display the excess capital amount for each alternative asset vehicle; and receive input to invest the excess capital amount for at least one of the alternative asset vehicles in a different investment vehicle.

Abstract: Composite rigging, rigging terminals, methods of forming composite rigging, and methods of assembling the rigging terminals in a rigging system of a sailboat incorporate a sling of composite fibers having an equivalent cross-sectional profile and stretch resistance, but greater strength and less weight as compared to steel rigging. The rigging terminal includes a terminal fitting having a first opening, a second opening, and an interior space, and a terminal insert disposed inside the interior space. The terminal insert is formed with a first end disposed toward the first opening of the fitting, first and second posts disposed on the first end, and a second end having a shape tapered and disposed toward the second opening of the fitting. One or more composite fibers can be wound around the first end of the insert and held in a space between wall of the terminal fitting interior space and the terminal insert.

Abstract: A sailboat halyard lock includes a latch that interacts with a stop to maintain tension on a halyard, and a spring-loaded trigger that contacts the latch. The stop can be a ball that moves along a path through the halyard lock, or alternatively, a wall of a sail track. The latch rotates to engage the stop in the locked position, and is released to return to a neutral position. A spring-loaded trigger contacts the latch so as to position the latch to receive the ball or wall in the locked position. In this way, the halyard can be maintained under tension in the halyard lock, and the tension is adjustable over time.

Abstract: Composite rigging, rigging terminals, methods of forming composite rigging, and methods of assembling the rigging terminals in a rigging system of a sailboat incorporate a sling of composite fibers having an equivalent cross-sectional profile and stretch resistance, but greater strength and less weight as compared to steel rigging. The rigging terminal includes a terminal fitting having a first opening, a second opening, and an interior space, and a terminal insert disposed inside the interior space. The terminal insert is formed with a first end disposed toward the first opening of the fitting, first and second posts disposed on the first end, and a second end having a shape tapered and disposed toward the second opening of the fitting. One or more composite fibers can be wound around the first end of the insert and held in a space between wall of the terminal fitting interior space and the terminal insert.

Abstract: A sailboat halyard lock includes a latch that interacts with a stop to maintain tension on a halyard, and a spring-loaded trigger that contacts the latch. The stop can be a ball that moves along a path through the halyard lock, or alternatively, a wall of a sail track. The latch rotates to engage the stop in the locked position, and is released to return to a neutral position. A spring-loaded trigger contacts the latch so as to position the latch to receive the ball or wall in the locked position. In this way, the halyard can be maintained under tension in the halyard lock, and the tension is adjustable over time.

Abstract: A nickel stripping composition is disclosed. The composition can be contacted with a nickel plated article in an aqueous solution in order to remove the nickel. In accordance with the present invention, besides an oxidizing agent, the composition includes the combination of an organic amine and citric acid or salt. Alternatively, other amines containing particular substituent groups can be present in the solution in order to increase the nickel holding capacity of the solution.

Abstract: A mower deck cleaning device for a rotary mower for removing clippings from the inside of the mower blade housing. A tubular conduit is mounted on the mower so as to extend through the deck of the mower. A garden hose may be attached to the conduit to flow water through the conduit. A rotor mounted on the conduit receives the water from the hose and projects a rotating pattern of pressurized fluid for cleaning the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A nickel stripping composition is disclosed. The composition can be contacted with a nickel plated article in an aqueous solution in order to remove the nickel. In accordance with the present invention, besides an oxidizing agent, the composition includes the combination of an organic amine and citric acid or salt. Alternatively, other amines containing particular substituent groups can be present in the solution in order to increase the nickel holding capacity of the solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide a level of authentication or a computer software program sign-on that is intermediate trust-based licensing and hardware based protection. Entry of a registration name is required at the time of initial use of the program, and at each invocation of the program the computer determines if the invocation is within the freshness interval (based upon the number of sign-ons, e.g. 30, or the passage of time, e.g. 30 days). If the sign-on is not within the freshness level, the computer and display screen provide a re-authentication inquiry, which may require a response before a standard sign on is allowed. If the re-authentication response is at odds with the initial registration name, standard sign-on may be precluded, and the screen displays a phone/fax number or electronic address to contact for appropriate registration information.

Abstract: A book configured for easy carrying comprises a continuous cover and a fastener fixed to the cover for securing paper thereto. The continuous cover includes a spine, front and rear panels, and front and rear flaps, each of the flaps defining an aperture therethrough configured and dimensioned to receive fingers. The flaps are movable between a storage orientation and a carrying orientation, the flaps in the storage orientation being disposed intermediate the panels, overlying the panels, and extending generally towards the spine, and the flaps in the carrying orientation extending generally outwardly from the panels and away from the spine, with both the flap apertures aligned to permit the passage therethrough of fingers and thereby facilitate carrying of the book.

Abstract: A free standing modular unit for storing, displaying, and selling merchandise is shown in the preferred embodiment including standarized parts which can be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools by unskilled labor. According to the teachings of the present invention, the unit is constructed of non-combustible or fire treated material and includes a generally open top and sides which can be opened and closed by rolling up or down flexible coverings to maximize fire protection while minimizing expense. The unit includes a plurality of posts interconnected to and spaced by members locked thereto by visually hidden locking members. The open ceiling is formed by lattice grids resting on lips formed on the post separation and connector members. Merchandise storing, displaying, and holding members are provided in various forms including peg boards, shelf members, and cabinets.

Abstract: A system and method whereby school children waiting for the arrival of a school bus are notified of impending arrival of the bus by means of a radio transmitted signal which activates a visual or audio alarm located in their respective residences. A radio frequency transmitter is placed in each school bus, with the transmission frequency selected to correspond to a particular bus route. A radio frequency receiver is placed within a plurality of selected residences along a bus route and tuned to receive the frequency corresponding to that transmitted by the bus following the route followed by the bus which is to stop and pick up children at that residence. When the receiver receives the transmitted signal, an audible or visual alarm is activated thereby notifying the occupants of the residence of the impending arrival of the bus.