Abstract: A computer system and method for evaluating underwriting requirements, and for evaluating expected changes in mortality of an insurable class in response to changes in such requirements. In certain embodiments, the method and system involves storing data relating to the requirements, determining expected mortality using a first set of requirements, changing one or more of the requirements and predetermining expected mortality using the changed set of requirements and the stored data. In addition to evaluating proposed changes in underwriting requirements, the system and method may be used in the design and pricing of insurance products.

Abstract: A method of characterizing relative risks associated with a plurality of financial products comprises the steps of identifying one or more risk classes associated with the products, determining for each risk class an expected occurrence rate, dividing the expected occurrence rates by an average rate to determine relative risk ratios, and comparing the relative risk ratios to characterize the relative risks associated with the products. In certain embodiments, one or more of the risk classes are associated with one or more criteria. The criteria may be modified and the method repeated to determine an impact of the modification on the relative risks associated with the products. The relative risk ratio may be used to redefine one or more of the risk classes. Certain embodiments may include the step of determining a separate relative risk ratio for subgroups of risks.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus and method allows a patient to control an object by asserting a motor unit action potential. An electromyogram sensor is configured to be placed at a selected location on the patient and to sense a motor unit action potential from the patient. The electromyogram sensor is also configured to generate an EMG signal representative of the motor unit action potential. A personal area network transmitting device that is responsive to the EMG signal is configured to generate a wireless signal that corresponds to the EMG signal. A personal area network receiving device is configured to receive the wireless signal and to convert the wireless signal into an electrical signal. A processor is configured to receive the electrical signal and to generate at least one control signal that has a value corresponding to a state of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A method for developing assumptions for use in evaluating the possible occurrence of an event comprises the steps of defining a plurality of factors correlated with each other to the event, assigning a plurality of levels to each factor, determining a relative occurrence rate for selected combinations of factors and levels, and assigning selected combinations to one of a plurality of cohorts. In certain embodiments, the method, and a corresponding system are used in designing an insurance product. The method may include the additional steps of assigning values to the levels and evaluating expected performance of the product based upon the values assigned to the levels and the expected loss distribution. The step of producing an expected loss distribution includes determining, for at least some of the selected combinations, a cumulative probability of occurrence, and determining, for at least one of the selected combinations, an incremental probability of occurrence.

Abstract: A method for developing assumptions for use in evaluating the possible occurrence of an event comprises the steps of defining a plurality of factors correlated with each other to the event, assigning a plurality of levels to each factor, determining a relative occurrence rate for selected combinations of factors and levels, and assigning selected combinations to one of a plurality of cohorts. In certain embodiments, the method, and a corresponding system are used in designing an insurance product. The method may include the additional steps of assigning values to the levels and evaluating expected performance of the product based upon the values assigned to the levels and the expected loss distribution. The step of producing an expected loss distribution includes determining, for at least some of the selected combinations, a cumulative probability of occurrence, and determining, for at least one of the selected combinations, an incremental probability of occurrence.

Abstract: The invention concerns a computerized protection system and method for automatically identifying and/or characterizing risk parameters.

Abstract: A method for developing assumptions for use in evaluating the possible occurrence of an event comprises the steps of defining a plurality of factors correlated with each other to the event, assigning a plurality of levels to each factor, determining a relative occurrence rate for selected combinations of factors and levels, and assigning selected combinations to one of a plurality of cohorts. In certain embodiments, the method, and a corresponding system are used in designing an insurance product. The method may include the additional steps of assigning values to the levels and evaluating expected performance of the product based upon the values assigned to the levels and the expected loss distribution. The step of producing an expected loss distribution includes determining, for at least some of the selected combinations, a cumulative probability of occurrence, and determining, for at least one of the selected combinations, an incremental probability of occurrence.

Abstract: A processor has a working receptacle with a part-spherical internal wall. There is a working element which can execute either simple rotary motion about a single axis or planetary motion about two axes which intersect at the geometric center of the part-spherical internal wall. There are control means for enabling simple rotary motion or planetary motion to be effected.Dough is worked by hydrating the mix and then completing development at a substantially greater energy input rate. The hydration stage can be considered as being carried out at such an energy input rate that substantial relaxation of the dough occurs, the development completion stage being considered to be carried out at an energy input rate at which no substantial relaxation of the dough occurs. Alternatively, in a more specific idea, the hydration stage is carried out using a working element with a planetary motion and the development completion stage is carried out using a working element with simple rotary motion.