Abstract: The present invention to provide a trophy assembly that can be assembled quickly and easily by using a connection insert in the base and optionally in top attachments that eliminates the need for the threaded rods and associated hardware of conventional trophy assemblies. It consists of a tubular column having molded or extruded ribs positioned longitudinally and circumferentially around the inside surface that are slotted to engage clips in a base connection (or top) insert; abuse (or top) connector insert (mounting ring) that is generally circular and cylindrical, dimensioned such that the outer cylindrical sidewall is substantially equal to the diameter of a recess cut into the trophy base The connection insert has interference members that project outwardly from that cylindrical surface to provide an interference fit with the sidewall of recess when the insert is pressed into the recess in the base. It is also methods of assembling trophies using the assembly above described.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a variable speed coolant pump which is operated at a variable duty-cycle at lower coolant temperatures, while transitioning to a predetermined fixed speed during a final warmup period of operation, and finally to a select-speed operation at one of a selected number of steady state operating speeds selected as a function of at least engine load.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for facilitating risk assessment for point of sale transactions utilizing at least one risk triggering value (RTV) stored within a distributed (e.g., local and/or regional) processing site. An RTV is a condensed version of a set of complex risk data and strategies usually found in central processing sites. The distributed site, after receiving a request for payment authorization, a risk value is calculated for the request. The distributed processing site compares the risk value to the RTV to determine whether to authorize payment. If the risk value is less than or equal to the RTV, the payment is authorized while a risk value greater than the RTV will not be authorized. After one or more authorizations, the distributed processing site forwards the information from the transaction(s) to the central site, wherein the central site calculates a new RTV for the account and distributes the new RTV to the distributed processing site.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for facilitating risk assessment for point of sale transactions utilizing at least one risk triggering value (RTV) stored within a distributed (e.g., local and/or regional) processing site. An RTV is a condensed version of a set of complex risk data and strategies usually found in central processing sites. The distributed site, after receiving a request for payment authorization, a risk value is calculated for the request. The distributed processing site compares the risk value to the RTV to determine whether to authorize payment. If the risk value is less than or equal to the RTV, the payment is authorized while a risk value greater than the RTV will not be authorized. After one or more authorizations, the distributed processing site forwards the information from the transaction(s) to the central site, wherein the central site calculates a new RTV for the account and distributes the new RTV to the distributed processing site.