Abstract: A computer-controlled system and method for providing information to selected players participating in an on-line poker game with other players, the selected players typically paying a fee for the service. A database of information is maintained pertaining to the play styles of all players, the database containing information gathered during both play in previous poker games even with different players and play in the poker game in progress. The poker game in progress is continuously analyzed with respect to both the cards as they are dealt and play of the players. Information is provided on the display unit of a selected player that pertains to predicted continued play of a hand as it develops, predicted betting of the other players, and advantageous betting by the selected player, the information provided being derived from the database that includes updates that are made as the game progresses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nasal clip including two parts which are both injection molded. The first part, the base with a holster cavity for the second piece, the scent bar, which is impregnated with an aromatic substance such as essential oils, or aromatic medications. The purpose of the holster cavity is to keep the scent bar away from the skin, since the oils can irritate the skin if in direct contact. The base is fashioned in a way with various openings in order to emit as much aroma as possible. The scent bar is formed of a porous material, such as a poly-olefin plastic that undergoes a process of impregnation on saturation with the aromatic substance. The concentration of each type of aromatic substance will determine the length of time the scent bar will be soaked with may range from as little as a few hours to as much as a week. The nature of the poly-olefin plastic is to naturally absorb up to 30% of the aromatic substance.

Abstract: A financial data analysis system comprises a computer having a communication means for obtaining data related to a security; means for storing the data in memory; means for obtaining a second data point and means for storing the second data point in memory; means for comparing the data from the data points with data of an additional data point, which is randomly chosen from between the data points; and a display means to display the compared data. The system orders the randomly chosen data points prior to comparing data, then displays it as, for example, a table, spreadsheet export file, or graph. The compared data can be exported to a method of analyzing financial data. An individual can track a securities portfolio, monitor performance and make investment decisions based on performance. This invention may also analyze non-financial data.

Abstract: A floating breakwater system comprises a plurality of modules that are flexibly affixed together. The modules are affixed together to make up a plurality of vertical panels made up of the modules and the vertical panels themselves are flexibly affixed together in generally parallel relationship. Each individual module has a front face that faces the oncoming wave. There are at least two inlets in the front surface and corresponding outlets in the rear surface and passageways between the inlets and the outlets such that the water propelled by the wave passes through the at least two passageways. Each passageway is tapered inwardly in the direction of the flow of the water and each passageway has a main longitudinal axis. The respective axes are angled inwardly toward each other and converge at a point displaced rearwardly from the outlets so that the water that passes through the passageways intersect at the point and the energy of the wave is dissipated.

Abstract: A device for securing a necktie to the front of a wearer's garment comprises a bar, sized to pass through a button hole and be retained behind it; a ring sized to allow the bar to pass therethrough; and a flexible connecting means joining the ring and the bar, the connecting means having a length sufficient to secure the necktie to the garment front, yet allow the secured necktie to move a distance away from the garment front; and the connecting means being of thickness sufficient to allow its passage though the button hole without interfering with the function of the button closure. The device is used in a method of securing the necktie to the garment's front, which comprises passing the ring between the necktie label and the posterior face, and moving the bar through the ring to encircle the label, and inserting the bar through the buttonhole.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of ?-Difluoromethylornithine, analogs and derivatives is described from ornithine hydrochloride or from N?-phthaloyl ornithine hydrochloride, conversion to an alkyl ester, conversion to solid derivatives through the formation of Schiff bases, subsequent halomethylation using suitable bases and hydrolysis.

Abstract: Apparatus that invention detects and characterizes hard or metallic materials or objects, worn or carried by persons or concealed on their persons or in bags or luggage, using directed or propagated energy such as ultrasound or microwave, that is reflected or scattered by the materials and objects of interest and that has a wavelength or wavelengths such that the width and/or shape of the reflected beam can be measured at the desired detection distance or range of distances and has a measurable dependence on the size and/or shape of the object, utilizing diffraction methods. Also disclosed are a system and a method utilizing this apparatus.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of ?-Difluoromethylornithine, analogs and derivatives is described from ornithine hydrochloride or from N?-phthaloyl ornithine hydrochloride, conversion to an alkyl ester, conversion to solid derivatives through the formation of Schiff bases, subsequent halomethylation using suitable bases and hydrolysis.

Abstract: A product sampler including a substrate layer, a barrier layer covering the substrate layer, a gelatinoid product layer covering and in contact with the barrier layer, and a barrier layer covering and in contact with the product layer is provided. The gelatinoid product layer may include a microencapsulated product, such as a fragrance. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the gelatinoid product layer includes a microencapsulated fragrance carried in a gelatinoid liquid vehicle, which vehicle may comprise, for example, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, glycerin, or mixtures thereof. In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, the product sampler is in the form of a magazine insert having a protruding trimmable non-barrier substrate tab portion, whereby a user may remove a trim portion from the trimmable edge portion after binding the insert into a magazine without removing barrier material with the removed trim portion. Also disclosed is a product sampler in the form of a label.

Abstract: A shaker movement permits an arbitrary path of motion in a shaker's shaking action. The shaker movement comprises independent control over the “X” and “Y” directions of the shaking actions by a pair of track assemblies, each track assembly comprising a pair of fixed rods and a pair of sliding rods that are interconnected with each other in a rectangular, grid-like pattern. Motion in both directions can be driven by a single motor utilizing independent pulley-and-belt systems or by two synchronized motors which are connected to a sliding rod of each track assembly. By altering the relative amplitude, phase angle, and frequency between the “X” and “Y” directions, the shaking action can follow a desired path. The shaker path can be varied from the traditional circular orbital motion or linear motion, to a new group of shaking patterns in which the direction of the shaking movement can reverse.

Abstract: A tagging system for tagging a target vehicle consists of a tracking device, a launching device, a receiving device and a monitor to display the position of the target vehicle. The tracking device includes a tracking chip contained in a pliable carrier, and is stored in and launched from a housing mounted in a pursuit vehicle's grill. The launching device includes a firing pad slidably retained within the housing and spring mounted to the housing rear end. Pad forks in communication with a solenoid retain the firing pad near the housing rear end until two switches in the pursuit vehicle are sequentially activated, whereupon the tracking device emits a tracking signal, the solenoid is activated, releasing pad forks and thereby launching the tracking device towards the target vehicle. The tracking device is in free flight until it impacts (“tags”) the surface of the fleeing vehicle, to which it adheres by means of the carrier.

Abstract: A fastening device [or belt] comprising a strip of colored plastic molded in a desired shape with one surface being substantially flat. At both ends of the strip are a plurality of loops. The loops may be interlocked to surround and secure an object, or the loops may be directly attached to the object to be secured. Two strips may be interlocked with each other to create a larger strip. [Also claimed are methods for making this fastening device or belt by open mold or injection molding processes.

Abstract: A handguard comprises a key holder component and a purse component fastened to, and separable from, each other. Each component fits in a user's hand, and when used while carrying a plastic shopping bag, protects the hand from irritation etc. caused by heavily laden bags. Key holder component has a back piece and front piece stitched together to form a key compartment between them, the key compartment being open at its top edge, but closed by a flap on the back piece. Purse component has two members stitched together to form a purse compartment, which is open at the top and closed by fasteners inside the purse compartment. Each component has fasteners on their outer surfaces which fasten the key holder component to the purse component. The preferred fasteners are hook and loop fasteners. Key holder compartment has a key ring retained inside by a strap that slides through an opening at the key compartment bottom. A snap hook or D-ring is secured towards the other end of the strap by a fastener.

Abstract: Clip on type sunglasses include an improved mounting arrangement in which the bridge portion of the sunglass frame is adapted to fit behind the bridge of the eyeglasses on which the sunglasses are mounted, forming part of the mounting arrangement which also includes a pair of mounting clips, one located at the bottom of each eyewire, at the middle thereof, which receive the lower edges of the frame of the eyeglasses on which the sunglasses are mounted, the use of the bridge portion of the sunglasses as part of the mounting arrangement eliminates the need for mounting clips on the upper portion of the sunglass frame.