Abstract: A Monte Carlo system and method are presented for the pricing of financial instruments such as derivative securities. A path-integral approach is described that relies upon the probability distribution of the complete histories of an underlying security. A Metropolis algorithm is used to generate samples of a probability distribution of the paths (histories) of the security. Complete information on the derivative security is obtained in a single simulation, including parameter sensitivities. Multiple values of parameters are also obtained in a single simulation. The method is applied in a plurality of systems, including a parallel computing environment and an online real-time valuation service. The method and system also have the capability of evaluating American options using Monte Carlo methods.

Abstract: A light assembly for providing a directed beam of light. The light assembly includes a specially configured lamp-reflector assembly which incorporates a high output lamp. The lamp-reflector assembly also incorporates a multi-faceted reflector for directing the beam of light within a restricted cone angle as it exits the light assembly. The lamp-reflector is housed in a flexible enclosure surrounding a translucent lens at one end and a power cord exiting the opposing end. The flexible enclosure is adapted for waterproof applications.

Abstract: A non-lethal fluid delivery device for discharging a debilitating or other inert fluid of choice is provided that allows the device to be easily held in the hand of the user in a way so as to somewhat conceal it from a target subject, wherein the device has a housing unit to hold and carry a replaceable pressurized canister holding the fluid of choice, an actuator button placed in the back of the housing unit to cause the discharge of fluid, and a safety cover over the actuator button. In a hand-held embodiment of the device, a lanyard is provided for placing around the user's wrist to hold and carry the device. In an alternative embodiment of the device of the invention, a bracket is provided to mount the device on another lethal weapon of choice to provide the user the ability to have simultaneous access to the device for discharge of non-lethal fluid and to the lethal weapon for use of lethal force, if necessary.

Abstract: Tattoo inks are composed of pigments or dyes combined with a tattoo pigment vehicle which entraps, encases, incorporates, complexes, encapsulates, or is otherwise associated with the pigment to form pigment/vehicle complexes that retain the pigment in the tissue. The vehicle can be chosen so that pigments which alone are unsuitable for tattooing can be used for tattooing and optionally can be retained in the tissue permanently. Alternatively, the vehicle renders the tattoo erasable, wherein the tattoo disappears after imposition of an exogenous energy. Alternatively, the tattoo pigment vehicle renders the tattoo semi-permanent, so that the tattoo spontaneously disappears at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A wood treatment method wherein a piece of wood to be treated is heat treated at high temperature for a predetermined time. According to the method, the piece of wood is heated to its glass transition temperature (Tg) prior to the heat treatment, and maintained thereat until the whole of the piece of wood has reached the glass transition temperature (Tg).

Abstract: A combination lethal/non-lethal firearm device is disclosed wherein a lethal gun, pistol or rifle that conventionally fires solid projectiles in the form of bullets, is converted to a non-lethal defensive weapon by means of a novel canister unit attachment which will deploy a non lethal chemical fluid such as tear gas or pepper gas. The novel non-lethal apparatus uncomplicated in construction and is adapted for easy use and inexpensive maintenance. The non-lethal apparatus has a top portion which is removably attached to the underside of the barrel, and a rear mounting portion attached to a trigger guard of a firearm. The direction of fire of the fluid propellant therein is along the firearm barrel and in the same line of fire as the trajectory of a solid projectile bullet of the firearm.

Abstract: To search for an avalanche victim wearing a radio transmitter continually transmitting at a standardized frequency, the method according to the invention comprises: a victim detection phase during which a rescue worker wearing a receiver methodically covers the zone snowed in by the avalanche during which time the receiver detects the moments when the amplitude of the signal received is greater than a lower threshold, a phase of directional search for the victim during which the rescue worker rotates with the receiver while the latter detects the moments when the amplitude of the signal received is at the maximum, and signals these moments to the rescue worker who is then pointed towards the victim, a phase during which the rescue worker advances towards the victim, during which the receiver checks that the amplitude of the signal remains at the maximum, and detects the moments when the amplitude of the signal received exceeds an upper threshold.

Abstract: A method for heat-treating wood, including at least one step of maintaining the wood to be treated at a predetermined temperature in a treatment chamber in order to destroy at least partially the hemicellulose of the wood. The method comprises monitoring the current amount of at least one of the gases given off during hemicellulose decomposition throughout the treatment step, and stopping the treatment step once the amount begins to reach a substantially constant value.

Abstract: A wood pellet stove for efficiently burning wood pellets and especially burning pellets at low burns. The stove is accurately controlled by a control panel with a microprocessor which helps safely regulate air flow from a combustion air and exhaust gas fan. Also, the microprocessor helps control convection air flow from a convection air fan and regulate feed of wood pellets into a burn pot using a motorized auger. The microprocessor is further used to monitor inlet air temperature and exhaust gas temperature. The stove includes a stove housing with a fire box and a fire box access door in the front of the housing. The burn pot includes a burn grate and pit used for receiving and burning wood pellets. The burn pot is disposed on a fire box floor. A wood pellet hopper is disposed in the rear of the housing for holding wood pellets therein. The motorized auger is used for feeding the wood pellets into the burn pot.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a plurality of mattress structure components are arranged for selective assembly to provide a customized mattress structure at the point of sale to accommodate the musculoskeletal condition and interface pressure preference of the user. The mattress structure components include a perimetrical frame having a central opening and a plurality of cores which are provided in a variety of firmness and support characteristics such that various combinations of firmness and support can be selectively provided. The frame is preferably made from a relatively firm foam rubber such as a high resiliency, high density urethane foam and the plurality of cores includes air bladders, "zone foam" elements, "sculptured foam" shaped from foam blocks, and combinations thereof for filling the central opening of the perimetral frame. The mattress is also suitable for use with an articulating deck having longitudinally spaced head, seat, thighs and foot sections.

Abstract: A device for cutting pipe internally includes an annular cutter head having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings therethrough, a stepped drive shaft extending from the cutter head and having a longitudinal bore therethrough and an adapter at the distal end of the drive shaft for connection to a rotary drive member. A frustoconical mandrel has a threaded rod extending from one end thereof through the shaft bore to the distal end of the shaft where it threadably engages a nut held stationary with respect to the drive shaft. The mandrel has a plurality of inverted T-shaped slots extending along the frustoconical side thereof, each slot receiving the T-shaped projection on a cutter body. Each cutter body has a rotatable cutter wheel mounted thereon, the wheel being adapted to project through a corresponding opening in the cutter head. Rotation of the drive shaft by the rotary drive member will cause rotation of the mandrel and the threaded rod.