Abstract: A Monte Carlo system and method are presented for the pricing of financial instruments such as derivative securities and for assisting a user in making an investment decision using the output of the system and method. 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 evaluation American options using Monte Carlo methods.

Abstract: A method of opening option trading in an automated exchange trading system. The system receives orders and quotes and matches the orders and quotes to generate trades. The method includes the step of accepting, during a first time period, quotes and orders associated with an option class. The first time period precedes the opening of trading. An opening value of an underlying security is received and opening prices for a number of option series in the option class are determined. Additional quotes and orders are received during a second time period and the opening prices are responsively updated. The second time period is terminated at a randomly selected time and opening rotations begin.

Abstract: A net-shape molded heat sink is provided which includes a thermally conductive main body and a number of thermally conductive fins integrally connected to and emanating from the main body. The heat sink is formed by overmolding a carbon-carbon matrix core plate with a thermally conductive polymer composition that is filled with thermally conductive filler material. The molded heat sink is freely connecting through the part which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration.

Abstract: Welding equipment that includes a tooling cart for transferring interchangeable tooling modules to a welding machine. A latch is mounted to the welding machine for latching the tooling cart to the welding machine, and a latch is provided for latching the tooling modules onto the tooling cart. A two-piece tooling cart includes a removable upper section for securing tooling modules thereto and a reusable lower section for use with other tooling modules. A welding method permits operation of a welding machine using a user interface that permits modular programming of at least one operational sequence of welding machine valves and weld operations for a variety of different tooling modules. An operator inputs a new sequence of operations using the user interface rather than having to rewrite ladder logic just to switch over the welding machine to use with a different tooling module.

Abstract: A remote station for a security system, a method of providing security and a security system incorporating at least one remote station. In one embodiment, the remote station includes: (1) a query unit configured to generate a query to a requestor regarding a reason for an attempt by said requestor to gain entry to particular premises and (2) a response recorder associated with said query unit and configured to receive a response to said query and cause said response to be stored.

Abstract: A telecommunications card for wireless telecommunication between a host device and one or more wireless networks The card comprises electronics for converting data into telecommunication signals and vice versa and a single antenna structure (2) comprising an antenna in the form of a flat radiation pattern (50) for transmitting and receiving said telecommunication signals. The radiation pattern (50) comprises a first portion (51) with a predetermined shape enabling transmission and receipt of telecommunication signals via a mobile telephone network and a second portion (52) with a predetermined shape enabling transmission and receipt of telecommunication signals via a wireless local area network.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive polymer composition suitable for making molded reflector articles having light-reflecting surfaces is provided. The composition comprises: a) about 20% to about 80% by weight of a base polymer matrix such as polycarbonate; and b) about 20% to about 80% by weight of a thermally-conductive carbon material such as graphite. The composition can be used to make reflector articles such as housings for automotive tail lamps, head lamps, and other lighting fixtures. A method for manufacturing reflector articles is also provided.

Abstract: A brace for supporting the knee of the wearer. The brace has an adjustable support mechanism for accommodating a variety of leg shapes. The hinge portion of the brace is adjustable so that there is proper balanced support on opposite sides of the knee. Furthermore, the brace is universal in applicability and may be used on either the right or left leg.

Abstract: The instant invention facilitates home purchasing for parties that desire a lease-to-own option for a home purchase. The instant invention provides the Future Home Buyer the choice to buy the home of their choice on the open market by entering into a lease option agreement via the operation of the instant invention.

Abstract: A method for trading non financial options in a virtual marketplace, including an option seller that provides for trading an option in respect of product or service. The option is associated with option price and option terms including option expiration date. An option buyer provides a buying price. There is further provided the step of calculating option trading, including transferring option ownership to the buyer if the following conditions are met: (i) verifying at least the seller, the buyer and the option, (ii) determining that if the option price matches said buying price, and charging the buyer with an option price.

Abstract: A method for accessing a smart card (SIM) from a host device (TE), the smart card being connected to the host device (TE) via a telecommunications card (MT), the telecommunications card (MT) comprising a command interpreter (TA) for interpreting host device commands and a modem (ME) with associated smart card reader for enabling said telecommunication and user identification, the modem (ME) being only accessible to the host device via the command interpreter (TA), the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an access command (AT+CSIM) on the host device, said access command instructing the command interpreter (TA) to pass on any attached command originating from the host device (TE) to the smart card reader; (b) attaching an application command (APDU) to said access command (AT+CSIM) and forwarding both to the command interpreter (TA); (c) performing said application command (APDU) on the smart card reader; (d) storing a response given by the smart card (SIM) to said application command in a first buffe

Abstract: A method for accessing a smart card (SIM) from a host device (TE) via a telecommunications card (MT), the telecommunications card (MT) comprising a command interpreter (TA) for interpreting host device commands and a modem (ME) with associated smart card reader, the modem (ME) being only accessible to the host device via the command interpreter (TA), the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an access command (AT+CSIM) on the host device, instructing the command interpreter (TA) to pass on any attached command originating from the host device (TE) to the smart card reader; (b) attaching an application command (APDU) to the access command (AT+CSIM) and forwarding both to the command interpreter (TA); (c) performing the application command (APDU) on the smart card reader; (d) storing a response given by the smart card (SIM) in a first buffer which is accessible towards the host device (TE).

Abstract: A method of molding reinforced polymer compositions using a molding machine with a tapered bore is provided. The method has particular application in molding polymer that is reinforced with particles having an aspect ratio that is greater than 1:1. The plunger machine used in the method includes a barrel housing with a smooth walled barrel with longitudinal fins projecting inwardly towards the center of the bore that defines a main melt chamber. A plunger housing, having a plunger bore, defines an initial melt chamber and is in communication with the main melt chamber. A plunger resides in the plunger bore and is reciprocatable therein. The barrel bore is continuously inwardly tapered and cooperates with the longitudinal fins to provide a shortened melt period and a smooth transition and alignment of reinforcing members within the polymer mixture during the melt process.

Abstract: A plunger machine for molding reinforced polymer compositions is provided. The plunger machine has particular application in molding polymer that is reinforced with particles having an aspect ratio that is greater than 1:1. The plunger machine includes a barrel housing with a smooth walled barrel with longitudinal fins projecting inwardly towards the center of the bore that defines a main melt chamber. A plunger housing, having a plunger bore, defines an initial melt chamber and is in communication with the main melt chamber. A plunger resides in the plunger bore and is reciprocatable therein. The barrel bore is continuously inwardly tapered and cooperates with the longitudinal fins to provide a shortened melt period and a smooth transition and alignment of reinforcing members within the polymer mixture during the melt process.

Abstract: A method for making a stator assembly having a thermally-conductive, plastic housing for a high speed motor is provided. A thermally-conductive, high-density polymer composition is used to make the housing, and the stator is uniformly encapsulated therein. The polymer composition comprises a base polymer matrix such as polyphenylene sulfide, and a thermally-conductive, high-density filler material such as zinc oxide.

Abstract: A plunger machine for molding reinforced polymer compositions is provided. The plunger machine has particular application in molding polymer that is reinforced with particles having an aspect ratio that is greater than 1:1. The plunger machine includes a barrel housing with a smooth walled barrel with longitudinal fins projecting inwardly towards the center of the bore that defines a main melt chamber. A plunger housing, having a plunger bore, defines an initial melt chamber and is in communication with the main melt chamber. A plunger resides in the plunger bore and is reciprocatable therein. The barrel bore is continuously inwardly tapered and cooperates with the longitudinal fins to provide a shortened melt period and a smooth transition and alignment of reinforcing members within the polymer mixture during the melt process.

Abstract: Method for managing simultaneous connections of a mobile telecommunications device to at least a wireless local area network and a mobile telephone network via a single terminal of the mobile telecommunications device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) establishing a first wireless connection of the terminal with the wireless local area network, (b) establishing a second wireless connection of the terminal with the mobile telephone network, (c) responding to each network at predetermined times, such that the first and second wireless connections are maintained, and (d) preventing simultaneous transmittals of data from the terminal to both networks over the first and second wireless connections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-heating container for heating consumable items such as food and beverages. The container assembly includes a star-shaped inner container for holding heating media that produces an exothermic reaction, and an outer container for holding a consumable item such as food and beverages. The inner container includes a thermally conductive polymer composition, and the outer container includes a heat-insulating material. The thermally conductive polymer composition includes a base polymer matrix and filler material.

Abstract: An electronic connector having a housing containing a circuit board with a heat-generating component, such as a photodiode or laser, is provided. The housing is molded over the circuit board and heat-generating component. The housing is made from a moldable, thermally conductive polymer composition containing a base polymer and thermally conductive filler material. Liquid crystal polymers can be used as the base polymer, and boron nitride particles and carbon fibers can be used as the thermally conductive filler materials. In one embodiment, the thermally conductive polymer composition includes 30 to 60% of a base polymer, 25% to 50% of a first thermally conductive filler material, and 10 to 25% of a second thermally conductive filler material. The molded housing is capable of dissipating heat from the heat-generating component. A method for making the electronic connector is also provided.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode reflector assembly having a heat pipe and a reflector body is provided. The assembly further includes a mounting member for mounting a circuit board having an array of light-emitting diodes. The mounting member and reflector body are made from a thermally-conductive polymer composition comprising: i) about 20% to about 80% by weight of a base polymer matrix such as polycarbonate; and ii) about 20% to about 80% by weight of a thermally-conductive material such as carbon graphite.