Abstract: A system and method for evaluating the risk of insuring a grower comprises a communications interface for obtaining a geographic area yield (e.g., mean geographic area yield) of a crop for a particular geographic area (e.g., county) for a corresponding time period. A yield monitor or a yield sensor, associated with a ground-based or aerial work vehicle, obtains a benchmark grower yield (e.g., historic grower yield) for a particular grower within the particular geographic area. An analyzer determines a difference between the geographic area yield and the benchmark grower yield (e.g., historic grower yield). An estimator estimates a variability parameter indicative of a variation in forecasted grower yield in the geographic area. A data processor determines a forecasted grower yield, which may deviate from at least one of the geographic area yield (e.g., mean geographic area yield) and the benchmark grower yield, for the corresponding time period based on the difference and the variability parameter.

Abstract: A method for providing risk protection to a grower of a crop comprises reviewing a first crop insurance policy covering a first risk associated with an average yield of a group of growers. An insurer receives an assignment of at least a portion of the indemnification under the first crop insurance policy. An insurer issues a second crop insurance policy in exchange for the assigned indemnification to the first crop insurance policy. The second crop insurance policy covers a second risk associated with an average yield of an individual grower within the group of growers.

Abstract: A method of managing the risk of a grower of a crop comprises obtaining individual risk factor data for growing a particular crop in a grower's field or fields and regional risk factor data for a region associated with grower's field or fields. A data processing system determines a regional risk coverage component for the particular crop for the grower's fields based on an assessment of at least one of the individual risk factor data and the regional risk factor data. An insurer, an agent or another recommends an area-based crop insurance plan to achieve the determined regional risk coverage component. An insurer, an agent or another offers an endorsement or crop insurance policy that covers individual risk of the grower at a premium or rate based on an evaluation of the individual risk factor data.

Abstract: A multi-layered paperboard having a high brightness and exceptional uniformity. The white topped paperboard has a base layer(s) made from wood pulp and a top fibrous layer made of unbleached wood fiber, filler and a binder to create a top fibrous layer of sufficient uniformity at moderate brightness levels. The top fibrous layer optionally contains a coagulant and/or a retention aid. In a preferred embodiment, the top fibrous layer of the multi-layered paperboard product is coated with a coating of additional fillers and binders to produce the desired level of brightness and uniformity. The invention also includes a process for making a multi-layered paperboard.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising plates of thermoplastic tubes arranged in a way which minimizes the thermal resistance at the outer surface of the tubes preferably to not more than 5 times the resistance to heat transfer at the inside of the tubes. The tubes are arranged in the tube plates in groups that can be flat or slightly wavy, such as undulating in a periodic manner, or offset with open spaces facing groups of tubes in alternating rows. This is done in a way that maximizes turbulence outside the tubes and minimizes vortices which can trap coolant in the interstices between tubes.