Abstract: One variation of a method for refinancing arbitrage structured product investments comprising: receiving selection of a tranche—associated with an initial interest margin and containing an outstanding debt quantity—within a structured product investment by an initiator; assigning a target interest margin, less than the initial interest margin, to the tranche; initiating an online public auction for the outstanding debt quantity; during the online public auction, recording a set of bids submitted by a set of investors, each bid in the set specifying a debt quantity at the target interest margin; calculating a sum of debt quantities, at the target interest margin, specified in the set of bids; and, in response to the sum of debt quantities clearing the outstanding debt quantity upon conclusion of the online public auction, initiating settlement and redistribution of the outstanding debt quantity in the tranche according to the set of bids.

Abstract: A system to test barrier pressure includes a Christmas Tree (XT) coupled to a wellbore including a downhole pressure barrier. The XT includes a first valve along a flow path and a second valve coupled to the flow path. The system further includes a testing unit that includes a vessel fluidly coupled to the flow path. The testing unit also includes a fluid mover associated with the vessel to draw fluid into or to drive fluid out of the vessel. The testing unit further includes an actuator coupled to the fluid mover to control operation of the fluid mover. The testing unit is configured to draw a volume of fluid out of the XT and to further return the volume of fluid to the XT.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting an embedded portion of a television signal. The embedded portion is adjusted such that a downstream receiver effects no change on a displayed video upon decoding the adjusted embedded portion.

Abstract: An admission control system includes a storage device, and a buffer memory interconnected to the storage device. An admission controller, interconnected to the buffer memory, includes means for measuring parameters pertaining to interactions between the storage device and the buffer memory, and means for controlling data transfers between the storage device and the buffer memory in response to at least some of the parameters being measured.

Abstract: An ice cutting instrument for beveling the ice around the bottom of a hole cut in the ice on a lake, which is driven by a motorized power unit. A vertical power shaft supports a cutting blade which can be adjusted between a position near the shaft to an angled position by a control rod extending along the shaft. The shaft carries one or more spacing devices to center it in the hole. The instrument is inserted in the hole, the blade is extended, and the power unit is then energized to rotate the instrument, which is then pulled upwardly to cut the enlarged opening.

Abstract: A combination presentation easel and carrying case for use in transporting and displaying items related to an audience presentation. The portable presentation easel consists of a two-part cover supported by extendable legs for the display of visual aids at a variety of heights, and for use with a white board or paper flipchart. The easel is equipped with storage compartments and attachments for any items related to the presentation. The easel may be folded in half and its legs retracted for easy transport. A hard outer covering protects the easel's contents. The easel is further equipped with a carrying handle, a display window for identification information, and security locks.

Abstract: A method of measuring the response time of an electrical instrument which generates an output signal in response to the application of a specified input, wherein the output signal varies as a function of time and when subjected to a step input approaches a steady-state value, comprises the steps of: (a) applying a step input of predetermined value to the electrical instrument to generate an output signal; (b) simultaneously starting a timer; (c) comparing the output signal to a reference signal to generate a stop signal when the output signal is substantially equal to the reference signal, the reference signal being a specified percentage of the steady-state value of the output signal corresponding to the predetermined value of the step input; and (d) applying the stop signal when generated to stop the timer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved permanent magnet flowmeter capable of withstanding bending stresses in the direction of induced emf signals. The flowmeter includes a unique terminal arrangement integrally formed with the flowmeter by trepanning opposing wall sections of the flowmeter body. The terminal arrangement provides increased flowmeter sensitivity by increasing the strength of the induced emf signals.

Abstract: A halyard clip is disclosed which may be readily employed in the rigging of sailboats. More particular the halyard clip is a generally L shaped device attached to the mast for securing the halyards of sailboats in a fixed position, thereby allowing the winches used to raise the sails to be used for other purposes.