Abstract: A computer-and-network based system and method for conducting efficient, third-party-free, direct commercial transactions between qualified purchasers and vendors. Pre-established and pre-agreed-upon relational transactional protocols, which can be selectively revised as necessary by participants, substitute for conventional third-party intermediary activities, such as credit approval and authorization activities.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conditioning participants in games of billiards or the like to visualize the geometry underlying the pocketing of an object ball as the result of impact by a cue ball through respective employment of a training device. The device adapted to be positioned above the playing surface and out of the field of play, the device consists of support and platform members, said plataform member rotatable in a horizontal plane housing three laser light-emitting means, the first being projected downwardly to illuminate a selected object ball, the second downwardly projecting a line path from the illuminated object ball to the designated target, and the third is directed downwardly to emit a beam projected on the “aim spot,” whereby the cue ball is propelled over the “aim spot” impacting the object ball causing the objet ball to travel along the illuminated line path to the designated target.

Abstract: A screw holding device of elastic material is provided having a tube-shaped top end and a dome-shaped bottom end for fitting securely over the head of a screw or bolt to insure the availability of the screw or bolt by its being held securely in the dome end's interior multiple gripping means which are easily releasable when the screw or bolt is seated.