Abstract: A method of trading includes performing a transaction of a futures contract between a buyer and a seller. The futures contract is associated with at least one entertainment event and comprises a purchase price and a settlement date. The method concludes by performing a settlement of the futures contract based at least in part upon the purchase price and a value associated with the entertainment event at the settlement date. The entertainment event is associated with a security and the transaction of the futures contract is performed in conjunction with the issuance of the security to the seller.

Abstract: An integrated valve assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) is provided for pressure-responsive flow control for associated components, such as for nutritional administration to patients. The valve assembly includes a first connector element (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) and a second connector element (14, 114, 214, 314, 414), which are joined to each other, and which respectively define a first, internal flow passage (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) and a second internal flow passage (28, 128, 228, 328, 428). A valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440), which may comprise a resiliently deformable slit valve, is positioned between the first connector element (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) and the second connector element (14, 114, 214, 314, 414) for providing pressure-responsive flow control between the first, internal flow passage (20, 120, 220, 320, 420), and the second, internal flow passage (28, 128, 228, 328, 428).

Abstract: A dispensing valve assembly is configured to control flow from an associated container or like reservoir, and includes a dispensing valve body configured for connection to the associated container. The valve assembly includes a resiliently deformable valve member, positioned within the valve body, for controlling flow therethrough. Selective opening of the valve member is effected by the provision of a reciprocably movable actuation member, positioned generally within the valve body, which can be actuated to bear against and engage the valve member to move the valve member from its closed configuration to its open configuration. An actuation button, provided on the exterior of the valve body, is engageable with the internal actuation member to permit convenient operation of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A dispensing valve is provided for dispensing a fluid substance. The dispensing valve is pressure-responsive, and may be of a self-closing type, or define a central discharge aperture through which a substance being dispensed flows. A substance contact surface of the dispensing valve defines one or more projections and/or recesses which can cooperate with the substance being dispensed to impart a contoured or shaped cross-sectional configuration to the substance. A decorative effect can thus desirably be achieved, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the dispensed substance, such as a whipped dessert topping, toothpaste, foamed construction material, etc.

Abstract: A valve system is provided with a wall portion that includes an inlet side, an outlet side, at least one aperture extending between the inlet and outlet sides, and a valve seat on the outlet side. One preferred form of the valve system also includes a movable valve member having a spout, a mounting portion, a toggle portion, and at least one seal surface for sealingly engaging the wall portion valve seat when the valve member is toggled to a closed position to prevent flow from the wall portion aperture through the spout.

Abstract: A valve system is provided with a wall portion that includes an inlet side, an outlet side, at least one aperture extending between the inlet and outlet sides, and a valve seat on the outlet side. One preferred form of the valve system also includes a movable valve member having a spout, a mounting portion, a toggle portion, and at least one seal surface for sealingly engaging the wall portion valve seat when the valve member is toggled to a closed position to prevent flow from the wall portion aperture through the spout.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a modular component such as a fuel tank for a vehicle such as a truck and a method of installing same on the vehicle. The method is accomplished via a combination of a set or sets of two brackets and an initial alignment means for each set of brackets. The initial alignment means is comprised of two mating components, with one mating component being a portion of one bracket and the other mating component being a portion of the second bracket. One bracket of each set is installed directly to a portion of the vehicle under manufacture, such as to the frame rail. A modular assembly is assembled separately with the second bracket of each set installed on the modular assembly. The sets of brackets are joined via the initial alignment means attaching the modular assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A dispensing system is provided for being sealingly disposed with respect to, and dispensing a product from, a discharge opening of a container wherein an annular mounting flange extends radially inwardly adjacent the opening. The valve is molded from a material to define a flexible, resilient structure having a head portion and a surrounding marginal portion. The head portion has a normally closed dispensing orifice which opens when the pressure in the interior of the container exceeds the pressure on the exterior of the valve by a predetermined amount. The marginal portion is connected with the head portion and has a generally annular wall defining a generally annular groove which is open radially outwardly for receiving the mounting flange. The annular wall is sufficiently flexible to elastically deform as the wall is forced against the mounting flange to accommodate sealing of the mounting flange in the groove.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a modular component such as a fuel tank for a vehicle such as a truck and a method of installing same on the vehicle. The method is accomplished via a combination of a set or sets of two brackets and an initial alignment means for each set of brackets. The initial alignment means is comprised of two mating components, with one mating component being a portion of one bracket and the other mating component being a portion of the second bracket. One bracket of each set is installed directly to a portion of the vehicle under manufacture, such as to the frame rail. A modular assembly is assembled separately with the second bracket of each set installed on the modular assembly. The sets of brackets are joined via the initial alignment means attaching the modular assembly to the vehicle.