Abstract: An action video game for wagering that determines the player's monetary reward in a round of play by combining the player's skill in facing a challenge presented by the game with the realization of a randomly generated event, where the likelihood of each possible realization of the random event depends on the player's skill. The game progresses by presenting a challenge to the player that requires the player to take a series of actions in order to achieve the goals implied by the challenge. The performance of the player is evaluated according to a number of features that in conjunction define skill, thus generating a skill score. The game's final outcome and monetary reward are determined by combining the skill score with a random component, where the likelihood of the random component itself can be a function of the skill score. In one embodiment of the invention, different independent mechanisms used to generate random events are indexed according to the skill score.

Abstract: An exhaust system is provided for a plurality of machines, each machine having an exhaust stream connected to a local branch of the system. The system includes a stabilizer connected to an exhaust line in parallel to the exhaust stream of a machine. The stabilizer controls an exhaust pressure in the exhaust stream by opening and closing in response to variations in the exhaust pressure; the stabilizer opens to admit gas flow into the exhaust line when the exhaust pressure is less than a predetermined value, and closes when the exhaust pressure is greater than that predetermined value. The stabilizer unit thus provides a constant static exhaust pressure. The stabilizer provides relief flow in the exhaust stream, causing the gas flow into the exhaust line to increase when an exhaust flow in the exhaust stream decreases.

Abstract: A system and method support strategic decision making for an enterprise. Status of various aspects of the enterprise can be evaluated. Alternately, feedback can be provided as to the consequences of various courses of action.

Abstract: Vulcanizable compositions containing a polyperoxyketal having at least one carboxy group as an acid, hydrocarbon ester, a metal ion salt or as part of an anhydride. Illustrations are rubber or ethylene-propylene rubber containing n-butyl .gamma., .gamma.-bis(t-butylperoxy) valerate, barium .gamma., .gamma.-bis(t-butylperoxy)valerate or .gamma., .gamma.-bis(t-butylperoxy) valeric acid anhydride. Also embodied are the cross-linked compositions and methods of crosslinking.

Abstract: I. A novel class of compounds X.sub.n --R.sub.p --Y.sub.m where R is a 2-4 valence aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic radical, X is an acylating function; Y is a peroxy containing group and n and m are each equal to 1-2 and p is at least 1.Ii. a novel class of polymers [A.sub.n -(R-D.sub.n).sub.n ].sub.v -P.sub.w -Z where A is a peroxy containing group; R is a 2-4 valence aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic radical, P is a polyvalent polymeric residue; D is a carbonyl containing connecting group; Z is H, OH, NH.sub.2, NHR.sub.2, SH or R.sub.2 O group; v and w are each equal to 1-100; and n is equal to 1-2.Iii. polymers II are useful with vinyl monomers in the formation of block and graft polymers.Iv. peroxides having an acylating function are prepared by reacting at 0.degree.-80.degree. C an organic peroxide having an hydroxyl or carboxyl group with a defined acylating reactant.V.

Abstract: A new class of compounds: R--W--R' were R and R' are identical oxy radicals containing peroxide functions such as dialkyl or diaralkyl peroxide, peroxyketal, peroxyester, or monoperoxycarbonate, and W is a carbonyl group, or carbonyl containing group, or an alkylidene or aralkylidene group, or a phosphorus containing group.ExamplesDi[1,3-dimethyl-3-(t-butylperoxy)butyl]carbonate;Di[1,3-dimethyl-3-(n-butoxycarbonylperoxy)butyl]carbonate;2,2-Bis[3,3-di(t-butylperoxy)butoxy]propane;Di[1,3-dimethyl-3-(t-butylperoxy)butyl]ethyl phosphate.They are free radical affording compounds useful in crosslinking of polyolefins and unsaturated polymers, and for the polymerization of vinyl monomers and diolefinic monomers.

Abstract: A new class of compounds: R-W-R' where R and R' are identical oxy radicals containing peroxide functions such as dialkyl or diaralkyl peroxide, proxyketal, peroxyester, or monoperoxycarbonate, and W is a carbonyl group, or carbonyl containing group, or an alkylidene or aralkylidene group, or a phosphorous containing group.Examples:Di[1,3-dimethyl-3-(t-butylperoxy)butyl]carbonate;Di[1,3-dimethyl-3-(n-butoxycarbonylperoxy)butyl]carbonate;2,2-Bis[3,3-di(t-butylperoxy)butyoxy]propane;Di[1,3-dimethyl3-(t-butylperoxy)butyl]ethyl phosphate.They are free radical affording compounds useful in crosslinking of polyolefins and unsaturated polymers, and for the polymerization of vinyl monomers and diolefinic monomers.

Abstract: A novel class of compounds X.sub.n --R.sub.p --Ym where R is a 2-4 valent aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic radical; X is an acylating function; Y is a peroxy containing group and n and m are each equal to 1-2 and p is at least 1.