Abstract: A system and method for making proceeds of an ACH (Automated Clearinghouse) transaction available to a user before the transaction is completed. The system may be part of an on-line system or traditional merchant configured to facilitate payments or fund transfers from users. A user requests the transfer of funds to an entity (e.g., another user, a merchant, the user's account with the system) via an ACH entry. The system calculates a risk associated with the user, while considering various data (e.g., number of previous ACH entries, how many failed, how many succeeded, amount of the transfer). If the risk is low enough, the ACH entry is initiated and the desired funds are released for the transfer even before the ACH entry clears. The ACH entry may be presented as a default choice for funding the transfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet ball launcher which uses a friction fit, scoop edges, and tuned tines or “fingers” which control the release of the ball and thus arc and distance thereof. Embodiments include a pivot hinged handle for added launch inertia, and a thumb latch to prevent hinging motion for fixed and controlled distanced ball launching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet ball launcher which uses a friction fit, scoop edges, and tuned tines or “fingers” which control the release of the ball and thus arc and distance thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for making proceeds of a transaction available to a user before the transaction is completed is provided. The system may be part of an on-line system or traditional merchant configured to facilitate payments or fund transfers from users. In example embodiments, a request from a first entity to conduct a transaction involving a first value is received. Funds of the transaction are caused to be released prior to the transaction clearing a financial institution. Based on the transaction being rejected by the financial institution, at least a portion of the first value is charged against a credit source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet toy that is reactive to a shaking motion produced by an animal playing with the toy as opposed to the animal having to bite or compress the toy. An accordion bellows and reed mechanism located inside the toy's casing compresses in response to the shaking motion and intakes air which flows through the reed and produces sound. The bellows then returns to a resting state when not activated by motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a squeaking pet toy that is designed to perform in the reverse of the prior art toys wherein an extended squeaking sound is emitted after emission of intake air is forced through a reed vibrating squeaking device. The squeaking device is housed in a latex bladder which is designed to slowly inflate after compression and force air through the funnel end of the squeaking device causing an extended sound emission which retains the animal's attention and interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a squeaking pet toy that is designed to continue to emit sound even if an animal has punctured the squeaker mechanism. The double-lipped reed tube design of the pet toy is novel in shape and prevents breakage of the reed tube or slippage into the toy air chamber which would eliminate the toy's ability to emit sound. The inventive toy is encased in a plush type animal shaped cover for pet enticement.

Abstract: A system and method for making proceeds of an ACH (Automated Clearinghouse) transaction available to a user before the transaction is completed. The system may be part of an on-line system or traditional merchant configured to facilitate payments or fund transfers from users. A user requests the transfer of funds to an entity (e.g., another user, a merchant, the user's account with the system) via an ACH entry. The system calculates a risk associated with the user, while considering various data (e.g., number of previous ACH entries, how many failed, how many succeeded, amount of the transfer). If the risk is low enough, the ACH entry is initiated and the desired funds are released for the transfer even before the ACH entry clears. The ACH entry may be presented as a default choice for funding the transfer.

Abstract: A system and method for making proceeds of an ACH (Automated Clearinghouse) transaction available to a user before the transaction is completed. The system may be part of an on-line system or traditional merchant configured to facilitate payments or fund transfers from users. A user requests the transfer of funds to an entity (e.g., another user, a merchant, the user's account with the system) via an ACH entry. The system calculates a risk associated with the user, while considering various data (e.g., number of previous ACH entries, how many failed, how many succeeded, amount of the transfer). If the risk is low enough, the ACH entry is initiated and the desired funds are released for the transfer even before the ACH entry clears. The ACH entry may be presented as a default choice for funding the transfer.

Abstract: A pneumatic gun sized and designed to appear like and operate in a manner similar to a conventional handgun. The gun may include a removable magazine storing projectiles and propellant. The entire magazine may be small enough to fit into a handle of the gun (e.g., with a pistol grip). The magazine may be integrated with propellant and projectile portions locked together or separable. Standard carbon dioxide cartridges fit within the magazine. Projectiles may be staggered to increase the maximum magazine load. A user may selectively release just the projectile portion of the magazine, in order to leave the propellant undisturbed until fully expended. The magazine may be completely removed from the gun without substantial loss of propellant.