Abstract: An improved wagering system, that enables a player with a mobile device to place a wager of any one of many available wager types and on any one of a plurality of upcoming order-of-finish contests (UOOFCs), includes a networked server that has a database containing data relevant to prior order-of-finish contests (POOFCs) and with instructions that cause the server to cooperate with the mobile device to: (a) register and establish a player account, (b) provide handicapping factors from which the player may select a handicapping factor for use in predicting the outcome of an UOOFC, (c) identify which of the provided handicapping factors was the most-accurate in predicting the outcome of the POOFCs, (d) apply the selected handicapping factor to predict an outcome for the UOOFC, and (e) identify a wagering strategy that includes a recommended type of wager and the contestant on which to place the recommended type of wager.

Abstract: An improved wagering system, that enables a player with a mobile device to place a wager of any one of many available wager types and on any one of a plurality of upcoming order-of-finish contests (UOOFCs), includes a networked server that has a database containing data relevant to prior order-of-finish contests (POOFCs) and with instructions that cause the server to cooperate with the mobile device to: (a) register and establish a player account, (b) provide handicapping factors from which the player may select a handicapping factor for use in predicting the outcome of an UOOFC, (c) identify which of the provided handicapping factors was the most-accurate in predicting the outcome of the POOFCs, (d) apply the selected handicapping factor to predict an outcome for the UOOFC, and (e) identify a wagering strategy that includes a recommended type of wager and the contestant on which to place the recommended type of wager.

Abstract: The wearable device and system for chemically repelling sharks includes a water permeable case permanently attached to an adjustable strap for wearing on a user's wrist or ankle. The case receives a refill containing a repellent in a water dissolvable matrix. The refill is retained within the case and dissolves while the user is in water, thereby slowly and consistently releasing the repellent into the surrounding water.

Abstract: A method for treating a Zr-alloy fuel bundle material in a nuclear reactor includes treating a surface of the Zr-alloy fuel bundle material with a laser beam generated by a solid-state laser, and a nuclear reactor including a treated Zr-alloy fuel bundle material. This may reduce the generation of shadow corrosion and/or reduce the propensity for interference between control blade and fuel channel during operation of the nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A wrist mounted inflatable floatation device to provide temporary floatation support for a swimmer, boater, wader, or other person who is in the water. A wrist mounted floatation device is conveniently worn when someone is in the water or on a boat. It is attached to the wrist by a wrist strap which is adjusted for a snug fit around wrists of a variety of sizes. Mounted on said wrist strap is a deflated and folded inflatable bladder. Also mounted on said wrist strap are means for inflating said inflatable bladder when need for a floatation device presents itself to a user. The means can be high-tech gas storage devices, such as carbon nanotubes or chemicals, that when triggered produce a chemical reaction to produce either a gas or a gas filled polymer material, or a simple inflation tube and check valve, which allows a user to manually inflate the bladder. The bladder is attached to the wrist strap by a cord. When inflated, the bladder detaches from the wrist but remains attached to the wrist by the cord.

Abstract: A device for use with very small newly born or premature infants to monitor and prevent the onset of a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome event. A pulse oximeter is mounted in an opaque foot wrap, which is wrapped around the infant's foot in the area of the arch and ball of the foot The foot wrap is connected to a second wrap, which is wrapped around the ankle. The ankle wrap secures the foot wrap portion from rotational motion or from sliding forward toward the toes on an infant's foot. Blood oxygen and pulse read-outs on the pulse oximeter are transmitted to a monitor kept by the caregiver. Visible read-outs for the blood oxygen or pulse are shown on the monitor. The monitor sounds an alarm if the infant's blood oxygen drops to a predetermined level for a predetermined time. When not in use, the device is recharged on a stand.

Abstract: A device to help a caregiver monitor an infant to discover the onset of a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome event and to intervene to prevent the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome event. A foot and ankle wrap containing rechargeable batteries and a radio transmitter is connected to a toe cap containing a pulse oximeter by adjustable cords. Blood oxygen and pulse readouts from the pulse oximeter are transmitted to a monitor kept by the caregiver. Visible readouts of the blood oxygen and pulse are shown on the monitor for continuous view by the caregiver. The monitor sounds an alarm if the infant's blood oxygen drops to a dangerous level for predetermined period. The time delay prevents false alarms, therefore, provides a greater degree of alertness to the caregiver using the device. When not in use the device is recharged on a stand.

Abstract: A spring metacarpophalangeal flexion splint designed for dynamically flexing the metacarpophalangeal joints without restricting normal hand use includes: a proximal phalangeal piece which is adapted to contact and cover the proximal phalanges of the hand and is formed of a resilient metal strip which is substantially covered with a pliant cushioning material; a palm piece adapted to fit into the palmar arch and crease of the hand and is made up of a rigid tube covered with a pliant cushioning material; and a pair of spaced apart generally parallel spring wires. The spring wires are disposed laterally with respect to the hand and connect the proximal phalangeal piece with the palm piece. A loop extension of the spring wires from the palm piece provides a means of attachment for a dorsal strap which is extended between the wires to permit the increase and decrease of tension on the proximal phalangeal splint upon the respective tightening and loosening of the strap.