Abstract:
Systems and methods for using an interactive television program guide application to access fantasy sports contests are presented. In some embodiments of the present invention, the interactive television program guide application may display information indicating to a user that one or more programs is related to a fantasy sports contest. In some embodiments of the present invention, the application may provide to the user a schedule of programs related to one or more fantasy sports contests in which the user participates. The application may provide additional features to fantasy sports contestants including automatic recording of programs related to a user's fantasy sports contest, playback of highlight video clips for events that affect a user's fantasy sports contest standing, and targeted advertisements for fantasy sports contests.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for integrating graphic animation technologies with fantasy sports contest applications are provided. This invention enables a fantasy sports contest application to depict plays in various sporting events using graphic animation. The fantasy sports contest application may combine graphical representation of real-life elements such as, for example, player facial features, with default elements such as, for example, a generic player body, to create realistic graphic video. The fantasy sports contest application may provide links to animated videos for depicting plays on contest screens in which information associated with the plays may be displayed. The fantasy sports contest application may play the animated video for a user in response to the user selecting such a link. In some embodiment of the present invention, the fantasy sports contest application may also customize animated video based on user-supplied setup information. For example, the fantasy sports contest application may provide play information and other related data to allow a user to generate animated videos using the user's own graphics processing equipment and graphics animation program.
Abstract:
An artificial fly fishing lure is provided having a hollow tube, a lip extending downward from the tube and integrally formed with the tube to impart life-like movement to the fly when pulled through the water, an anchoring point for connecting a leader line to the fly near a back end thereof, and preferably a notch for receiving and frictionally holding in place a dumbbell or hourglass weight for varying the depth and flow dynamics of the fly.
Abstract:
A connector for underwater connection of two fluid carrying conduits comprises initial engagement means to provide an initial engagement between a male component and a female receptacle. The final connection is made by operating a drive which reacts against the initial engagement means to move the component into a fully connected position. A number of sealing means may be provided to enable a pressure tight connection.
Abstract:
The present invention is a siding panel and a method of making the siding panel. The siding panel comprises a planar portion extending the longitudinal length of the siding panel. The planar portion comprises a first edge and a second edge. The width from the first edge to the second edge is at least about 4.0 inches. The planar portion has a surface variance of less than about 0.05 inches relative to an imaginary straight line connecting the first edge and the second edge, and the radius curvature between the first edge and the second edge is at least about 85 inches.
Abstract:
A method for extending consumer credit comprises identifying a consumer having a first line of credit and extending a second line of credit restricted for use with a designated merchant or merchant association under a consumer's account. In some embodiments, a risk abatement account is funded to pay uncollectible receivables of the credit provider created by the second line of credit. Other embodiments include incentives for one or both of use and timely payment(s) against the second line of credit. A system comprises a network, a management engine and an interface. The management engine associates a first line of credit and a second line of credit with a consumer account. The second line of credit is restricted to use with a designated merchant or association. When a consumer makes a purchase from the designated merchant(s), the management engine records the purchase transaction on the consumer's second line of credit.
Abstract:
An article of manufacture for securing a window in a partial open position with a flat rigid strip of material having a rectangular vertical body with an upper and lower portion. A preferred embodiment includes a generally U-shaped lower portion extending in a first direction from the vertical body, and a generally right triangle shaped upper portion of which the back of the right triangle shape is parallel to the vertical body and the base of the right triangle shape is perpendicular to and extending in a second and opposite direction from the vertical body. The back of the right triangle shape is fastened to the vertical body for added strength and a suction cup or other device is attached to the window side of the upper portion of the vertical body to keep it in a vertical position when the window is closed.