Abstract: A method of reciprocally publishing and matching data files is disclosed. The method includes facilitating the creation of Category A and Category B data files having a respective sets of characteristics defined utilizing a common language architecture, associating enhancement objects with each data file, identifying characteristics in each data file which must be met by other data files, weighting characteristics in each data file differently from other characteristics in the same data file, enabling the selection of participation levels for each data file in marketspaces, and matching Category A data files participating in particular marketspaces to Category B data files participating in the same marketspaces using the common language architecture, the enhancement objects, the weights and the required characteristics.

Abstract: A method of reciprocally publishing and matching data files is disclosed. The method includes facilitating the creation of Category A and Category B data files having a respective sets of characteristics defined utilizing a common language architecture, associating enhancement objects with each data file, identifying characteristics in each data file which must be met by other data files, weighting characteristics in each data file differently from other characteristics in the same data file, enabling the selection of participation levels for each data file in marketspaces, and matching Category A data files participating in particular marketspaces to Category B data files participating in the same marketspaces using the common language architecture, the enhancement objects, the weights and the required characteristics.

Abstract: A method of reciprocally publishing and matching data files is disclosed. The method includes facilitating the creation of Category A and Category B data files having a respective sets of characteristics defined utilizing a common language architecture, associating enhancement objects with each data file, identifying characteristics in each data file which must be met by other data files, weighting characteristics in each data file differently from other characteristics in the same data file, enabling the selection of participation levels for each data file in marketspaces, and matching Category A data files participating in particular marketspaces to Category B data files participating in the same marketspaces using the common language architecture, the enhancement objects, the weights and the required characteristics.

Abstract: A method of reciprocally publishing and matching data files is disclosed. The method includes facilitating the creation of Category A and Category B data files having a respective sets of characteristics defined utilizing a common language architecture, associating enhancement objects with each data file, identifying characteristics in each data file which must be met by other data files, weighting characteristics in each data file differently from other characteristics in the same data file, enabling the selection of participation levels for each data file in marketspaces, and matching Category A data files participating in particular marketspaces to Category B data files participating in the same marketspaces using the common language architecture, the enhancement objects, the weights and the required characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capture of a spherical image is disclosed. The present invention includes at least one camera having a lens with at least a 180.degree. field-of-view for capturing a hemispherical image. In a first embodiment, a second hemispherical image is created corresponding to a mirror image of the hemispherical image captured by the camera. In a second embodiment, two back-to-back cameras capture first and second hemispherical images, respectively. In both embodiments, a converter combines the two images along their outside edges to form a single, spherical image. Finally, the converter stores the complete spherical image for later retrieval and perspective corrected viewing.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a water heater system that includes a water heater having a heating element, an alternate heat source which is preferably a solar collector panel, and a heat exchange and storage unit containing a phase change material therein for storing heat energy from the alternate heat source and for transmitting the stored heat to the water in the water heater when available and when needed. The control arrangement includes means for programming the system to operate in one or more of several different operating modes, including a mode in which the heating element is deenergized at all times, a mode in which priority is given to using stored energy rather than heating element energy, a mode in which both the stored energy and the heating element are utilized simultaneously, and a mode in which the heating element is deenergized during predetermined time periods. The control may also be programmed to select which modes are used during selected time periods of each day of the week.

Abstract: A heat transfer and storage system including a storage chamber containing a phase change material, a water heater having a first conduit in which the potable water is conveyed, and a solar collector having a second conduit through which a heat transfer liquid is conveyed. Portions of the first and second conduits extend through the storage chamber in adjacent heat conducting relationship with fin means interposed therebetween and extending into the phase change material, and connecting means are provided for holding the conduits and the fins in place. A control system is provided for independently controlling the flow of the heat transfer liquid and the potable water in response to the sensed temperature of the phase change material, the heat transfer liquid and the potable water. The storage chamber is provided with an ullage bag for accommodating the expansion and contraction of the phase change material without exposing it to ambient air.