Abstract: Electric energy can be traded between connected participants such as utility companies. The present method provides a common marketplace which provides participants the ability to display both buy and sell offers to the other participants. The marketplace also allows the participants to consummate a transaction for a quantity of electrical energy. The method further allows the participants to curtail transactions and the delivery of the electrical energy if necessary.

Abstract: The candle has a wick that contains a signal transmission means such as an optical guide or thermocouple. An electronic circuit is coupled to the transmission means so that when a light or heat signature is received by the circuit, it plays a sound stored in a memory. For example, an optical guide can be coupled to an optical switch, so that the optical signal produced by the flame will close the switch and complete a circuit. The circuit can include a storage device, such as an IC CHIP, to store a musical tune. This tune is then played when the candle is lit. When the flame is extinguished, the burnt wick along with the wavelength sensitive optical switches will prevent ambient light from activating the circuit. Likewise, if a thermocouple is used, the absence of a flame will discontiue the production of sound.

Abstract: The seal system is comprised of a custom integrated circuit utilizing a special CMOS gate-array technology that can be utilized to build inexpensive tamper-resistant electronic seals. The electronic circuit includes a special analog as well as digital, single-chip circuitry that senses the state of the seal, and when interrogated, transmits that state via a 35-bit data word to a seal reader device, allowing remote monitoring and control of containers and expensive goods. Any attempt to tamper with the seal will be recorded in the circuit for later transmittal to the hand-held seal reader/verifier. Each seal has a unique 20-bit identification number, combined with a 6-bit random seal code and a 6-bit resistance value. The seal electronics may be utilized in a way to provide several types of seals, namely, a shipping container seal, an event triggering seal, and event logging seal, and a tamper-proof seal as well as combinations thereof.

Abstract: An automatic partial revolution detection, counting, and data transmission device for detecting partial revolutions of all or a portion of a container to which the device is attached. An embodiment of the invention for detecting the partial rotation and dumping of a container to which the device is attached uses a housing, printed circuit board with all electronic circuitry for sensing rotation, data storage, and two-way data communication. A low power radio frequency transmitter and receiver are used to receive commands and to transfer stored data to a receiving unit which may be a portable battery-powered unit or a fixed mount unit.

Abstract: A belted arthroscopic mobilizer is used to suspend a patient's leg from the waist of the surgeon or other user. The mobilizer allows the user to straighten, flex and otherwise manipulate the position of the patient's knee during arthroscopic surgery. The mobilizer has a shoe which craddles or cups the patient's foot. The shoe and an attached bracket are slidably coupled to a belt worn by the surgeon or other user.

Abstract: The candle has a wick that contains an optical guide, such as a fiber optic cable. An electronic circuit is coupled to the optical guide so that when an optical signal is received by the circuit, it plays a musical tune. For example, the optical guide can be coupled to an optical switch, so that the optical signal produced by the flame will close the switch and complete a circuit. The circuit can include a storage device, such as an IC CHIP, to store a musical tune. This tune is then played when the candle is lit. When the flame is extinguished, the burnt wick will prevent ambient light from activating the circuit.

Abstract: A skin blemish treatment combines a base with therapeutically effective amounts of carbamide peroxide and alpha-hydroxy acid ("AHA"). The resulting formulation effectively treats human acne vulgaris while exhibiting none of the severe adverse side effects associated with benzoyl peroxide. The AHA can be any synthetic or naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid. Salicylic acid can augment the composition, as can an anti-inflammatory such as allantoin. Fragrance, coloring agents, and preservatives can also be added.

Abstract: The pastry shield has a upper flange dimensioned to overlap the periphery of the pastry or pie being baked. The flange reflects heat away from the easily burned portions of the pastry. Further, the pastry shield can have cooling fins attached or integral therewith. These fins help pull heat in the shield away from the pastry. The fins also help after baking when the pastry is cooled. The pastry's pan can be set on top of the shield and the heat in the pastry and pan will tend to drain into the shield and be dissipated through the fins.

Abstract: A shading apparatus (10) for use with a riding lawnmower mounts to the seat or other suitably stable part. A shader (12) is of sufficient diameter to shade the rider of a riding lawnmower under most conditions. The shader (12), typically an umbrella is supported by a single shaft (14). Shaft (14) is next inserted into umbrella support bracket (36), a cylindrical receptacle dimensioned to provide a snug fit. The umbrella support bracket (36) can be pivotally connected to a support flange (34) by connection means. The connection means can be a wing nut (26) penetrating both the bracket (36) and the flange (42). Support flange (34), in turn is connected to the riding lawnmower by a plurality of screws (32). Radial ridges on complementary surfaces (40a, 42) hold the umbrella (12) in position under normal conditions.