Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source is disclosed. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power a wide variety of electrical devices, such as microphones, radio receivers or transmitters, cameras, audio recording and playback devices, video recording and playback devices, loud speakers, lighting elements, timing devices, remote controls, motors, etc.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of selling articles of manufacture. The method comprises an electronic communication system to identify one or more articles of manufacture, from at least one manufacturing entity, which are available for purchase by a plurality of potential purchasers and identify pricing milestones in each of a manufacturing phase and a distribution phase, corresponding to a change in commercial risk. Determining a separate price for each pricing milestone to establish a range of prices for the selected articles of manufacture and making conditional offers for sale to potential purchasers at each pricing milestone, with the conditional offers specifying at least a minimum number of articles which must be ordered in aggregate before the conditional offer becomes binding upon a manufacturing entity. Communicating with potential purchasers and aggregating commercial commitments for each pricing milestone, corresponding to a period of availability, thereby selling one or more articles of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention also provides a dynamic on-line order gathering system that enables sellers to offer one or a combination of goods whose availability (production and/or shipping) may be economically linked in some ways with other items and which facilitates aggregation of demand across related items so as to enable the ability to reach critical mass of demand for the related goods by a more efficient means than currently available.

Abstract: An oil burning lamp has a fuel reservoir, a fuel expansion chamber releasably and sealingly coupled to the fuel reservoir, a burner assembly coupled to the fuel expansion chamber, and an adjustable wick. If the fuel in the fuel reservoir undergoes thermal expansion, it flows into the fuel expansion chamber, thereby preventing fuel leaks and spills. In the preferred embodiment, the burner assembly is permanently coupled to the fuel expansion chamber, thereby preventing users from refueling the lamp while the lamp is burning. The fuel expansion chamber also serves as an overflow fuel chamber, so that if the lamp is inadvertently knocked over, the fuel will flow into the fuel expansion chamber, not out of the lamp.

Abstract: An outdoor lighting system is disclosed. The individual lights are self-powered by one or more batteries carried in the lighting structure itself. In one embodiment, one or more rechargeable batteries are located within a relatively elongated base structure of the lighting component. In one particular embodiment, this elongated base structure also serves as a stake that is utilized to fix the lighting fixture in a particular outdoor location, such as a lawn, pathway, driveway, or patio.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source is disclosed. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power a wide variety of electrical devices, such as microphones, radio receivers or transmitters, cameras, audio recording and playback devices, video recording and playback devices, loud speakers, lighting elements, timing devices, remote controls, motors, etc.

Abstract: A method of selling articles of manufacture which utilizes an electronic communication system to identify a plurality of articles of manufacture, from a plurality of manufacturing entities, which are available for purchase by said plurality of potential purchasers. The steps of the method include: Identifying pricing milestones in each of (1) a manufacturing phase and (2) a distribution phase, which correspond to an increase in commercial risk. Determining a separate price for each of said pricing milestones to establish a range of prices for said selected ones of said plurality of articles of manufacture, taking into account a change in said commercial risk as said pricing milestones are experienced. Making conditional offers for sale to potential purchasers at each of the pricing milestones, with the conditional offers specifying at least a minimum number of articles which must be ordered in aggregate before the conditional offer becomes binding upon a manufacturing entity.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source is disclosed. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power an LED lighting system which illuminates at least a portion of said bird feeder so that said bird feeder is visible in low light conditions.

Abstract: A battery cable assembly has a pair of electrical cables and at least one pair of clamps, each clamp being connected to one end of one of the cables for establishing electrical connection between the cables and electrical terminals of a battery. A light source is mounted on at least one of the clamps, the light source being powered by an electrical source that is independent of the battery and located remote to the clamps. A switch, which is located remote to the clamps, controls the flow of electricity from the electrical source to the light source, allowing an operator to selectively activate the light source for illuminating objects near the corresponding clamp prior to connection to the battery.

Abstract: A dual mode trailer hitch that operates in both a “vehicle-tow” mode and a “manual tow” mode. In the vehicle-tow mode of operation, the trailer hitch is configured such that a trailer can be pivotally coupled to and towed by a towing vehicle, such as a tractor. In the manual-tow mode of operation, the trailer hitch is configured to not articulate, so that the trailer can be towed manually by a person. The trailer hitch includes bar pivot attachment member, a connecting link, a handle attachment fitting, at least one side plate, a tow bracket, and a vehicle coupling pin 23. In the preferred embodiment, the side plates are coupled on both sides of the tow bracket. The combined side plates and tow bracket are pivotally coupled to both the bar pivot attachment member and one end of the connecting link by a first pivot pin. The handle attachment fitting is pivotally coupled to the other end of connecting link by a second pivot pin.

Abstract: A coiled hose storage cabinet is disclosed. The storage cabinet has a back portion, side portions connected to the back portion, and a front portion hingedly connected to the back portion. The cabinet includes an interior U-shaped storage channel for receiving and storing a length of coiled hose.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power a wide variety of electrical devices, such as microphones, radio receivers or transmitters, cameras, audio recording and playback devices, video recording and playback devices, loud speakers, lighting elements, timing devices, remote controls, motors, etc.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source is disclosed. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power a wide variety of electrical devices, such as microphones, radio receivers or transmitters, cameras, audio recording and playback devices, video recording and playback devices, loud speakers, lighting elements, timing devices, remote controls, motors, etc.

Abstract: An outdoor fireplace having a cover portion, a screened middle portion, a fire pit, and a base is disclosed. The screened middle portion has collapsible and movable curtain assembly that hangs from and slides along an interior rod, so that firewood can be placed into the fire pit without having to remove the cover portion. A set of wheels are coupled to the base portion to make the fireplace easily portable.

Abstract: An outdoor fireplace having a cover portion, a screened middle portion, a fire pit, and a base is disclosed. The screened middle portion has collapsible and movable curtain assembly that hangs from and slides along an interior rod, so that firewood can be placed into the fire pit without having to remove the cover portion. A set of wheels are coupled to the base portion to make the fireplace easily portable.