Abstract: A system and method for performing automated negotiation processing in an electronic trading server are described. Users enter negotiation parameters and select one or more securities of interest for trading. An agent performs negotiations on behalf of the user in an automated fashion in accordance with the negotiation parameters. Users may monitor system information and the progress of their own agents through graphical displays of information and may modify the negotiation parameters during the negotiation process.

Abstract: An off-peak, electric, central air heating system for buildings incorporating a heat storage material that is used to store heat generated electrically during off-peak electrical power periods and to deliver heat on demand. The heat storage material is an alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal salt such as Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4, NaCl, CaCl.sub.2 and KCl individually or in combination with one another. Generation of heat during the off-peak electrical power periods is automatically controlled by an electronic time clock and time delay circuitry, and by selective variable temperature control. The heating unit is constructed with a casing having an inner jacket and an outer jacket with an air space between the two jackets. The storage material is surrounded by the inner jacket and the air space provides insulation as well as an air passage between the two jackets.

Abstract: Measuring of mercaptan-based odorants present in natural, synthetic, L. P. gases and the like. Conventionally, an operator smells the gas or uses apparatus which gives uncertain results. Alternatively, expensive laboratory equipment can be used, but this is not available to a field operator. The present test includes simple apparatus which can be connected to a gasline and which includes a disposable reagent tube having a plurality of liquid chemical reagents therein separated by membranes. The gas flow is bled through the first solution and then the solutions are mixed so that a color develops which can be compared with a standard color slide or the like thus indicating the quantity of the odorant in parts per million present in the gas.