Abstract: Means are provided for recording, storing, calculating, communicating and reviewing one or more operational aspects of a machine. Insurance costs are based, in part, on activities of the machine operator. A discount may be provided in exchange for recording the operational aspects and providing the recorded information to the insurer. The party may review information and decide whether to provide it to the insurer. The means for reviewing may present comparative information. Information that causes insurance costs to vary may be highlighted. Provided data may be used to verify insurance application information, generate actuarial information or determine insurance rates. Operating data may be reviewed on a computer, a Web site or other display medium so a party can observe how his operating behavior compares to that of other operators of similar machines and may be manipulated so a party can understand how changes in operating behavior can affect his insurance rates.

Abstract: A lighting element (10) configured to be secured by and in conductive connection with at least two spaced apart AC supply or input terminals (14) of a lighting system, the lighting element (10) has at least one AC LED circuit integrated within the lighting element (10), the at least one AC LED circuit having at least two diodes (12) connected to each other in opposing parallel relation, at least one of which such diodes is an LED (12), first and second AC power input terminals (14) are electrically connected to the at least one AC LED circuit. A thermal conductive material (24) is connected to or formed as part of lighting element (10). The first and second AC power input terminals (14) are configured for removable engagement with the at least two spaced apart AC supply terminals of a lighting system.

Abstract: A ground scraper designed to be pulled by a tractor or the like includes a pair of parallel frame rails with a scraper blade between them and perpendicular to them. The scraper blade can lowered to a preferred depth of scraping and can be raised above the bottom of the frame for towing. Dual-wheeled trucks on the rear of the frame can be raised off the ground to allow the frame to contact the ground for scraping and can be lowered into contact with the ground, also raising the frame off the ground, for towing on roads or the like. The rear of a tongue can be raised relative to the front of the tongue to pick up the front of the ground scraper frame for transporting the ground scraper and then the rear of the tongue can be lowered relative to the front of the tongue, allowing the frame to contact the ground. The exact angle of the tongue can float up and down in order to allow towing on uneven terrain.

Abstract: A lighting assembly comprising a socket housing having a lamp socket electrically connected to an electrical junction, a trim removably attached to the socket housing about its opening; and one or more solid-state light emitting device associated with the trim. The one or more solid-state light emitting devices may be inconspicuous to the casual observer when they are not illuminated. The one or more solid-state light emitting devices are operatively connected to the electrical junction such that they can receive electrical power when the electrical junction is operatively connected to mains power. The connection between the LEDs and the junction may be controlled manually, by a backup power supply circuit, motion detector, or light detector to provide, among other possibilities, mood lighting, backup lighting or work lighting, in addition to the light provided by a lamp in the socket.

Abstract: A ground scraper designed to be pulled by a tractor or the like includes a pair of parallel frame rails with a scraper blade between them and perpendicular to them. The scraper blade can lowered to a preferred depth of scraping and can be raised above the bottom of the frame for towing. Dual-wheeled trucks on the rear of the frame can be raised off the ground to allow the frame to contact the ground for scraping and can be lowered into contact with the ground, also raising the frame off the ground, for towing on roads or the like. The rear of a tongue can be raised relative to the front of the tongue to pick up the front of the ground scraper frame for transporting the ground scraper and then the rear of the tongue can be lowered relative to the front of the tongue, allowing the frame to contact the ground. The exact angle of the tongue can float up and down in order to allow towing on uneven terrain.

Abstract: Means are provided for recording, storing, calculating, communicating and reviewing one or more operational aspects of a machine. Insurance costs are based, in part, on activities of the machine operator. A discount may be provided in exchange for recording the operational aspects and providing the recorded information to the insurer. The party may review information and decide whether to provide it to the insurer. The means for reviewing may present comparative information. Information that causes insurance costs to vary may be highlighted. Provided data may be used to verify insurance application information, generate actuarial information or determine insurance rates. Operating data may be reviewed on a computer, a Web site or other display medium so a party can observe how his operating behavior compares to that of other operators of similar machines and may be manipulated so a party can understand how changes in operating behavior can affect his insurance rates.

Abstract: A portable vignetting system attaches directly to the lens element of a photographic instrument enabling on-site creation of selected vignette effects with results comparable to those achieved under studio conditions. A main housing accommodates a camera lens at one end and a series of vignetting lids at the other. Each lid has formed therethrough an aperture of selected size and shape producing the desired vignette. Structure on the lid an housing cooperates to enable the lid to rotate with respect to the housing and to positively engage the housing at a multiplicity of precisely defined sites. The system may be used to create multiple vignette effects by combining different lids while making multiple exposures on a single film segment.