Abstract: A solar-powered enclosure having solar energy system for powering an electrical subsystem is disclosed. The electrical subsystem may include lighting elements for illuminating the enclosure and the area around the enclosure in a decorative and functional manner.

Abstract: An outdoor lighting system with cold cathode ray tubes 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 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 lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode ray tubes, light emitting diodes (LED's), or florescent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light for reading and other activities that require relatively high light intensities is provided. In one embodiment, a modular, electrically powered lawn or patio umbrella in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing cold cathode tubes, LED's, or florescent lights; cooling systems, such as those utilizing electric fans or misting systems; and motorized retraction systems; can be selectively interchanged is provided.

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: 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 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.