Abstract: A computerized system for transacting the purchase and sale of consumer motor fuels between motor fuel merchants and retail consumers through software on a mobile or desktop connected device for periods in the future through the simultaneous execution of multi-party, multi-layered contingent transactions and pricing algorithms to ensure that all inter-related motor fuel merchant transactions are simultaneously transacted upon a retail consumer purchase execution. Motor fuels include refined products such as gasoline and diesel fuel, renewable fuels (e.g. ethanol, biodiesel), natural gas (including liquefied natural gas), jet fuel and electricity.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a solar panel. The system comprises an apparatus to be coupled electrically to two solar panels. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory having stored thereon instructions for calculating a ratio of respective operating parameters of the two solar panels. The apparatus further can include an output device, such as to display the ratio of the respective operating parameters of the solar panels. The apparatus may further comprise two loads coupled to the processor to be electrically coupled to the respective solar panels.

Abstract: A marriage and divorce game and game board. The game board is divided into four quadrants and includes a plurality of defined spaces that extend around the periphery of the game board. A church and a courthouse are disposed in a central area of the game board. There is provided an array of consequence cards that include marriage, divorce, pastor and judge cards. The marriage and divorce cards include events that relate to marriage or divorce. The pastor and judge cards also include events such as penalties and benefits. Through the course of the game, points are accumulated by the individual players and individual players whose tokens land on spaces corresponding to the marriage, divorce, pastor and judge cards are required to draw an appropriate card from a deck and deal with the consequences of the card or gain the benefit conferred by the card.

Abstract: A magnetic top stick for use at the opening portion of a core slot of an electromagnetic device includes a group of magnetically anisotropic members arranged in a substantially non-magnetic body adapted to fit snugly within the core slot. The magnetic properties of the group of members combine to provide the top stick with an overall high magnetic permeability in the depth direction of the core slot and overall low magnetic permeabilities in the width and longitudinal directions of the core slot. A convenient method of manufacturing the top stick includes first forming magnetically anisotropic sheets by cold rolling and annealing, then laminating and heat processing the sheets with B stage materials to generate a unitary laminated structure. The unitary laminated structure is sectioned into multiple magnetic flux bars which are in turn disposed in the non-magnetic body forming the top stick.

Abstract: A harness having four sets of straps extendable around a dog's torso, with one of these strap sets being disposed proximate with the dog's neck and another with its hindquarters, at least one longitudinally-extending upper strap member, and a flexible truss including a pair of strips of unequal length coupled together by a connector such as a D-ring slidably received by the strips and movable along substantially the length of the shorter strip. The pair of strips so coupled define a branched structure having branches of continously variable length. The strap sets, as well as the ends of each strip, are attached to the upper strap member, the distal ends of each strip being spaced apart from each other and from the ends of the other strip. Moreover, the distal ends of the shorter strip are disposed proximate with a contiguous pair of sets of straps and with one end of the shorter strip on one side of the midpoint of the upper strap member and the other on the other side of this midpoint.

Abstract: A carrier with a harness and a platform having a plurality of releasable fasteners. The harness includes at least three sets of straps extendable around a dog's torso, with one of these strap sets being disposed proximate with the dog's neck and another with its hindquarters. Each releasable fastener is attachable to one of the strap sets proximate with the dog's underside and is anchored to one of a plurality of connectors which are spaced apart from each other and slideably tethered to the platform. Mountable on a bicycle, the platform is rigidly secured to, and supported in part by, the bicycle handlebars or, alternately, the bicycle seat post. The platform is further supported by at least one pair of frame members rigidly affixed thereto. The frame members of each such pair extend downwardly, straddling one of the spoked wheels of the bicycle, and are releasably secured to the bicycle frame proximate with the hub of the wheel they straddle.

Abstract: A fabrication method and structure for a cobalt alloy thin film magnetic recording media uses an underlayer of sputter deposited chromium having a thickness of 50 to 200 angstroms which presents the (100) plane of the chromium atoms at the surface upon which the cobalt alloy magnetic thin film layer is to be deposited. The cobalt alloy hexagonal close packed atomic structure is sputtered onto the chromium underlayer and epitaxially grown such that the (110) plane of the cobalt alloy structure is parallel to the media surface. This disposes the cobalt magnetic layer structure to have the C axis (easiest axis of the magnetization) parallel to the media surface to optimize horizontal recording density.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for sulfating unsaturated alcohols using inexpensive reagents and mild reaction conditions. The process comprises reacting an unsaturated alcohol of the formula R--OH, wherein R is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 alkenyl group, with an ether sulfate of the formula R.sup.1 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n OSO.sub.3 M, wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 hydrocarbyl group, n is an integer from 1 to 10, and M is an alkali metal, to form an unsaturated sulfate; said reaction being carried out in the presence of a catlaytically effective amount of an acid catalyst. The mole ratio of unsaturated alcohol reactant to ether sulfate ranges from about 0.5:1 to about 2:1. In this process the sulfation occurs primarily at the hydroxyl group of the unsaturated alcohol, with minimal sulfation at the olefinic moiety of said alcohol.

Abstract: A comfortable, lightweight and portable stadium seat with a slidably removable tray for spectator use is disclosed. This seat contains back rest and seat bottom portions with cushions attached to interconnected tubular rails so that the seat is collapsible for easy carrying. In addition the tray is mounted under the seat bottom portion in such a manner that it can be pulled out as needed to extend in front of the spectator for holding food and drinks. A safety feature consisting of a spring-loaded hook-like fastener mounted on the bottom of the seat and keeps the seat from tipping over backwards while in use.

Abstract: The invention discloses a lifesaving and mooring device (8) having a resilient, floatable member (10), defining a pair of channels (12) therethrough, adapted for slidable receipt of an elongated member, such as a rope (14) through the channels. The rope slidably passes through the channels in a U-like configuration so as to form an adjustable slip-loop (18). At least one end of the rope has a diameter greater than that of the channels so as to prevent removal of the rope therefrom.

Abstract: Liquid detergent compositions containing alpha-amine oxide surfactants and having a pH of from about 9.0 to about 13.0 are disclosed. The alpha-amine oxides have improved stability against metal-catalyzed decomposition in the present compositions. The compositions preferably contain heavy-metal chelating agents, and also other surfactants and detergent adjunct materials.

Abstract: Solid detergent compositions containing alpha-amine oxide surfactants and alkaline materials, which exhibit a pH of greater than 9.0 at a concentration of 1% by weight in water, are disclosed. The alpha-amine oxides have improved stability against metal-catalyzed decomposition in the present compositions. The compositions preferably also contain other surfactants and detergent adjunct materials.

Abstract: Novel organotin-substituted cyclic sulfone compounds of the general formula: ##SPC1##Where each R is alkyl of from 1 to about 14 carbon atoms, or aryl and each R' is alkyl of from 1 to about 14 carbon atoms, aryl or hydrogen, and a process for preparing same. These organotin compounds have insecticidal, acaricidal, bacteriostatic, fungicidal and herbicidal properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel(organosulfinylmethyl) triorganotin compounds and a process for preparing same. These organotin compounds correspond to the general formula: ##EQU1## where R is a 1 to 14 carbon atom alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl group and each R' is an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The organotin compounds of the invention have insecticidal, acaricidal and herbicidal properties and are employed in the formulation of pesticidal compositions effective for combating these pests.