Abstract: A sensor device for the detection of smoke and carbon monoxide. Smoke and carbon monoxide detecting elements are placed within a housing which also contains a rechargeable power source for powering the detector elements The housing is provided with a first interface to engage a lighting fixture and a second interface for engaging a light source. Upon applying electric current to the lighting fixture, power is applied to the sensor device for charging the rechargeable power source and for illuminating the light source.

Abstract: A system for the generation of electric power for use in connection with a water feature, such as a swimming pool, lake, pond and the like. The system includes an array of photovoltaic cells within a continuous membrane or joined to a separate membrane, the membrane being sized to fit atop or within the water feature when exposing the photovoltaic cells to ambient light.

Abstract: A device for the generation of electricity and for imparting thermal energy to a fluid. The device is composed of a panel of photovoltaic materials having a top surface which, when in use, is exposed to ambient solar radiation and a base for supporting the panel of photovoltaic materials. A plurality of micro channels are positioned within the base and in thermal contact with the photovoltaic material. The channels have open receiving ends and open discharge ends and are sized and positioned to receive a fluid at their receiving ends and to discharge the fluid at their discharging ends for transferring thermal energy from the bottom surface of the panel of photovoltaic materials to the fluid as the fluid travels within the channels.

Abstract: A method of purchasing goods or services with use of a bank card. The bank card is issued to consumers as a means of identifying the consumers and for extending credit to the consumers for the purchase of goods or services. A database is established of those consumers which hold the bank cards and at least one consumer is chosen from the database as the recipient of a prize.

Abstract: A method of purchasing goods and services in combination with a gaming feature is described. Consumers are provided with a bank card, which is used to identify consumers, extend credit to them and communicate purchasing data to a centralized location. A pool of funds is established in relationship to the use of the bank card by consumers. Periodically, a lottery is conducted for distributing prizes to consumers by distributing proceeds from the pool of funds.