Abstract: A system and process for providing a transaction infrastructure for matching user demand for a commodity such as energy across multiple sources and levels of distribution. A transaction hub is provided that normalizes transaction information across a plurality of distribution points. Scheduling and billing of users is managed at the hub, allowing fine and dynamic load balancing across multiple sources and levels.

Abstract: A technique for selectively inhibiting television receiving apparatus from displaying those television channels which are not authorized for viewing, such as unsubscribed television channels and channels with programs which satisfy predetermined content ratings criteria. Television channel information associated with television channels that are receivable by the television receiving apparatus, such as rating data representing the contents of the programs on the television channel, is obtained. A rating code representing the content ratings criteria of those channels which a viewer wishes to inhibit from being displayed also is obtained. When either channel up or channel down buttons are operated by the viewer, the rating data associated with the next television channel is compared with the rating code to determine if that television channel satisfies the predetermined content ratings criteria.

Abstract: A technique for selectively inhibiting television receiving apparatus from displaying those television programs which satisfy predetermined content ratings criteria. Television program information associated with television programs that are receivable by the television receiving apparatus during a selected time interval, such as channel data representing the channels on which the television programs are received and rating data representing the contents of those programs, is stored. A rating code representing the content ratings criteria of those programs which a viewer wishes to inhibit from being displayed also is stored. When a desired channel is selected by the viewer, the stored rating data associated with that channel is compared with the rating code to determine if the television program transmitted on that channel satisfies the predetermined content ratings criteria.

Abstract: An improved method of multiple-stage hydraulic fracturing of coal seams to improve the rate and total recovery of gas therefrom. In one aspect, the improvement comprises completing the well with 7-inch or larger casing and 31/2 inch or larger tubing. In another aspect, the stagewise fracturing is continued until the following quantity of 60-140 mesh proppants has been deposited in the formation:______________________________________ for 5 .ltoreq. h < 10, m .gtoreq. 500,000; for 10 .ltoreq. h < 15, m .gtoreq. 750,000; for 15 .ltoreq. h < 20, m .gtoreq. 1,000,000; for 20 .ltoreq. h < 25, m .gtoreq. 2,000,000; and for h .gtoreq. 25, m .gtoreq. 3,000,000; ______________________________________wherein h is the vertical thickness of the coal seam in feet and m is the minimum quantity of the fine proppants in pounds deposited therein.

Abstract: A method of hydraulically fracturing subterranean coal seams to improve the rate and total recovery of gas therefrom. The coal seam is fractured with acid and a proppant-laden fracing fluid in alternating injection stages. The initial injection stage of the fracturing fluid contains from about 0 to about 4 pounds of a spherical proppant having a particle size distribution substantially between 60 and 140 mesh. The subsequent fracing fluid injection stages are alternated with injection stages of a smaller volume of acid. The proppant loading in the fracing fluid is increased with each injection stage until the loading is from about 8 to about 12 pounds of proppant per gallon of fluid. The subsequent and terminal fracing fluid injection stages are with the higher proppant loading.

Abstract: A method for hydraulically fracturing a single subterranean formation in which a fracture is first induced in the formation and then subjected to multiple hydraulic fracturing cycles to generate vertical linear fractures or to linearly extend the fracture outward from the point of introduction of the fracing fluid into a well penetrating the formation. By utilizing fracing fluid containing a high ratio of fine proppant and injected at a low rate, the linear fracturing solely within the formation can be substantially increased with very little or no radial vertical fracturing occurring outside the formation.