Abstract: A heel pad for a floor mat of a motor vehicle may comprise a first section, a second section, and an engagement structure. The first section includes a first material. The second section includes a second material and may be disposed along a periphery of the first section. The engagement structure is below at least one of the first section and the second section. A method of protecting a floor mat of a motor vehicle may comprise attaching the heel pad to a portion of the floor mat below a pedal of the motor vehicle so as to be situated between a heel of a driver of the motor vehicle and the floor mat.

Abstract: A method for treating a sugar-containing (e.g., sucrose, fructose, glucose) beverage (e,g., fruit juice, vegetable juice) includes passing a stream of a beverage into contact with a packed bed capable of selectively removing sugar from the beverage and separating a sugar-diminished beverage from the packed bed. A high intensity natural and/or artificial sweetener can be added to the sugar-diminished beverage to produce a beverage product having similar flavor and nutritional content as the original beverage, but containing a lower amount of calories. The sugar-reduced beverage also can be used as a flavoring for the beverage and food industry; or as an ingredient component for reduced and full calorie foods (e.g., jellies, candies, etc.). The sugar-reduced beverage can be concentrated to a higher level using less energy as compared to standard juices. The resulting concentrate also realizes significant frozen storage and shipping costs compared to standard juice concentrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel apparatus and method that combines a nightlight and an air freshener in a single device. The apparatus includes circuitry where a single resistor heats a heating block that heats and releases a volatile aromatic. The resistor also limits the current that passes through one or more light emitting diodes. The aromatic may be liquid scented oil held by a container. The container may also include a protruding wick that is heated by the heating block to facilitate oil evaporation. The light emitting diodes illuminate the housing and a decorative shield. The diodes may also illuminate fiber optic cables. The apparatus receives alternating current from a standard wall outlet. The circuitry utilized by the device ensures that the resistor is continuously powered during both half-cycles of the alternating current resulting in optimal heating of the aromatic.

Abstract: System and method for emanating fragrance vapor into a region. Fragrance liquid within a receptacle exhibits a liquid phase-vapor phase interface surface when in a quiescent state. Utilizing sub-pressure generators such as fan driven systems, the pressure above the interface is lowered to promote the escape of vapor molecules for dissemination into the atmosphere. The surface area of the fragrance fluid may be increased through the use of a bubbling technique to derive an effective area permitting a larger vapor molecule escape.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel apparatus and method that optimally combines nightlight and air freshener functionality in a single device. The device includes circuitry whereby a single resistor serves two functions. First, the resistor heats a heating block which in turn heats an aromatic thereby emitting an aroma. The aromatic may be liquid scented oil held by a container. The container may also include a wick that protrudes from the container and is heated by the heating block motivating evaporation of the oil. Further, the resistor limits the current that passes through one or more light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes illuminate a housing of the device and also a decorative shield. The device may also include fiber optic cables which are further illuminated by the light emitting diodes. The device is designed to receive alternating current from a standard wall outlet.