Abstract: A brand-specific announcement is audibly output by the point-of-sale terminal upon identification of each product as it is scanned. The brand-specific announcement. In this way, the first Coke product might announce “Coca-cola”, the second product may announce “The real thing.” In a networked application such as in a large, multiple-register checkout of a supermarket, the rotating slogans for any given product may be system wide such that the first time any of the multiple registers scans a given product, that register announces the first slogan in its defined series. The next register to scan the same product might announce the second slogan in the defined series, etc. In this way, e.g., register #3 might announce “Coca-cola”, then soon after register #6 might announce “The real thing.” A trademarked type sound may be announced instead of a slogan.

Abstract: An automotive air deflector is substantially V-shaped with a pair of opposed wing panels configured such that impinging air is directed around the deflector. The deflector is configured for placement at various locations on a vehicle, including on the front end of the vehicle, on the rear end of the vehicle, and in front of the tires of the vehicle. The air deflector is constructed of a lightweight material that is sufficiently rigid for the service environment but is flexible enough to be configured in varying shapes so as to accommodate being placed on various types of vehicles and in the various locations on those vehicles. By reducing turbulence and providing for the smooth flow of air around the vehicle, the air deflector reduces the effect of aerodynamic drag, and thus improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, thereby leading to reduced vehicle operating costs.

Abstract: An automotive air deflector is substantially V-shaped with a pair of opposed wing panels configured such that impinging air is directed around the deflector. The deflector is configured for placement at various locations on a vehicle, including on the front end of the vehicle, on the rear end of the vehicle, and in front of the tires of the vehicle. The air deflector is constructed of a lightweight material that is sufficiently rigid for the service environment but is flexible enough to be configured in varying shapes so as to accommodate being placed on various types of vehicles and in the various locations on those vehicles. By reducing turbulence and providing for the smooth flow of air around the vehicle, the air deflector reduces the effect of aerodynamic drag, and thus improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, thereby leading to reduced vehicle operating costs.

Abstract: A hot (cold) drink heat (chill) maintainer formed as a floating internal lid, in addition to the external sealed lid, that is placed on top of a drink poured into a suitable drink cup. The hot drink heat maintainer additionally insulates and maintains heat (or chill) within a drink poured for consumption. Because the hot drink heat maintainer floats directly on the top of the liquid, rather than being suspended above the liquid as with a common cup lid, insulating properties of the hot drink heat maintainer are brought directly to bear in maintaining heat in the drink, particularly as the drink is being consumed. The hot drink heat maintainer adds a layer of insulation directly and continuously to the top of a hot drink such as coffee, to prevent or slow heat from escaping from the drink to the surrounding air as it is being consumed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the carbonation in a soda fountain drink when served in a cup. A carbonation concentrator is inserted between the fountain head and the bottom portion of the cup (e.g., at the top of the ice) to cause backpressure at a point within the fluid in the cup as the soda is poured, increasing the absorption of the CO2 carbonation into the poured fluid. The carbonation concentrator may be integrated into the fountain head, adapted to attach to an otherwise conventional fountain head, or integrated within the cup (i.e., disposable form). The carbonation concentrator may be attached to an otherwise conventional fountain head, formed integrally therewith, or to a lid. In disclosed embodiments, the carbonation concentrator is slid over the spout of a hand-held or wall-mounted fountain head and secured in an appropriate fashion.