Abstract: A storage bag has first and second closure profiles adjacent to an opening to the interior of the bag. The first and second closure profiles are provided with dimples that are aligned opposite to each other. The dimples of the first closure profile are formed as a concave surface on the side of the first closure profile facing the interior of the bag and a convex surface on the side of the first closure profile facing the outside of the bag. The dimples of the second closure profile are formed as a convex surface on the side of the second closure profile facing the interior of the bag and a concave surface on the side of the second closure profile facing the outside of the bag. The dimples of the first closure profile are at least partially within the dimples of the second closure profile when the bag is being sealed.

Abstract: A storage bag is provide with features that facilitate unsealing an opening of the bag, including shaped lips and visual cues for areas that the lips that should be grasped during the unsealing process. The visual cue may include relative coloring of portions of the lips of the bag. The storage bag also includes features that facilitate sealing the opening of the bag, including textured areas and dimples. Such features may provide visual cues, tactile feedback and/or audio feedback in order to facilitate the sealing process.

Abstract: A storage bag is provided with lips that are shaped to facilitate unsealing of the bag. The lips include a visual cue that indicates to a user where the lips should be grasp during the unsealing operation. The visual cue may include any of a notch, a specific formation of the lips, and a color of the lips. When grasping the lips in the area of the lips indicated by the visual cue, the user can perform a rolling motion that greatly facilitates opening of the bag.

Abstract: A storage bag has a first closure profile attached to a first side surface, with the first closure profile forming a lip between an interlocking member and an edge of the first closure profile. The bag also includes a second closure profile attached to the second side surface, with the second closure profile forming a lip between an interlocking member and an edge of the second closure profile. The lips of the first and second closure profiles are visually distinct colors or different shades of a color in order to aid the user in locating the lips.

Abstract: A storage bag has first and second closure profiles adjacent to an opening to the interior of the bag. The first and second closure profiles are provided with dimples that are aligned opposite to each other. The dimples of the first closure profile are formed as a concave surface on the side of the first closure profile facing the interior of the bag and a convex surface on the side of the first closure profile facing the outside of the bag. The dimples of the second closure profile are formed as a convex surface on the side of the second closure profile facing the interior of the bag and a concave surface on the side of the second closure profile facing the outside of the bag. The dimples of the first closure profile are at least partially within the dimples of the second closure profile when the bag is being sealed.

Abstract: A volatile material diffuser includes a housing and first and second containers holding first and second volatile materials and having first and second wicks, respectively, in contact with respective volatile materials and extending out of respective containers, wherein the containers are inserted into and detachably attached to the housing. The diffuser further includes first and second heaters disposed within the housing adjacent the first and second wicks, respectively, to vaporize the first and second volatile materials, respectively. A means for providing an air flow is disposed in the housing such that air from the means for providing an air flow transports vaporized volatile materials away from the housing. The heaters are energized in an alternating sequence such that, when a heater is deactivated, the means for providing an air flow cools a wick associated with the deactivated heater.

Abstract: A method of managing an inventory of household products through virtual storage, such as in a virtual refrigerator, freezer, pantry, using electronic devices such as a smart phone. The virtual storage includes at least one of a description of each product in the virtual storage; the date each product was purchased; the expiration date of each product; and the freshness level of each product, including whether each product is still fresh, needs to be used within a certain time period, or needs to be thrown out. Related features include generation of shopping lists, coupons and recipes for a consumer based on the products in virtual storage or depleted therefrom.

Abstract: An Edison-style light bulb (40) which supports a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (50) and an illumination source (54). First and second electrical circuits (56) and (58) are mounted in the bulb to supply electrical power to the illumination source and to the LEDs. A switch circuit (60) is connected to control the supply of electrical power to the first and second electrical circuits (56) and (58) to adjust and coordinate the light output from the LEDs (50) and from the illumination source (54).

Abstract: An electrically operated diffuser has a fragrance-emitting element (8) for facilitating diffusion of an active material, and at least one light emitting diode (7). The at least one light emitting diode (7) serves as a nightlight and has a luminous intensity rating of at least about 5000 mcd at 20 mA. Also, the at least one light emitting diode (7) may be positioned at a back surface of the diffuser, such that when an active material is received in the compartment the at least one light emitting diode (7) shines through the active material. The diffuser may include a remote-use assembly to supply power to the diffuser from a wall socket remote from the diffuser. The diffuser may also include a light controller to change one or more of the color and the intensity of the at least one light emitting diode (7).

Abstract: A dispersion device for dispersing volatile materials includes a housing and a plurality of receptacles containing volatile material therein. The device also includes a means for generating or permitting two or more airflows that exit the housing and a switch for adjusting the airflows with respect to speed or path. The plurality of receptacles is connected to the housing such that a portion of the volatile material can be placed into one or more airflows.

Abstract: A candle assembly includes a support base with a melting plate upon which a meltable solid fuel rests and a wick holder to hold a wick and engage the meltable solid fuel, and a control unit having at least one electrical component to control at least one of a sound emitting system or a light emitting system. In another aspect, a candle assembly includes a sensor configured to detect the presence of a flame disposed on the wick and controls the at least one of the sound emitting system or the light emitting system, and a lock and key mechanism. Another candle assembly includes a replaceable container to hold a meltable fuel element with a wick and a first mating surface and a control unit having at least one electrical component to control at least one of a sound emitting system or a light emitting system. In another aspect, the control unit has a second mating surface complimentary to the first mating surface and a sensor configured to detect the presence of a flame disposed on a wick.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for producing combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect. The includes a fragrance dispenser (31), a light source (42), an audio system (52), and a microprocessor (99). The fragrance dispenser (31) is refillable and controllable, so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses a fragrance. The light source (42) comprises a plurality of LEDs (40a-40c) of at least two different colors and is controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs (40a-40c). The audio system (52) controls sounds to be emitted from the apparatus. The microprocessor (99) controls the rate at which the fragrance dispenser (31) dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source (42) and audio system (52).

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an airspace with a volatile substance includes means for detecting the presence of a specific component in a volatile substance and means for controlling a volatile substance dispenser to dispense the volatile substance only if the volatile substance contains the specific component.

Abstract: An Edison-style light bulb (40) which supports a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (50) and an illumination source (54). First and second electrical circuits (56) and (58) are mounted in the bulb to supply electrical power to the illumination source and to the LEDs.

Abstract: A resealable vacuum-tight closure mechanism comprises a first closure element that includes a first base and a second closure element that includes a second base. A first contact surface on a first interlocking profile depends from the first base and a second contact surface on a second interlocking profile depends from the second base. The first and second contact surfaces provide a maximum occlusion distance when the first and second interlocking profiles are in an occluded state. A first sealing member extends from the first base, has a first length, is spacedly disposed from the first interlocking profile, and has a first sealing surface disposed thereon. A second sealing member extends from the second base, has a second length, is spacedly disposed from the second interlocking profile, and has a second sealing surface disposed thereon that is complementary to the first sealing surface.

Abstract: A candle assembly includes a support base with a melting plate upon which a meltable solid fuel rests and a wick holder to hold a wick and engage the meltable solid fuel. The candle assembly further includes a control unit having at least one electrical component to control a light emitting system.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing drain clog material from a drain pipe assembly. The assembly has: (a) a container, and (b) a shaft. The container defines a reservoir adapted to receive a drain cleaning composition. The container also has an outlet. The shaft is attached to the outlet of the container and is in fluid communication with the container. The shaft also has an X-direction, a Y-direction perpendicular thereto, and a Z-direction perpendicular to both the X- and Y-directions, in addition to a plurality of barbs extending outwardly. The barbs have a force to remove of less than 20 lbs.; and a peak bend force of less than 4 lbs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling emission of fragrances into a given area such as a room or a region of a yard; and more particularly the creation of a desired atmosphere within the given area. In addition, the invention involves a volatile substance dispensing device (200) having mounted therein a plurality of reservoirs (31) storing a volatile substance, and a plurality of atomizer assemblies (34) for emitting volatile substances communicated thereto by the reservoirs (31). Preferably, a microcontroller (50) controls the emission of the volatile substances in accordance with preferred programs.

Abstract: A cleaning implement is disclosed which is of the all-in-one type. It has a substrate that delivers impregnated cleaning liquid to the window being cleaned, a squeegee blade to drive used cleaning liquid off the window, and an absorbent region of the substrate to collect the used liquid. In some embodiments a single block of substrate can provide the applicator, scrubbing, and collecting functions, as well as filter and reprocess used cleaning liquid for further use. Refill structures are provided to permit insertion of the refill in varied directions, to facilitate insertion and removal of the refill, to increase the abrasive character of the refill, to minimize drooling, and to otherwise optimize cleaning properties of the refill.

Abstract: A volatile material diffuser includes a housing and first and second containers holding first and second volatile materials and having first and second wicks, respectively, in contact with respective volatile materials and extending out of respective containers, wherein the containers are inserted into and detachably attached to the housing. The diffuser further includes first and second heaters disposed within the housing adjacent the first and second wicks, respectively, to vaporize the first and second volatile materials, respectively. A means for providing an air flow is disposed in the housing such that air from the means for providing an air flow transports vaporized volatile materials away from the housing. The heaters are energized in an alternating sequence such that, when a heater is deactivated, the means for providing an air flow cools a wick associated with the deactivated heater.