Abstract: A compact battery for energizing powered devices, such as a power drill, includes a housing that contains a nested row having a plurality of battery cells. Each battery cell has an outer circumference that is offset and overlapping in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction with the outer circumference of an adjacent battery cell to form the compact battery. Optionally, the compact battery contains 6 battery cells that are electrically connected in series with one another; or 12 battery cells having a first nested row of 6 battery cells that are electrically connected in series with one another, and a second nested row of 6 battery cells that are electrically connected in series with one another. The first and second nested rows of battery cells are electrically connected in parallel with one another, and are nested with one another.

Abstract: A towel with an integrated retention tab includes a distal end, opposed sides, and a proximal end that is affixed to a towel. The retention tab is formed of a different material than the towel, and is secured to the towel at an attachment area. The retention tab is configured to be positioned over a portion of the towel that is wrapped around a person's body in order to assist with retaining the towel in a wrapped position around the person's body. For increased securing ability, the retention tab may optionally have tapered edges and/or define a gripping pattern. Furthermore, the retention tab may define a through hole to allow the retention tab and the affixed towel to be hung for drying and/or storage purposes.

Abstract: An ornamental seed and plant system includes a growing system with a growing pot that supports a potted plant and that has tie-down connectors for securing cordage to restrain a plant branch in a desired position to increase plant yield. A lid with additional tie-down connectors can be attached to the growing pot, and enables additional flexibility and support in securing plant branches in desired positions. The seed and plant system also includes a vending system having a vending machine that enables a consumer to purchase goods subject to authorization restrictions. The vending machines includes an identification reader that scans and interprets a form of consumer identification to either allow or prohibit the consumer from obtaining the goods. The vending machine may be located in a storage containment structure that also houses other horticultural products, including the growing system.

Abstract: A size-adjustable fashion accessory includes an elongated strap having a plurality of catch features, such as raised or depressed features, disposed at spaced locations along a length of the elongated strap. A retainer is disposed at a first end section of the elongated strap that is configured to receive an opposing second end section of the elongated strap to form a loop configuration. The retainer includes an engagement element that resiliently deforms against at least one of the plurality of catch features upon insertion or removal of the second end section, providing a tactile engagement, such as a click or snap, when adjusting the size of the loop configuration. The size-adjustable fashion accessory may include a decorative charm accessory or the like that may be adapted to engage the elongated strap at various locations along its length or at the retainer.

Abstract: A size-adjustable fashion accessory includes an elongated strap having a plurality of catch features, such as raised or depressed features, disposed at spaced locations along a length of the elongated strap. A retainer is disposed at a first end section of the elongated strap that is configured to receive an opposing second end section of the elongated strap to form a loop configuration. The retainer includes an engagement element that resiliently deforms against at least one of the plurality of catch features upon insertion or removal of the second end section, providing a tactile engagement, such as a click or snap, when adjusting the size of the loop configuration. The size-adjustable fashion accessory may include a decorative charm accessory or the like that may be adapted to engage the elongated strap at various locations along its length or at the retainer.