Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of amusement devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a floating water game device that is comprised of at least one net assembly, at least one primary anchoring pole, at least two secondary anchors, a ball, and at least one glove. The frame members of the device form a generally rectangular shape and are hollow such that the net assembly can float on water. The device is also comprised of anchors capable of retaining the net assembly in a position specified by the user against the forces of a body of water. In this manner, the device can be used in any body of water such that any number of people can enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

Abstract: A cap for a thermometer having a probe configured to be placed in contact with a patients body or to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient and a temperature sensor includes a cap housing, a proximity sensor and a proximity sensor electrical conductor. The cap housing is configured to selectively connect with and to be selectively detached from the thermometer and at least partially surround the probe of the thermometer when connected with the thermometer. The proximity sensor is connected with the cap. The proximity sensor electrical conductor is connected with the cap and electrically connected with the proximity sensor. A thermometer including the cap is also provided.

Abstract: A thermometer has temperature sensing tip, a processor taking temperature readings and determining a sensed temperature reading of the living being from the temperature sensing tip. The thermometer also includes a display and a backlight for lighting the display. The backlight is activated upon a command from the processor and the processor determines whether to activate the backlight based upon the temperature readings. The method embodiment can includes the steps of using the processor to monitor a temperature change indicated by a temperature sensing element. The processor then detects a temperature decrease and activates a first color light emitting element to backlight a display if the temperature decrease exceeds or equals a predetermined threshold. The thermometer is operable in one of a plurality of selectable operating modes, and the predetermined threshold is dependent upon the selected operating mode. For example, operating modes may depend on patient age range or measurement location.

Abstract: The invention includes a thermometer with a backlight and a method for lighting the backlight. The thermometer has temperature sensing tip, a processor taking temperature readings and determining a sensed temperature reading of the living being from the temperature sensing tip. The thermometer also includes a display and a backlight for lighting the display. The backlight is activated upon a command from the processor and the processor determines whether to activate the backlight based upon the temperature readings. The method embodiment can includes the steps of using the processor to monitor a temperature change indicated by a temperature sensing element. The processor then detects a temperature decrease and activates a first color light emitting element to backlight a display if the temperature decrease exceeds or equals a predetermined threshold. The thermometer is operable in one of a plurality of selectable operating modes, and the predetermined threshold is dependent upon the selected operating mode.

Abstract: A thermometer has temperature sensing tip, a processor taking temperature readings and determining a sensed temperature reading of the living being from the temperature sensing tip. The thermometer also includes a display and a backlight for lighting the display. The backlight is activated upon a command from the processor and the processor determines whether to activate the backlight based upon the temperature readings. The method embodiment can includes the steps of using the processor to monitor a temperature change indicated by a temperature sensing element. The processor then detects a temperature decrease and activates a first color light emitting element to backlight a display if the temperature decrease exceeds or equals a predetermined threshold. The thermometer is operable in one of a plurality of selectable operating modes, and the predetermined threshold is dependent upon the selected operating mode. For example, operating modes may depend on patient age range or measurement location.

Abstract: A thermometer has temperature sensing tip, a processor taking temperature readings and determining a sensed temperature reading of the living being from the temperature sensing tip. The thermometer also includes a display and a backlight for lighting the display. The backlight is activated upon a command from the processor and the processor determines whether to activate the backlight based upon the temperature readings. The method embodiment can includes the steps of using the processor to monitor a temperature change indicated by a temperature sensing element. The processor then detects a temperature decrease and activates a first color light emitting element to backlight a display if the temperature decrease exceeds or equals a predetermined threshold. The thermometer is operable in one of a plurality of selectable operating modes, and the predetermined threshold is dependent upon the selected operating mode. For example, operating modes may depend on patient age range or measurement location.

Abstract: A thermometer has temperature sensing tip, a processor taking temperature readings and determining a sensed temperature reading of the living being from the temperature sensing tip. The thermometer also includes a display and a backlight for lighting the display. The backlight is activated upon a command from the processor and the processor determines whether to activate the backlight based upon the temperature readings. The method embodiment can includes the steps of using the processor to monitor a temperature change indicated by a temperature sensing element. The processor then detects a temperature decrease and activates a first color light emitting element to backlight a display if the temperature decrease exceeds or equals a predetermined threshold. The thermometer is operable in one of a plurality of selectable operating modes, and the predetermined threshold is dependent upon the selected operating mode. For example, operating modes may depend on patient age range or measurement location.

Abstract: The invention includes a thermometer with a backlight and a method for lighting the backlight. The thermometer has temperature sensing tip, a processor taking temperature readings and determining a sensed temperature reading of the living being from the temperature sensing tip. The thermometer also includes a display and a backlight for lighting the display. The backlight is activated upon a command from the processor and the processor determines whether to activate the backlight based upon the temperature readings. The method embodiment can includes the steps of using the processor to monitor a temperature change indicated by a temperature sensing element. The processor then detects a temperature decrease and activates a first color light emitting element to backlight a display if the temperature decrease exceeds or equals a predetermined threshold. The thermometer is operable in one of a plurality of selectable operating modes, and the predetermined threshold is dependent upon the selected operating mode.

Abstract: A beverage maker is provided that allows a user to make a brewed beverage or dispense hot water. Various sealing and latching mechanisms are further provided for effectively sealing the brewing chamber under pressure. A mechanism is provided for reducing splashing when relatively short vessels are positioned beneath the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A trash receptacle is disclosed having a housing defining a cavity and having a lid openable to create an orifice to access the cavity, with a bin disposed in the cavity and removable there-from through the orifice. The bin has a bottom surface and an upstanding peripheral wall, the wall having two pivotably engaged portions that are relatively separable to ease the removal of a filled liner bag. The peripheral wall terminates at its top in an annular rim, and the bin is adapted to receive the liner bag lining the interior of the peripheral wall and draped outwardly over the annular rim. The lid has downwardly extending annular wall adapted to engage the bin's annular rim to secure the draped-over portion of the liner bag to the annular rim when the lid is in its closed state. The receptacle has a seven-day timer and an indicator associated therewith for alerting when it is the day for disposing of trash.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus generally includes a housing, a pot supported within the housing and a pot support fixed to a side wall of the pot for supporting the pot within the housing. The housing has an inner side surface and an inwardly extending attachment element disposed on the inner side surface. The pot support is supported on the housing attachment element for supporting the pot within the housing.

Abstract: A beverage maker is provided that allows a user to make a brewed beverage or dispense hot water. Various sealing and latching mechanisms are further provided for effectively sealing the brewing chamber under pressure. A mechanism is provided for reducing splashing when relatively short vessels are positioned beneath the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A slow cooker is provided that includes a ceramic cooking vessel and a base for supporting and heating the cooking vessel. The cooking vessel preferably extends substantially the upper surface of the base when mounted thereto. A stand is provided for supporting the base, and is preferably secured to the base. The stand includes handles that allow the slow cooker to be carried. The top of the base is preferably defined by a heat resistant, polymeric lip.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus generally includes a housing, a pot supported within the housing and a pot support fixed to a side wall of the pot for supporting the pot within the housing. The housing has an inner side surface and an inwardly extending attachment element disposed on the inner side surface. The pot support is supported on the housing attachment element for supporting the pot within the housing.

Abstract: A slow cooker is provided that includes a ceramic cooking vessel and a base for supporting and heating the cooking vessel. The cooking vessel preferably extends substantially the upper surface of the base when mounted thereto. A stand is provided for supporting the base, and is preferably secured to the base. The stand includes handles that allow the slow cooker to be carried. The top of the base is preferably defined by a heat resistant, polymeric lip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing blended dessert products. The apparatus includes a base, a container removably mounted to the base, a cutting member for slicing, chopping and/or grating food products, and a mixing blade in the container for blending the food products once they have been sliced, chopped or grated. In accordance with the method, a frozen food product such as ice cream and a second food product such as cookies, candy and/or nuts are fed to a cutting member where they are sliced, grated and/or chopped and them caused to drop into a container. The food products are then blended within the container by a mixing blade, preferably producing a dessert product having the consistency of soft ice cream that contains chunks and/or slices of other food products.