Abstract: Biodegradable planter pots constructed from starch and an outer silicon layer. The starch provides a biodegradable and/or compostable characteristic to the pot, allowing it to be broken down into the soil after the pot has been planted. The outer silicon layer provides durability to the pots, allowing them to retain their shape for an additional period of time and withstand handling, while also retaining the biodegradable characteristics of the pots. Advantageously, the pots allow seedlings and seeds to be directly deposited into the soil, while also providing structure to the plant for the initial growth period. Advantageously, the pots provide a stable structural support that is hardy and/or water-resistant but can also being broken down as the plant grows.

Abstract: The invention is directed to biodegradable planter pots constructed from starch and an outer silicon layer. The starch provides a biodegradable and/or compostable characteristic to the pot, allowing it to be broken down into the soil after the pot has been planted. The outer silicon layer provides durability to the pots, allowing them to retain their shape for an additional period of time and withstand handling, while also retaining the biodegradable characteristics of the pots. Advantageously, the pots allow seedlings and seeds to be directly deposited into the soil, while also providing structure to the plant for the initial growth period. Advantageously, the pots provide a stable structural support that is hardy and/or water-resistant but can also being broken down as the plant grows.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a device configured to sterilize and/or disinfect one or more flat objects, such as (but not limited to) credit cards, identification cards, papers, business cards, currency, passports, and the like. The device includes a housing that comprises an internal compartment sized and shaped to house one or more objects. The internal compartment includes a plurality of bulbs (e.g., ultraviolet bulbs) positioned such that the entire surface of an object housed within the internal compartment is exposed to the bulbs. One or more objects can be at least partially positioned within the interior of the compartment via inlet and outlet slots. Thus, in use, an object enters the device interior via an inlet slot where it is exposed to the emitting bulbs. The sterilized and/or disinfected object then exits the device interior through exit slot where it can be used.