Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a raised container lid bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.

Abstract: A fan tray apparatus and method includes a mounting body portion having a length and a width. The mounting body portion further includes first and second longitudinal sides and first and second lateral sides. A plurality of fans is operatively attached to the mounting body portion. The plurality of fans includes a first set of fans, a second set of fans, and a third set of fans. The first set of fans is positioned along the first lateral side. The second set of fans is positioned along the second lateral side. The third set of fans is positioned between the first set of fans and the second set of fans, the third set of fans positioned on a middle portion of mounting body portion.

Abstract: A method for creating an intra-laminar matrix within a homogeneous layer enhances the overall structural integrity of a composite layer or layers is disclosed and a composite made thereby. This enhanced structural integrity is provided by reducing and/or eliminating requisite bonds and/or by reducing and/or eliminating heterogeneous layers by rendering them unnecessary in the composite construction formed by the method of the invention.

Abstract: An improved breastshield for a breastpump having a coating of a lubricating material formed integral with the breastshield.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing automatic alignment of a circuit board within a chassis includes a housing member having an end wall portion. The end wall portion includes a plurality of openings formed therein for receiving a plurality of connectors. The end wall portion further includes a first raised portion and a second raised portion to provide automatic alignment of the circuit board within the chassis.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an enclosure includes a top housing member and a bottom housing member having at least one latch portion. The top housing member includes at least one top housing deflecting tab portion for deflecting the latch portion. The bottom housing member includes at least one bottom housing retaining tab portion. The top housing deflecting tab portion is slidably engaged with the bottom housing retaining tab portion to secure the top housing member to the bottom housing member and to prevent movement of the top housing member relative to the bottom housing member.

Abstract: A telephone answering apparatus for verification of the presence of a remote user includes a detector, and a controller operatively connected to the detector and to a timer, wherein the controller restarts the timer upon detection of a telephone signal from the remote user and terminates a telephone connection if the telephone signal is not detected within a set period of time.

Abstract: A single stage regulator is disclosed wherein a piston-type configuration is utilized to regulate an input working pressure as high as 4,500 PSI, to an output delivery pressure from 200 PSI to 1100 PSI. The single stage regulator can be used on paintball guns, markers and similar devices powered by compressed gas.

Abstract: A multi-function, transportable, recreation folding chair, includes a plurality of storage compartments therein. In a preferred form, the chair is a lightweight chaise-lounge arranged in a backpack for ready transport of both the chair and paraphernalia stored therein.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a housing and a button array contacting the housing. The button array includes a plurality of buttons and is positioned between the housing and a transparent shield. The transparent shield is attached to the housing to secure the button array to the housing. The transparent shield is positioned between the button array and a liquid crystal display to shield the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a bracket member of a circuit board assembly as the bracket member is positioned against and secured to an electronic chassis is provided. A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board operatively attached to a bracket member. The bracket member includes a first end, a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface. A gasket is longitudinally oriented along the outer surface of the bracket member. A first pin extends from the inner surface adjacent the first end, and a second pin extends from the inner surface adjacent the second end. An electronic chassis includes a top flange and a bottom flange. The top flange includes a top flange opening and the bottom flange includes a bottom flange opening. The first pin is aligned with and extends through the top flange opening and the second pin is aligned with and extends through the bottom flange opening to align the bracket member as the bracket member is positioned against and secured to the electronic chassis.

Abstract: In preferred aspects, the present invention comprises an electric fireplace designed to simulate a combustible fuel-burning fireplace. The electric fireplace comprises a housing having a top, a bottom, a back, and two sides. A simulated firebox having a top, a bottom, a back, and two sides is positioned within the fireplace housing. The firebox contains a log and ember set having one or more artificial logs positioned above an artificial bed of embers. The fireplace also comprises a mechanism for illuminating the underside of at least a portion of the artificial logs and a portion of the artificial bed of embers so as to create the illusion that the artificial logs and the artificial bed of embers are burning. The fireplace further comprises a flame simulation assembly for generating the appearance of simulated flames emanating from the artificial logs. The flame simulation assembly comprises a light source, a light randomizer, a light filter screen, and a light diffuser screen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for activating a switch with a circuit board ejector includes a circuit board and a switch assembly including the switch for transitioning the circuit board from a first mode to a second mode and vice versa. The switch assembly is attached to the circuit board, and the circuit board ejector is rotatably attached to the circuit board to allow the circuit board ejector to be positioned in an unlatched position and a latched position. The circuit board ejector includes a hook portion and a bracket arm wherein the bracket arm of the circuit board ejector activates the switch assembly and causes the circuit board to transition from the first mode to the second mode and vice versa.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with a universal suction hood base that can be used with a set of different shields. An improved shield is further disclosed which is more flexible and conforms more readily to the breast, and also provides massage.

Abstract: An apparatus for overriding an automatic answer function of a telephone answering device includes a host computer in communication with the telephone answering device. The host computer includes an application running on the host computer, and the telephone answering device includes a controller operatively connected to a ring counter. The application is operatively connected to the controller. The controller resets the ring counter in response to a command prefix from the application which disables an automatic answer function of the telephone answering device and enables the application to answer an incoming call by controlling the telephone answering device.

Abstract: A bracket mounting apparatus includes a bracket body, at least one bracket arm and a rivet-head integrally formed in and extending from the bracket arm to allow the bracket mounting apparatus to be secured to a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A cable management apparatus includes a bracket member and a cable guide member fastened to the bracket member. The bracket member includes a stem portion and a body portion for fastening to a cabinet for housing a plurality of electronic modules. The cable guide member includes a flange portion and a shelf portion having a surface. The flange portion is angled with respect to the surface of the shelf portion to allow a plurality of cables to contact the surface of the shelf portion to route the plurality of cables within the cabinet.