Abstract: The current document is directed to a new type of grill-cleaning tool that includes one or more scrapers as well as freely sliding scraping pins that conform to the surfaces of a grill to assist the one or more scrapers in removing grease and cooking debris from the surfaces of the grill. The scraping pins are rigid pins, made from durable materials, with scraping-pin shafts generally having diameters or widths of 2 mm or more, as a result of which the scraping pins are not susceptible to shedding and breakage during normal cleaning operations. In addition, unlike brush bristles, the scraping pins are spaced apart from one another and have relatively low surface-area to scraping-pin-number ratios, which decreases the tendency of the scraping pins to become clogged with grease and cooking debris relative to metal brush bristles and greatly facilitates cleaning grease and cooking debris from the grill-cleaning tool.

Abstract: A claw shearing device including a pair of shearing elements having cutting edges that face one another, a fastener configured to pivotably attach the shearing elements, and an adjustable limiting mechanism connected to the pair of shearing elements. The cutting edges form an orifice for the insertion of a claw of an animal or a pet therebetween, where the maximum size of the orifice is limited by the adjustable limiting mechanism. The device is configured to bring together the shearing elements to cut the claw or nail of the animal or pet at a predetermined length.

Abstract: Locking tongs that are operable to lock in a closed position and unlock to an open position with the use of one hand. The tongs include a first arm and a second arm connected at a pivot point and extend out from each other in an open position. A tension spring positioned at the pivot point holds the first and second arm in the open position. A locking mechanism includes: (i) a locking member having an elongated body and forms a stop at an end, the locking member positioned on an inner portion of the first arm and extends towards the second arm, and (ii) a receiving aperture defined on the second arm sized and shaped to receive the stop of the locking member. The locking member engages the second arm when the stop passes through the receiving aperture and thereby holds the pair of tongs in a closed position.

Abstract: A tiered electronic device holder supports electronic devices in a variety of shapes and sizes, in at least a portrait and landscape orientation. The tiered electronic device holder comprises a plurality of brackets positioned along a “V” shaped path. A first pair of brackets of the plurality of brackets receive an electronic device therebetween, while one or more or another pair of brackets below the first pair of brackets supports a bottom edge of the electronic device. The first pair of brackets are selected based on the size and orientation of the electronic device. The brackets extend from a body, one or more rails, or both.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning an animal's paw and related methods are described herein. Devices include a container having a handle and an opening area adapted to receive the paw. A flexible insertion piece substantially covers the opening area, and a trigger mechanism is connected to the handle. Devices also include an inner container having a plurality of cleaning elements extending radially inward therefrom. Rotation of the inner container to clean the animal's paw is effectuated by engaging the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A claw shearing device including a first member and a second member, each having a connecting portion, a handle portion, and a plurality of grooves formed at an end opposite the handle portion. A fastener is provided to pivotably attach the first member to the second member. The device includes first and second detachable shearing elements, configured to be releasably engageable with the plurality of grooves of the first and second members, respectively. The first and the second detachable shearing elements are configured to form an orifice for the insertion of a claw of a pet or an animal, where the maximum diameter of the orifice is no greater than the maximum diameter of an animal's claw as measured from a tip of the claw to the beginning of a quick that is closest to the tip. The device is configured to bring together the shearing elements to cut the claw of the pet or animal at a predetermined length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating wine or spirits to reduce the astringency, or bitterness of wine or spirits. Astringency is often a result of tannins in wine or spirits, particularly noticeable in full bodied red wines. Aeration causes oxygen to dissolve in wine or spirits where it will oxidize tannin compounds, thereby reducing the astringent flavor. The method employs an apparatus wherein a hand held unit having a battery, switch or button, electrical wiring and electric motor cause rotation of a drive-shaft and aeration head. The aeration head is immersed in wine or spirits, the switch activated causing rotation of the aeration head creating a plurality of fine air bubbles resulting in large wine or spirit to air surface area simultaneous with stirring to ensure uniform oxygenation and aeration of wine or spirits throughout the container. The process may be extended until the desired reduction in astringency is achieved.

Abstract: A claw shearing device including a pair of shearing elements having cutting edges that face one another, a fastener configured to pivotably attach the shearing elements, and an adjustable limiting mechanism connected to the pair of shearing elements. The cutting edges form an orifice for the insertion of a claw of an animal or a pet therebetween, where the maximum size of the orifice is limited by the adjustable limiting mechanism. The device is configured to bring together the shearing elements to cut the claw or nail of the animal or pet at a predetermined length.

Abstract: Apparatuses disclosed herein aid in shearing animal claws. Specifically, the present invention provides a shearing apparatus having at least one curved blade, but preferably two curved blades, allowing cutting of the animal's claw from opposite sides of the animal's claw, and at least one well for placing the animal's claw therein, wherein said two curved blades are disposed at an aperture located at the bottom of the well. The well and aperture combination stops the animal's claw from being sheared too close to nerve endings and the animal's blood supply, preventing or minimizing the incidence of injury and suffering to the animal. Methods of using the apparatus are further disclosed herein.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an animal's paw including a container (10) adapted to retain a cleaning agent, the container defining an opening and including a side wall, a cleaning platform (50) disposed in said container and defining a space (60) between said cleaning platform and said container side wall, and a squeegee member (85) substantially covering said opening.