Abstract: The invention relates to lids for beverage containers and related methods, for example, a lid to fit within the screw on compression assembly found on standard canning jars to adapt the container to improve a user's ability to consume liquids directly from the vessel. Lids according to certain embodiments of the invention can be used with a wide range of containers like jars, so that the containers can be conveniently used to consume a beverage while avoiding spilling and facilitating extended use and recycling of the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to sleeves for containers for beverages and/or food, and methods for using a sleeve on a container. A sleeve of the current invention, in certain embodiments, includes a wall, wherein said wall comprises a wall body and an elastic strip, for example, for holding utensils while a container is placed into the sleeve. In certain other embodiments, a sleeve of the invention comprises a wall and a bottom.

Abstract: The invention relates to lids for beverage containers and related methods, for example, a lid to fit within the screw on compression assembly found on standard canning jars to adapt the container to improve a user's ability to consume liquids directly from the vessel. Lids according to certain embodiments of the invention can be used with a wide range of containers like jars, so that the containers can be conveniently used to consume a beverage while avoiding spilling and facilitating extended use and recycling of the containers.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a host bus adapter for implementing a first port of a node on a network of nodes interconnected through an intelligent connection system comprising: a transceiver providing a physical interface for the first port; and a protocol controller that transmits a notification to the intelligent connection system on behalf of a remote second port indicating that the second port may have failed when the second port fails to communicate with the first port.

Abstract: An improved foundry facing sand is disclosed. The foundry facing sand comprises silica sand admixed therewith, in percent by weight of the silica sand, from about 0.8 to about 2 percent of a cellulose binder, from about 2 to about 6 percent of foundry clay, from about 3.5 to about 7 percent water, from about 1 to about 2.2 percent core oil, from about 0.3 to about 0.5 percent of a release agent-lubricant, and from about 0 to about 20 percent silica flour. The use of such foundry facing sand in green sand molds improves the quality and finish of finished castings and also does not detrimentally affect the permeability of system sand.