Abstract: A gift box with a self-inflating balloon is designed to be shipped to a recipient through the mail. A lid of the box is configured to be opened and may display a personalized message relating to a special occasion of the recipient. The box includes the balloon, which may be hidden from view in a compartment of the box. The box includes a switch that is configured to be actuated by the recipient. Upon actuating the switch, an inflation device is activated and begins to inflate the balloon, which emerges from the compartment of the box. A vibrating motor inside the box may synchronously cause the box to vibrate. After a pre-determined amount of time, the inflation device and motor deactivate, and a valve seals the air inside the balloon. Once the balloon is inflated, the gift box and balloon may be displayed for the recipient.

Abstract: A gift box with a self-inflating balloon is designed to be shipped to a recipient through the mail. A lid of the box is configured to be opened and may display a personalized message relating to a special occasion of the recipient. The box includes the balloon, which may be hidden from view in a compartment of the box. The box includes a switch that is configured to be actuated by the recipient. Upon actuating the switch, an inflation device is activated and begins to inflate the balloon, which emerges from the compartment of the box. A vibrating motor inside the box may synchronously cause the box to vibrate. After a pre-determined amount of time, the inflation device and motor deactivate, and a valve seals the air inside the balloon. Once the balloon is inflated, the gift box and balloon may be displayed for the recipient.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect comprises a control apparatus comprising: (a) a controller comprising a microprocessor; (b) a wireless transceiver in communication with said microprocessor and operable to communicate over a wireless network with an application on a mobile device; (c) a light switch controlled by the controller; (d) a sensor in communication with the controller; and (e) a front panel that allows a user to interface with the controller.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect comprises a temperature control apparatus comprising: (a) a microprocessor in communication with an HVAC control system; (b) a wireless transceiver in communication with the microprocessor and with a controller operable to communicate over a wireless network with an application on a mobile device; (c) a temperature sensor in communication with the microprocessor; and (d) a front panel that allows a user to interface with the controller.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect comprises a control apparatus comprising: (a) a controller comprising a microprocessor; (b) a wireless transceiver in communication with said microprocessor and operable to communicate over a wireless network with an application on a mobile device; (c) a light switch controlled by the controller; (d) a sensor in communication with the controller; and (e) a front panel that allows a user to interface with the controller.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus comprising: (a) a first handle component comprising a first end and a second end; and (b) a second handle component comprising a third end and a fourth end, wherein the first end is connected to the third end via a spring clip, wherein the second end is connected to a first spatula component, wherein the fourth end is connected to a second spatula component, and wherein the first handle component is operable to be locked to the second handle component. In one or more exemplary embodiments: (1) the second spatula component and the second handle component comprise a retractable fork component; (2) the first spatula component comprises a serrated edge; and (3) the first handle component is operable to be locked to the second handle component via a sliding member.