Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for dosing and dispensing a laundry detergent, preferably a liquid laundry detergent, into a washing machine comprising the steps of: i) measuring a dose of laundry detergent into a dosing and dispensing device (10) comprising a hollow cavity defined by a base (11) and side-walls (12), wherein the base (11) and/or side walls (12) are at least partly covered by a sleeve (20), and wherein the sleeve (20) comprises a film of material comprising printed indicia (21) thereupon, wherein the printed indicia (21) are resistant to removal from the film when the dosing and dispensing device (10) is exposed to wash conditions inside a washing machine; ii) placing both the laundry and the dosing and dispensing device containing laundry detergent into a washing machine, and running the washing machine on a selected cleaning cycle; and iii) subsequently reusing the dosing and dispensing device (10) for steps i) and ii).

Abstract: A system is described using a fuel quality sensor for controlling various aspects of engine operation. In particular, an acoustic wave sensor is utilized to measure viscosity and density of gasoline fuels. This measurement is utilized to predict engine combustion quality during an engine start. Based on the prediction, the method adjusts engine operating parameters (such as fuel injection amount and ignition timing) to achieve improved vehicle driveability and engine combustion.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to an appliance suitable for refreshing/cleaning cloth items in a refreshing/cleaning cycle, said appliance comprising a collapsible or expandable container that is made from a material that defines an interior void space, a container opening, a humidity provider, a heating element, at least one vent and/or filter, and an air circulation device, wherein said appliance further comprises a device to prevent accidental opening of the appliance's container by the user while a refreshing/cleaning cycle is running.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to an appliance suitable for refreshing/cleaning cloth items in a refreshing/cleaning cycle, said appliance comprising a collapsible or expandable container that is made from a material that defines an interior void space, a container opening, a humidity provider, a heating element, at least one vent and/or filter, and an air circulation device, wherein said appliance further comprises a means to prevent accidental opening of the appliance's container by the user while a refreshing/cleaning cycle is running.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package for dispensing tablets. The package comprises a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening comprises a hinged spout. The hinged spout enables the dispensing of the tablets from within the package in its open position. The hinged spout engages with the rest of the package in its closed position. The engagement between the hinged spout and the package comprises a hook and holder whereby the hook is flexibly and resiliently deflected from its rest position to engage with and to disengage from the holder. The hook is provided with reinforcing means located adjacent the hook so that the resiliency of the hook is enhanced by the reinforcing means for the engagement with and the disengagement from the holder.

Abstract: A new and improved flashlight including a cylindrical interior container having a cylindrical side wall of a first diameter terminating in a circular interior face and an open exterior face forming a chamber therein and a battery positioned within the chamber. The flashlight also includes a closure for the interior container with a central aperture for receiving a light bulb and with a parabolic reflector surrounding the light bulb and a transparent covering thereover. Also included as a component of the flashlight is an exterior container surrounding the primary container and a portion of the closure. The exterior container is flexible and of a size greater than that of the interior container. Lastly included is a quantity of particles located in the space between the interior container and the exterior container adapted to allow the exterior container.

Abstract: A method of retaining and dispensing a detergent tablet in an automatic washing machine. The method includes the step of providing a dispensing device having a flexible and resilient cage structure which is liquid permeable. Another step is flexibly deforming the cage structure and inserting the detergent tablet in the cage structure such that said detergent tablet is retained therein. Yet another step is placing the dispensing device including the detergent tablet into an automatic washing machine for a washing cycle in which a wash liquor is caused to pass through the cage structure to progressively dissolve and dispense detergent from the detergent tablet.

Abstract: A penetrator for fully draining the liquid in multi-dose vials when drawing liquid into a syringe is disclosed. The apparatus also provides a cuff and a sleeve that are encoded for preventing misidentification of the contents of a syringe by identifying the syringe with the vial from which the contents of the syringe were drawn. The cuff is mounted on the penetrator and the sleeve is mounted on the port end of the syringe, so that a mismatch between the cuff and sleeve is readily detected when the port end of the syringe is attached to the penetrator to withdraw liquid from the vial.