Abstract: A vehicle charging system includes a charge station comprising a controller that is in communication with a server. The controller is programmed to, responsive to receiving a reservation request including content request data, request the server to send content to the controller prior to a reservation start time, receive and store the content, and, responsive to a vehicle associated with the reservation request receiving power from the charge station, transfer the content to the vehicle.

Abstract: A handheld, vibrating pollen sifter device is disclosed having a handle portion, a vibrating motor, an enclosure for storing pollen generating plants and a screen for dispensing the liberated pollen therefrom onto a target plant. The vibrating motor disturbs the pollen grains from the stamen of flowers placed within the enclosure. The pollen is then liberated into the air through the screen at the base of the enclosure, providing a means to fertilize a plant abiotically. The motor is electrically driven by a power means, preferably a battery pack to allow improved mobility outdoors. An embodiment of the device utilizes a vibratory wand attached to a fine-mesh sifter bowl at its distal end that supports the flower stamen.

Abstract: A handheld, vibrating pollen sifter device is disclosed having a handle portion, a vibrating motor, an enclosure for storing pollen generating plants and a screen for dispensing the liberated pollen therefrom onto a target plant. The vibrating motor disturbs the pollen grains from the stamen of flowers placed within the enclosure. The pollen is then liberated into the air through the screen at the base of the enclosure, providing a means to fertilize a plant abiotically. The motor is electrically driven by a power means, preferably a battery pack to allow improved mobility outdoors. An embodiment of the device utilizes a vibratory wand attached to a fine-mesh sifter bowl at its distal end that supports the flower stamen.

Abstract: An expandable receptacle comprising an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The inner tubular member is concentrically positioned in, and supported by, the outer tubular member in a telescoping relationship such that one of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member is moveable along a longitudinal axis of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member cooperate to define a content receiving compartment having an open top and an open bottom whereby contents of the content receiving compartment are removable therefrom by lifting the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member upward and away from the contents.

Abstract: An expandable receptacle comprising an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The inner tubular member is concentrically positioned in, and supported by, the outer tubular member in a telescoping relationship such that one of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member is moveable along a longitudinal axis of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member cooperate to define a content receiving compartment having an open top and an open bottom whereby contents of the content receiving compartment are removable therefrom by lifting the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member upward and away from the contents.

Abstract: An alert messaging system and method to securely transmit and receive alert messages via secure connection among one or more messaging servers and at least one client user station using a token-based, one-way handshake mechanism.

Abstract: Described here are convertible storage containers and methods of making and using them. These storage containers may be useful for packing goods, particularly packing fresh fruit and vegetables. The convertible storage containers typically comprise a plurality of non-convertible sides which assemble to form a storage cavity, a convertible side, and a plurality of conversion connectors that may secure the convertible side in a first position or a second position. When the convertible side is secured in the first position, the convertible storage container is a box having an attached top. When the convertible side is secured in the second position, the convertible storage container is an open-top display box. The convertible side may be secured by a self-securing conversion connector. Further, these convertible storage containers may be stackable, and may comprise alignment guides. Methods of making convertible storage containers are also described.