Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a gutter-cleaning device comprises a housing containing an impeller drive facility, the housing configured to fit into a gutter, an impeller, disposed at an end of the housing and driven by the impeller drive facility, and a transport facility for transporting the housing along the gutter. The impeller may have an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation oriented toward an inside corner of the gutter and the impeller drive facility may be adapted to rotate the impeller on the axis of rotation. Transport of the housing through the gutter may cause the impeller to travel along an axis of motion, the axis of motion differing from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a power tool system may comprise mounting a functional module to a mounting plate of a power head, the power head configured to mount various functional modules, attaching the power head to a power base for powering the functional module, powering the functional module by directing power from the power base through a direct rotational drive of the power head, and controlling the multi-functional power tool system using a control disposed in the power base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-level flush assembly that can be retrofitted to virtually any toilet with a tank that provides two different water volumes for toilet flushing with a full tank flush for heavy waste and a partial tank flush for light or liquid waste. The flush assembly may use the existing handle and provide tactile feedback for each of the two flush volumes. The two levels of flushing action may be achieved with two independent detent-latch mechanisms, one on each side of the tower, operating on the single toilet flapper. Two independent floats may be utilized, each connected to a release mechanism on either side of the flapper and the water level that supports the float may determine when the flapper is released to close on its seat. The two floats may be set at two different water depths providing a flushing action releasing different volumes of water.

Abstract: A container includes a body, a liner attached to the interior of the body, a lid dimensioned to attached to the top of the liner, and a perimeter seal attached to the lid. The lid includes a hole and the perimeter seal includes a region dimensioned to create a friction fit when disposed in the hole. Each of the body, the liner, and the lid may include a paper pulp coated with a biodegradable, organically derived, plastic resin. Methods of constructing the container are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for plugging a hole are described. A plug may comprise a substantially tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end interconnected by a side wall, the side wall having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface, at least the outward facing surface being substantially conformable, an adhesive disposed on the outward facing surface, a fire-resistant ring disposed substantially at one of the ends of the tubular member, and a thread disposed along the inward facing surface, the thread adapted to receive a cover.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a power tool system may comprise mounting a functional module to a mounting plate of a power head, the power head configured to mount various functional modules, attaching the power head to a power base for powering the functional module, powering the functional module by directing power from the power base through a direct rotational drive of the power head, and controlling the multi-functional power tool system using a control disposed in the power base.

Abstract: A battery powered, low voltage faucet flow timer, water usage calculator, and energy consumption awareness meter is simple to install and calibrate and may enable a user to understand the water usage associated with showering, bathing or other open faucet water use activity. The device may provide a simple method for calculating the flow characteristics for a shower, bath or other faucet and entering this flow rate into the timing device so that the timer provides an accurate calculation of water usage indicating both the time spent with the water running and approximate total water usage.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for constructing a container for storage and transport and may be entirely biodegradable and/or recyclable. The body of the container and/or bottle may be manufactured from paper pulp and assembled from a plurality of dissimilar parts made of a biodegradable plastic resin and assembled to form a container and/or bottle. The paper pulp may be treated inside and outside to make it water and air tight but when exposed to extreme biodegrading influences it may breakdown into compostable material.

Abstract: A modular hair grooming tool is disclosed. The system may include a hand-piece for holding the tool, a razor assembly coupled to a first end of the hand-piece such that the razor assembly is removable, and a nose/ear hair trimmer coupled to the first end of the hand-piece. The nose/ear hair trimmer may be configured to couple with the razor assembly to nest within the razor assembly while the razor assembly is coupled to the first end of the hand-piece. The system may further include a beard trimmer coupled to a second end of the hand-piece, and a protective cap removably coupled to the second end of the hand-piece and configured to cover the beard trimmer while coupled to the second end of the hand-piece.

Abstract: A wheeled transport device that includes a body, a handle coupled to the body, a suspension system coupled to the body, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the suspension system. The suspension system is retracted toward the body when the handle is moved from an extended position to a retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-level flush assembly that can be retrofitted to virtually any toilet with a tank that provides two different water volumes for toilet flushing with a full tank flush for heavy waste and a partial tank flush for light or liquid waste. The flush assembly may use the existing handle and provide tactile feedback for each of the two flush volumes. The two levels of flushing action may be achieved with two independent detent-latch mechanisms, one on each side of the tower, operating on the single toilet flapper. Two independent floats may be utilized, each connected to a release mechanism on either side of the flapper and the water level that supports the float may determine when the flapper is released to close on its seat. The two floats may be set at two different water depths providing a flushing action releasing different volumes of water.

Abstract: A tobaccoless nicotine delivery device permits delivery of nicotine in a manner similar to a cigarette. The device may include an impermeable outer layer surrounding a micro-encapsulated nicotine layer that includes a measured amount of nicotine in a form that allows nicotine vapor to be released upon rupture of the micro-encapsulation. A permeable membrane may be disposed adjacent to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer that allows pressure to be applied to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer while permitting permeation of released nicotine into a central channel for inhalation by a user. A mouthpiece may be disposed at an open end of the central channel in order to provide air resistance to simulate the inhalation effect of a cigarette.

Abstract: A wheeled transport device, such as luggage, a trash can, a garden cart or other hand cart configured to be manually wheeled in an inclined position by a pedestrian user, includes a collapsible handle at one end and wheels at the other end. The wheels are independently connected to the device by respective suspensions that exhibit a compliance, in response to forces applied to their respective wheels by the surface in a direction opposing wheel motion, selected to sufficiently alter suspension geometry to temporarily change an attitude, such as toe, camber or caster, of their respective wheels to counter a tendency of the device to overturn in response to the applied forces.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a container may comprise a receptacle portion dimensioned to receive a handled bag and at least one handle flange disposed on a top edge of the receptacle to provide a holding fixture for a handle of the handled bag and to facilitate opening the bag, wherein the at least one handle flange flexes to engage a handle opening of the handled bag.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a system and method for mass customizing luggage. A system and method for customizing luggage may comprise offering a user a design catalog from which to select a graphic design for an item of luggage, the item of luggage having a recessed panel, generating a custom label using the selected graphic design, and applying the custom label to the recessed panel.

Abstract: A plug includes a conformable element and a structural cover or top plate for plugging a hole in a concrete floor slab. This permits a workman to plug the hole; unplug the hole; and, in some embodiments, fit a pipe through the hole. Moreover, the conformable element may be swapped-out on site, allowing a workman to adjust a diameter and outer surface of the plug to meet on-site conditions.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for waste disposal. A disposal bag may include a bag configured to receive waste, a frame associated with the bag at an opening. The frame may include one or more pair of hinge points configured to open and close the bag when a force is applied on the frame, and a pair of tabs associated with one of the one or more pair of hinge points, wherein the pair of tabs enable stacking of the disposal bag with a plurality of substantially similar disposal bags. In some embodiments of the frame, the frame is conically shaped and may include a sealing facility disposed on at least one part of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus used for automatically shutting off cooking appliances, such as ovens, stoves, hot pots, toasters, grills, and others. More specifically, the apparatus is secured to a cooking appliance, e.g. to its control panel, and may prevent a cooking appliance from being turned on before a timer is set. The apparatus can also increase the ease with which a cooking appliance knob or other actuator may be used. To automatically shutoff the cooking appliance, the apparatus uses a timing mechanism with a spring. Pressure is exerted on a spring when the timer is set, storing enough force in the spring to enable it to turn the cooking appliance to the OFF position when time has expired. A mechanical stop is in place to keep the spring energy from releasing until the timer reaches the OFF position.

Abstract: A battery powered, low voltage faucet flow timer, water usage calculator, and energy consumption awareness meter is simple to install and calibrate and may enable a user to understand the water usage associated with showering, bathing or other open faucet water use activity. The device may provide a simple method for calculating the flow characteristics for a shower, bath or other faucet and entering this flow rate into the timing device so that the timer provides an accurate calculation of water usage indicating both the time spent with the water running and approximate total water usage.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a conformable cable are described. The method and system may include disposing a conformable material along at least a portion of a cable and configuring the cable into a desired position and shape in which the shape of the cord remains unchanged.