Abstract: An apparatus and method for induction heating of a liquid. The apparatus includes a vessel having a volume for receiving a liquid, an induction plate and an induction base. The induction plate is positioned proximate to an induction base and suspended within the vessel, so that it is completely surrounded by the liquid to be heated. The apparatus may also include a filter column positioned within the vessel and for receiving an infuser.

Abstract: A carrying case for a portable electronic device is disclosed. Generally speaking, the protective case for a portable electronic device comprises a body section having a back surface and upturned sides, and a rim affixed to an edge of the upturned sides of the body sections, the rim defining an open area. Preferably, the body section is comprised of contrasting colors and forms a cavity defined by the back surface and the upturned sides. Further, the body section and the rim are preferably formed of the same material. A second protective section may be used to form a protective shell-like structure about the electronic device.

Abstract: A carrying case for a portable device is disclosed. Generally speaking, the protective case for a portable device comprises a first body section and a second body section, each having a back surface and upturned sides, and a rim affixed to an edge of the upturned sides of the body sections, the rim defining an open area. Preferably, the first and second body sections are of contrasting colors and connect to one another to form a cavity defined by the respective back surfaces and upturned sides. Further, the first and second body sections and the first and second rim are preferably all formed of the same material.

Abstract: A carrying case for a portable device is disclosed. Generally speaking, the protective case for a portable device comprises a first body section and a second body section, each having a back surface and upturned sides, and a rim affixed to an edge of the upturned sides of the body sections, the rim defining an open area. Preferably, the first and second body sections are of contrasting colors and connect to one another to form a cavity defined by the respective back surfaces and upturned sides. Further, the first and second body sections and the first and second rim are preferably all formed of the same material.

Abstract: A carrying case for a portable device is disclosed. Generally speaking, the protective case for a portable device comprises a first body section and a second body section, each having a back surface and upturned sides, and a rim affixed to an edge of the upturned sides of the body sections, the rim defining an open area. Preferably, the first and second body sections are of contrasting colors and connect to one another to form a cavity defined by the respective back surfaces and upturned sides. Further, the first and second body sections and the first and second rim are preferably all formed of the same material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for induction heating of a liquid. The apparatus includes a vessel having a volume for receiving a liquid, an induction plate and an induction base. The induction plate is positioned proximate to an induction base and suspended within the vessel, so that it is completely surrounded by the liquid to be heated. The apparatus may also include a filter column positioned within the vessel and for receiving an infuser.

Abstract: A manufactured stone block for use in building a structure having a front surface with a simulated natural stone appearance. A portion of an upper surface of the block includes a recessed mortar joint for a user to place mortar therein to secure the manufactured stone block to an adjacent surface.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing stones for use in construction such that the manufactured stones may be easily used in conjunction and alongside compressed earth blocks. The manufactured stones have a plurality of surfaces, wherein at least one of the surfaces includes a simulated-stone appearance and a length and/or height which are determined based on dimension equations derived at least in part from compatibility factors, which may be based on the dimensions of a compressed earth block.

Abstract: A connector assembly for use with a cable or other device in order to make connections that are easily made and unmade. The connector has a body having a distal end at which is disposed a conductor assembly that will be used to make an electrical or other type of connection with a corresponding device. The body also has a proximal end for receiving the cable or other device that is being connected. This cable or other device connects to the conductor assembly within the connector body. The connector body forms a usually circular proximal flange at or near the point at which the cable or other device meets the connector. Adjacent the proximal flange is a portion of reduced dimensions that extends longitudinally toward the distal end and terminating at a main body portion of larger dimensions. The reduced-dimension portion forms an ideal area for gripping the connector in a manner that connections may easily be made and unmade even when the user performing this operation is unable to see the connector.