Abstract: At least one exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus comprising: (a) a plug component at a first end of a cord; (b) an outlet component at a second, opposite end of the cord; and (c) a gooseneck component that encloses at least a portion of the cord.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus, comprising: a cord component connected to a plug component at a first end; a power strip component connected to the cord component at a second end of the cord component; the power strip component comprising one or more USB dedicated charge ports and one or more AC outlets; a charging cavity within the power strip component suitable to receive a removable battery having a battery electrical contact; and a power strip electrical contact located in the charging cavity that connects with the battery electrical contact and charges the battery when the battery is inserted into the charging cavity of the power strip component.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus comprising: (a) a microprocessor; (b) a wireless transmitter/receiver in communication with the microprocessor and operable to communicate over a wireless network with an application on a mobile device; (c) a light sensor in communication, via the microprocessor and the transmitter/receiver, with the application, and operable to detect and report ambient light levels in a vicinity of the apparatus; and (d) an accelerometer in communication, via the microprocessor and the transmitter/receiver, with the application, and operable to detect and report motion of the apparatus. In various exemplary embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise (and/or instead comprise): (1) a temperature sensor; (2) a humidity sensor; (3) a microphone; and/or (4) a passive infrared sensor.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect comprises a scissors apparatus comprising: (a) a first member comprising a first handle component and a first blade component; and (b) a second member comprising a second handle component and a second blade component; said second member connected to said first member and pivotally movable with respect to said first member between a fully closed position and a fully open position, and said second handle component configured to enclose a sharpened portion of said first blade component when said first and second members are in said fully open position. An exemplary method aspect comprises operating any of the apparatus aspects and embodiments as scissors; opening said apparatus so that said first and second members are in said fully open position; and operating said apparatus as a single-blade cutting device.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus, comprising: a cord component connected to a plug component at a first end; a power strip component connected to the cord component at a second end of the cord component; the power strip component comprising one or more USB dedicated charge ports and one or more AC outlets; a charging cavity within the power strip component suitable to receive a removable battery having a battery electrical contact; and a power strip electrical contact located in the charging cavity that connects with the battery electrical contact and charges the battery when the battery is inserted into the charging cavity of the power strip component.

Abstract: At least one exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus comprising: (a) a plug component at a first end of a cord; (b) an outlet component at a second, opposite end of the cord; and (c) a gooseneck component that encloses at least a portion of the cord.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for preparing, cleaning, draining, and serving food items, such as, pasta, fruits and vegetables are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a vessel configured to selectively contain a liquid. The vessel includes a bottom portion having a plurality of apertures, and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom portion. An armature assembly is coupled to the vessel for rotational movement relative to the vessel between a closed configuration and an open configuration. A sealing mechanism coupled to the armature assembly is configured to selectively seal the plurality of apertures in the closed configuration, thereby preventing liquid contained by the vessel from flowing out of the vessel, and selectively open the plurality of apertures in the opened configuration, thereby providing a fluid passageway out of the bottom portion of the vessel.