Abstract: Disclosed herein are cosmetic dispensers including a base, for example, having a cavity and an interior surface where, in embodiments, the interior surface includes a spiral recess. The cosmetic dispenser may further include a pedestal assembly received within the cavity of the base. The pedestal assembly can include a pedestal having a base plate at a first distal end of the pedestal and a cup member at a second distal end opposite the first distal end. The cup member may be configured to receive a cosmetic that extends above the cup member. The sleeve may be movably received within the cavity, and can include at least one engaging means coupled to the spiral recess. The engaging means may be configured to slide along the spiral recess to raise and lower the sleeve. In embodiments, the sleeve is configured to completely surround the cosmetic in a raised first position, and is configured to at least partially not surround the cosmetic in a lowered second position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for securing an implant to a bone comprising an implant which is affixed to the bone, a grout or bone cement comprising a composition that cures in an exothermic reaction and which is capable of securing the implant to the bone in a cured state, and a tester which measures temperature over time to detect a rate change of temperature and uses a novel discrete differentiator circuit to determine when the composition reaches cure.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a buoyant housing containing a power source and an electronic controlling element. A pair of conduction lines may connect the power source with a submersible module which contains an actuator, a means for propelling the submersible module through the water, and a hook. An elongate member or cable may also be used to connect the buoyant housing with the submersible module. A means for increasing/decreasing the length of conduction lines (and optional cable) between the buoyant housing and the submersible module may also be used. Some embodiments operate an electric motor with a propeller, fin, or tail. Some embodiments utilize contacts which may be bridged by water in order to energize the submersible module.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a buoyant housing containing a power source and an electronic controlling element. A pair of conduction lines may connect the power source with a submersible module which contains an actuator, a means for propelling the submersible module through the water, and a hook. An elongate member or cable may also be used to connect the buoyant housing with the submersible module. A means for increasing/decreasing the length of conduction lines (and optional cable) between the buoyant housing and the submersible module may also be used. Some embodiments operate an electric motor with a propeller, fin, or tail. Some embodiments utilize contacts which may be bridged by water in order to energize the submersible module.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power system for a plurality of dispensers comprises an AC transformer to receive a line voltage and generate an output voltage of about 2 volts AC to about 50 volts AC; a plurality of dispensers, each housing at least one electrical component operatively configured to dispense product through a dispensing aperture, each of the dispensers comprising a battery compartment; and a plurality of power converters adapted to be at least partially disposed within the battery compartments such that at least one power converter is associated with each dispenser, the converters disposed in communication with the AC transformer such that the power converters receive the output voltage and provide a DC voltage to one or more electrical components housed within the dispensers.

Abstract: A paper dispenser having a proximity detector for dispensation of paper therefrom. The dispenser includes a housing having an inner chamber adapted to support a roll of paper. The housing also has a dispensing aperture. A motor is adapted to dispense paper from the roll through the dispensing aperture. The dispenser also includes a proximity detection circuit, which comprises an antenna, an oscillator circuit to charge the antenna, an operational amplifier operated as a unity gain follower which receives an antenna signal from the antenna, a detector circuit which detects changes in the antenna signal, and a comparator which actuates the motor in response to changes in the antenna signal.

Abstract: A dispensing system has a source container for dispensing fluid concentrate into receiving containers, and a control module connected to the source container to control dispensing of the fluid concentrate from the source container. An interactive media module is configured to provide communication between the dispensing system and a user. The interactive media module has a menu of options and being capable of responding to commands by the user. The interactive media module is connected to the control module to provide input to the control module.

Abstract: A dispensing source container suitable for containing and dispensing fluid concentrate has an opening suitable for receiving a closure. The source container includes a fluid-tight vessel configured to hold fluid concentrate, and a pump connectable to the opening of the source container, the pump having a temporary reservoir, the pump being operable to withdraw a portion of the fluid concentrate from the source container and to store the portion of fluid concentrate in the temporary reservoir. The pump is also operable to dispense a metered amount of the fluid concentrate from the temporary reservoir to dispense the fluid concentrate from the source container into receiving containers.

Abstract: There is described a battery driven atomizer in which an alternating voltage is applied to a piezoelectric actuation element to cause it to expand and contract and vibrate an atomizing orifice plate. The alternating voltage is controlled to produce a high amplitude vibration during a first portion of a drive period, to initiate atomization, and thereafter to produce a lower amplitude vibration to sustain atomization during the remainder of the drive period. The frequency of the alternating voltage is swept repeatedly during each drive period.