Abstract: A plastic bag dispenser is disclosed. The plastic bag dispenser contains an elastic cord which has a first a first end and a second end. There is also a first spindle, which has the ability to connect to the first end of said elastic cord, and a second spindle, which has the ability to connect to the second end of the elastic cord, such that when the first spindle is connected to the first end of said elastic end and the second spindle is connected to the second end of the elastic cord, there exists the ability to hold a roll of plastic bags between the first spindle and the second spindle without the roll of plastic bags unraveling. The adjustable elastic cord secures the plastic bags to the roll on which the plastic bags are wrapped and serve to act as a pressure element to easily tear off a perforated bag.

Abstract: A system comprising a vaporizing device and a central server is described. The vaporizing device includes a housing and a cartridge, received within the housing, the cartridge including a predefined quantity of concentrate and an identification code associated with the concentrate. The vaporizing device further includes a control unit configured to read the identification code. The vaporizing device further includes a communication unit configured to transmit the identification code to a computing device of a user. The central server includes a database. The central server is configured to receive the identification code from the computing device and retrieve concentrate information corresponding to the identification code from the database. The central server is configured to transmit the concentrate information to the computing device for displaying to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for validation of a media object may include receiving the media object and detecting, using a sensor, a damaged portion of the media object. The media object may be validated against a standard. During the validation of the media object, the damaged portion of the media object may be given less weight.

Abstract: A plastic bag dispenser is disclosed. The plastic bag dispenser contains an elastic cord which has a first a first end and a second end. There is also a first spindle, which has the the ability to connect to the first end of said elastic cord, and a second spindle, which has the ability to connect to the second end of the elastic cord, such that when the first spindle is connected to the first end of said elastic end and the second spindle is connected to the second end of the elastic cord, there exists the ability to hold a roll of plastic bags between the first spindle and the second spindle without the roll of plastic bags unraveling. The adjustable elastic cord secures the plastic bags to the roll on which the plastic bags are wrapped and serve to act as a pressure element to easily tear off a perforated bag.

Abstract: An oceanic offshore system and method for generating electric power which comprises a structure positioned at an offshore location. A power generating module is mounted on the structure, the power generating module including a turbine, an electric power generator coupled to the turbine, and a generating source of power fluid for the turbine resulting from the combustion of a fossil fuel. There is a capture system connected to the generating source for transferring carbon dioxide combustion gases to a subsea location for sequestration of CO2.

Abstract: A system comprising a vaporizing device and a central server is described. The vaporizing device includes a housing and a cartridge, received within the housing, the cartridge including a predefined quantity of concentrate and an identification code associated with the concentrate and uniquely identifying the cartridge. The vaporizing device further includes a control unit configured to read the identification code. The vaporizing device further includes a communication unit configured to transmit the identification code to a computing device of a user. The central server includes a database. The central server is configured to receive the identification code from the computing device and retrieve concentrate information corresponding to the identification code from the database. The central server is configured to transmit the concentrate information to the computing device for displaying to the user.

Abstract: A wave energy collector placed in ocean water a given distance from a shoreline, the wave energy collector formed by at least one parallelogram structure with an even number of mechanical actuators are positioned within the parallelogram structure. Each mechanical actuator has a respective hose with a check valve to suck ocean water in and blow ocean water out under pressure for energy conversion.

Abstract: A portable travel mug and water bowl combination which is used to retain water and dispense water for a dog to consume and thereafter enable the unconsumed water to be returned to the travel mug. The water bottle contains an upper section, a lower section and an interior recessed section which enables the bottle to be compressed to squeeze water out of the bottle through a straw into the dog bowl and at the same time provide a sufficient stiffness so that the shape of the bottle will not deform. The water bottle is designed to be fit into and retained in a standard car beverage container holder. The device is also designed to be aesthetically pleasing so that it can even be used in luxury vehicles.

Abstract: A system comprising a vaporizing device and a central server is described. The vaporizing device includes a housing and a cartridge, received within the housing, the cartridge including a predefined quantity of concentrate and an identification code associated with the concentrate. The vaporizing device further includes a control unit configured to read the identification code. The vaporizing device further includes a communication unit configured to transmit the identification code to a computing device of a user. The central server includes a database. The central server is configured to receive the identification code from the computing device and retrieve concentrate information corresponding to the identification code from the database. The central server is configured to transmit the concentrate information to the computing device for displaying to the user.

Abstract: A flexible coffee lid having memory having memory is disclosed. The d coffee lid comprises a circumferential cap structure, which in turn comprises aid circumferential cap structure comprises a a vent hole positioned on a platform for supporting the vent hole, a b) a drink hole, the drink hole positioned 180 degrees from the vent hole, the drink hole positioned on a platform for supporting the drink hole; c) a diaphragm centrally located on the upper platform; and a rotatable flexible sealing closure element that has the ability to seal both the vent hole and the drink hole, said rotatable flexible. The lid also has a diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of validating a media item, the method comprising receiving image data corresponding to a plurality of digital images of a media item to be validated, wherein each image is associated with a respective one of a plurality of different channels of an illumination source for illuminating the media item, selecting image data corresponding to two of the plurality of images, dividing a common parameter of the selected image data associated with corresponding locations of the two selected images to create ratio image data representing a ratio image for two different channels of the illumination source, extracting feature information associated with the ratio image, and classifying the extracted feature information with at least one classifier of a validation template to determine whether or not the media item is valid. A computer program and a Self-Service Terminal for validating a media item, such as a banknote, are also provided.

Abstract: A media handler for detecting counterfeit media is described. The media handler comprises: a plurality of discrete sensors distributed along a transport path operable to transport a media item, and a controller operable to receive signals from the plurality of discrete sensors. The controller is also operable to make a decision on validity of the transported media item based on the received signals.

Abstract: A flexible coffee lid having memory having memory is disclosed. The d coffee lid comprises a circumferential cap structure, which in turn comprises aid circumferential cap structure comprises a a vent hole positioned on a platform for supporting the vent hole, a b) a drink hole, the drink hole positioned 180 degrees from the vent hole, the drink hole positioned on a platform for supporting the drink hole;c) a diaphragm centrally located on the upper platform; and a rotatable flexible sealing closure element that has the ability to seal both the vent hole and the drink hole, said rotatable flexible. The lid also has a diaphragm.

Abstract: A press for brewing hot coffee and hot tea by compressing tea leaves or coffee grinds to the bottom in the drink container or vessel with a structural filter that both has an improved sealing member from the filter to vessel and includes a filter screen and most importantly, a movable flapper valve which opens under pressure as the apparatus is pushed through the water towards the coffee grinds or tea leaves to expose a filter so that the coffee grinds or tea leaves at the bottom of the container seep into the water to create hot brewed coffee or tea. For coffee, the coffee beans are ground and coffee grinds are used. For tea, tea leaves are used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a media item. The apparatus includes a module for receiving media items and capturing an image of a received media item. The method involves ascertaining external dimensions of the media item from the captured image; creating a monochromatic image based on high contrast boundaries within the captured image; matching the monochromatic image to one of a plurality of templates of media items of approximately the same external dimensions as the media item; and providing details of the matched template, including type and orientation of the media item corresponding to the matched template.