Abstract: A system and method to interactively connect real entities (object or person) to virtual entities or representation thereof and share information therebetween is provided. Moreover, the virtual entities are linked, via a network and/or via a wireless network-enabled device to their real life counterparts. Hence, the system allows, via the network and/or wireless network-enable devices, the gathering of information related to the real entities and the virtual representations thereof. In another aspect of the invention, the system and method allow interactions between the operator and/or sponsor of a real life or virtual event and real life and/or virtual participants therein.

Abstract: A contextual windows-based interface and a computer-implemented method for use with the contextual windows-based interface are provided. The interface consists of several generally adjacently disposed contextual windows wherein each contextual window generally leads to an application and/or data or can contain further levels of related contextual windows, each of them leading to other applications and/or data. The method associated with the interface allows for the contextual windows to interact with each other in order to provide additional functionalities. Hence, the method provides for the selection of contextual windows and for the creation of interactional data based on the combination of the data related to the selected contextual windows. The interactional data can be used to update the content of one or more contextual windows and/or can be transmitted to a remote server, via a communication network, for further processing.

Abstract: An electrical water heater includes a housing, a filling opening delimited by a rim, heating elements, a pouring member, a lid, a tongue mobile between an extended position wherein it seals the pouring member and a pouring position wherein it is retracted, and a pouring control connected to the tongue through an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first mechanism arranged in the housing and having one end connected to the pouring control and one end mobile through a window of the rim, and a second mechanism arranged in the lid and having one end mobile through a window of the lid and one end connected to the tongue, the windows of the rim and of the lid being urged into mutual correspondence when the lid seals the opening, and the corresponding ends of the mechanisms being adapted to co-operate.

Abstract: An electric liquid-heating appliance includes a housing, an upper fill hole which is defined by a rim (9), heating elements, a spout and a lid. The lid includes: a lock which can engage with a retaining element; a locking control element which is connected to the lock and which can move between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a tongue which can move between a retracted position, in which the tongue is housed in the lid, and a deployed position, in which the tongue seals the spout. The tongue is connected to the locking control element by an actuating mechanism which is designed to position the tongue either in the deployed position when the locking control element is in the locked position or in the retracted position when the locking control element is in the unlocked position, the unlocked position being stable.

Abstract: An electrical household liquid-heating appliance includes a housing (10), electrical heating elements, a switch, a button (16) pivotable about an axis between an on position and an off position and having an actuation surface, and a switch actuation lever (28) movable between an operative position in which the switch is closed and an inoperative position in which the switch is open. The button (16) is biased into a so-called neutral intermediate position by a resilient member.

Abstract: An electrical household liquid-heating appliance includes a housing (10), electrical heating elements, a switch, a button (16) pivotable about an axis between an on position and an off position and having an actuation surface, and a switch actuation lever (28) movable between an operative position in which the switch is closed and an inoperative position in which the switch is open. The button (16) is biased into a so-called neutral intermediate position by a resilient member.

Abstract: An electrical water heater includes a housing, a filling opening delimited by a rim, heating elements, a pouring member, a lid, a tongue mobile between an extended position wherein it seals the pouring member and a pouring position wherein it is retracted, and a pouring control connected to the tongue through an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first mechanism arranged in the housing and having one end connected to the pouring control and one end mobile through a window of the rim, and a second mechanism arranged in the lid and having one end mobile through a window of the lid and one end connected to the tongue, the windows of the rim and of the lid being urged into mutual correspondence when the lid seals the opening, and the corresponding ends of the mechanisms being adapted to co-operate.

Abstract: An electric liquid-heating appliance includes a housing, an upper fill hole which is defined by a rim (9), heating elements, a spout and a lid. The lid includes: a lock which can engage with a retaining element; a locking control element which is connected to the lock and which can move between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a tongue which can move between a retracted position, in which the tongue is housed in the lid, and a deployed position, in which the tongue seals the spout. The tongue is connected to the locking control element by an actuating mechanism which is designed to position the tongue either in the deployed position when the locking control element is in the locked position or in the retracted position when the locking control element is in the unlocked position, the unlocked position being stable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating the dispensing of insurance and of an insurance company selling insurance policies are provided, which may be network or Internet based, and may be managed through a general agent. Policy information from insurance companies may be received or stored. Data may be received from customers and insurance rates or quotes provided, which may be from competing companies. An instruction to purchase and payment may be received and proof of coverage, such as printing a document, may be facilitated. Data may be input directly by a customer or by an agent on behalf of the customer. The policy information, customer data, and premiums may be provided to the insurance companies. Insurance agents may advertise, and may refer customers from their own websites in exchange for commissions. The insurance offered for sale may be, automobile or specialty insurance, and may provide coverage in another country.

Abstract: An electric kettle includes a tubular body (1), heating elements comprising an electric resistor (6) associated with a heating plate (8) mounted in the body lower part, defining with the side wall (3) of the body (1) a reservoir (10) of liquid to be heated and in direct contact by its upper surface with the liquid, and elements supporting a peripheral rim (8a) of the heating plate (8). The support elements comprise a vertical skirt (20) extending inside the body (1) and fixed on the inner surface (3a) of the body side wall (3) by first reversible fixing elements (28, 30), and the body (1) has a base formed by a lid (24) fixed on the skirt (20) with second reversible fixing elements (32, 37).