Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is provided as a composite unit together with elements of an integrated circuit on a common substrate. In a described embodiment, connections are established between a multiple photovoltaic cell portion and a circuitry portion of an integrated structure to enable self-powering of the circuitry portion by the multiple photovoltaic cell portion.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is provided as a composite unit together with elements of an integrated circuit on a common substrate. In a described embodiment, connections are established between a multiple photovoltaic cell portion and a circuitry portion of an integrated structure to enable self-powering of the circuitry portion by the multiple photovoltaic cell portion.

Abstract: A toaster is provided having a base which may be interchangeable or integral with the toaster unit. The toaster also contains an angled heating chamber having manually moveable heating element assemblies, a centering carriage, and a toast lift that optimize the distance between the heating elements and the bread product. Furthermore, an angled top for viewing the bread product within the heating chamber, and including a user control interface for controlling the actions of the toaster, located on the top surface thereof are provided.

Abstract: A retractable writing surface system including a binding mechanism and a pocket directly bound to the binding mechanism, the pocket having an inner cavity. The system further includes a polymer writing surface at least partially received in the pocket. The writing surface is movable between an extended position wherein at least part of the writing surface is exposed for writing upon by a writing instrument, and a retracted position wherein less of the writing surface is exposed for writing upon by the writing instrument compared to when the writing surface is in the extended position. At least part of the writing surface is located in the cavity when the writing surface is in the retracted position.

Abstract: An index card including a generally rectangular sheet-like body having an outer perimeter and a surface area on one side thereof of less than about 50 square inches. The card further includes a color bar having a longitudinal axis, and the color bar is located on the sheet-like body immediately adjacent to at least part of the outer perimeter. The longitudinal axis is oriented generally parallel to the at least part of the outer perimeter.

Abstract: A toaster is provided having a base which may be interchangeable or integral with the toaster unit. The toaster also contains an angled heating chamber having manually moveable heating element assemblies, a centering carriage, and a toast lift that optimize the distance between the heating elements and the bread product. Furthermore, an angled top for viewing the bread product within the heating chamber, and including a user control interface for controlling the actions of the toaster, located on the top surface thereof are provided.

Abstract: A coupling for connection of a tube comprises a coupling housing which includes a first end into which the tube is inserted, a clamping ring which is positioned in the coupling housing against a first conical surface, a sealing ring which is positioned in the coupling housing, and a return ring which is positioned in the coupling housing between the clamping ring and a second end of the housing adjacent a second conical surface that is tapered opposite to the first conical surface. The return ring is expandable and comprises a central aperture which is smaller than the external diameter of the tube. Accordingly, when the tube is pushed into the coupling housing and forced through the return ring, the return ring will expand and move along the second conical surface.