Abstract: A hygiene system for dispensing a hygiene product includes a hygiene system housing. The hygiene system housing has a mounting portion and a surface portion attached to the mounting portion. The mounting portion is mounted to a mounting surface. The hygiene system includes a dispensing mechanism disposed within an interior of the hygiene system housing between the mounting portion and the surface portion. The dispensing mechanism is used to dispense the hygiene product. The hygiene system includes a display structure attached to the surface portion. The display structure supports a display medium disposed between an outer surface of the surface portion and an inner surface of the display structure. The display structure is substantially transparent such that the display medium is visible through the display structure.

Abstract: A method and system for networking a plurality of appliances. The method and system include providing an appliance on a network, controlling operation of the appliance with a microcontroller, storing on a memory coupled with the microcontroller, computer executable instructions for operating the appliance, sensing the operation of the appliance, displaying information regarding the operation of the appliance, and communicating the operational data on a network. Network connectivity includes communication directly with a network, and with another appliance. A host system is connected to the network and adapted to receive the usage data and to transmit data to the appliance to influence operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A method and system for networking a plurality of appliances. The method and system include providing an appliance on a network, controlling operation of the appliance with a microcontroller, storing on a memory coupled with the microcontroller, computer executable instructions for operating the appliance, sensing the operation of the appliance, displaying information regarding the operation of the appliance, and communicating the operational data on a network. Network connectivity includes communication directly with a network, and with another appliance. A host system is connected to the network and adapted to receive the usage data and to transmit data to the appliance to influence operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A system for ventilating a crankcase of an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust system having a treatment element, and the treatment element includes a catalyst configured to assist in passively regenerating a filter of the exhaust system. The system for ventilating the crankcase also includes first flow path configured to transmit a first flow from the crankcase to a port upstream of the filter, and a second flow path configured to transmit a second flow from a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine to the exhaust system. The catalyst is configured to treat a combined flow comprising the first flow and the second flow.

Abstract: A lightweight connector is provided for lead-acid storage batteries of the type having a plurality of cells, each including alternating positive and negative plates, each plate including an upstanding lug, and a partition separating adjacent cells. The connector comprises at least one cell plate connector including a wall with a multiple spaced slots for receiving the lugs from either the positive or negative plates of the cells. A strap extends from the cell plate connector. The cell plate connector and the strap are formed of a metal substrate that has a lower specific gravity and higher conductivity than lead, the substrate having a lead-based outer coating that resists the corrosive effects of the battery acid.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment system of a power source includes a filter having a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a regeneration device disposed outside of the housing of the filter. The regeneration device is fluidly connected to the inlet of the housing. The exhaust treatment system also includes an exhaust line configured to assist in directing a portion of a filtered flow of exhaust from the filter outlet to the power source.