Abstract: A method and apparatus for replenishing the water supply in a water pan of a water smoker grill. An external water supply is permanently or removably attached to the side of a water smoker grill. A water supply tube extends from the external water supply into the water pan of the water smoker grill. As water is boiled off from the water pan and the level in the water pan descends below a minimum level below the level of the outlet tube, water is allowed to replenish the water supply in the water pan, thereby increasing the cooking time without having to remove the lid of the water smoker grill to replace the water.

Abstract: A telephone status monitoring method an apparatus that monitors the status of a called party's telephone to maximize the probability of a calling party reaching the called party. The system uses a telephone status monitor to monitor the various characteristics and condition of consumer telephones such as on-hook/off-hook, number of rings to voice mail, call forwarding information and other consumer options for telephone service that are offered by telephone companies. A calling party that desires to know if a called party is available accesses a telephone status file over a network and determines if the called party is available. If the called party is available, a call can be placed. By periodically updating the telephone status file, the telephone status monitor keeps the file current for the telephones being monitored. Other capabilities allow for e-mail conversion to voice mail and “beeping” a calling party when a called party telephone is available for a call.

Abstract: A writing implement sterilization apparatus having ultraviolet sterilization in an enclosed container to kill bacteria and other disease carrying organisms. The invention comprises a horizontal or vertical container into which a user places pens, pencils, or other writing implements to be sterilized. An ultraviolet source within the container irradiates the writing implement thereby killing any microorganisms that might reside on the writing implements. Ultraviolet radiation below 200 nm can also be used thereby creating ozone gas having germicidal characteristics. The ozone gas is circulating in and around the writing implements thereby providing further sterilization together with the ultraviolet radiation. An interlocking switch turns the UV source off when the container is opened.

Abstract: A system that facilitates tracking of computer files that have been received from on-line information services, such as CompuServe. Tracking is accomplished by adding a "handling list" to each file as an obscure part of its archive structure. The actual format and location of this list may vary, depending on whether the file is a picture, program system, or other type of file. Extraction and archive utilities maintain and update the list.