Abstract: A trekking pole or the like includes a grip top fixed at the top end. A user's glove supports a puck. The puck is placed on a release button then slid into a locking channel on the grip top, from the release button into the locking channel. Thereafter, the release button automatically locks the puck in the channel. When the release button is pressed down, the puck can be removed. A magnet on the release button can assist in locating the puck properly on the release button and also in withdrawing the puck from the locking channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for linking accounts across disparate computing systems to facilitate information retrieval are described. In an example, an input string is received from a user device associated with a user account. The input string is determined to correspond to a known identifier format and a list of one or more known identifiers associated with the user account does not include an identifier matching the input string. In response, a prompt is generated, for output by the user device, to link a third-party account with the user account.

Abstract: A powder composition comprising a particulate phase containing a plurality of edible grains.

Abstract: A powder composition comprising a particulate phase containing a plurality of edible grains.

Abstract: A water heater system includes a boiler having a supply port, an output port and a recirculation input port. A heat exchanger includes first input and output ports, and second input and output ports. An averaging tank has an inlet and an outlet. A first fluid flow subsystem is for controllably directing water along a primary loop through the boiler and from the output port of the boiler to the input recirculation port via either a first path through the first ports of the heat exchanger or a second path bypassing the heat exchanger. A second fluid flow subsystem is for directing water along a secondary loop through the second ports of the heat exchanger, through the inlet and outlet of the averaging tank, and back to the heat exchanger, whereby water directed through the secondary loop is heated from water directed through the primary loop via the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A fuel equalization system includes a filter box for accepting an air stream and a fuel stream, the air stream and the fuel stream mixing to form a mixed air/fuel stream. A blower is provided that has an inlet for accepting the mixed air/fuel stream from the filter box. An air deflection member is positioned in the path of the mixed air/fuel stream, between the filter box and the inlet, so as to reduce the turbulence of the mixed air/fuel stream.

Abstract: A water heater system includes a boiler having a supply port, an output port and a recirculation input port. A heat exchanger includes first input and output ports, and second input and output ports. An averaging tank has an inlet and an outlet. A first fluid flow subsystem is for controllably directing water along a primary loop through the boiler and from the output port of the boiler to the input recirculation port via either a first path through the first ports of the heat exchanger or a second path bypassing the heat exchanger. A second fluid flow subsystem is for directing water along a secondary loop through the second ports of the heat exchanger, through the inlet and outlet of the averaging tank, and back to the heat exchanger, whereby water directed through the secondary loop is heated from water directed through the primary loop via the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A boiler apparatus includes a housing defining an interior boiler chamber and a burner element arranged to be in thermal communication with the boiler chamber. An ignition device is provided for instigating combustion of an inlet gas stream, and is arranged adjacent one edge of the burner element. A gas restricting device is utilized for restricting contact between the burner element and the inlet gas stream such that the inlet gas stream is initially incident upon the one edge of the burner element, thereby forcing the inlet gas stream to propagate across the burner element from the one edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic composition, that includes:(A) a polymer having repeating units resulting from the polymerization of the following monomers:(1) an alkyl acrylate and/or methacrylate,(2) an N-alkyl acrylamide, and(3) an acrylic and methacrylic acid;(B) a polyester or polyesteramide having repeating units resulting from the polymerization of the following monomers:(1) isophthalic acid,(2) 5-sulfoisophthalic acid,(3) diethylene glycol and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or a mixture of diethylene glycol and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and at least one diamine having two --NRH groups, where R is hydrogen of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, and(4) optionally, at least one difunctional reactant selected from the group including hydroxycarboxylic acids having one --C(R).sub.2 --OH group, aminocarboxylic acids having one --NHR group and aminoalcohols having one --C(R).sub.

Abstract: An emulsified cosmetic makeup for revitalizing, smoothing, moisturizing and tightening the skin is disclosed. The composition comprises cosmetically effective amounts of a film forming agent containing plant polysaccharides and hydrolyzed casein, at least one sunscreen agent, at least one natural exfoliating agent, at least one moisturizer/re-hydrating agent encapsulated in liposome vessicles, at least one preservative, at least one antioxidant agent, at least one cosmetically acceptable pigment and at least one emulsifier.

Abstract: A high-efficiency wall-mounted boiler utilizes air/fuel control via a servovalve for the gas responsive to pressure drops across air and gas orifices measured to a common downstream pressure. A ceramic burner is floatingly held against its gasket and seals the combustion chamber while the blower is of adjustable speed to allow load modulation.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsified cosmetic makeup composition includes sunscreen agent, free radical scavenger, moisturizing agent/re-hydrating agent, skin firming agent and cosmetically acceptable pigment. The composition when applied to the skin smoothes, moisturizes, firms and protects the skin from the effects of the environment and improves complexion.

Abstract: A cosmetic powder bar composition is disclosed. The composition, substantially oil free, comprises calcium sulfate dihydrate, mica or mica-containing composite material and polyethylene. A unique process for making this composition is also set forth. In this process a powder phase composition and a liquid phase composition are separately prepared. The two compositions are contacted to form a slurry. The slurry is placed in molds and heated to remove free water therefrom.

Abstract: A mascara composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a cosmetically acceptable hydrophobic pigment, a film-forming resin, a water dispersible thickening agent, a humectant and water. The treatment to make the pigment hydrophobic is preferably accomplished by treating the pigment or pigments with lecithin.

Abstract: A replaceable protein skimmer and carbon filtration unit is disclosed for use with a vertical lift aquarium filtration system. The normal flow path through the vertical lift to returning the air-water mixture to the aquarium is diverted through an integrally formed plastic unit housing a carbon filtration chamber through which the diverted air-water mixture passes.