Abstract: The present description provides a cooking instrument that may be used in a microwave oven. In some embodiments, the cooking instrument includes a body member having a cooking surface and a microwave absorptive layer thermally connected to the cooking surface.

Abstract: A permanently sealed, lighted, inflatable device comprises a permanently sealed outer shell, an inner inflatable bladder disposed within the outer shell, a valve for inflating the inner inflatable bladder, and a self-contained, non-replaceable illumination element disposed between and engagingly held in place by the inner inflatable translucent bladder and the outer translucent shell. The illumination element includes a control element for conserving battery life. The bladder and shell have translucent portions through which light from the illumination element passes.

Abstract: A modular return apparatus for reflecting back an object such as a puck or ball when struck by the puck or ball traveling on a playing surface, for use in returning the puck or ball to the player for another shot and in training the player to shoot the puck or ball accurately and anticipate the angle of reflection and velocity of the puck or ball comprises an elongated reflecting bumper, a pair of supports for the reflecting bumper, and a rod for connecting the supports to each other and preventing their relative motion. A net may be attached to the return apparatus to catch the puck.