Abstract: A method for infiltrating a substance into a heterogeneous solid of a material of an elastomeric strap to form a logo that includes providing a permeating substance and a heterogeneous solid of the elastomeric strap. The heterogeneous solid comprises a first region, a second region, and an interface region interposed between the first region and the second region. The method also includes applying an energy to the heterogeneous solid with the energy of an amount sufficient to render the interface region temporarily permeable; applying a driving force configured to infiltrate the permeating substance into the interface region to form the logo; and, modifying the application of the energy, thereby rendering the interface region impermeable and causing a portion of the permeating substance to disperse into the first region.

Abstract: A method for infiltrating a substance into a heterogeneous solid of a material of an elastomeric strap to form a logo that includes providing a permeating substance and a heterogeneous solid of the elastomeric strap. The heterogeneous solid comprises a first region, a second region, and an interface region interposed between the first region and the second region. The method also includes applying an energy to the heterogeneous solid with the energy of an amount sufficient to render the interface region temporarily permeable; applying a driving force configured to infiltrate the permeating substance into the interface region to form the logo; and, modifying the application of the energy, thereby rendering the interface region impermeable and causing a portion of the permeating substance to disperse into the first region.

Abstract: A flexible, stretchable, and adjustable strap that is designed to be used with most commercially available smartphone cases to assist the user in holding and using their smartphone is provided. This strap is easily installed on and removed from such cases in minutes, without adhesive, modifications to the case, or any structure permanently attaching the strap to the case, allowing the user to use the same strap on a different case or to change straps without the need to purchase a new case. The strap, consisting of a stretchy/elastic material with hook and loop fasteners on each end that enable connection to form a loop through the existing ports on the case, is positioned to lie flat and tight against the back of the case and may be stretched from this resting position to accommodate the user's fingers, hand or other objects to steadily hold the cased smartphone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved container closure or lever cap comprising one or more of the following features: (i) an improved interface on the interior surface of the closure that consists of strategically positioned locking lugs to securely affix the closure onto a container, (ii) a repositioned lever handle and fulcrum to optimize function and mechanical advantage, (iii) a retro-fit sleeve for an incompatible container, which on the inner surface is fashioned to interface with twist necks bottles, or other closure designs and mechanisms incompatible with the interior fitting of the lever cap, and which on the exterior is fashioned to receive the interior fitting of the lever cap, (iv) a tamper-evident safety indicator, (v) a specialized vertical sloping sidewall at the container's distal end near the opening to improve the closure's vertical lift during operation, (vi) a child safety design and mechanism that requires two functions to unlock the lever and position it for normal operation

Abstract: A convenient pill delivery system comprising a container, a consumable substance contained in such container, and a specialized cap capable of receiving one or more pills. The consumable substance is forced out of the container onto the cap and surrounds and encompasses the pill. The consumer licks the pill and consumable substance together off the cap and swallows it. The consumable substance provides bulk and lubrication to the pill and aids the consumer in swallowing the pill quickly, easily, and efficiently.

Abstract: There is provided a composite comprising a bonded mixture of a binder and active ingredients such as spill control agents, odor control agents, anti-microbial agents, and biologically active agents. The mixture is applied to and fused and/or coalesced with a first substrate, preferably an nonwoven material that is fluid permeable or impermeable. The composite preferably contains a second substrate, preferably a nonwoven material, placed on top of the mixture that is fused to and/or coalesced with the mixture. Preferably, the composite adsorbs and/or absorbs moisture, liquids, and/or odors, and can provide an anti-microbial effect. The composite can be used to line an outer or inner functional surface such as a shelf, a drawer, a cabinet, a refrigerator, trash receptacle, shipping container, or as a backing for other surfaces such as carpeting, fabric, upholstery, drapes, and the like.

Abstract: A brew basket of the present invention useful in drip-style beverage brewing systems comprises a brewing chamber and a filter having replaceable filter medium pivotably attached to and in fluid communication with the brewing chamber, wherein the replaceable filter medium is sealably supported on an annular flange of the filter. The brewing chamber and the filter are two separate components mated together to provide a substantially leak-proof seal. By integrating the filter in the brew basket in an open and obvious position with a replaceable filter medium disk, a user has convenient access to the filter medium for improved compliance in regularly replacing the filter medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container closure with a handle, wherein the handle acts as a lever when squeezed against the neck of the container. The force on the lever handle is transferred to the container closure forcing a portion of the closure to slip over the bead of the container and release the closure's hold on the container's top. Once the closure's hold is released, the closure is easily removed from the container. The closure is reusable and can be replaced over the container opening to secure the container's contents for storage or transport.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an oxygen containing gas (generally air) and/or water in an appliance such as a refrigerator washing machine, dryer or dishwasher with ozone so as to disinfect the water used within the appliance and use the ozone in the air to disinfect the interior space and the contents of the appliance. Arrangements may be made to provide disinfected water on demand. The ozone containing gas is provided when needed, or in the case of a refrigerator, at a time of the day when the refrigerator is not generally in use. The generator may include a source of ultraviolet radiation, a plenum for the air and a plenum for the water. The plenum for the water may be in the form of a tube which is transparent to ultraviolet. The diameter of the tube is preferably selected so that plug flow of water through the tube occurs. The ozone containing air and the disinfected water may be provided to a location remote from the appliance.

Abstract: A system for brewing a beverage from a liquid. The system preferably has a device for steeping brewing ingredients in a liquid. The liquid is delivered to the steeping device through a contaminant removing device, such as a filter. The contaminant removing device is alternatively disposed, by way of a positioning device, either between the liquid supply and the steeping device or in a position wherein the contaminant removing device can be dried, cleaned, or replaced. A method of using such a system is also provided.

Abstract: A system for brewing a beverage from a liquid. The system preferably comprises a device for steeping brewing ingredients in a liquid. The liquid is delivered to the steeping device through a contaminant removing device, such as a filter. The contaminant removing device is alternatively disposed, by way of a positioning device, either between the liquid supply and the steeping device or in a position wherein the contaminant removing device can be dried, cleaned, or replaced. A method of using such a system is also provided.