Abstract: A flavor or aroma charcoal material, such as charcoal briquets, which is formulated to include a flavor or aroma component. The charcoal material may include a smoldering agent (e.g., limestone), wood particles (e.g., sawdust), a binder, and the flavor or aroma component (herbs and/or spices). The flavor or aroma charcoal material may not be configured as a fuel charcoal material, for example, it may be substantially void of char and/or coal. In an embodiment, the flavor or aroma charcoal material may be provided as part of a blend of different charcoal materials that includes both flavor or aroma briquets in combination with fuel briquets (e.g., which fuel briquets include char and/or coal, while the flavor briquets do not). The flavor briquets provide enhanced aroma and/or flavor to the grilling experience.

Abstract: A cyclo-stationary characteristic of a communications channel and/or storage media is determined. The cyclo-stationary characteristic has K-cycles, K>1. Markov transition probabilities are determined that depend on a discrete phase ?=t mod K, wherein t is a discrete time value. An encoder to optimize the Markov transition probabilities for encoding data sent through the communications channel and/or stored on the storage media. The optimized Markov transition probabilities are used to decode the data from the communication channel and/or read from the storage media.

Abstract: A flavor or aroma charcoal material, such as charcoal briquets, which is formulated to include a flavor or aroma component. The charcoal material may include a smoldering agent (e.g., limestone), wood particles (e.g., sawdust), a binder, and the flavor or aroma component (herbs and/or spices). The flavor or aroma charcoal material may not be configured as a fuel charcoal material, for example, it may be substantially void of char and/or coal. In an embodiment, the flavor or aroma charcoal material may be provided as part of a blend of different charcoal materials that includes both flavor or aroma briquets in combination with fuel briquets (e.g., which fuel briquets include char and/or coal, while the flavor briquets do not). The flavor briquets provide enhanced aroma and/or flavor to the grilling experience.

Abstract: A flavor or aroma charcoal material, such as charcoal briquets, which is formulated to include a flavor or aroma component. The charcoal material may include a smoldering agent (e.g., limestone), wood particles (e.g., sawdust), a binder, and the flavor or aroma component (herbs and/or spices). The flavor or aroma charcoal material may not be configured as a fuel charcoal material, for example, it may be substantially void of char and/or coal. In an embodiment, the flavor or aroma charcoal material may be provided as part of a blend of different charcoal materials that includes both flavor or aroma briquets in combination with fuel briquets (e.g., which fuel briquets include char and/or coal, while the flavor briquets do not). The flavor briquets provide enhanced aroma and/or flavor to the grilling experience.

Abstract: A flavor or aroma charcoal material, such as charcoal briquets, which is formulated to include a flavor or aroma component. The charcoal material may include a smoldering agent (e.g., limestone), wood particles (e.g., sawdust), a binder, and the flavor or aroma component (herbs and/or spices). The flavor or aroma charcoal material may not be configured as a fuel charcoal material, for example, it may be substantially void of char and/or coal. In an embodiment, the flavor or aroma charcoal material may be provided as part of a blend of different charcoal materials that includes both flavor or aroma briquets in combination with fuel briquets (e.g., which fuel briquets include char and/or coal, while the flavor briquets do not). The flavor briquets provide enhanced aroma and/or flavor to the grilling experience.

Abstract: A method for selling individual containers used for the storage of fresh foods comprising the steps of providing individual containers in store and adjacent a fresh food product to be purchased, and charging the shopper for the container on a per container basis separately from the food purchased. The bags or containers used in the method of the invention will include at least one feature or characteristic that adds value for the consumer over and above the bags currently provided for free by grocery stores in the produce section.

Abstract: A method for selling individual storage bags used for the storage of fresh foods comprising the steps of providing individual storage bags on a display in store and adjacent a fresh food product to be purchased, permitting the shopper to place the fresh food product in the individual storage bag before checkout, and charging the shopper for the bag on a per bag basis separately from the food purchased.

Abstract: A method for selling individual containers used for the storage of fresh foods comprising the steps of providing individual containers in store and adjacent a fresh food product to be purchased, and charging the shopper for the container on a per container basis separately from the food purchased. The bags or containers used in the method of the invention will include at least one feature or characteristic that adds value for the consumer over and above the bags currently provided for free by grocery stores in the produce section.

Abstract: An aerosol spray dispenser is disclosed that includes an outer housing that is circular, oval, or non-oval and in which an active composition to be dispensed is provided and a closure sleeve housing within the outer housing. An inner receptacle is provided within the closure sleeve housing and within the volume of the outer housing and contains a propellant to be dispensed. The inner housing may be concentrically located within the outer housing. An actuator assembly houses a nozzle that has a venturi constriction. A tube extends within the outer housing to provide the passage of active composition from within the outer housing by the venturi effect. A conduit for the passage of a propellant from the inner receptacle to the nozzle is provided. The propellant and the active composition are mixed and dispensed as a spray at a nozzle by action of the venturi effect.

Abstract: A dispenser for cleaning wipes includes an indentation extending over the top surface onto the side surface of a lid and a cover that secures over at least a portion of the indentation. A dispenser for cleaning wipes includes a cover that extends over the top surface and a portion of the side surface of the lid top. A dispenser for cleaning wipes includes a recessed well beneath the lid. A dispenser for cleaning wipes includes an ergonomic gripping recess on the lid.

Abstract: Described is a toilet wand and caddy system which includes a curved handle wand having replaceable cleaning heads, a caddy with a slanted cover, allowing the curved handle wand to curve thereover, and a short tool holder for holding the wand in an upright position. The system of the present invention provides for storage for replacement cleaning heads, minimal storage space, an aesthetically pleasing design as well as minimal spread of germs.

Abstract: A plastic film that includes one or more plastic layers and one or more types of primary additives. The types of primary additive can include a liquid absorbing material, a gas absorbing material, a biocide, a heat generating material, and/or a foaming agent.

Abstract: An aerosol spray dispenser is disclosed that includes an outer housing that is circular, oval, or non-oval and in which an active composition to be dispensed is provided and a closure sleeve housing within the outer housing. An inner receptacle is provided within the closure sleeve housing and within the volume of the outer housing and contains a propellant to be dispensed. The inner housing may be concentrically located within the outer housing. An actuator assembly houses a nozzle that has a venturi constriction. A tube extends within the outer housing to provide the passage of active composition from within the outer housing by means of the venturi effect. A conduit for the passage of a propellant from the inner receptacle to the nozzle is provided. The propellant and the active composition are mixed and dispensed as a spray at a nozzle by action of the venturi effect.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer which may be removably attached to a liquid reservoir and thus readily interchangeable with a variety of liquid reservoirs. The sprayer includes a discharge nozzle, a manually or electrically powered pump and an actuation mechanism for the pump. The sprayer includes a quick-release coupling means for attaching the sprayer to a complementary quick-release coupling means fitted to the product reservoir. In some embodiments of the present invention, a signaling means on the reservoir communicates with a corresponding receiver means on the sprayer to provide information relating to the liquid contents of the reservoir so that the user will act on the information in a way that optimizes product safety, efficacy, convenience or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer which may be removably attached to a liquid reservoir and thus readily interchangeable with a variety of liquid reservoirs. The sprayer includes a discharge nozzle, a manually or electrically powered pump and an actuation mechanism for the pump. The sprayer includes a quick-release coupling means for attaching the sprayer to a complementary quick-release coupling means fitted to the product reservoir. In some embodiments of the present invention, a signaling means on the reservoir communicates with a corresponding receiver means on the sprayer to provide information relating to the liquid contents of the reservoir so that the user will act on the information in a way that optimizes product safety, efficacy, convenience or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a locking segmented handle for use with a cleaning implement and the like. The handle includes two or more segments that are coupled at assembly to form the handle. Each segment includes connector elements at connector ends of the segments. The connector elements of each segment include components that cooperate with corresponding components of the connector elements of other segments to preclude relative rotational motion of the segments after complete assembly of the segments to form the handle.

Abstract: An advanced cleaning system comprising cleaning compositions, pads, and implements provide effective cleaning of soft and hard surfaces. The system includes (a) a handle portion, the handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end, (b) a cleaning head portion that is attached to the distal end of the handle portion and that is adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad; (c) a cradle that is secured to the handle portion, and (d) a detachable cleaning aerosol reservoir for delivering cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion, wherein the reservoir is positioned within the cradle.

Abstract: Provided is a locking segmented handle for use with a cleaning implement and the like. The handle includes two or more segments that are coupled at assembly to form the handle. Each segment includes connector elements at connector ends of the segments. The connector elements of each segment include components that cooperate with corresponding components of the connector elements of other segments to preclude relative rotational motion of the segments after complete assembly of the segments to form the handle.

Abstract: A system for treating a work surface including a handle portion, a first tool head adapted for use with a removable pad and a second tool head, both connectable to the handle portion, and a first fluid reservoir is disclosed. In some arrangements, the second tool head can be used with a removable pad or can include an electric motor. A controller can be provided for releasing and stopping fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir. An optional second fluid reservoir can also be used. The first tool head and the first fluid reservoir can include a first indicium that can be characterized by a feature such as color, shape, picture, text, or sound. The indicium can signify a work surface, a purpose for surface treatment, a mode of operation or instructions. Surface treatments include applying, cleaning, scrubbing, waxing, polishing, disinfecting, killing mites, killing fleas, detoxifying, neutralizing allergens, painting, removing liquids, and fertilizing.

Abstract: An advanced cleaning system comprising cleaning compositions, pads, and implements provide effective cleaning of soft and hard surfaces. The system includes (a) a handle portion, the handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end, (b) a cleaning head portion that is attached to the distal end of the handle portion and that is adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad; (c) a cradle that is secured to the handle portion, and (d) a detachable cleaning aerosol reservoir for delivering cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion, wherein the reservoir is positioned within the cradle.