Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described. In one illustrative embodiment, an active cover plate includes a multi-gang face plate configured to be installed over a multi-gang light switch installation, the multi-gang faceplate including at least two apertures sized to accept a manually manipulatable element of switches in the multi-gang light switch installation. Prongs extend rearward from the multi-gang faceplate around at least one of the apertures.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is directed to an equipment lubricating composition comprising useful microorganisms. An exemplary embodiment comprises a water insoluble, water-absorbent substance and an encapsulated microorganism component including viable microorganisms. This encapsulating material may encapsulate and protect the microorganisms by essentially preventing the microorganisms from contacting the external environment. Based on the protection afforded by the encapsulation, exemplary embodiments may include previously inhospitable carrier compounds such as particulate machine lubricants.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is directed to an equipment lubricating composition comprising useful microorganisms. An exemplary embodiment comprises a water insoluble, water-absorbent substance and an encapsulated microorganism component including viable microorganisms. This encapsulating material may encapsulate and protect the microorganisms by essentially preventing the microorganisms from contacting the external environment. Based on the protection afforded by the encapsulation, exemplary embodiments may include previously inhospitable carrier compounds such as particulate machine lubricants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying a characteristic of a bulk flowable material. An identification marker is inserted into a bulk flowable material. The identification marker carries information identifying a specified property or properties of the material. A marker dispenser can be located at one or more handling sites of the bulk flowable material. The identification markers can be pre-prepared or property-related information can be added to the marker prior to or subsequent to dispensing. The identification markers can be paper-like labels, for example, or more complex devices. The system can be used to track the lifespan of a material or to indicate a property of the material to others, such as whether the material is a genetically modified organism (GMO). A pre-printed marker source containing a single continuous bar code is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying a characteristic of a bulk flowable material. An identification marker is inserted into a bulk flowable material. The identification marker carries information identifying a specified property or properties of the material. A marker dispenser can be located at one or more handling sites of the bulk flowable material. The identification markers can be pre-prepared or property-related information can be added to the marker prior to or subsequent to dispensing. The identification markers can be paper-like labels, for example, or more complex devices. The system can be used to track the lifespan of a material or to indicate a property of the material to others, such as whether the material is a genetically modified organism (GMO). A pre-printed marker source containing a single continuous bar code is also disclosed.