Abstract: Systems and methods for growing plants. The systems and methods can be used for growing plants in low, micro, or zero gravity environments. An injection device can inject a fluid or growth medium into the stem or root of a plant. A plant can also be supported on a platform and a light placed below the plant, or in a direction opposite gravity or a acceleration force to promote plant growth in a direction opposite gravity or the acceleration force.

Abstract: A filtration system effective to filter bacteria, cysts, and viruses. The small scale filter includes a rigid or semi-rigid core having perforations formed therein, and surrounded by one or more layers of filter media formed into a pleat pack filter arrangement.

Abstract: A filtration system effective to filter bacteria, cysts, and viruses, and to alter the surface tension of water. The small scale filter includes a rigid or semi-rigid core having perforations formed therein, and surrounded by one or more layers of filter media formed into a pleat pack filter arrangement.

Abstract: A filtration system effective to filter bacteria, cysts, and viruses. The small scale filter includes a rigid or semi-rigid core having perforations formed therein, and surrounded by one or more layers of filter media formed into a pleat pack filter arrangement.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system for use in a lid of a fluid container, such as a water bottle or water jug, that is adapted to receive a quick disconnect fitting and a pressurization source. The quick disconnect fitting is connected to flexible tubing which can be used to withdraw fluid from the water bottle by using pressure as a motive force. A fluid filtration system for use in a lid of a fluid container, such as a water bottle, water jug, or barrel that comprises a lid configured to attach to a container. The filter is in fluid communication with the lid through an outlet port. An external pressure source pumps the fluid through the filter through an outlet valve on the outlet port of the lid.

Abstract: A blender disk for use in a fluid container is disclosed. A blender disk includes a pattern of ribs, cross members and voids which can interrupt or impede flow through the blender disk. The interruption or impediment to flow can result in mixing of a substance and a fluid within the fluid container. The blender disk can be moveably attached to a straw extending into the fluid container.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and/or cooling a beverage comprises one or more heating and/or cooling elements that are configured to adjust a temperature of a beverage that circulates through the fountain. In one embodiment, the beverage fountain includes one or more heating elements located proximate to a basin, a cylinder, and/or a top reservoir of the fountain. In another embodiment, the beverage fountain includes one or more cooling elements located proximate to a basin, a cylinder, and/or a reservoir of the fountain. Alternatively, the beverage fountain may include both heating and cooling elements located proximate to a basin, a cylinder, a reservoir, and/or other locations of the fountain, wherein a selection device, such as an electrical switch or control module, may be adjusted by a user in order to select heating or cooling of the beverage.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials. In one embodiment, the fountain includes a heating element encased in an enclosure. A basin containing a medium, such as chocolate, is removably mounted to the enclosure so that the basin is heated by contact with the enclosure. Additionally, an auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of a cylinder that houses the auger. One or more tiers may be mounted, using various locking mechanisms, onto the cylinder to divert flow of the medium. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials. In one embodiment, the fountain includes a heating element encased in an enclosure. A basin containing a medium, such as chocolate, is removably mounted to the enclosure so that the basin is heated by contact with the enclosure. Additionally, an auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of a cylinder that houses the auger. One or more tiers may be mounted, using various locking mechanisms, onto the cylinder to divert flow of the medium. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A chocolate fountain comprises a sleeve secured to a basin of the fountain, the sleeve having a central aperture sized to receive a lower portion of a cylinder so that the cylinder is supported by the sleeve. The sleeve may be attached to the basin by any means, such as via bolts that are integrally coupled to the sleeve. In this embodiment, a portion of the bolts extends through apertures in the basin and coupling devices, such as nuts, are attached to the bolts in order to secure the sleeve to the basin. Advantageously, the aperture of the sleeve is large enough to be easily cleaned and the cylinder does not comprise tubes welded on the side of the cylinder as in currently available chocolate fountains.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: Abrasive foam articles and a method of manufacture of such articles are described. The articles of the invention comprise a flexible and resilient foam substrate having first and second major substrate surfaces, at least one of the surfaces having a plurality of open cells substantially across the substrate surface, the open cells having coatable surfaces defined by interconnected voids; and a plurality of abrasive particles adhered to said coatable surfaces of said open cells in a substantially uniform manner.