Abstract: This invention provides a system and methods for providing liquid to a plant or a seed that can germinate into a plant. The system includes: a liquid delivery device; an actuator; a vessel; and a vessel support; wherein the actuator is operable to cause the liquid delivery device to deliver the liquid to the plant or seed only when the vessel is brought into proximity with the vessel support.

Abstract: A soilless garden includes a chamber including a sealed lower portion for storing liquid nutrient solution, and an upper portion including a support structure; soilless growth medium supported by the support structure and adapted to support at least one plant having roots; a removable germination cap located above the soilless growth medium; a conduit having a first end located substantially adjacent to the soilless growth medium, and a second end opposite to the first end; and a pump in the chamber, including an input for receiving the liquid nutrient solution from the lower portion of the chamber, and an output to deliver liquid nutrient solution through the conduit into the soilless growth medium. The support structure includes an opening directed toward the lower portion of the chamber for the liquid nutrient solution to drip from the roots of the at least one plant into the lower portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A gardening system includes a modular seed cartridge including a rigid, cup-shaped receptacle including an upper portion having an outer rim, a soilless growth medium located in the rigid, cup-shaped receptacle, and at least one seed in contact with the soilless growth medium. The gardening system also includes an aeroponic or hydroponic garden including a chamber including a lower portion for storing a liquid nutrient solution, a cover located above the chamber, the cover including a plant opening adapted to removably support the modular seed cartridge by the outer rim, and a pump located in the chamber and adapted to circulate the liquid nutrient solution from the lower portion of the chamber to the modular seed cartridge supported by the plant opening.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and methods for providing liquid to a plant or a seed that can germinate into a plant, said system including: a liquid delivery device; an actuator; a vessel; and a vessel support; wherein said actuator is operable to cause said liquid delivery device to deliver said liquid to said plant or seed only when said vessel is brought into proximity with said vessel support.

Abstract: This invention provides method and devices for receiving and/or delivering liquid to an object, devices for delivering liquid to a plant/seed/growing medium comprising: a conduit comprising: at least two about parallel plates one or more walls substantially sealing the plates and forming a substantially enclosed space, such that the devices are useful in hydroponic gardens. This invention also provides hydroponic gardens with such devices. The parallel plates and the walls can be rigid and hydrophobic.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument including a Nickel Titanium alloy electrode that reduces eschar build-up during surgical procedures. Electrosurgical instruments conforming to aspects of the invention include electrosurgery blades, laparoscopic electrodes, and electrosurgery forceps including one or more Nickel Titanium alloy electrodes.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices, and kits for growing a plant or germinating a seed into a plant; methods and devices for delivering oxygen to a plant or a seed which will germinate into a plant; methods and devices for delivering liquid to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid to be delivered to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid within a hydroponics device; terraced oxygenators; aspirators, downdraft venturis, net baskets; germination caps, sets of germination caps; methods for increasing the likelihood of germination of a seed; seed-bearing support media; methods for germinating a seed; and smart garden devices for hydroponics growing systems.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices, and kits for growing a plant or germinating a seed into a plant; methods and devices for delivering oxygen to a plant or a seed which will germinate into a plant; methods and devices for delivering liquid to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid to be delivered to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid within a hydroponics device; terraced oxygenators; aspirators, downdraft venturis, net baskets; germination caps, sets of germination caps; methods for increasing the likelihood of germination of a seed; seed-bearing support media; methods for germinating a seed; and smart garden devices for hydroponics growing systems.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices, and kits for growing a plant or germinating a seed into a plant; methods and devices for delivering oxygen to a plant or a seed which will germinate into a plant; methods and devices for delivering liquid to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid to be delivered to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid within a hydroponics device; terraced oxygenators; aspirators, downdraft venturis, net baskets; germination caps, sets of germination caps; methods for increasing the likelihood of germination of a seed; seed-bearing support media; methods for germinating a seed; and smart garden devices for hydroponics growing systems.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices, and kits for growing a plant or germinating a seed into a plant; methods and devices for delivering oxygen to a plant or a seed which will germinate into a plant; methods and devices for delivering liquid to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid to be delivered to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid within a hydroponics device; terraced oxygenators; aspirators, downdraft venturis, net baskets; germination caps, sets of germination caps; methods for increasing the likelihood of germination of a seed; seed-bearing support media; methods for germinating a seed; and smart garden devices for hydroponics growing systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to hard sided luggage shells and other containers manufactured using vacuum forming or pressure forming of thermoplastics. A process for making shells and containers with integrally molded frames is disclosed, and products made by the method. A method of manufacturing differential pressure formed containers with framed openings, but without the need to attach a separate frame element to the molded shell. A process also is disclosed for reducing the undesirable stretching of shell material that occurs during differential pressure forming, particularly the thinning of corner portions of the shell or container. The process of the invention more efficiently utilizes the thermoplastic material by moving material from otherwise offal portions into the molded product. An improved method for severing the offal material from the final product is disclosed.

Abstract: A line holding storage device is provided for storing or displaying articles on a line in random locations along the line. The line holding storage device comprises a support housing having a first side and a second side. A channel is formed in the first side of the support housing and receives the line. A securing mechanism is positioned on the first side of the support housing and cooperates with the channel for releasably securing the line holding storage device to the line. A catch mechanism is mounted on the support housing to receive and hold articles which are to be stored or displayed with the catch mechanism being positioned such that the mass of the held article cooperates with the securing mechanism to augment the securement of the line holding storage device to the line.