Abstract: At least one lens element (104, 106) defines a cylindrical void (116) that encloses a conical element (108) having a conical mirror surface (110) defined about a common vertical axis (112) upward from a tip (118) on a generally 45 degree angle to the vertical axis. The lens element(s) have cross sectional shapes (104, 106) defined relative to a plane passing through the lens element and including the vertical axis, the cross sectional shape constant in rotation about the vertical axis and imparting a generally toroid shape to the lens element(s) for capturing image information from a surrounding scene and translating the captured light into a horizontal projection is oriented toward the conical mirror surface, which reflects the projection 90 degrees vertically downward toward an image plane (204) of a light sensitive sensor (212) for generating a photographic representation of the surrounding scene.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) advertising framework is presented wherein content is displayed on different layers which surround the user. A process includes defining a user's view of a VR environment in 3D space by the angle of the user's head. Defined areas of the 3D VR space include a spherical 3D mesh primary content shell that surrounds the user and has 360° video content digitally mapped to and played back upon it; a second 3D mesh advertising shell contained within the spherical content shell 3D mesh and centered on the user's viewpoint and divided into grid squares wherein advertising content is placed; and a transparent rectangular plane HUD shell that comprises content kept in the user's field of view and is anchored to the user's viewpoint, wherein imagery mapped to the HUD shell is kept in a fixed position in the user's field of view.

Abstract: Aspects capture, view, present and display photo-realistic, fully-immersive panoramic virtual environments, displaying to a user via a display screen, in a first layer at a first level of opacity, an image of current surroundings of the user from image data captured from the current surroundings of the user by an image capture device; and in a second layer at a second level of opacity, an image of another environment that differs from the current surroundings of the user as a function of time or of place, wherein the second layer is located coextensive with the first layer. The first level of opacity is selected to present image data of the panoramic image within the first layer as transparent relative to image data of the panoramic image within the second layer; or as opaque relative to image data of the panoramic image within the second layer.

Abstract: Aspects capture, view, present and display photo-realistic, fully-immersive panoramic virtual environments, displaying to a user via a display screen, in a first layer at a first level of opacity, an image of current surroundings of the user from image data captured from the current surroundings of the user by an image capture device; and in a second layer at a second level of opacity, an image of another environment that differs from the current surroundings of the user as a function of time or of place, wherein the second layer is located coextensive with the first layer. The first level of opacity is selected to present image data of the panoramic image within the first layer as transparent relative to image data of the panoramic image within the second layer; or as opaque relative to image data of the panoramic image within the second layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems of demonstrating advantages and benefits of premium animal care products, the methods comprising the steps of: presenting a first demonstration aid wherein the first demonstration aid demonstrates a first feature or characteristic; presenting a second demonstration aid wherein the second demonstration aid demonstrates a second feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the first feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the second feature or characteristic; and comparing the first and second features or characteristics to demonstrate the advantages and benefits of the animal care product. The methods and systems can include methods and systems of demonstrating reduced hair ingestion and hairball related effects; methods and systems of demonstrating improvements in skin and coat; and methods and systems of demonstrating better absorption and/or retention of food and nutrients, and production of less waste.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus has a portable liquid container having a ledge detail within a top open end; a removable infuser with an annular support flange; and a gasket about the infuser below the annular support flange, where in use the gasket forms a seal with the container ledge detail and the infuser body, and further spaces the infuser annular support flange from the container ledge detail to define a liquid access gap. At least one vertical channel is defined through the gasket to communicate liquid through the gasket between the liquid container and the liquid access gap. A support base has an opening to receive and hold a bottom end of the portable liquid container and a heating element to heat liquid within the portable container when the container bottom end is inserted within the opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems of demonstrating advantages and benefits of premium animal care products, the methods comprising the steps of: presenting a first demonstration aid wherein the first demonstration aid demonstrates a first feature or characteristic; presenting a second demonstration aid wherein the second demonstration aid demonstrates a second feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the first feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the second feature or characteristic; and comparing the first and second features or characteristics to demonstrate the advantages and benefits of the animal care product. The methods and systems can include methods and systems of demonstrating reduced hair ingestion and hairball related effects; methods and systems of demonstrating improvements in skin and coat; and methods and systems of demonstrating better absorption and/or retention of food and nutrients, and production of less waste.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus has a portable liquid container having a ledge detail within a top open end; a removable infuser with an annular support flange; and a gasket about the infuser below the annular support flange, where in use the gasket forms a seal with the container ledge detail and the infuser body, and further spaces the infuser annular support flange from the container ledge detail to define a liquid access gap. At least one vertical channel is defined through the gasket to communicate liquid through the gasket between the liquid container and the liquid access gap. A support base has an opening to receive and hold a bottom end of the portable liquid container and a heating element to heat liquid within the portable container when the container bottom end is inserted within the opening.

Abstract: A fire lighter apparatus and method for using the apparatus are described herein. The fire lighter apparatus comprises a containment pot that stores a flammable liquid and a wand torch that removably inserts into the containment pot. The wand torch includes a shaft, a handle at one end of the shaft, and an igniting head located at an opposing end of the shaft. The igniting head is removably affixed to the shaft through a non-threaded fastener. This fastener includes a first and a second component, which generally positions the igniting head. The handle further comprises a bended loop, which faces upward when the wand torch is laying flat upon a horizontal surface. The method for using the fire lighter comprises submerging the wand torch in the flammable fluid within the containment pot and lighting the igniting head attached after removal from the flammable fluid within the containment pot.

Abstract: A fire lighter apparatus and method for using the apparatus are described herein. The fire lighter apparatus comprises a containment pot that stores a flammable liquid and a wand torch that removably inserts into the containment pot. The wand torch includes a shaft, a handle at one end of the shaft, and an igniting head located at an opposing end of the shaft. The igniting head is removably affixed to the shaft through a non-threaded fastener. This fastener includes a first and a second component, which generally positions the igniting head. The handle further comprises a bended loop, which faces upward when the wand torch is laying flat upon a horizontal surface. The method for using the fire lighter comprises submerging the wand torch in the flammable fluid within the containment pot and lighting the igniting head attached after removal from the flammable fluid within the containment pot.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems of demonstrating advantages and benefits of premium animal care products, the methods comprising the steps of: presenting a first demonstration aid wherein the first demonstration aid demonstrates a first feature or characteristic; presenting a second demonstration aid wherein the second demonstration aid demonstrates a second feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the first feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the second feature or characteristic; and comparing the first and second features or characteristics to demonstrate the advantages and benefits of the animal care product. The methods and systems can include methods and systems of demonstrating reduced hair ingestion and hairball related effects; methods and systems of demonstrating improvements in skin and coat; and methods and systems of demonstrating better absorption and/or retention of food and nutrients, and production of less waste.

Abstract: A pressure measuring apparatus includes a gage that is at least partially imbedded within a flexible elastomeric member disposed within an interior cavity of a device housing. A shock resistant member into which the gage is inserted permits fluid interconnection between the interior of the gage having a contained movement mechanism that is responsive to fluid pressure changes and a fluid source, such as an inflatable blood pressure cuff and further provides shock and/or impact resistance for a contained movement mechanism. Additional impact/shock absorption is provided by exterior features of the apparatus, including a peripheral bumper having a plurality of raised spring-like protrusions, and rubberized and contoured features of the device housing.