Abstract: Methods are provided for making a polylactic acid article. The methods may include the steps of providing an article comprising polylactic acid; supporting the article using a carrier support system; and curing the article with heat. The step of curing the article is effective to improve one or more properties of the article. Articles comprising polylactic acid also are provided having improved properties. Methods also are provided for preparing a beverage including the steps of providing a pod comprising polylactic acid, wherein the pod has been cured with heat while being supported by a carrier support system; placing a beverage material in the pod; placing a hot liquid into the pod; brewing the beverage material and hot liquid in the pod to create a beverage; and removing the beverage from the pod.

Abstract: An electrically powered portable device, the device including means for providing a function to be performed by the device, an electrical power supply which incorporates in combination a voltage source and at least one capacitor for storing electrical charge to power the device, the voltage source and the at least one capacitor being arranged so that the voltage source progressively charges the at least one capacitor for any period that the at least one capacitor is not fully charged, and electronic control circuitry to control electrical power drawn from the electrical power supply for driving the function providing means.

Abstract: An emanator for emanating a composition into its surroundings, the emanator comprising: a container for containing a volatile liquid comprising a composition to be emanated; an emanation surface from which the volatile liquid evaporates; a wick for transporting the volatile liquid from the container to the emanation surface, characterized in that the transport of the liquid through both the wick and the emanator occurs at the surface of both the wick and the emanator and in that transport of the liquid through the wick occurs only at the surface of the wick by capillary action. In a preferred embodiment the wick and the emanation system are integrally formed from a material formed with microgrooves.

Abstract: There is provided a container for absorbing water vapour from ambient air, the container having an opening to permit water vapour to enter the container, a perforate shelf positioned above the base of the container and having a water-absorbing agent disposed thereon for absorbing water vapour, and an airway which allows air to flow into the region of the container beneath the shelf, wherein the container comprises an indicator for providing information on the operation of the container, the indicator operating when the liquid in the container has reached a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of a textile and to products for use therein, wherein the products comprise a a polymer retaining a textile treatment agent, optionally having a liquid impervious backing attached to the polymer, and, optionally, a liquid impervious external wrapping encasing substantially all of the patch, preferably encasing the entire patch.

Abstract: An emanator for emanating a composition into its surroundings, the emanator comprising: a container for containing a volatile liquid comprising a composition to be emanated; an emanation surface from which the volatile liquid evaporates; a wick for transporting the volatile liquid from the container to the emanation surface, characterised in that the transport of the liquid through both the wick and the emanator occurs at the surface of both the wick and the emanator and in that transport of the liquid through the wick occurs only at the surface of the wick by capillary action. In a preferred embodiment the wick and the emanation system are integrally formed from a material formed with microgrooves.

Abstract: A packaging device for protecting a trigger-operated sprayer comprising a bottle and a spray gun attachment comprising a trigger, a shroud and a nozzle. The packaging device has a plurality of panels which together define a tube adapted to fit over the tipper part of the sprayer with the lower edge thereof seated on the bottle and to cover the trigger, thereby hindering operation of the sprayer. One of the panels has an opening in which the free end of the trigger engages to hinder operation of the trigger and to hinder removal of the packaging device.