Abstract: A portioning machine for providing a custom cosmetic includes a mixer having a mixing chamber and also accommodates a plurality of dispensers having outlets that are directly coupled to the mixing chamber. In one embodiment, the portioning machine includes a plurality of slots, where each slot is configured to receive an assembly having at least one dispenser. In another embodiment, the portioning machine includes a slot configured to receive an assembly having a plurality of dispensers. Each dispenser is associated with an actuator, and the portioning machine includes a portioning processor configured to control the actuators to dispense additives from selected dispensers into the mixing chamber in accordance with a target set of additive ratios to produce the custom cosmetic.

Abstract: A portioning machine for providing a custom cosmetic includes a mixer having a mixing chamber and also accommodates a plurality of syringes having outlets that are directly coupled to the mixing chamber. In one embodiment, the portioning machine includes a plurality of slots, where each slot is configured to receive an assembly having at least one syringe. In another embodiment, the portioning machine includes a slot configured to receive an assembly having a plurality of syringes. Each syringe is associated with an actuator, and the portioning machine includes a portioning processor configured to control the actuators to dispense additives from selected syringes into the mixing chamber in accordance with a target set of additive ratios to produce the custom cosmetic.

Abstract: A portioning machine for providing a custom cosmetic includes a mixer having a mixing chamber and also accommodates a plurality of dispensers having outlets that are directly coupled to the mixing chamber. In one embodiment, the portioning machine includes a plurality of slots, where each slot is configured to receive an assembly having at least one dispenser. In another embodiment, the portioning machine includes a slot configured to receive an assembly having a plurality of dispensers. Each dispenser is associated with an actuator, and the portioning machine includes a portioning processor configured to control the actuators to dispense additives from selected dispensers into the mixing chamber in accordance with a target set of additive ratios to produce the custom cosmetic.

Abstract: A portioning machine for providing a custom cosmetic includes a mixer having a mixing chamber and also accommodates a plurality of syringes having outlets that are directly coupled to the mixing chamber. In one embodiment, the portioning machine includes a plurality of slots, where each slot is configured to receive an assembly having at least one syringe. In another embodiment, the portioning machine includes a slot configured to receive an assembly having a plurality of syringes. Each syringe is associated with an actuator, and the portioning machine includes a portioning processor configured to control the actuators to dispense additives from selected syringes into the mixing chamber in accordance with a target set of additive ratios to produce the custom cosmetic.

Abstract: A system and method determine color of skin of a subject and produce a customized cosmetic based at least in part on the determined color of skin. A region of skin is covered with a chamber having an open area facing the skin. The skin is illuminated with light caused to enter the chamber. The light is caused to be dispersed within the chamber. A camera is used to record an image of a portion of the dispersed light in the chamber and the recorded image is processed to characterize the color of the skin. The recorded image includes a plurality of colors which are mapped to the closest color recipe. The color recipe is used to calculate actuator displacements for a portioning machine that includes a cartridge having cosmetic additives that produce the customized cosmetic.

Abstract: A system and method determine color of skin of a subject and produce a customized cosmetic based at least in part on the determined color of skin. A region of skin is covered with a chamber having an open area facing the skin. The skin is illuminated with light caused to enter the chamber. The light is caused to be dispersed within the chamber. A camera is used to record an image of a portion of the dispersed light in the chamber and the recorded image is processed to characterize the color of the skin. The recorded image includes a plurality of colors which are mapped to the closest color recipe. The color recipe is used to calculate actuator displacements for a portioning machine that includes a cartridge having cosmetic additives that produce the customized cosmetic.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for constructing a container for storage and transport and may be entirely biodegradable and/or recyclable. The body of the container and/or bottle may be manufactured from paper pulp and assembled from a plurality of dissimilar parts made of a biodegradable plastic resin and assembled to form a container and/or bottle. The paper pulp may be treated inside and outside to make it water and air tight but when exposed to extreme biodegrading influences it may breakdown into compostable material.

Abstract: A container includes a body, a liner attached to the interior of the body, a lid dimensioned to attached to the top of the liner, and a perimeter seal attached to the lid. The lid includes a hole and the perimeter seal includes a region dimensioned to create a friction fit when disposed in the hole. Each of the body, the liner, and the lid may include a paper pulp coated with a biodegradable, organically derived, plastic resin. Methods of constructing the container are also disclosed.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a gutter-cleaning device comprises a housing containing an impeller drive facility, the housing configured to fit into a gutter, an impeller, disposed at an end of the housing and driven by the impeller drive facility, and a transport facility for transporting the housing along the gutter.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a power tool system may comprise mounting a functional module to a mounting plate of a power head, the power head configured to mount various functional modules, attaching the power head to a power base for powering the functional module, powering the functional module by directing power from the power base through a direct rotational drive of the power head, and controlling the multi-functional power tool system using a control disposed in the power base.

Abstract: An oral care gaming system and methods are provided for promoting and rewarding proper oral care techniques and behaviors and for controlling an electronic and/or video game. The system and methods enable a user to play an electronic and/or video game while performing certain oral care activities. The efficacy of a user's oral care techniques enables the user to improve their game play and to achieve the goals of the game. The system includes an oral care tool configured as a game enabler/controller and a base unit configured as an electronic gaming apparatus. Using the oral care tool, a user performs oral care and interacts with an electronic and/or video game the base unit implements and runs. The base unit includes a video display that displays video outputs of an electronic and/or video game.

Abstract: A wheeled transport device includes a body having a compartment configured to contain goods. Wheels are rotatably attached to a lower portion of the body, and a handle is attached to an upper portion of the body. The handle is configured to retract within a cavity defined by the body. An electronic device is mounted to the handle.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a power tool system may comprise mounting a functional module to a mounting plate of a power head, the power head configured to mount various functional modules, attaching the power head to a power base for powering the functional module, powering the functional module by directing power from the power base through a direct rotational drive of the power head, and controlling the multi-functional power tool system using a control disposed in the power base.

Abstract: A container includes a body, a liner attached to the interior of the body, a lid dimensioned to attached to the top of the liner, and a perimeter seal attached to the lid. The lid includes a hole and the perimeter seal includes a region dimensioned to create a friction fit when disposed in the hole. Each of the body, the liner, and the lid may include a paper pulp coated with a biodegradable, organically derived, plastic resin. Methods of constructing the container are also disclosed.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a pharmaceutical product compliance reward method and system may include a pharmaceutical product, wherein the pharmaceutical product is marked with a unique identifier; a web site for entering the identifier when a user takes or otherwise utilizes the pharmaceutical product; and a reward system associated with the web site for identifying a condition for reward based on an identifier entered on the web site.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for constructing a container for storage and transport and may be entirely biodegradable and/or recyclable. The body of the container and/or bottle may be manufactured from paper pulp and assembled from a plurality of dissimilar parts made of a biodegradable plastic resin and assembled to form a container and/or bottle. The paper pulp may be treated inside and outside to make it water and air tight but when exposed to extreme biodegrading influences it may breakdown into compostable material.

Abstract: A modular hair grooming tool is disclosed. The system may include a hand-piece for holding the tool, a razor assembly coupled to a first end of the hand-piece such that the razor assembly is removable, and a nose/ear hair trimmer coupled to the first end of the hand-piece. The nose/ear hair trimmer may be configured to couple with the razor assembly to nest within the razor assembly while the razor assembly is coupled to the first end of the hand-piece. The system may further include a beard trimmer coupled to a second end of the hand-piece, and a protective cap removably coupled to the second end of the hand-piece and configured to cover the beard trimmer while coupled to the second end of the hand-piece.

Abstract: A tobaccoless nicotine delivery device permits delivery of nicotine in a manner similar to a cigarette. The device may include an impermeable outer layer surrounding a micro-encapsulated nicotine layer that includes a measured amount of nicotine in a form that allows nicotine vapor to be released upon rupture of the micro-encapsulation. A permeable membrane may be disposed adjacent to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer that allows pressure to be applied to the micro-encapsulated nicotine layer while permitting permeation of released nicotine into a central channel for inhalation by a user. A mouthpiece may be disposed at an open end of the central channel in order to provide air resistance to simulate the inhalation effect of a cigarette.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a container may comprise a receptacle portion dimensioned to receive a handled bag and at least one handle flange disposed on a top edge of the receptacle to provide a holding fixture for a handle of the handled bag and to facilitate opening the bag, wherein the at least one handle flange flexes to engage a handle opening of the handled bag.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a system and method for mass customizing luggage. A system and method for customizing luggage may comprise offering a user a design catalog from which to select a graphic design for an item of luggage, the item of luggage having a recessed panel, generating a custom label using the selected graphic design, and applying the custom label to the recessed panel.