Abstract: A powder dispensing apparatus for dispensing a powder either with or without a liquid is presented. The apparatus includes a base, dispenser, and tower. The base is adapted for receiving a container. The dispenser includes a rotatable or slidable carriage. The carriage includes at least one compartment horizontally disposed above an optional funnel. The carriage is rotatable about a central axis or translatable parallel to and below the hopper. A hopper is disposed above the carriage and communicates with less than all compartments. Each compartment is capable of separately dispensing a powder from the hopper into the funnel and thereafter into the container resting on the base. The tower is disposed between and attached at opposing ends to the base and the dispenser. The apparatus is useful, for example, in preparing baby formula and other food for infants, as well as in preparing food and drink for children and adults.

Abstract: A system and method facilitating delivery of a fully-integrated physical item providing access to content is presented. The system includes a local system and a gift key facilitating access to an electronic greeting card, exclusive content, product information, marketing materials, donation, promotion, or credit after linkage between the local system and the gift key. The method includes enabling access to an electronic greeting card, exclusive content, product information, marketing materials, donation, promotion, or credit from a remote system after a gift key is linked to a local system. The gift key includes a cover with optional bar code, an integrated circuit, and a physical or wireless interface. The local system could be a personal, laptop or handheld computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a Smart TV. The gift key could be directly attached to a box, bag, ribbon, envelope, or gift wrapping or configured as a sticker with an adhesive backing.

Abstract: A system and method facilitating delivery of a fully-integrated physical item providing access to non-physical content is presented. The method includes enabling access to an electronic greeting card, exclusive content, promotion, and/or store credit from a remote system after a gift key is linked to a local system. The system includes a local system and a gift key facilitating access to an electronic greeting card, exclusive content, promotion, and/or store credit after linkage between the local system and the gift key. The gift key includes a decorative cover with bar code, an integrated circuit, and an antenna or physical connector. The local system is a personal, laptop or handheld computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a Smart TV.