Abstract: A congealed product grinding and dispensing machine is disclosed. The machine has a housing with an aperture through a wall for dispensing ground soap chips. A product chute located within the housing feeds bar soap toward a rotary cutting tool which is driven by an electric motor within the housing. An actuator in circuit with the motor and a control circuit energizes the motor for a preset time period when the actuator is actuated. Another embodiment disclosed includes an inclined product chute which simplifies soap bar loading. Additional elements of the invention involve including a proximity sensor as the actuator and incorporating a programmable display into the machine housing, the display being in circuit with the actuator.

Abstract: An electrically powered soap grater and dispenser that automatically dispenses shaved and grated soap into a user's palm. A reciprocating electro-mechanical drive assembly causes a grater plate to reciprocate up and down as it cuts into a stationary bar of soap. A transparent window in the front of the housing lets the user see the soap stored within and shows when the soap needs to be replaced. An optional secondary support stand raises the housing high enough for a user to put his hand under it to receive the shaved soap. Alternately, the main housing can be hung on a wall of a bathroom or shower so that the user can easily place his or her hand under an aperture located in the housing's bottom wall and receive the shaved soap.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that encourage and provide informational and transactional support and infrastructure for cross-selling of products and services among otherwise unaffiliated merchants by formation of networks (e.g., social networks) of local merchants with knowledge of each others' products and services.