Abstract:
A fragrance dispensing device is provided which is suitable for incorporation into a plush figure or when affixed with a nozzle can be inserted into a person's nose to provide aromatherapy or other herbal medications. In one of the preferred embodiments of this invention, the fragrance dispensing device comprises a hollow body in the form of a sphere or a ball having a slit valve or a one-way valve disposed within the wall of the hollow body. A scented cartridge is inserted into the hollow body through the valve or some other resealable opening in the hollow body. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the fragrance dispensing device has the hollow body encompassed within a compressible container. Once the hollow body is charged with the fragrance cartridge, the container can be compressed so as to force a discrete charge of scented air from within the hollow body, into its surrounding core material. The amount of fragrance dispensed from within the hollow body is based, in part, upon the volume of the hollow body and the partial pressure of the fragrance within the cartridge. Thus, if the fragrance is highly volatile, more fragrance will be present in the discrete charge emitted from the hollow body. Where additional scent is desired, the hollow body can be repeatedly compressed to discharge additional discrete charges of fragrance into the environment.
Abstract:
An improved computerized method for provides credit card services by a card issuer. The improvement operates in connection with continuing education offered to a constituent of an organization. In this context, the constituent has an account with the card issuer and the improvement includes storing, in association with the account, data associated with a provider's course approved by the organization for enrollment by the constituent. It also includes processing incoming merchant charges to be posted to the account to flag any charge identified as pertaining to the approved course by the associated data and to store such charge as flagged. Finally it includes deferring billing of any flagged charge, pending settlement of such flagged charge under an arrangement with the organization.
Abstract:
A network adapted to target an individual operating a microcomputer that is linked to an Internet to offer this individual goods or services appropriate to his needs that are available at a place within reach of the individual's present location. The microcomputer is provided with a GPS receiver that indicates the present location of the individual, this location and the identity of the individual being transmitted from the microcomputer to a web site on the highway. At the web site, a computer associated with a data bank storing the profiles of a multitude of consumers is programmed to find out whether the identified individual is included in the data bank, and to determine from his profile whether there are available at a place reachable from his present location appropriate goods or services. If a match is found, an offer to supply such goods or services is conveyed from the web site to the microcomputer.
Abstract:
A network adapted to target an individual operating a microcomputer that is linked to an Internet to offer this individual goods or services appropriate to his needs that are available at a place within reach of the individual's present location. The microcomputer is provided with a GPS receiver that indicates the present location of the individual, this location and the identity of the individual being transmitted from the microcomputer to a web site on the highway. At the web site, a computer associated with a data bank storing the profiles of a multitude of consumers is programmed to find out whether the identified individual is included in the data bank, and to determine from his profile whether there are available at a place reachable from his present location appropriate goods or services. If a match is found, an offer to supply such goods or services is conveyed from the web site to the microcomputer.
Abstract:
A method for eliminating airborne microorganisms in an air duct comprises placing a device containing at least one light emitting diode (LED) in the air duct so that the air flow passes through the beam emitted by the LED.
Abstract:
A collapsible insert having one or more chambers and at least one weakened area is disclosed. Edible ingredients are placed in the chambers, and the edible ingredients are released through the weakened area when the collapsible insert collapses. A bottle having a removable cap that can hold the collapsible insert also can be provided. The collapsible insert collapses when the removable cap is placed on the bottle so that the edible substance is released through the weakened area into the bottle. The collapsible member can also have an extending tube that fits into a neck of the bottle, exposing the collapsible insert. When the cap is placed on the bottle, it collapses the collapsible insert to release the ingredients into the bottle.
Abstract:
A system and method of providing a computer microscope is disclosed. The system includes a portable enclosure that encloses an interior, a source of light mounted on the enclosure that illuminates the interior, an imager mounted on the enclosure that can generate an image of the interior, wherein the imager has no image viewer and a communication channel that can provide the image on an output. A computer is connected to the communication channel to be able to display the images from the imager.
Abstract:
A book with a USB connection is provided. The book also has a memory and optionally a processor. One or more documents are stored in the memory. When the book is connected to a personal computer, the documents can be displayed on the personal computer. The documents can be modified and stored on the memory in the book for later use by the book's owner. A server can also be connected to the personal computer and the progress of a plurality of students with books can be monitored. Educational systems and methods are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A printed publication, such as a book, with a connection is provided. The printed publication has one or more readable codes associated with it which can be read by a scanner or other reader. The scanner provides a connection, preferably via a wireless standard, to a computer. The computer, cell phone, pda or any wi fi system contains software that can decode and relay the information to a platform targeting the proper hyperlinks or directly to those hyperlinks in response to the code can display other the master platform or specific websites.
Abstract:
An article formed from compressed paper, sponge or fabric that is expandable upon contact with water includes a preselected amount of a surface active agent. The article of the invention may also include microencapsulated materials. The article of the invention may be packaged in a package that substantially maintains it in the compressed state until the package is removed. Microencapsulation permits a wide range of products to be incorporated into these compressed products while maintaining the dry, compressed nature of the products. In one aspect, methods are provided that comprise forming the article, that comprises paper, sponge or fabric, in a size of intended use; attaching a plurality of microencapsulated beads containing a material therein to the paper, sponge or fabric; and compressing the article to a compressed size that is smaller than the size of intended use. In another aspect, articles comprise a liquid-expandable paper, sponge or fabric, and a plurality of microencapsulated beads containing a material therein attached to the paper, sponge or fabric.