Systems and methods for dispensing items utilizing a housing having a compartment configured to store a quantity of items, a dispensing device configured to dispense at least one of the items from the housing to an individual, an activation device configured to activate the dispensing device to dispense the at least one item from the housing in response to an interaction with the individual, an outlet in the housing through which the items may be individually dispensed from the housing by the dispensing device, and one or more light sources that emit UV-C radiation within the housing and irradiate exterior surfaces of the items or packaging of the items with the UV-C radiation. Methods utilizing the system may be used to dispense items, such as sacramental elements for Communion.

One example includes an illumination device. The illumination device can include at least one electric light source and a transceiver configured to communicatively interface with a remote device. The illumination device can further include a processor configured to obtain a real-time clock and present calendar day reference from the remote device via the transceiver. The processor can further be configured to at least one of activate and deactivate the at least one electric light source at respective predefined times associated with at least one religious ceremony based on the real-time clock and the present calendar day reference.

Various components for artificial candles and other lighting devices are described that can be used to create a realistic flame effect in the devices. The devices include a flame element that extends upwardly from a housing. A light source can be disposed with respect to the flame element such that the flame element is illuminated. A variety of drive mechanisms could be disposed within the body of the device that can cause movement of the flame element with respect to the housing. The flame element can be coupled to a housing or mounting bracket of the device using various components to suspend the flame element within the housing.

Various components for artificial candles and other lighting devices are described that can be used to create a realistic flame effect in the devices. The devices include a flame element that extends upwardly from a housing. A light source can be disposed with respect to the flame element such that the flame element is illuminated. A variety of drive mechanisms could be disposed within the body of the device that can cause movement of the flame element with respect to the housing. The flame element can be coupled to a housing or mounting bracket of the device using various components to suspend the flame element within the housing.

A stocking topper having components which are combined to form an insert to be placed into or atop an open topped container, such as a Christmas stocking. The stocking topper provides a receptacle into which various items can be inserted such that they will be positioned in an upper area of a stocking while also providing entertaining visual features.

A stocking topper having components which are combined to form an insert to be placed into or atop an open topped container, such as a Christmas stocking. The stocking topper provides a receptacle into which various items can be inserted such that they will be positioned in an upper area of a stocking while also providing entertaining visual features.

A hanger device structurally configured to couple at an edge of a horizontal support is disclosed and described, the hanger device including a hanger support including a horizontal top support having a planar undersurface structurally configured to rest on an upper surface of the horizontal support when in use and an edge extension extending downwardly from the top support and configured to abut an edge of the horizontal support. The hanger device can further include a lower hanger coupled to and extending downwardly from the edge extension, a lower hook coupled to the lower hanger and oriented to suspend a decorative item therefrom, and an engagement lock to slidably coupled to the lower hanger and configured to contact a bottom surface of the horizontal support opposite the horizontal top support to secure the hanger device to the horizontal support.

A hanger device structurally configured to couple at an edge of a horizontal support is disclosed and described, the hanger device including a hanger support including a horizontal top support having a planar undersurface structurally configured to rest on an upper surface of the horizontal support when in use and an edge extension extending downwardly from the top support and configured to abut an edge of the horizontal support. The hanger device can further include a lower hanger coupled to and extending downwardly from the edge extension, a lower hook coupled to the lower hanger and oriented to suspend a decorative item therefrom, and an engagement lock to slidably coupled to the lower hanger and configured to contact a bottom surface of the horizontal support opposite the horizontal top support to secure the hanger device to the horizontal support.

The invention discloses a drinking vessel comprising a beverage container and a spillage receptacle, the latter having an opening which excessively encompasses the vertical projection of the widest outer periphery of the beverage container. The spillage receptacle further comprises an annulated top surface designed to maintain the spillage in the spillage receptacle while the drinking vessel is tilted. The invention also provides a drinking vessel comprising a beverage container, a spillage receptacle which encompasses the vertical projection of the widest outer periphery of the beverage container, and an annulated draining surface (e.g. a funnel) wherein the top end of the spillage receptacle has a wider diameter than a lower holding portion of the drinking vessel, thus protecting the hand of the holder from spillage.

Method consisting in allowing a ritual gesture similar to that used to light a non-lit candle with a lit candle, the method using a system including at least two optical units for the ritual-gestural control of the sending/receiving commands between devices, the commands being turning on, turning off and the like, the devices being provided with at least the optical units.