Abstract: There is provided an infrared sensor unit for deactivating an electrical appliance when left unattended by its user. The sensor unit includes a passive infrared sensor for sensing the user through a field of infrared light provided within a viewable distance of the electrical appliance. An adjustable timer is in electrical communication with the passive infrared sensor for counting toward a predetermined amount of time when the user is not sensed within the field of infrared light. The sensor unit further includes a controller device which is in electrical communication with the adjustable timer for deactivating the electrical appliance upon reaching the predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to vehicle monitoring and control systems and more particularly to imposing various conditions on the operation of a vehicle. The conditions may involve, but are not limited to, allowable areas of travel, acceptable times and dates, permissible occupant load, permissible vehicle speeds, and operator alcohol consumption. Various constraining events may be initiated if any and/or all of the conditions are not satisfied. For example, if the operator of a vehicle drives outside an “allowable” area, the vehicle may be disabled.

Abstract: A viewer-presence sensor unit for controlling operation of a television set. The sensor unit first includes a detector for sensing presence of a living being near the television set and a timer for measuring the amount of time of non-presence of a living being. Second, the sensor unit incorporates a power interruption switch activated by the detector for terminating power to the television set upon reaching a measurement of a term of time of non-presence of a living being. Preferably, the term of time is a selectable period, and can range from less than an hour to 24 hours depending upon the needs and viewing habits of a user. Detectors can non-limitedly be chosen from motion sensor and heat sensors, and preferably have utility up to a reasonable viewing distance from the television set. In this manner television sets not in use are automatically turned off to thereby conserve resources otherwise expended as a result of non-viewed operating sets.

Abstract: A computer-controlled telephone system capable of answering a call to a user telephone associated with the system, notifying a user of the call, and telephoning a previous caller upon command by the user. The system has a sensor capable of determining whether the user telephone is in use, and an outgoing message delivery component activateable by the sensor when the user telephone is in use or is unanswered. The outgoing message requests identity information from a caller, and a recorder component is capable of storing this identity information. The system further includes a notification component in communication with the recorder component and capable of automatically audibly notifying the user of the occurrence of the call and capable of providing the identity information, and a dialer component capable upon command of causing dialing of a telephone number included in the identity information from the caller.

Abstract: A retractable and extendable wheel assembly for mounting to a vehicle at wheel positions of the vehicle. The assembly comprises an axle shaft on which a wheel having a central axis can rotate, and a strut having a first end pivotally mounted at a first strut mount site to the axle shaft and a second end pivotally mountable at a second strut mount site to the vehicle. Additionally, the assembly includes an inflatable and deflatable air ram having a first end pivotally mounted to the first end of the strut and a second end pivotally mountable to the vehicle at an upper ram mount site substantially directly above the axle shaft. The second strut mount site is situated forward or rearward from the upper ram mount site. Release of air from an inflated air ram results in a retraction of the ram and the vehicle descends.

Abstract: A multipurpose traveling bag for carrying personal items and/or infant care supplies comprising a primary bag section and a removable auxiliary bag section is disclosed. The primary bag section can be hand carried or worn as a backpack with or without the removable auxiliary bag section. The primary bag section has a fold down seat that can be used as a booster seat by infants in a first or infant care bag embodiment of the present invention and can be used as a seat for adults in a second or backpack embodiment of the present invention. In a third embodiment, the present invention is adapted to be mounted upon a bicycle to additionally provide an infant bicycle seat. In all three embodiments a cooler compartment provides for the storage of perishable food items. The multipurpose traveling bag is constructed of a vinyl or nylon covered extruded plastic framework or can be fabricated from vacuum formed plastic. It is therefore lightweight and easy to clean.

Abstract: An infant care bag for storing bottles, diapers, Wet Wipes, and other infant care supplies comprises a primary bag section and a removable auxiliary bag section is disclosed. The primary bag section can be worn as a backpack with or without the removable auxiliary bag section. The primary bag section stores a variety of infant care supplies and perishable food items and can be used as a booster chair for dining. The removable auxiliary section provides additional storage space and has a compartment for storing a changing pad. The infant care bag is constructed of a fabric coated extruded plastic framework. A second embodiment disclosed in the infant care bag is fabricated from vacuum formed plastic. The infant care bag is therefore lightweight and easy to clean.

Abstract: An infant care bag for storing bottles, diapers, Wet Wipes, and other infant care supplies comprises a primary bag section and a removable auxiliary bag section is disclosed. The primary bag section can be worn as a backpack with or without the removable auxiliary bag section. The primary bag section stores a variety of infant care supplies and perishable food items and can be used as a booster chair for dining. The removable auxiliary section provides additional storage space and has a compartment for storing a changing pad. The infant care bag is constructed of a fabric coated extruded plastic framework. A second embodiment disclosed in the infant care bag is fabricated from vacuum formed plastic. The infant care bag is therefore lightweight and easy to clean.

Abstract: A device for stretching of an anatomical portion of the human body, thereafter holding such body portion in a stretched position for a period of time and thereafter returning such body portion to its original, unstretched position is disclosed. A horizontal base platform is provided with a generally vertical support member. The generally vertical support member is freely movable in a first direction with respect to the base platform member but is restricted from movement in a second direction opposite the first direction. Thus, the user of the device may position the subject anatomical body part in contact with the generally vertical support member and thereafter move the support member in the first direction until such time as the subject body part is optimally or maximally stretched.