Abstract: An automatic switch control includes a wheel member having a cam member with a ramp surface. A first plunger mechanism has a first spring member that is operable to urge a first cam follower into sliding engagement with the ramp surface. A second plunger mechanism has a second spring member that is operable to urge a second cam follower into sliding engagement with the ramp surface. The second plunger mechanism is disposed on an opposite side of the toggle from the first plunger mechanism when the automatic switch control is installed over the switch. An electric motor is operable to rotate the cam member to position the first plunger mechanism in a retracted condition and to position the second plunger mechanism in an extended condition that is operable to move the toggle to the on position.

Abstract: A home energy display that receives energy consumption data from a sensor or other source mounted to a home's electric meter. The display can accommodate various pricing structures including tiered rates and time-of use rates and shows various energy consumption information, including real time energy consumption and its associated cost. The display can also “zero out” a home's energy use to provide a base line so that any additional use (e.g. by a single or group of appliances) can be calculated.

Abstract: An automatic switch control fits over a switch on a wall to move a toggle of the switch between an on position and an off position. The automatic switch control generally includes a housing and a wheel member rotatably supported by the housing. The wheel member has a cam member with a ramp surface. An electric motor is operable to rotate the wheel member about an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the wall. A first plunger mechanism has a first spring member that is operable to urge a first cam follower into sliding engagement with the ramp surface. A second plunger mechanism has a second spring member that is operable to urge a second cam follower into sliding engagement with the ramp surface. The second plunger mechanism is disposed on an opposite side of the toggle from the first plunger mechanism when the automatic switch control is installed over the switch.

Abstract: A grill, such as a gas-fired grill, can employ a light assembly for illuminating a cooking area and/or a fuel gage that can be more readily and accurately read to determine an amount of fuel in a fuel tank. The light assembly includes a light source, which is mounted to an upper one of two discrete lids. The light source can be selectively illuminated via a switch. The switch may be coupled to a handle that is employed to open and close the second lid. The handle can be coupled to a side of the lid so as to position the switch in a location that can be relatively cool. The fuel gage can employ a pivoting platform, the motion of which may be employed to determine an amount of fuel in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A tool holder, particularly for holding battery operated scissors, has a base with a mechanism coupled with the base to secure the base to a surface. A holder is coupled with the base. The holder includes a pair of members pivotal with respect to one another between an opened and closed position to receive and release the scissors. A locking mechanism locks the pair of members with respect to one another to lock the scissors between the members.

Abstract: A glue gun assembly has a base and a glue gun for application of an adhesive. The glue gun is removably supported by the base. The glue gun has a heating apparatus that can be heated to heat adhesive which flows out of the glue gun. The glue gun also has a temperature indicator that is movable, between positions, depending on the temperature of the heating apparatus. This indicates the temperature of the heating apparatus to the user. The base includes a support member that positions the glue gun such that an exit end of the glue gun is disposed higher than a receiving end of the glue gun. Accordingly, this reduces dripping of glue from the exit end of the glue gun.

Abstract: A soldering assembly has a base with a support member and at least one workpiece support member to support a workpiece. A soldering iron is removably supported by the base support member. The soldering iron includes a heating element and a heatable tip heated by the heating element. The soldering iron also has a temperature indicator that is movable, between positions, depending on the temperature of the heatable tip. Thus, the soldering iron indicates the temperature of the heatable tip to a user.

Abstract: A table saw guard assembly for guarding a blade on a table saw is provided. The table saw guard assembly includes a support structure and a hood assembly including at least one of a front curtain, first side curtain, second side curtain and top curtain, wherein each of said curtains are independently moveable and/or removable from the hood assembly. Furthermore, a table saw guard assembly is provided including a quick release mechanism for connecting the hood assembly to the support structure.

Abstract: A device to actuate a switch. The switch has a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a switch yoke movable between the first position and the second position adapted to engage the switch toggle and move therewith. The device also includes a first linkage connected to the switch yoke. The first linkage applies a force in response to an input signal to move the switch yoke from the first position to the second position. The first linkage includes a shape memory alloy. The device is configured to permit manual actuation of the switch toggle.