Abstract: A volumetric stainless steel structure is provided by punch pressing a single blank and results in a volumetric presentation of alternating bands of stainless steel material. The spacing of the bands is sufficient to provide (1) an interruption in the surface to surface contact which might entrap organic species and (2) a space which allows the epidermis to be scrubbed, manipulated and massaged by the rounded edge of the bands as the hands manipulate it in a way similar the manipulation of soap. Further, the alternating bands provide internal surface area, in the form of the inside of the bands which are protruding, for additional adsorptive area.

Abstract: An improved pool vacuum includes a filter cone and poppet valve combination which enables quick drainage of water which has passed through and been cleaned by the cleaner's filter. A charging circuit is provided with isolation so that the pool vacuum can be used in an electrolytic environment without battery drainage. A combination charger and hang bracket enables the pool vacuum to be stored in a vertical position to both drain and charge simultaneously. An interstitial open exhaust gap between a rear body and nose-cone shaped front section provides a low pressure drop free exhaust area for an impeller. An optionally obstructed bottom gap portion helps to produce a net downward thrust to assist in using the vacuum in deep pools from a long pole structure.

Abstract: A battery powered, automatic feed, disc type grater with a storage cover, interchangeable discs and waterproof motor gives users the ability for one touch operation and extended refrigerator storage and tap water cleaning of the components of the grater. A storage cap/container provides extended storage capability, while a ring stand enables the grater to be operated with the touch of a button while the grater is suspended over an area into which grated material may fall. A pusher assembly provides constant and automatic pressure on a material to be grated and against a grater disk, and a divider sleeve derives turning resistance for material to be grated from the pusher assembly while protecting the holder from contact with the material to be grated.

Abstract: There is provided a mechanism for use in a can opener comprising a body; rotationally mounting to the body about a first axis, a drive wheel for engaging the rim of the can; rotationally mounting to the body about a second axis and drivably rotatable by the drive wheel, a cutter wheel; eccentrically mounting to the cutter wheel, a cutting knife movable on rotation of the cutter wheel to a cutting position in which the cutting knife forms a nip with the drive wheel such that the cutting knife penetrates through the cylindrical wall of the can, and in which an electrical sensor can be used to reverse the position of the cutting wheel back to a start position and in which a mechanical sensor can be used in conjunction with a locking bar to advance the cutting wheel back to a start position.

Abstract: There is provided a mechanism for use in a can opener comprising a body; rotationally mounting to the body about a first axis, a drive wheel for engaging the rim of the can; rotationally mounting to the body about a second axis and drivably rotatable by the drive wheel, a cutter wheel; eccentrically mounting to the cutter wheel, a cutting knife movable on rotation of the cutter wheel to a cutting position in which the cutting knife forms a nip with the drive wheel such that the cutting knife penetrates through the cylindrical wall of the can, and in which an electrical sensor can be used to reverse the position of the cutting wheel back to a start position and in which a mechanical sensor can be used in conjunction with a locking bar to advance the cutting wheel back to a start position.

Abstract: A linear movement food processor may have a battery or power supply operation for portability and includes a set of reversible legs to enable it to be positioned over a plate or container. A series of blades are provided with an external mounting and storage area for quick selection. The drive mechanism utilizes a circular path pin engaging a drive slot on a cutter plate, with the drive mechanism being directly liftable so that the remaining structure of the food processor may be immersibly washed. One embodiment has a cutting stroke of 2.5 inches with a forward cutting stroke of about 0.25 seconds and a return stroke of about 0.25 seconds. In one embodiment a processed food catcher/storage box is provided for processed food collection and stowage/storage of the food processor unit.

Abstract: A linear movement food processor may have a battery or power supply operation for portability and includes a set of reversible legs to enable it to be positioned over a plate or container. A series of blades are provided with an external mounting and storage area for quick selection. The drive mechanism utilizes a circular path pin engaging a drive slot on a cutter plate, with the drive mechanism being directly liftable so that the remaining structure of the food processor may be immersibly washed. One embodiment has a cutting stroke of 2.5 inches with a forward cutting stroke of about 0.25 seconds and a return stroke of about 0.25 seconds.

Abstract: A linear movement food processor may have a battery or power supply operation for portability and includes a set of reversible legs to enable it to be positioned over a plate or container. A series of blades are provided with an external mounting and storage area for quick selection. The drive mechanism utilizes a circular path pin engaging a drive slot on a cutter plate, with the drive mechanism being directly liftable so that the remaining structure of the food processor may be immersibly washed. One embodiment has a cutting stroke of 2.5 inches with a forward cutting stroke of about 0.25 seconds and a return stroke of about 0.25 seconds. In one embodiment a processed food catcher/storage box is provided for process food collection and stowage/storage of the food processor unit.

Abstract: A switching mode power supply uses two power source inputs, an alternating current input and a direct current input. A pulse width modulation controller is used to control current from two primary windings of a transformer. The secondary of the transformer has a rectified direct current output. From the direct current output a current/voltage comparator receives a signal across a sensing resistor and through an inverter and in parallel with respect to the direct current output. The current/voltage comparator may communicate through an opto coupler/isolator and then to a pulse width modulation controller. Instructions are received about the voltage and current necessary to be supplied by the direct current output of the power supply from an internal, circuit board mounted selecting network. The selecting network can be resistive, digital, fiber optical, black and white, or color.

Abstract: A light generating flashlight system device utilizes a large centrally located magnet which is mounted to slide past a magnet pickup or current induction wire which may be preferably mounted at a center point of travel in a tubular housing having a tubular chamber through which the magnet travels. A pair of elastomeric dampers are located each at the end of a support system sleeve which is sized to fit within a main housing to stabilize all internal support within a sealed unit. The result is a device which both facilitates the manual movement of the flashlight body so that the magnet slides past the center magnet pickup or current induction wire, and also conserves the residual momentum of the magnet once it has traveled past the magnet pickup or current induction wire by providing a bumper and spring to conserve some of the mechanical energy going in the other direction. Ninety second of manual activation enables about five minutes of illumination.

Abstract: A hand held, one touch jar opener can be placed on a jar and activated with a momentary touch of a button. An epicyclic gear train is set to sequentially provide a grip on a jar, and on a lid, followed by development of torque needed to move the lid in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the jar. The principles embodied in the opener shown can be realized in an opener which can be manually powered, or preferably motorised and possibly highly automated. A differential geartrain provides reduction of speed and increase in torque and then provides two balanced and opposing forces through the epicyclic gear assembly having sun and planet gears. This configuration enables a wide variety of screw-on lids and jars to be automatically closed to match the correct diameters, apply a gripping force and then apply torque in an opposing direction.