Abstract: A low cost, low parts count electronic circuit that is built into an appliance automatically and continuously checks for an open ground condition or a condition where the power conductors are transposed, at which time, power is interrupted in the appliance. By combining this with an electrical leakage detection circuit and power interrupter at the plug, the electrical safety of the appliance is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and software for exercising human eyes with a monitor onto which is projected a plurality of shapes such that portions of the shapes have a contrast changing at a speed less than or equal to approximately 2.0 cycles/sec. The shapes comprise paired shapes of opposite colors (black/white, red/green, or blue/yellow, or combinations thereof), and the speed is preferably less than or equal to approximately 0.8 cycles/sec. Also a method, apparatus, and software projecting a plurality of symbols each comprising a plurality of bars one of which has a length different than that of others in the symbol. A visual efficiency is calculated based upon a number of identical symbols correctly located by a user and a time to locate the identical symbols.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying pressure-sensitive adhesive labels to articles, especially containers such as bottles, jars and cans. A pair of rollers define a cradle in which an article to be labeled rests. The rollers are adjustably mounted in a frame which also has a feeder reel thereon from which a roll of labels are paid out on a strip of substrate. The label-bearing substrate strip is wrapped around an edge of a plate mounted on the frame. Waste substrate is pinched between one of the cradle rollers and the article and then re-wound back to the roll on the feeder reel, so that the manual rolling of the article in the cradle pulls the label-bearing substrate from the roll to the edge of the plate. At the point where the substrate wraps around the edge of the plate, the label detaches from the substrate and is applied to the article. This action is repeated to serially apply labels to many articles. The apparatus is adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of article and container types and sizes.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for supporting and maintaining fascia in proper position during installation upon the exterior of a building, such as a residential dwelling. A forked member is temporarily attached to the eave of the building. A cross member is connected to the forked member. The vertical position of the cross member, relative to the forked member, is adjustable and temporarily fixable. A support member, upon which the fascia rests and is supported, is connectable to the cross member. The horizontal position of the support member, relative to the cross member, is adjustable and temporarily fixable. By selectively adjusting the horizontal position of the support member, and by selectively adjusting the vertical position of the cross member to which the support member is connected, the position of the support member, and thus the fascia, is precisely adjustable in two dimensions. The apparatus thus permits the fascia to be held in proper place while the user permanently installs the fascia to the building.

Abstract: A portable oxidant generator for generating oxidants suitable for sterilizing contaminated drinking water, thereby providing potable water. The oxidant generator optionally comprises an electrolytic cell and a power supply or source for powering the generator. In a preferred embodiment, the cell holds an electrolyte solution such that the solution contacts an anode and a cathode. The power supply provides electrical charge that is passed to the electrolyte solution and/or other electrolyte substance. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power supply includes an energy storage device that is charged to predetermined voltage. The energy storage device is preferably charged by a generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The present invention optionally includes an electrolyte storage compartment in the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a note locator for stringed instruments, as well as a method of use, is presented. The application of acoustic laws allows calculation of the location for note position indicators upon the note locator. These locations are presented in a visual format. Note locator (10) comprises a flexible planar top and bottom surface wherein the top surface has note position indicators (60) of color and the bottom surface has an adhesive so that it can be placed beneath the strings of the instrument along the fingerboard without interfering with the normal operation of the instrument. Fingerboard alignment indicators (16, 18) aid in correct placement of the note locator. The user learns correct finger placement for playing the instrument by visually identifying colors with the notes of the equitempered chromatic scale.