Abstract: A digital tape measure includes a housing containing a measuring line, a rotatable measuring drum in engagement with the measuring line so that movement of the measuring line causes rotation of the measuring drum, and a rotatable disc coupled with the measuring drum for rotating simultaneously with the measuring drum. The digital tape measure includes an optical sensor in communication with the rotatable disk for compiling data related to rotation of the disk, and electronic circuitry in communication with the optical sensor for processing the compiled data so as to calculate a length of the measuring line drawn from the housing.

Abstract: A device for locating an object behind a wall lining includes a housing having a front portion adapted to fit substantially in the palm of a users hand. Operating switches are located in juxtaposition the grip portion so as to be operable by the user without substantially altering a grip on the housing. The device also includes a sensor comprising a first capacitor plate and a pair of second capacitor plates. The capacitor plates are arranged vertically, and calibrated by a Pulse Width Modulator and integrator. Operating electronics are incorporated into an Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

Abstract: A rotisserie system includes a rotatable skewer adapted to secure meat, the rotatable skewer including a temperature sensor for recording a temperature of the meat and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the temperature. The system also includes a remote temperature monitor having a wireless receiver for receiving the wirelessly transmitted temperature and a visual display for displaying the temperature, whereby the remote temperature monitor is movable away from the rotatable skewer while remaining in wireless communication with the wireless transmitter to enable an operator to continuously monitor the cooking temperature of the meat. The wireless transmission and reception may be accomplished using infrared light or radio frequency waves.

Abstract: An electronic candy and oil thermometer includes a housing having a visual display for displaying indicia associated with a plurality of candy cooking stages and a plurality of fried foods. The housing includes a controller having operating protocols and a memory for storing predetermined optimal temperature ranges for each said candy cooking stage and each said fried food. The electronic thermometer also includes a temperature sensing probe projecting from the housing for obtaining temperature readings and transmitting the temperature readings to the controller, and a control interface provided on the housing and in communication with the controller for selectively activating either a first of the operational protocols for monitoring temperatures associated with the candy cooking stages or a second of the operational protocols for monitoring temperatures associated with the fried foods.

Abstract: An outdoor solar lamp has a stand (10), with a foot (11), that supports a solar cell panel (12) in a housing (13). A passive infrared motion detector (14) is mounted in a peripheral surface of the housing (13). Incandescent lamps and a halogen lamp (not shown) are supported behind diffusers (15 and 16) respectively. The incandescent lamps operate automatically to be turned ON and OFF as required in a generally known manner. The halogen lamp is provided for security and is controlled to be turned ON when motion is sensed by the detector (14) to illuminate and indicate the presence of an intruder. A security mode of the halogen lamp is armed and disarmed remotely, using a handheld infrared transmitter.

Abstract: A torch which has re-chargeable batteries is provided with a plug 14 that fits a conventional domestic wall socket for automatic charging of the batteries. The plug 14 is retractable by relative rotation into a body 10 of the torch when not required. An electro luminescent sheet (not shown) is mounted behind an aperture in the body 10 so that a "glow" is provided whenever the plug is inserted in a live mains socket. The glow enables the torch to be conveniently used as a night light.