Abstract: A verification and activation module for a product remembers where the product was purchased, the purchase date, purchase price, length of warranty, name and address of purchasing consumer, etc. The verification and activation module may enable operation of the product, enable operation of a replacement product and disable a defective product that has been replaced under warranty or after an out of warranty service exchange. It may be removable from the product and may be packed separately or installed in the product. It may be programmed at the time of product purchase using wireless means, e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared (IRD), or by direct electrical connection to a programmer at the point of sale.

Abstract: A multi-fragrance scent dispenser includes a housing having an outlet opening; first and second holders in the housing for holding first and second liquid fragrance containers having first and second wicks, respectively, extending out of the first and second liquid fragrance containers; a first heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the first wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a second heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the second wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a control circuit which selectively controls activation of the first and second heaters; and a blocking plate movable relative to the heaters for at least partially blocking escape of evaporated fragrance through the outlet opening from at least one of the first and second wicks.

Abstract: A multi-fragrance scent dispenser includes a housing having an outlet opening; first and second holders in the housing for holding first and second liquid fragrance containers having first and second wicks, respectively, extending out of the first and second liquid fragrance containers; a first heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the first wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a second heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the second wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a control circuit which selectively controls activation of the first and second heaters; and a blocking plate movable relative to the heaters for at least partially blocking escape of evaporated fragrance through the outlet opening from at least one of the first and second wicks.

Abstract: A multi-fragrance scent dispenser includes a housing having an outlet opening; first and second holders in the housing for holding first and second liquid fragrance containers having first and second wicks, respectively, extending out of the first and second liquid fragrance containers; a first heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the first wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a second heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the second wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a control circuit which selectively controls activation of the first and second heaters; and a blocking plate movable relative to the heaters for at least partially blocking escape of evaporated fragrance through the outlet opening from at least one of the first and second wicks.

Abstract: A multi-fragrance scent dispenser includes a housing having an outlet opening; first and second holders in the housing for holding first and second liquid fragrance containers having first and second wicks, respectively, extending out of the first and second liquid fragrance containers; a first heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the first wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a second heater positioned in the housing to be in surrounding relation to the second wick when the first liquid fragrance container is held by the first holder; a control circuit which selectively controls activation of the first and second heaters; and a blocking plate movable relative to the heaters for at least partially blocking escape of evaporated fragrance through the outlet opening from at least one of the first and second wicks.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box for cats employs a comb drive to drive a comb through litter to remove waste from the litter. A sensor for detecting the presence of an obstruction is coupled to the comb drive and stops the comb drive upon detecting an obstruction. A manual mode selector switch and an actuating switch are provided to manually activate the cleaning of the litter box at a time deemed appropriate by the cat owner. A foot pedal unit may be provided for semi-automatic use. A removable tray for cat litter may be provided. The tray may be disposable. A pivotable ramp facilitates ingress to, and egress from, the litter box. The ramp may be carpeted. A tray receives the litter box and a hood encloses the litter box to provide privacy.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box for cats employs a comb drive to drive a comb through litter to remove waste from the litter. A sensor for detecting the presence of an obstruction is coupled to the comb drive and stops the comb drive upon detecting an obstruction. A manual mode selector switch and an actuating switch are provided to manually activate the cleaning of the litter box at a time deemed appropriate by the cat owner. A foot pedal unit may be provided for semi-automatic use. A removable tray for cat litter may be provided. The tray may be disposable. A pivotable ramp facilitates ingress to, and egress from, the litter box. The ramp may be carpeted. A tray receives the litter box and a hood encloses the litter box to provide privacy.

Abstract: A hair dryer including more than one switch to control air flow rate and/or temperature. The switches are located on different portions of the hair dryer, allowing the user to select air flow rate and/or temperature when gripping the dryer in different ways. In one aspect, a switch is mounted like a trigger on a pistol-shaped hair dryer. A collar located entirely around the hair dryer's barrel mechanically links this trigger switch to a lever positioned on the barrel. When the lever on the barrel is squeezed or pulled, the collar rotates around a pivot to activate the trigger. This collar arrangement thus provides a second switch to control the air flow rate and/or temperature of the dryer.

Abstract: A time-based electrical appliance multi-mode control circuit and indicator arrangement which is connected to a power supply and an on and off switch. Upon turning the switch on, power is simultaneously supplied to the electrical appliance load and to a dual timer circuit. A first timer in the circuit is immediately energized causing a first indicator to represent an on state to the user. After a predetermined length of time, the first timer causes one output to go low, turning off the on state indicator and respectively turning on a ready state indicator. A second timer is then activated for a second predetermined period. At the end of the second period, the ready state indicator is turned off and the standby state indicator is turned on. At the same time, a triac connected to the electrical appliance load is turned off causing the power to the load to be automatically switched off.

Abstract: A heat generating curling implement includes a generally cylindrical body member about which hair may be wound and containing two heat radiating U-shaped plates with interlinking base portions with a positive temperature coefficient heating element sandwiched between the inside surfaces of the interlinked base portions. Each plate has two heat radiating legs. All legs extend substantially in the same direction. The legs of both plates partially co-extend. The interlinking base portions do not contact one another. An electrode pin is in electrical contact through a contact plate to one of the radiating U-shaped plates. The electrode pin does not extend through the PTC element and does not extend through the base portion of the radiating plate. An electrode ring surrounds the electrode pin and is electrically insulated therefrom and electrically connected to the other radiating U-shaped plates through a second contact plate.

Abstract: A hair dryer including a blower for selectively generating a current of air at various flow rates, a thermostatically controlled electrical heater for selectively heating the current of air at various heat generation rates and a switch mode switch and associated circuitry for selectively activating the heater and the blower and including a three position switch actuated by a single button and having a first normal mode position wherein the heater is activated to generate heat at a first heating rate and the blower is activated to generate a current of air having a first flow rate, a second cool-shot mode position wherein the heater is activated to generate heat at a second heating rate which is less than the first heat rate and the blower means is activated to generate a current of air having a second flow rate which is less than the first flow rate and a third hot-shot mode position whereupon the heater is activated to generate heat at a third heating rate which is equal to or greater than the first heat rat

Abstract: A contact lens cleaning system having a chamber and a pump for generating streams of cleaning fluid within the chamber. The lenses are carried in lens retainers which rotate within the chamber and are exposed to the streams of cleaning fluid. The lens retainers are mounted on a single spindle held at both ends. The rotatable disposition of the lens retainers allow the lens to rotate and thus a greater extent if not essentially all of the surface area of the lens experiences the enhanced cleaning effect of the streams of cleaning fluid. The holding of the spindle at both ends insures that a uniform distribution of the impingement of cleaning fluid across the lens may be effected.

Abstract: A hair curling roller with a flocked outer surface for curling the hair. The curling roller includes a central core member having an opening in one lateral end of the core member and longitudinally extending within the core member; this core member is formed of a material highly conductive of heat. A hollow sleeve member with a flocked outer surface is arranged on the core member. A first end ring is attached to the core member at one lateral end thereof; this first end ring has a flange extending over but spaced from the adjacent end portion of the flocked outer surface of the sleeve member. A second end ring having an attachment member is connected to the core member at the other lateral end thereof by the attachment; the second end ring has a flange extending over but spaced from the adjacent end portion of the flocked outer surface of the sleeve member. The first and second end rings are formed of a low heat conducting material.

Abstract: An electric curling iron includes an electrically heated cylinder having an exterior surface around which hair is wrapped for applying heat to the hair being curled and a partial cylindrical clamp member pivotally movable toward and away from the cylinder for clamping the hair against the cylinder. Rotation of the curling iron during use is facilitated by a main handle and clamp handle coupled to the heated cylinder and clamp member, respectively. The main handle and clamp handle are elongated members grippable in one hand of the user of the iron and are freely rotatable relative to the cylinder and clamp member so as to enable the cylinder and clamp member to be rotated within the hand of the user while hair is clamped between the clamp member and cylinder. The main and clamp handle are each provided with a locking mechanism selectively movable between a first position locking the respective handles against rotation and a second position wherein the respective handles are free to rotate.

Abstract: An improved hair curling iron is disclosed having a heat conductive cylinder with a flocked outer surface and a hollow center, a handle joined to the cylinder, a heating element disposed within the hollow center of the cylinder, an electrical mechanism activating the heating element when connected to a source of electrical power, and a clamp having a partial cylindrical section with a flocked inner surface which is biased against the flocked outer surface of the cylinder by a spring.

Abstract: A hair curling roller with a flocked outer surface for curling the hair. The curling roller includes a central core member having an opening in one lateral end of the core member and longitudinally extending within the core member; this core member is formed of a material highly conductive of heat. A hollow sleeve member with a flocked outer surface is arranged on the core member. A first end ring is attached to the core member at one lateral end thereof; this first end ring has a flange extending over but spaced from the adjacent end portion of the flocked outer surface of the sleeve member. A second end ring having an attachment member is connected to the core member at the other lateral end thereof by the attachment; the second end ring has a flange extending over but spaced from the adjacent end portion of the flocked outer surface of the sleeve member. The first and second end rings are formed of a low heat conducting material.

Abstract: In combination with an electrical appliance, an automatic warning circuit to warn a user of an electrical hazard wherein the warning circuit comprises a timing circuit responsive to turn-off of the electrical appliance for generating a triggering signal after lapse of a predetermined time period after turn-off thereby to energize an audible alarm. The timing circuit and alarm are useful for warning a user of the appliance of an electrical safety hazard brought out by the appliance being connected to a power line while not being used.

Abstract: A portable, compact foot treatment unit to be used either with or without water and capable of providing various combinations of heat and massage is disclosed. The unit includes a casing having a tub for receiving a liquid. Heat is provided both at the water line level and also below the foot rests to achieve a uniform temperature throughout the water bath. Other features that can be included are an improved vibrator assembly and foot rests having raised arch portions with anatomically designed features. The vibrator includes a C-shaped vibrator plate and a power transformer mounted at the upper end portion of the plate. The lower end portion of the plate is mounted in the casing at the level of the floor of the casing. The floor of the casing has a foot receiving section that has a specially formed anatomically shaped arch construction.