Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing measured lengths of toilet seat cover material onto a toilet seat and for collecting used cover materials includes an integrated system to improve performance. The apparatus includes sensors to determine the orientation of the seat to prevent dispensation when the seat is raised. Computer circuitry, programmable for different supply lengths of cover, displays the number of dispensations remaining and can provide warning signals as the remaining number decreases to a preset value. Communication with a remote control facility is provided to allow remote inquiry of the status of the apparatus, including the number of dispensations available.

Abstract: A battery safety device and circuit which prevents detrimental effect from the three most common battery faults generally encountered, excessive heat generation, voltage reversal and short circuit problems. The device includes fast acting circuits which latch the battery in the off state until reset by removal of the load, thereby preventing continued cycling of the battery between on and off states. The safety device includes a gating transistor such as a MOSFET (metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor) switch, a latching timer (RC circuit) and a latching circuit having a transistor which turns on when a charge is 0.5 volts or greater. The safety device further comprises one or more sensor switches triggered by predetermined thermal, pressure, etc., conditions, with the switches being outside the circuit (and not affected by circuit conditions) and adapted to provide a latching voltage to the gating transistor under a detected untoward condition.

Abstract: An improved superregenerative detector including input elements for receiving a high frequency carrier signal having an amplitude envelope upon which an information signal is impressed, the detector also including a first and a second oscillator and output elements for producing an output signal corresponding to the information signal. The detector features use of feedback components among the output elements, the feedback components including an operational amplifier and reference signal connected to the first and second oscillators such that the output signal of the operational amplifier may be used to constrain a transistor that defines the first amplifier to operate within its linear portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for remotely controlling electrical loads having resistive or complex impedances. The apparatus features a controller having a transmitter and a companion receiver. The transmitter is preferably hand-held and includes a command generator at which commands are selected; a modulator responsive to the command signals for generating modulation signals containing the load control information; an oscillator responsive to the modulation signals for generation short-duration bursts of r.f. carrier whose positions in time convey the load control information; and an antenna for radiating the modulated, r.f. carrier.