Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable feed roller to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements. The feed roller moves in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position to engage and disengage the stack when advancing the paper therethrough. Alternatively, a rotatable cam may be used. In an embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable drum or rotatable belt with an internal vacuum to lift paper from the stack and feed into the shredder mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus in an example comprises a proximity sensor and a controller. The proximity sensor serves to indicate a presence of a living object within a preselected distance of an electrically powered outlet receptacle. The controller performs a preselected control action in connection with an operation of the electrically powered outlet receptacle upon a determination the living object is within the preselected distance of the electrically powered outlet receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable feed roller to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements. The feed roller moves in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position to engage and disengage the stack when advancing the paper therethrough. Alternatively, a rotatable cam may be used. In an embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable drum or rotatable belt with an internal vacuum to lift paper from the stack and feed into the shredder mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable feed roller to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements. The feed roller moves in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position to engage and disengage the stack when advancing the paper therethrough. Alternatively, a rotatable cam may be used. In an embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable drum or rotatable belt with an internal vacuum to lift paper from the stack and feed into the shredder mechanism.

Abstract: Illuminated, decorative light objects are disclosed that provide at least one aesthetic lighting display or light show, and to a user interface for the same. A disclosed decorative light object includes a translucent housing. The housing has a bottom opening leading into a cavity. The object also includes a base assembly that covers the bottom opening of the housing. The base assembly includes a user interface. The user interface includes light show circuitry, memory for storing a plurality of light shows, switches or buttons for recalling the light shows from the memory and at least one light group comprising red, green and blue lights. The switches of the user interface are supported in the bottom opening. The light show circuitry, memory and lights are supported within the cavity. Preferably, a translucent light pipe with a roughened lambertian outer surface covers and hides the circuitry and the lights. As the light shines through the light pipe it is diffused thereby creating a warm glowing appearance.

Abstract: A system for detecting a container or contents of the container. The system includes a diffuser for retaining the container, where the container is configured to hold an active material therein and may include a wick extending therefrom. The system further includes a sensor positioned to detect, for example, the container retained in the diffuser and/or the contents of the container retained in the diffuser.

Abstract: A system for detecting a container or contents of the container. The system includes a diffuser for retaining the container, where the container is configured to hold an active material therein and may include a wick extending therefrom. The system further includes a sensor positioned to detect, for example, the container retained in the diffuser and/or the contents of the container retained in the diffuser.

Abstract: The present invention is an air purifier including an ionizing assembly that operates to charge particulate material in an air flow passing through the purifier. The charged particulate material is attracted to and retained by a filter element disposed downstream of the ionization assembly and having an electrical charge opposite to the charged particulate material. The purified air passing through the filter is directed out of the device, optionally in conjunction with a fragrance that is added to the purified air flow. The ionizing assembly is formed with a ground member disposed adjacent the ionizing member to keep the electrons generated by the ionizing assembly within the purifier, and thus prevent static discharges from occurring outside of the purifier. The air flow is directed by a fan through the purifier in an angular and substantially laminar manner, such that the efficiency of the purifier is increased.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a heated gel includes a housing having a recess therein, a coupling assembly disposed in the housing and adapted to retain a pressurized gel container in the recess and a heater assembly disposed in the housing. The heater assembly includes a heater selectively operable to develop heat and a heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with the heater and having a chamber for receiving a quantity of gel. The heater assembly further includes a first valve in fluid communication with a first portion of the chamber and operable to expose the chamber to pressurized gel and a second valve in fluid communication with a second portion of the chamber and operable to allow dispensing of gel without substantial foaming.

Abstract: A shave gel is disposed within a container having a container body defining a space for storage of the product and a valve in fluid communication with the space. A hollow stem is disposed in fluid communication with the valve and includes an exterior end that has at least one side opening therethrough. The valve is actuable to dispense product through the side opening.

Abstract: A machine, method and medium for implementing functions using an input device in a manner that enhances efficient operation of a mechanism capable of operating in at least two states. The functions are implemented via a convenient input device, such as a mouse. One or more specified actuators of the input device implement a given function when the mechanism is in a first state, while at least one of those actuators implements a different function when the mechanism is in a second state. In embodiments of the present invention contemplating that the mechanism is a microscope system, two states in which the microscope system is envisioned to operate are a scan state and a pause state. The scan state allows the microscope system to execute a pre-defined scan sequence, while the pause state allows the microscope system to pause from that sequence.

Abstract: A machine, method and medium for implementing functions using an input device in a manner that enhances efficient operation of a mechanism capable of operating in at least two states. The functions are implemented via a convenient input device, such as a mouse. One or more specified actuators of the input device implement a given function when the mechanism is in a first state, while at least one of those actuators implements a different function when the mechanism is in a second state. In embodiments of the present invention contemplating that the mechanism is a microscope system, two states in which the microscope system is envisioned to operate are a scan state and a pause state. The scan state allows the microscope system to execute a pre-defined scan sequence, while the pause state allows the microscope system to pause from that sequence.

Abstract: A flea trap including a horizontally oriented base and a vertically oriented cover, the cover extending upwardly from the rear edge of the base, and the base extending forwardly from the bottom edge of the cover. The base has a horizontal insert tray slot adapted to receive an insert tray that has a tacky upper surface. The insert tray slot has an upwardly opening tray slot window, through which fleas may fall to land on the tacky surface, and access means for the insertion and removal of the insert tray. The cover has a light source with means to direct the light substantially forwardly, across the base, toward the area in front of the flea trap.

Abstract: An insect trap having a back portion and a base portion oriented at essentially right angles to each other. The trap back portion contains a light source to attract insects, especially fleas, to the trap and the trap base portion contains an insect structure which bears on its surface an adhesive material for trapping the insects attracted to the trap. The trap back and base portions may be configured so that they may be folded against each other when the trap is not in use.

Abstract: A serial impact printer including a platen mounted for rotation upon a support frame, a print element having character imprinting portions disposed thereon and a print element selector for moving the print element to position a selected character imprinting portion at a printing position. A high effective mass hammer, driven toward and away from the platen in a timed manner, drives each selected character imprinting portion for deforming the platen with a printing force. A carriage mounted for reciprocating movement generally parallel to the platen, supports thereon the print element, the print element selector, the hammer and the hammer driver, and a stationary reaction bar secured to the support frame is spaced from and extends parallel to the platen. The reaction bar incudes a reaction surface against which the carriage is urged for developing the printing force as the hammer deforms the platen.

Abstract: Apparatus for adapting a common dc motor for use in a typewriter to drive the ribbon lift and advance functions. The motor is coupled by means of a set of gears to a shaft on which are mounted the ribbon advance gear and ribbon lift cams. Also mounted on the shaft is a slotted disk. As the motor and disk rotate, an optical sensor outputs a signal for each slot. A processor then computes the motor speed from the slot timing and issues modulated pulses to the motor to regulate its speed.

Abstract: A circuit is described for selectively increasing the number of text rows on the display screen of a CRT. The number of scan lines in each text row is reduced by one in response to a display format selection signal. The scan lines so saved are utilized to form two additional text rows. A variable modulus scan line counter is used in combination with a decoder to provide the scan line counter modulus desired. Additionally, a text row counter is used in combination with a second decoder to selectively change the modulus of the text row counter to correspond with the selected modulus of the scan line counter. A compressed display is provided by simultaneously changing the modulus of both the scan line and text row counters.