Abstract: A disappearing interface system for a device, such as an appliance (e.g., a cooking range) having an interactive user interface, a light-emitting device (e.g., a LED), a microprocessor based LED fader electronic control system that uses a PWM signal to drive an A/D circuit to control the intensity (e.g., fade in/out) of the light-emitting device.

Abstract: A project calculator, including a housing, a circuit board mounted within the housing and including a processor, an input device connected to the circuit board and interfacing with the processor, an output device connected to the circuit board and interfacing with the processor, and a distance sensor rotatably mounted to the housing and interfacing with the processor. A laser assembly is may also be rotatably mounted to the housing and configured to provide a visual indicator to an object to which the distance sensor is pointing. One or more level indicators may also be mounted to the housing.

Abstract: An alkaline battery charger with universal connectors for the charging of alkaline batteries of type AA, AAA, C, and D includes a spring loaded slide bar, moving charging studs fixed into the spring loaded slide bar, a battery tray, four fixed lower charging studs, two fixed middle charging studs, two fixed upper charging studs, a safety cut off switch, a cover, an LCD showing charging status of each battery, and a PCB including independent circuitry for self monitoring which detects faults and places the unit into a safe operating mode.

Abstract: An enclosure providing a workspace for astronauts, deep-sea divers, etc. wearing pressurized suits includes a housing providing a substantially-closed chamber, a port providing access to the chamber, and a connector circumscribing the port. The enclosure's connector is configured to mate with, and form an airtight seal with, a complementary connector of the suit to close the chamber. A pressure control system may be provided to pressurize and depressurize the chamber. After connecting the enclosure to the suit, the closed chamber may be pressurized to balance pressures internal and external to the suit to facilitate manual operations. Any mated connectors of suit portions internal to the enclosure may be decoupled to expose a human limb, etc., and yet the pressure in the chamber may be maintained. The suit may include a limb-engaging seal resisting intermixing of chamber gases with suit gases while matable connectors of the suit are decoupled.

Abstract: Acne-affected skin has been found to be accompanied by the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMPs and neutrophil elastase, induction of neutrophils, and a reduction in procollagen biosynthesis. This invention treats scarring and inflammation accompanying acne by administering, topically or systemically, at least one of (i) an inhibitor of the matrix degrading enzymes and (ii) a cytokine inhibitor that alleviates inflammation and thus also alleviate neutrophil infiltration. Alleviating the matrix degradation and renormalizing procollagen biosynthesis allows for reduced inflammation and better natural repair of acne-affected skin. Inhibiting cytokines alleviates induction of MMPs in resident skin cells, and also alleviates inflammation with its concommitant induction of neutrophils from the blood stream bringing MMPs and elastase into the acne lesion.

Abstract: A range for heating foods having a body comprising a top surface, a first chamber located within the range, a second chamber located within the range, multiple heating elements arranged on the top surface for cooking food, an upper and lower heating element arranged within the first chamber, a warming element arranged within the second chamber, a control system further having a central processor for controlling the operation of the range, and an operator interface operatively connected to the central processor.

Abstract: An appliance includes a cavity having one or more rack structures therein. One or more rack sensors are operatively coupled to the appliance cavity to sense a presence or absence of the one or more rack structures within the cavity.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cooktop heating system that include a first cooktop heating element, a second cooktop heating element, and an interface device. The system also includes a controller for selectively associating the interface device with any one or both of the first cooktop heating element and the second cooktop heating element. In another aspect, the system includes at least one cooktop heating element, a potentiometer, and controller arrangement operatively connected between the potentiometer and the at least one cooktop heating element to determine heating of the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the input provided by the potentiometer and control power provision to the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the determination.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a main oven, a controller for controlling the main oven, a mini-oven, and a control for controlling the mini-oven, wherein the control is in communication with the controller.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cooktop heating system that include a first cooktop heating element, a second cooktop heating element, and an interface device. The system also includes a controller for selectively associating the interface device with any one or both of the first cooktop heating element and the second cooktop heating element. In another aspect, the system includes at least one cooktop heating element, a potentiometer, and controller arrangement operatively connected between the potentiometer and the at least one cooktop heating element to determine heating of the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the input provided by the potentiometer and control power provision to the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the determination.

Abstract: A lighter includes (1) a housing; (2) a rechargeable electric power source contained in the housing; (3) a heating element operatively connected to the power source; (4) an actuator for selectively connecting the heating element to the power source resulting in electricity being delivered to the heating element to cause heating thereof; and (5) a first feature for indicating a charge level of the power source and for indicating when the heating element is at an optimal temperature for igniting an object. The first feature can also indicate the charge level when the device is being charged.

Abstract: An oven having a cooking cavity and a removable rack structure has a rack sensor in the oven. The sensor provides an indication of an absence or presence of the structure and an oven control permits oven cleaning in response to the indication of the absence of the structure or prevents oven cleaning in response to the indication of the presence of the structure.

Abstract: The power tool has a gripping member with a base which has a desired configuration with an outer and inner surface. The base has a desired structural rigidity and a skin receiving member. A skin covers the base and has a configuration to mate with the base to provide a pocket between the base and the skin. A gel material is positioned in the pocket. Also, the base includes a mechanism to couple the gripping member with the tool housing.

Abstract: UVB radiation of about 300-310 nm wavelength and UVA radiation of about 380-390 nm wavelength, each of which exists in solar light, induces MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) in human skin that degrade the collagen of the dermal matrix. This degradation contributes to photoaging of human skin, which can be prevented by blocking these wavelengths of solar radiation. In contrast, diseases that result in the overproduction of collagen can be treated by exposing the affected with to radiation having wavelengths in those regions, for these wavelengths not only induce MMPs but also inhibit collagen biosynthesis. For lighter skinned people so affected, the UVA wavelengths are preferred because of the reduced amount of erythema, whereas dark skinned people can be treated with the UVB radiation because they generally do not suffer from erythema.

Abstract: Provided is a cooking appliance, such as a convection cooking appliance. The appliance includes a heating element, an annunciator, and a user interface for receiving a plurality of control settings from a user. The control settings include a time setting. The appliance further includes a controller operatively connected to the user interface for provision of the plurality of control settings to the controller. The controller includes an alarm point determination section for determining an alarm point based on the time setting, an annunciator control section for controlling the annunciator based on the alarm point, wherein the annunciator produces periodic annunciations, and a repeat period determination section for determining a repeat period for the periodic annunciations.

Abstract: A cooking device for cooking an item where the device includes an input for a source of cooking energy; a cooking element for applying the cooking energy to the item; a cooking control for controlling the application of the cooking energy to the item; a lockout selectable for preventing application of the cooking energy to the cooking element, the lockout being non-selectable when the cooking control is activated; and a user interface, the interface providing an indication of selection of the lockout in response to a user attempt to activate the cooking control when the lockout is selected.

Abstract: Rosacea is treated with a composition comprising an antimicrobial and at least one of an anti-inflammatory and a non-retinoid inhibitor of at least one of NF-KB, AP-1, MMPs, adhesion molecules, TLRs, and CD14. The composition may further comprise a retinoid.

Abstract: Acne-affected skin has been found to be accompanied by the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMPs and neutrophil elastase, induction of neutrophils, and a reduction in procollagen biosynthesis. This invention treats scarring and inflammation accompanying acne by administering, topically or systemically, at least one of (i) an inhibitor of the matrix degrading enzymes and (ii) a cytokine inhibitor that alleviates inflammation and thus also alleviate neutrophil infiltration. Alleviating the matrix degradation and renormalizing procollagen biosynthesis allows for reduced inflammation and better natural repair of acne-affected skin. Inhibiting cytokines alleviates induction of MMPs in resident skin cells, and also alleviates inflammation with its concommitant induction of neutrophils from the blood stream bringing MMPs and elastase into the acne lesion.

Abstract: Photoaging of human skin, such as evidenced by the increased presence of matrix metalloproteinases after exposure to UV radiation, is prevented by pre-treating the skin with an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) prior to exposure. Such inhibitor are preferably natural, an example of which is genistein. Compositions used for such purposes preferably include an EGF-R as well as another MMP inhibitor, such as a retinoid.

Abstract: Acne-affected skin has been found to be accompanied by the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMPs and neutrophil elastase, induction of neutrophils, and a reduction in procollagen biosynthesis. This invention treats scarring and inflammation accompanying acne by administering, topically or systemically, at least one of (i) an inhibitor of the matrix degrading enzymes and (ii) a cytokine inhibitor that alleviates inflammation and thus also alleviate neutrophil infiltration. Alleviating the matrix degradation and renormalizing procollagen biosynthesis allows for reduced inflammation and better natural repair of acne-affected skin. Inhibiting cytokines alleviates induction of MMPs in resident skin cells, and also alleviates inflammation with its concommitant induction of neutrophils from the blood stream bringing MMPs and elastase into the acne lesion.