Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand blender having a processing tool for mixing or comminuting foodstuffs. The hand blender has an electric motor, a power source with a first pole electrically connected to the electric motor and a second pole electrically connected to the electric motor, a controller, first and second mechanical switches having a first position and a second position, an electromechanical element for detecting the position of the first mechanical switch, and an electrical switch for detecting the position of the second mechanical switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a domestic appliance with a power source being electrically connectable to an electrical motor for driving a processing tool, the domestic appliance comprising a first mechanical switch being manually switchable from a first position into a second position, a second mechanical switch being manually switchable from a first position into a second position, an electronic safety system with first means for detecting the position of the first mechanical switch and second means for detecting the position of the second mechanical switch, the electronic safety system being constructed such that the motor is only connected to one or both poles of the power source if both mechanical switches are switched into their second position and if the first mechanical switch is switched into its second position before the second mechanical switch is switched into its second position.

Abstract: A system for videoconferencing saves travel time and money. To enable participants to see each other continually and simultaneously, and to show documents and objects, equipment is needed, the costs of which vary with the number of locations to be interconnected, and with measures taken for reducing the needed transmission capacity and the outfit of each terminal. As in known videoconference systems, such as studio, or working place systems, the video and audio signals are switched and/or mixed in the inventive system. The necessary equipment, however, is no longer needed at the respective locations, if a central station for videoconferencing is provided which includes this equipment only in a volume actually necessary for the conference. Each of the connected participant locations only comprises terminal units, the same which are needed for a picture telephone system. In addition, both the video and the audio reception can individually be controlled from each location.

Abstract: Sound signals are created at the eardrums of a listener to correspond to sound signals which would be created at the eardrums of the listener in a predetermined acoustical environment in response to first electrical signals applied to a loudspeaker having known sound-reproducing characteristics. A determination of the relative position of the head of the listener when the listener is in the predetermined acoustical environment is made, producing a second signal. An equalizing network is provided with a first input for receiving said first electrical signals, and a second input for receiving the second signals, and a pair of outputs connected to the earphones on the headset of a listener.