Abstract: A gas pump handle holding device for preventing transfer of odors and germs from the handle to the hand of the user includes a biaser, a pair of grasps, and a pair of clamps. Each grasp has a lower section that is coupled to the biaser. The grasps are positioned on the biaser such that the biaser orients the grasps to an open disposition. Each clamp is coupled to and extends from proximate to a bottom edge of a lower section of a respective grasp. The clamps are positioned on the grasps such that the grasps are configured to squeeze in a hand of the user to reversibly motivate the clamps from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The clamps are positionable around and couplable to a handle of a gas pump, such that odors and germs on the handle are not transferred to the hand of the user.

Abstract: A method for controlling an apparatus such as a television signal receiver having a parental control function allows users to change a setting associated with the parental control function without first entering a password, while also preventing children from circumventing and defeating the parental control function. The method is also useful for informing parents if a child attempts to change a setting in an effort to circumvent and defeat the parental control function. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes steps of enabling a user to change a predetermined setting associated with the parental control function without entering a password, and disabling at least one of an audio output and a video output of the apparatus responsive to the change.

Abstract: A video apparatus comprises an input switching matrix, to which a video input is coupled, the video input comprising a terminal for a component video signal and a CVBS terminal and/or a S-VHS terminal, a synchronization signal detector and a color decoder coupled to the input switching matrix, an output switching matrix coupled to the input switching matrix and to the color decoder, and a microcontroller coupled to the input switching matrix and to the synchronization signal detector for controlling the input switching matrix. The detection of the component video signal is made automatic by means of the microcontroller, the synchronization signal detector and the color decoder.

Abstract: A video apparatus comprises an input switching matrix, to which a video input is coupled, the video input comprising a terminal for a component video signal and a CVBS terminal and/or a S-VHS terminal, a synchronization signal detector and a color decoder coupled to the input switching matrix, an output switching matrix coupled to the input switching matrix and to the color decoder, and a microcontroller coupled to the input switching matrix and to the synchronization signal detector for controlling the input switching matrix. The detection of the component video signal is made automatic by means of the microcontroller, the synchronization signal detector and the color decoder.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing a substance upon a body comprising a hollow member; a reservoir for said substance presented at one end of said hollow member; a piston disposed within said hollow member for communicating with said reservoir for dispensing said substance from said reservoir to said body; structure presented at another end of said hollow member for activating said piston.