Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to reduce power consumption of a load. In one embodiment a power control system selectively routes power directly to a load or to a power reduction device. A delay may occur prior to introduction of the power reduction device to fully energize the load. The power reduction device may operate in conjunction with signal modification device. The signal modification device modifies the signal provided to the load to achieve desired operation of the load. In one embodiment the power reduction device comprises a step-down transformer and the signal modification device comprises a capacitor. In one embodiment the power reduction device is selected to remove unwanted frequency components from the signal provide to the load. In various other embodiments the power control system may be configured to stagger start the load to minimize the peak draw of the load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to reduce power consumption of a load. In one embodiment a power control system selectively routes power directly to a load or to a power reduction device. A delay may occur prior to introduction of the power reduction device to fully energize the load. The power reduction device may operate in conjunction with signal modification device. The signal modification device modifies the signal provided to the load to achieve desired operation of the load. In one embodiment the power reduction device comprises a step-down transformer and the signal modification device comprises a capacitor. In one embodiment the power reduction device is selected to remove unwanted frequency components from the signal provide to the load. In various other embodiments the power control system may be configured to stagger start the load to minimize the peak draw of the load.

Abstract: A smokeless ashtray system includes a vacuum manifold connecting a plurality of ashtrays to a charcoal filter and a vacuum blower/motor assembly. The vacuum manifold includes spiral wound metal flexible metal tubing segments secured to connectors by heat shrink tubing. L connectors connect end most ashtray locations to the manifold, T connectors connect intermediate ashtray locations, and a four-way connector connects a central ashtray location to the manifold and to the charcoal filter and blower/motor assembly. Each ashtray location includes a flue member having a first end threaded into the associated connector and a second end inserted within a recess formed centrally in a bottom surface of a cup-shaped ashtray. A connector mounting bracket includes locating apertures engaging alignment pins extending from a flat upper surface of the connector, and a flange on the flue member clamps the bracket to the connector.

Abstract: A system for removing and disposing of smoke and residues produced by cigarettes or the like includes an ashtray unit adapted to be received by a valved receptacle in a tabletop or the like. The ashtray unit has a cigarette-holding portion and a passage connected to a residue-receiving canister adapted to be coupled to a vacuum source. A valve is disposed in the ashtray unit passage. In one embodiment, the valve is biased to a normally open position. In another embodiment, the valve is biased to a normally closed position. In the latter case, the ashtray unit includes a plurality of small passageways connecting the cigarette-holding portion with the passage, the passageways bypassing the normally closed valve.

Abstract: A windshield scrubbing and wiping blade assembly includes a scrubbing blade having a mesh covered scrubbing portion and at least one wiping blade in parallel, spaced apart relationship with the scrubbing blade. The mesh and the associated scrubbing portion of the scrubbing blade define side channels for receiving and transporting debris removed by the mesh from the windshield. In the two bladed embodiment of the invention, the scrubbing blade is shorter than the wiping blade whereby the scrubbing blade is maintained out of contact with the windshield during the portion of the wiping cycle in which the scrubbing blade trails the wiping blade. The mesh has edge margins which, in accordance with one embodiment, are beaded. The beads thus provided are received by and mechanically locked within longitudinally extending bores formed in the scrubber blade thereby avoiding the use of adhesives for securing the mesh to the scrubbing blade.