Abstract: A hand press includes a body, a movable handle and a hinge pivotally coupling a proximal end of the movable handle to the body. The body includes a pressing container having one or more side walls and a bottom and a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a plunger shaft, a plunger coupled to a first end of the plunger shaft, a driver engaging the plunger shaft and an actuator link coupled between the movable handle and the driver. The plunger forms a top of the pressing container. A method for pressing items using the hand press is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling ventilation including determining a current gradient, comparing the current gradient to a threshold and activating a device coupled to a ventilation controller if the current gradient is greater than or equal to the threshold.

Abstract: A thermal alarm clock including an alarm clock controller that activates a heating device to wake a slumbering person. The thermal alarm clock incorporates traditional alarm, clock, and radio functions as well. The heating device is located adjacent a sleeping person and can be activated with, or instead of, an audible alarm. A slumbering person will be gently awakened by the heat of the device instead of the jarring sound from an audible alarm clock. The thermal alarm clock is also effective at waking a single person from a plurality of sleepers and is effective for users with special needs, such as the hearing impaired or blind. In one embodiment, the thermal alarm clock incorporates sensors and circuitry to monitor a user's presence.

Abstract: A ventilation controller including at least one humidity sensor for controlling the humidity of a room. The ventilation controller incorporates a housing sized and shaped to replace, or be placed in, a standard electrical junction box. Circuitry in the controller receives data from the sensor(s). The controller automatically switches on power to an exhaust fan when either the humidity exceeds a manually set humidity level and/or a rapid increase in humidity is observed. When a plurality of sensors is employed, the humidity level from a first sensor is compared by logic circuitry to the humidity levels detected at a reference sensor(s). When the humidity at the first sensor exceeds the humidity at the reference sensor(s), the ventilation controller switches on power to the exhaust fan.

Abstract: A ventilation controller including at least one humidity sensor for controlling the humidity of a room. The ventilation controller incorporates a housing sized and shaped to replace, or be placed in, a standard electrical junction box. Circuitry in the controller receives data from the sensor(s). The controller automatically switches on power to an exhaust fan when either the humidity exceeds a manually set humidity level and/or a rapid increase in humidity is observed. When a plurality of sensors is employed, the humidity level from a first sensor is compared by logic circuitry to the humidity levels detected at a reference sensor(s). When the humidity at the first sensor exceeds the humidity at the reference sensor(s), the ventilation controller switches on power to the exhaust fan.