Abstract: A circuit for providing feedback regarding the torque on an AC electric motor. A sample and hold circuit provides DC voltage information regarding the voltage drop across a resistor wired in series with the windings of the motor. Reference voltage from the sample and hold circuit may be supplied to a comparator, such as an operational amplifier, along with a voltage reading from a fixed rate charging circuit. A pulse is provided to a microcontroller each time the voltage of the fixed rate charging circuit equals the reference voltage, and the fixed rate charging circuit is discharged. The microcontroller uses the frequency of the pulses to determine the load on the motor.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a toaster that permits breaking of the circuit to the heating elements of the toaster even when a piece of toast is jammed within one of the slots of the toaster. A support surface is provided upon which a piece of bread rests as the bread carrier moves downward in the toaster. The support surface is arranged so that the bread carrier may continue to move downward after the bread is resting on the support surface. The vertical separation between the bread carrier in its lowermost position and the bottom of the bread that is resting on the support surface permits the bread carrier to move a sufficient amount to release the contact or contacts prior to the bread carrier engaging the bread.

Abstract: A clock is provided for synchronizing with a master time service. The clock includes a microprocessor configured to obtain time code data from the master time service, process the time code data, and initiate a time keeping function. The clock further includes a time indicator connected to the microprocessor. The time indicator displays a time corresponding to the time code data.

Abstract: An Interactive Voice Recognition and Speech Synthesis Clock Radio wherein the voice recognition circuitry is trained to recognize a number of predetermined phrases spoken by one or more specific users. The speech synthesis circuitry includes a number of predetermined phrases generated in response to verbal utterances by a user.

Abstract: A transformerless LED digital display clock circuitry using AC line voltage as a primary source of power is disclosed. The AC line voltage is substantially reduced to around 10 volts or less and then rectified to provide DC power to the quartz analog clock. Also included is a NiCad battery circuitry used as a power backup and to allow for occasional but high current using devices. The LED digital display is made up of four separate "digit" displays each independently controlled by four separate cathode outputs from a microprocessor.