A portable lighting and warning device includes: a housing; a lighting generator unit; a sensor unit sensing shaking of the housing to generate a sense output; a mode selector unit generating a mode indication signal; a warning generator unit; and a controller unit. In a case where the mode indication signal indicates a lighting mode, the controller unit controls the lighting generator unit to emit light. In a case where the mode indication signal indicates a warning mode, the controller unit waits for a predetermined pause time, and then controls the warning generator unit and the lighting generator unit to output sound and emit light when the sense output corresponds to the shaking of the housing not less than a predetermined in intensity.

A portable lighting and warning device includes: a housing; a lighting generator unit; a sensor unit sensing shaking of the housing to generate a sense output; a mode selector unit generating a mode indication signal; a warning generator unit; and a controller unit. In a case where the mode indication signal indicates a lighting mode, the controller unit controls the lighting generator unit to emit light. In a case where the mode indication signal indicates a warning mode, the controller unit waits for a predetermined pause time, and then controls the warning generator unit and the lighting generator unit to output sound and emit light when the sense output corresponds to the shaking of the housing not less than a predetermined level in intensity.

A sensor assembly for determining a temperature and an orientation of a jug having a bottom surface to rest on the assembly, the sensor assembly comprising: a temperature sensor for producing a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the bottom surface, the temperature sensor being urged to move in a first direction; a diaphragm, the diaphragm being sealingly engageable with the temperature sensor and a platform supporting the jug, such that the temperature sensor extends through the platform to engage the bottom surface; a retainer, the retainer being connected to the temperature sensor and limiting movement of the temperature sensor in the first direction; and a signal generator for producing a signal when the temperature sensor is moved against the urge to move in the first direction.

Axis orientation compensation is provided in a system in which movement of a controlling device is used to control navigational functions of a target appliance by determining which one of plural sides of the controlling device is an active side of the controlling device and by causing navigational functions of the target appliance made relative to at least one of an X, Y, and Z axis of the target appliance to be dynamically aligned with movements of the controlling device made relative to at least one of an A, B, and C axis of the controlling device as a function of the one of the plural sides of the controlling device that is determined to be the active side of the controlling device.

Axis orientation compensation is provided in a system in which movement of a controlling device is used to control navigational functions of a target appliance by determining which one of plural sides of the controlling device is an active side of the controlling device and by causing navigational functions of the target appliance made relative to at least one of an X, Y, and Z axis of the target appliance to be dynamically aligned with movements of the controlling device made relative to at least one of an A, B, and C axis of the controlling device as a function of the one of the plural sides of the controlling device that is determined to be the active side of the controlling device.

A manual tooth brush having a timer function. The tooth brush has a body that defines a cavity therein and in which a timer is located. The brush uses an inversion switch instead of an accelerometer to activate the timer. The inversion switch, or tilt switch, may be a mercury type tilt switch or a ball type tilt switch. When the tooth brush is tilted such that the head is below the brush body, the tilt switch is activated and the switch in turn activates the microprocessor. Activating the tilt switch also starts the timer that is linked to the microprocessor. Because the microprocessor is only activated when the tooth brush is tilted, the battery life of the tooth brush is extended. The brush timer is programed to run for about 2 minutes. The tooth brush vibrates or makes a sound every 30 seconds. The timer deactivates after 2.5 minutes.

Axis orientation compensation is provided in a system in which movement of a controlling device is used to control navigational functions of a target appliance by determining which one of plural sides of the controlling device is an active side of the controlling device and by causing navigational functions of the target appliance made relative to at least one of an X, Y, and Z axis of the target appliance to be dynamically aligned with movements of the controlling device made relative to at least one of an A, B, and C axis of the controlling device as a function of the one of the plural sides of the controlling device that is determined to be the active side of the controlling device.

Axis orientation compensation is provided in a system in which movement of a controlling device is used to control navigational functions of a target appliance by determining which one of plural sides of the controlling device is an active side of the controlling device and by causing navigational functions of the target appliance made relative to at least one of an X, Y, and Z axis of the target appliance to be dynamically aligned with movements of the controlling device made relative to at least one of an A, B, and C axis of the controlling device as a function of the one of the plural sides of the controlling device that is determined to be the active side of the controlling device.

A power control device includes an electric power switch and a control unit. The control unit is mounted on an electric device, determines whether the electric device is disposed at a normal use position or an abnormal inclined position, and determines whether the electric device is at a normal use state and is disposed at the normal use position. The control unit controls the electric power switch to provide electric power to the electric device when the electric device is at the normal use state, and to stop providing the electric power to the electric device when the electric device is at the abnormal inclined position.

Axis orientation compensation is provided in a system in which movement of a controlling device is used to control navigational functions of a target appliance by determining which one of plural sides of the controlling device is an active side of the controlling device and by causing navigational functions of the target appliance made relative to at least one of an X, Y, and Z axis of the target appliance to be dynamically aligned with movements of the controlling device made relative to at least one of an A, B, and C axis of the controlling device as a function of the one of the plural sides of the controlling device that is determined to be the active side of the controlling device.