The Bio-Matic and the Towel-Matic, products from iTouchless, use touch sensors to aid in opening a door and grabbing a paper towel.

— Bio-Matic: This weatherproof, fingerprint-recognition door lock makes sure you as well as your family and friends can get into the house sans key. You're never locked out.

The Bio-Matic can be unlocked by 150 fingerprints, 78 passwords or two backup keys. Simply slide up the protective cover and place your finger on the scanner. Within one second, if your fingerprint is stored, the door will automatically open.

You can add or delete fingerprints at the lock without extra equipment. Easily replacing any standard door lock, the Bio-Matic runs on four AA batteries that will last for about 15,000 entries.

Not only is the lock great for home, but is also a plus for business owners with employees who have a tendency to lose, or not return, keys. The lock comes with a two-year warranty and retails for $300.

— Towel-matic: This is the world's first and only automatic universal paper towel dispenser; it helps with hygiene and waste.

Anyone who has ever tried to tear off a single sheet of paper towel with a single hand knows it's nearly impossible without tearing it or unraveling nearly the whole roll.

The Towel-Matic works on all perforated paper towels, no matter the size. Dispense one sheet, two sheets or the new half-sheets. Simply run your hand across the sensor and out come the sheets.

The dispenser is powered by four D batteries (not included), which last about a year or up to 200 rolls of standard 80-sheet towels; an optional AC adaptor is available. Towel-Matic can sit on the counter or be mounted — mounting sold separately — to the wall or under a counter.

The Towel-Matic retails for $70, the AC adaptor costs $20 and the mounting is $9.

For more information on all iTouchless products, call 800-660-7978 or visit www.itouchless.net.

WATER PROTECTION

It's a triple threat against water damage. The WaterTitan from Titan Safety Products will not only shut off your water, it will also sound a local alarm and call you.

The system is easy to install and up to 20 wireless water sensors can be programmed to the Valve Control Unit. Sensors should be placed in leak-prone places, such as under or behind bathroom and kitchen sinks, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines and basements.

Sensors are activated by contact with a direct splash of water or as little as 1/32 of an inch of water level rise — the equivalent of wetting your fingertip.

First, the sensor sounds a local alarm once the probes are activated, and then sends a radio signal to the main unit to close the water main. At the same time, the auto-dialer calls up to six programmed phone numbers; it will sequence calls until someone acknowledges the alert message.

Since the WaterTitan uses radio signals, there is no need for the sensors to maintain direct sight with the main unit. The wireless signals go through walls, floors and ceilings — the system has a range of up to 250 feet.

The WaterTitan takes care of itself by communicating to the user through the auto-dialer when problems like low battery levels or faulty and missing sensors occur.

The Valve Control Unit may run on the included batteries, plus AC or DC power. Battery life for the control unit is 1.5 years and 3.5 years for the sensors.

There are no costs connected to monitoring, installation and activation. No monthly fees exist since the auto-dialer connects to the homeowner's standard phone line. The WaterTitan master kit retails for $680 and has a 30-day guarantee.

For more information, call 888-662-0319 or visit www.titansafety.com.

Maggie Reed may be reached at trocar2000@hotmail.com. To find out more about Maggie Reed, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.

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