Abstract: A countertop appliance for automatically making a plurality of disk-shaped edibles comprising a dough maker for mixing and kneading the desired dough ingredients, the dough maker having a discharge valve that releases a portion of the mixed dough onto one of four circular platens of a transfer carousel. The platens rotate in a circular plane, so that once a dough portion is dropped to the platen, the transfer carousel rotates the platens, and in the next position a shaper plate flattens the dough portion on a platen. When a dough portion is properly shaped, the platen is rotated to a position where it inverts and the dough is dropped onto a conveyor. The conveyor moves the dough portions along a path, past heating elements that cook the dough, until the finished cooked dough products are dropped from the conveyor.

Abstract: A lifting and supporting apparatus having a vertically oriented robe interconnected to a smaller, vertically oriented rod by a lifting device. A large bracket or the like is secured to the robe so as to provide a surface upon which an object can rest. The lifting device provides a means by which to move the rod downwardly with respect to the tube, thus allowing both the tube and the object to be easily raised and supported above the ground upon which the rod rests.

Abstract: A portable timing device designed for use in conjunction with metered machinery, the device contained within a compact case with a clip on the back side, allowing the device to be fastened to an article of clothing or the like. The case further includes a means to store and dispense a plurality of coins for use in the meter, and an external actuation means by which the appropriate time interval is programmed. An electrical circuit is enclosed within the case, the circuit powered by a rechargeable battery which is connected to a solar energy collection device for recharging it. The circuit programs and times the selected time interval, and emits an audible warning signal when ten minutes, five minutes and no time remains in the time interval.

Abstract: A switching device for connecting four input devices and two auxiliary devices to a common output device is disclosed. A first 4-position 15-pole switch connects any one of four 15-pin input connectors to 15 common output lines in one-to-one correspondence. Two of these 15 inputs are routed through the first position of a second switch that has three positions and two poles. The second and third positions of the second switch are interconnected with two auxiliary input connectors, respectively, for accepting signals from the auxiliary devices instead of the first switch. A pair of output lines from the second switch is interconnected with the two remaining open pins of the output connector. As such, any one of the four input devices and either or neither of the auxiliary devices is switchable to the output device.

Abstract: A vitamin and mineral formulation which provides for improved absorption of its nutrients by the addition of digestive enzymes to the formula and including the herb goldenseal to prevent the enzymes from eating up the other nutrients, giving it the capability to retain its value for up to six months. Goldenseal, in conjunction with dandelion and chamomile, also neutralizes the pH of the supplement, thus avoiding a common supplemental problem of widespread ineffectiveness due to large quantities of nutrients being deposited simultaneously into the digestive system. In addition, the formulation of the new invention provides the user with 70 different nutrients, including ginkgo biloba which increases brain alpha rhythms which are associated with mental alertness. Further, the new invention employs an alternate method of construction that does not require high heat or pressure levels, nor the addition of binders or glue like additives.

Abstract: A camera apparatus and method of use employing a photosensitive photopolymer film as a recording medium for generating an interferogram through the use of a write laser beam and a read laser beam. The interferogram is sensed by a video camera and converted into a digital signal for mass storage or real time display on a video monitor. Because the thin film used is of high resolution and is able to handle a sequence of intefferograms at various video signal processing rates, the camera is able to be employed in real time as a motion picture camera for observing real processes and objects undergoing stress.

Abstract: A bicycle having pivotally mounted steps on alternate sides receives a rider straddling the bicycle frame while standing upon the steps. The rider shifts weight from side to side alternately driving each of the steps downward while the other step moves upward. A belt drive is attached to each step and through a pulley arrangement rotates a pair of drive pulleys on a rear axle to engage and alternately disengage the rear axle or the rear wheel for driving in a forward direction upon each down stroke.

Abstract: A portable alarm device comprised of an electronic circuit that, among other components, includes a power cell, a cell clip that holds the cell in position and an audio output means for emitting an audible alarm sound. The circuit is mounted in a folder with a centralized fold, thus forming two folder halves positioned in spaced apart adjacency, the folder including an interlocking means for temporarily securing the folder halves together so that the folder remains in a closed position. A tab is positioned on one folder half opposite the circuit and is designed to easily slide between the power cell and the cell clip when the folder is in the closed position, thus breaking the circuit and preventing the alarm from sounding. When the folder is placed in the closed, but not secured orientation, between or under an object of importance, the alarm will sound if the object is moved since this allows the folder halves to move apart thus withdrawing the tab and closing the circuit.

Abstract: A safety canopy for use with a doorway in a wall is provided. The canopy is rigid and puncture-resistant, and is fixed to the wall and extends from the wall above the doorway downwardly away from the wall to a fixed margin edge, which is positioned approximately level with the top of the doorway. The canopy is positioned and has sufficient size to shelter an individual from objects falling from above the doorway. For additional support of the canopy, a plurality of vertical canopy support braces may be fixed to the canopy margin edge, extending downwardly to a support surface, such as a floor. Vertically oriented pillars may also be included on one side of the wall, extending from the support surface upwardly to the juncture of the wall and canopy. Angled canopy support braces may then be fixed to the canopy margin edge and angled downwardly to intersect the pillars, thereby providing additional support to the canopy for preventing the canopy from collapsing under load.