Abstract: A compact exercise apparatus for use in performing a plurality of exercises having a resistive load is disclosed. A frame structure is provided for supporting the load and a mechanism is employed for moving the load from a first to a second position. A linkage arrangement is disposed between the moving mechanism and the load and includes a plurality of interconnected pivotably operably lever arms. The linkage arrangement is in multiple mounting communication with the moving mechanism at one of the interconnected lever arms. This combination of structure enables the proper biomechanical and kinesiological movement of each of the exercises and permits moving the load from the first position to the second position. In a preferred embodiment, a frame structure supports a movable weight stack and an exercise bar is utilized to move the load from a first to a second position.

Abstract: An isolation platform for use with an entertainment system component having a plinth for supporting the entertainment system component and a granular vibration absorption medium for dissipating mechanical vibrations. The granular vibration absorption medium is in communication with the plinth for isolating the entertainment system component from mechanical vibrations. A base structure is provided for containing the granular vibration absorption medium. The isolation platform functions to isolate the entertainment system component from mechanical vibrations to prevent degradation of performance of the entertainment system component. The base structure includes a plurality of shock-absorbing support feet for absorbing mechanical vibrations. A gap is located between the plinth and the base structure for minimizing the transfer of mechanical vibrations between the plinth and the base structure. The gap is filled with the granular vibration absorption medium.

Abstract: A torsional spring insole for use in footwear having an elevated heel section for supporting the heel of a foot and an inner sole in communication with the elevated heel section for providing a torsional spring capability to the insole. A step-down region is provided for connecting the elevated heel section to the inner sole for flexing the inner sole in response to a pressure imbalance applied to the elevated heel section. The inner sole subsequently reflexes with the movement of the foot to position the elevated heel section to eliminate the pressure imbalance and to counteract pronation and supination in the foot.The elevated heel section of the insole employs the heel counter structure of the shoe in which the insole is inserted to assist in counteracting pressure imbalances associated with pronation and supination. In an alternative embodiment, the elevated heel section of the insole includes a vertical heel counter for counteracting pressure imbalances due to pronation and supination.

Abstract: A beverage flavoring and dispensing apparatus 10 for use in a fluid having a capped upper body chamber 12 which interfaces with a dissolvable lower housing 18, the upper body chamber having fused thereto a central spine member 14 with a plurality of horizontally extending vanes 16. The spine member and the vanes extend from the top of the chamber 12 to the bottom of the lower housing 18 forming a plurality of compartments 20 between adjacent vanes 16 and the chamber 12 and housing 18 for carrying a plurality of selected flavoring ingredients 22 therein. The lower housing 18 is comprised of a dissolvable film such as methyl cellulose or gelatin which dissolves upon immersion in a fluid simultaneously dispensing each of the flavoring ingredients in the fluid. The spine member 14 and the associated vanes 16 are then utilized as a stirring stick for mixing the ingredients of the beverage.

Abstract: A self-contained and portable door answering and intruder alert apparatus having a magnetic tape recording device comprised of a highly sensitive microphone receiving circuit for capturing noise generated by a person located at the door of a structure and including a tape cassette operated in a timed sequential manner by an appropriate electronic circuit for transmitting to the person one of a plurality of messages prerecorded on the cassette prior to the unauthorized entry of the structure by the person, the timed sequence being synchronized and the apparatus being switched in order to permit each message to play in its entirety for preventing loss of continuity of each message.

Abstract: A trash can transporting apparatus and method of use having a spring-loaded hook assembly and an upper support bracket, each adjustably secured to a main shaft by a level adjustment lock, the hook assembly including a spring-loaded hook having an upward facing plurality of fingers for grasping a reinforced peripheral rim of a trash can container seated on a stabilizing basket connected to the main shaft while a trash can closure lid is intact, the combination improving the stability and the transporting efficiency of the apparatus. The hook assembly and upper support bracket are adjustable along the vertical dimension of the main shaft for accommodating various sized household plastic trash can containers. When not in use, the apparatus can be displayed, shipped, stored, or transported by disassembling the various components including the main shaft, each comprised of a high-strength plastic.

Abstract: A solder dispensing apparatus having a pistol grip handle configuration housing a rechargeable power supply employed for energizing an electric motor which drives a set of pinch wheels for pulling a line of solder from an externally mounted solder spool through the dispensing apparatus and out a solder dispensing extension tip for improving the maneuverability and dispensibility of the line of solder to a designated solder joint through a maze of computer equipment printed circuit board obstructions while minimizing the probability of thermal damage to coaxial cable insulation by direct contact and permitting completion of a cleanly soldered joint on both sides of the printed circuit board within a critical time period for avoiding insulation damage caused by heat accummulation.

Abstract: A fuel oil lamp having a large replaceable oil vessel with an interference ring molded about the exterior perimeter of the vessel for creating sufficient securing force between the exterior surface of the vessel and the interior surface of a base sleeve while eliminating intolerable binding frictional forces therebetween, the vessel being easily inserted into and removed from the open bottom of the base sleeve permitting a chimney mounted above the vessel and base sleeve to assume any construction and inside diameter, the oil lamp having simple lines which are esthetically pleasing, is economical to produce and conveniently positioned for packing.