Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for imaging comprising a base, an outer dome mounted on said base, a central shaft intersecting said base, an imaging array including at least one imaging chip mounted on said shaft, means for focusing light onto said imaging chip having at least one pixel, at least one signal processing system, means for rotating said shaft, and means for transmitting data from said imaging chip to said signal processing system and from said signal processing system to an external receiver.

Abstract: Improved hair coloring agents which do not adversely effect the health of the user and which are environmentally safe and which permanently colors only gray hair.

Abstract: Improved light distribution means comprising light distribution means constructed of material such as plastic, transparent metals and the like, which is strong enough to be used as permanent or mobile structural components of buildings, sidewalks, streets and the like, and as signs, furniture and the like, and having a pair of lens panels formed with a flat front, light emitting surface and an inclined rear light reflecting surface, together with a light source located in a recess formed in the lens panels and serving to deliver light into said lens panels for distribution.

Abstract: An improved decorative lighting device comprising a central column containing at least one light source, a rigid member lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of said column, and a plurality of optical fibers extending from a point adjacent the top of said column about said rigid member to a point adjacent the bottom of said column.

Abstract: A transmission line protection system comprising at least one signal carrying line buried adjacent the transmission line to be protected, means transmitting a signal through said signal carrying line, and means responsive to damage or severance of said signal carrying line to indicate that said signal carrying line has been damaged or severed and the location of the damage or severance.

Abstract: Improved currency scanners for coins and bills which are connected to computers having memories which contain information concerning coinage or printing errors and scarce coins or bills and which compare each coin or bill as it is scanned to identify and alert the user to such coins or bills.

Abstract: A book-holding device constructed from a block of semi-rigid foam, including a cut-out which forms a frontal ledge. A wire runs horizontally through a back section of the foam structure, extending outwardly from both sides in an arm-like fashion. When an open book is placed upon the frontal ledge, the wires bend or adjust forwardly to hold the book in place upon the foam structure. Importantly, the wire may be coated with vinyl or the like to prevent damage to the pages, and to allow the pages to turn with ease. Thus, the present invention allows for hands-free reading in an effective and convenient manner. Such is particularly helpful to persons with an impaired arm or wrist. In addition, the present invention is effective for persons who are utilizing their hands for other applications, such as cooking or typing. Finally, the present invention may also be used to display an open book for the purposes of decoration or design.

Abstract: An improved clothing protector comprising a cover for clothes hangers shaped to slip over the hook of the hanger and to be supported by the wings of the hanger and formed two panels of foam material, such as polyurethane, having substantial thickness, such as ½ inch, which have their butt edges joined along their upper edges, leaving a space to receive the hook of the hanger, and formed with a slip-resistant surface. After joining, the panels to tend to flare out, thereby providing a surface of substantial area for supporting an article of clothing.

Abstract: Means for protecting automobile wheels and tires comprising a shield which is stored in a retracted, inconspicuous position under the vehicle fender when the vehicle is in use, but which can be extended to cover and protect the wheel and tire when the vehicle is not being driven.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for manually releasing and controlling an elevator hoist brake having a solenoid with a vertically-actuated, flanged plunger operable to drive the brake shoes apart in opposition to brake springs which normally urge the brake shoes into the locking position, said apparatus comprising a bar having one end insertable between said solenoid and the flange of said plunger and engageable therewith, a handle having an enlarged portion projecting downwardly adjacent the forward end which is pivotally secured to said bar at a point spaced from said one end of said bar, a lever pivotally attached to said bar and having a forward end located adjacent said one end of said bar and dimensioned to be insertable between said solenoid and said flange of said plunger and engageable therewith, a link member pivotally connected to said bar at a point spaced from the forward end of said link and from said one end of said bar and having said forward end of said link pivotally connected adjacent the rear end of s

Abstract: An improved pet brush having a handle of generally hexagonal cross-section with three relatively long sides interspersed with three relatively short sides extending upwardly from the brush head at an angle of approximately 10°-30° and having a thumb rest located at the juncture of the handle with the base on the upper surface of the handle, and a head of generally triangular, yet arcuate configuration formed with a single row of bristles extending along the periphery of the head.

Abstract: An improved bird feeder having a freely rotatable hub, a plurality of arms projecting radially substantially beyond the rim of the hub and a plurality of feeding baskets, each suspended from a respective one of the arms.

Abstract: An improved trailer dolly having a fifth wheel and also carrying a ball-type trailer hitch to give the driver the option of towing either type of trailer and having steering means built into the dolly to provide sure and positive steering and control of the towed trailer.

Abstract: An improved method of treating wood comprising treating a sheet of wood veneer with a conventional stress relieving process, saturating the treated veneer with oil and sealing the saturated veneer to retain the entrained oil. It is found that this treatment renders the veneers significantly more flexible, with radii of approximately {fraction (1/16)} inch, and allows wood veneers to be used informing hinges, wallets, purses, draperies, shoes, clothing and other products which could not previously be made from wood, together with a plurality of products made with this process.

Abstract: An improved dental flossing container comprising a generally cup-shaped housing, a spool of dental floss located within the housing, the housing being formed with an opening for allowing floss from the spool to exit, resilient device closing the open end of the housing, brake device to clamp the floss and, when not depressed, allowing the spool to move forward to engage device to lock the floss form moving, and rear cap device selectably positionable to allow or prevent moisture from entering the housing, and a device located within the housing causing the floss to pass forward through the open end of the housing.