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: An improved human-powered engine which is actuated by forward and rearward movement of the body to cause extension of a resilient member which serves to provide driving motion to a wheel, propeller or the like.

Abstract: A pocket flask to be carried within the user's pocket having a hollow housing provided with a curved side wall and a bottom wall connected to the sidewall. A first partition wall divides the housing into a first liquid chamber and a second chamber. A second partition wall divides the second chamber into a tobacco chamber and a pipe housing chamber. A pipe is telescopically receivable within the pipe housing chamber and a first cover, which is pivotally connected to the housing functions to move pipe inwardly of the pipe housing chamber against the urging of a spring. The first cover is movable between a first open position and a second closed position to gain access to the pipe and to the tobacco. A closure wall which has a pouring opening, is connected to the housing for substantially closing the first liquid chamber. A cap removably closes the pouring opening.

Abstract: an improved sliding door latch comprising a latch plate attached to the leading edge of the door and projecting outwardly on either side of the door to enable a person to grasp the latch plate to slide the door open or closed, and a latch arm pivotally secured to the door jamb and movable between a first unlocked position which permits the door to be opened or closed and a latched position engaging the latch plate and preventing movement of the door.

Abstract: An all-surface vehicle comprising a pair of large inflatable tubes mounted on a common axis with sufficient buoyancy to enable the vehicle to travel on water and having a motor for independently driving each of the tubes, together with a passenger or load carrying compartment; the motor and compartment being mounted with their center of gravity below the axis of the tubes.

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 geothermal drilling and recovery system comprising a drilling rig having an elevator with a laser and a radar gun mounted on said elevator, a drill pipe, a rotating mirror mounted adjacent the lower end of said drill pipe and means for establishing a vacuum adjacent said lower end of said drill pipe to remove and recover heat and drilling debris therefrom.

Abstract: Removable tap covers for dancing shoes which can quickly and easily be placed on the taps to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime in the taps, yet which can quickly and easily be removed to allow the full effect of the taps for dancing.

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