Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel rotation restraining apparatus which comprises a restraining arm located within the hub of a steering wheel and which is extendable to a steering wheel rotation restraining position outwardly of the steering wheel and retractable within the steering wheel to allow freedom of use of the steering wheel. The restraining apparatus is provided with a lock mechanism on or associated with the exterior surface of the hub for a user to release or lock the restraining arm. The restraining arm is normally located within the hub of the steering wheel and upon opening of the lock device, the restraining arm will automatically extend outwardly to its full steering wheel rotation restraining position. In this latter position, the arm is sufficient in length to preclude any significant turning of the steering wheel since it will impact with a rigid portion of the vehicle or the legs of the vehicle driver. Thus, the restraining arm is easy to use.

Abstract: A multi-function lighting device in the nature of a miniature flashlight and which can serve as a miniature lantern or lamp, as well as a miniature flashlight, and as a miniature signaling device. The lighting device includes a housing with a head for directing light axially outwardly in the nature of a collimated beam, so that the device can function as a flashlight. Connected to the head end is a transparent or translucent sleeve which is slidable with respect to the light source. Thus, when the head and the sleeve are shifted axially outwardly, the light source is located within the transparent or translucent sleeve. When the light source is energized, light will emanate primarily through the translucent or transparent sleeve and the amount of light emanating from the head end is substantially reduced. The device is also effective to operate as a signaling device in which the light is energized and de-energized in a sequencing or so-called "blinking" operation.

Abstract: A vibration responsive gas shut-off valve assembly which is highly effective in conditions which give rise to excessive vibration such as earthquakes and the like. The shut-off valve assembly is inserted into a gas line leading from a source of gas to an interior of a building such a dwelling structure. The valve assembly comprises a spherically shaped ball which may be located within the gas line and which contains a gas passage channel extending therethrough. When the ball is in a first position, gas will flow from one side of the ball through the channel and to the other side of the ball in the gas line. When the ball is in a second position, the channel is located so that one side is vented through an orifice in the pipe and the other side is in communication with the downstream side of the pipe such that gas in the downstream side of the pipe leading to the building can be vented.

Abstract: An over electrical power supply system for delivering of electrical power to a plurality of instruments in an environment which has a generally vertical wall such as a room. The electrical instruments of the type used with this system are operable with electrical power. The power supply system comprises a plurality of conduits which are secured to a generally vertically disposed wall and have angularly outwardly struck portions which extend from the vertical portions of the conduit and which are generally horizontally located. A mechanism is located at the ends of each of these arms for retaining an electrical implement such as a barbershop hair clipper, a razor or the like. This mechanism is designed to releasably retain the instruments and to deliver electrical power to these instruments. Electrical conductors extend through the conduits to these mechanisms to supply electrical power to the instruments connected thereto.

Abstract: The hair grooming mirror apparatus comprised of a mounting assembly for securement of the mirror apparatus to a ceiling or other overhead structure. A mirror frame is suspended from and carried by the mirror assembly such that it can be raised and lowered with respect to the mounting assembly. A mechanism similar to a mechanism used in louvered blinds of the kind which can be raised and lowered vertically is also employed in the mirror apparatus of the present invention. The mirror frame carries a pair of mirror panels which are angulated with respect to one another at an angle which is preferably an obtuse angle. In accordance with this mirror apparatus, a user can first comb a front portion of his or her hair by looking into a fixed supported mirror. The user can then lower the mirror frame and position the pair of mirror panels in front of the user and look into the mirror panels then positioned in front of the user.

Abstract: Novel seat belt cushions in the form of people, places, things, birds, animals and in particular animals such as bunnies, bears, and pandas. These cushions may be constructed with a plurality of sections, limbs and objects and may be adapted with electronic devices or the like. The cushions are constructed of one or more sheets of foam padding encased by a cotton or synthetic fiber outer layer. In a preferred embodiment, lighting effects, small battery powered lights, preferably which provide representations or replicas of monuments, map layouts and other recreations may be employed in the cushions. Further, audio output, electronic circuits or miniature tape players for projecting audible messages such as safety tips may be employed. The sections and the objects are secured to the cushion by means of fasteners, preferably mating fiber fasteners such as the "Velcro" fasteners. The novel cushions are secured to a seat belt by folding around seat belt, much in the nature of a book.

Abstract: An emotional gift device in the stylized representation of a human heart and which comprises a container having a three dimensional stylized human heart representation located therein. A motor which is not visable to the viewer operates a drive shaft which, in turn, rotates a cam upon actuation of a switch. The rotation of the cam causes the stylized representation of a human heart to oscillate in a manner similar to the pumping action of a human heart.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for connecting a plurality of digitally operated terminals to a single communications circuit of a master digital processing unit, such as a central computer, for transmission of information therebetween. The circuit comprises a first data bus for delivery of information from the processing unit to the terminals and a second data bus for delivery of information from each of the individual terminals to the central processing unit. A connecting circuit connects each of the individual terminals to the buses in a series arrangement such that each of the terminals are serially connected to the central computer through the single central port thereof.