Abstract: A spring-powered turntable for use in a microwave oven includes microwave energy responsive assembly for automatically permitting rotation of the turntable when microwave energy exposure begins and for automatically turning off rotation of the turntable when microwave energy exposure ceases. The microwave energy responsive assembly can be located between a rotating part of the turntable and a non-rotating part of the turntable. The microwave energy assembly can include a material that expands or contracts when exposed to microwave energy and serves to control a brake for braking the rotating part of the turntable.

Abstract: A method for recording and playing back telephone conversations is provided. In the method, a unitary microphone/speaker is positioned near the listener's ear so that the unitary microphone/speaker will be in the sound chamber defined by the air space between the telephone earpiece and the ear of the listener when the earpiece is pressed against the listener's ear. The unitary microphone/speaker is connected to an audio recorder/player, and the conversation is recorded. The telephone earpiece is removed from the listener's ear, and the recorded telephone conversation is played back by the recorder/player. The telephone conversation may be played back through the unitary microphone/speaker directly into the listener's ear. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for enabling the conversion of an ear mounted speaker into a unitary microphone/speaker for use in the sound chamber between the earpiece and the listener's ear.

Abstract: A portable system for recording telephone conversations from a telephone and also for recording face-to-face conversations includes a portable, battery-powered audible sound recorder carried by the user, a microphone connected to the recorder, and a microphone support which is supported by the ear of the user for retaining the microphone between the telephone earpiece and the inner portion of the auditory meatus of the user. By locating the microphone near the auditory meatus or in the outer portion of the auditory meatus of the user, sounds of the face-to-face conversation and sounds of the telephone conversation from the earpiece are recorded on the recorder. With the recording system of the invention, there is no physical contact between the microphone and the telephone earpiece. A microphone holder is also disclosed for retaining a small microphone near or in the auditory meatus of the user.

Abstract: A storage container for storing articles in the interior of an automobile includes an outer storage element and an inner storage element which are telescopically adjustable with respect to one another. Nuts and bolts are provided for retaining the two adjustable storage elements in an adjusted position. A cover includes a hinge located toward the rear of the automobile, and the free end of the cover is located toward the front of the automobile thereby permitting placement and removal of items from the storage container from over the back seat inside the automobile. The two telescopically adjustable portions of the cover are connected together and lifted together by one handle. One of the adjustable cover portions is associated with the outer storage element, and one of the adjustable cover portions is associated with the inner storage element.