Abstract: An exercise device is easily adjusted in resistance by changing a first cassette therein to a second cassette having a different resistance or in exercise type by changing the support mechanism.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for protecting and supporting a fragile thermometer having a column and an integral flange base. The assembly includes a support base defining a threaded bore for receiving the integral flange base of the thermometer. A bottom cushioning pad is also provided for placement in the bottom of the bore. In addition, a ring-shaped upper cushioning pad is provided for being fitted over the column of the thermometer and against the top surface of the thermometer's flange base. The thermometer is secured to the protective support base with a threaded collar member which receives the thermometer column and is threaded into the threaded bore of the support base which secures the thermometer to the base. An adapter bushing may also be used to attach thermometers having smaller diameter columns to the base.

Abstract: A releasable protective cover assembly for a sprinkler head is activated by heat and substantially immune to damage from blows and inappropriate use due to its dome shape, which deflects attempts to damage the cover or to abuse the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A scratcher, especially suitable for use in scraping a lottery ticket, has a housing with a and a gripping device thereon. The has both a large scraping surface and a small scraping surface, which may be used efficiently due to the ergonomic gripping surface.

Abstract: A securing assembly applies an elongated member to a flexible construction material, such as roofing felt or insulation, and holds the elongated member to the construction material in place on a building with a fastener, by feeding the elongated member through a fastening device under the fastener or series of fasteners dispensed therefrom, and applied thereover at spaced intervals.

Abstract: A releasable protective cover assembly for a sprinkler head is activated by heat and substantially immune to damage from blows and inappropriate use due to its dome shape, which deflects attempts to damage the cover or to abuse the sprinkler head.

Abstract: An electronic display device renders both an audio message and a visual message. The display device includes a housing, including a frame for holding at least a first and second non-overlapping transparency which contains a visual message, a front panel which contains a viewing aperture for receiving the frame, and a back panel member. Each of the front panel and back panel include an array of peripheral al, spaced apertures through which a fastening device, such as a bolt, can be passed for securing together the front panel member to the back panel member, and sandwiching the frame therebetween. The device also includes a first and second light source for illuminating, respectively, the first transparency and the second transparency. A direct analog audio storage chip is provided for playing an audio message having at least a plurality of audio segments. A sensor, such as a pryoelectric IR motion sensor, is provided for sensing the presence of a person in the vicinity of the device.

Abstract: An improved coffee roaster (10) for roasting a selected volume of coffee beans in a relatively quick and efficient manner. A roasting cavity (66) is provided for receiving and roasting a selected volume of green coffee beans. A timer (158) is provided for controlling the roasting time. A heating coil (32) is provided for generating heat to roast the coffee beans. A motor (24) drives a fan (30), which forces air through the heating coil (32) and toward the roasting cavity (66). Slots (76) defined by the roasting cavity (66) direct the heated air into the roasting cavity (66) such that the coffee beans are agitated and roasted. Chaff is evacuated with the air through the opening (74) in the top of the roasting cavity (66). A chaff collector (20) is provided for collecting the chaff evacuated while allowing the escape of air.

Abstract: A microwave kettle includes a cover and base of microwave-transmissive material twist-locked and adhesively secured together to define a reservoir chamber. The base has a raised, central, reentrant portion which results in the reservoir chamber having an annular portion. A spout is unitary with the cover and is provided with a press-fitted whistle cap. A handle is heat-staked to the cover. A cylindrical support flange depends from the bottom of the base.

Abstract: A cooking utensil comprising a vessel with an upstanding side wall has a unitary, one-piece, metal handle which is bent to form an elongated, generally tubular, main portion having a transverse cross section which is generally C-shaped when rotated about its longitudinal axis approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise from its use orientation. Two convex legs project longitudinally from the vessel end of the main portion at opposite sides thereof and have the distal ends thereof bent laterally outwardly therefrom along substantially vertical bend lines to define attachment feet which are welded to the vessel side wall. The legs define therebetween an opening which extends longitudinally into the handle well beyond the periphery of the vessel and has a minimum width laterally of the handle substantially greater than the maximum lateral extent of either of the legs. Two arms curve toward each other from the distal end of the handle for cooperation therewith to define a loop.

Abstract: A microwave oven thermometer unit has polysulfone plate with a glass tube secured to the plate by a pair of mounting polysulfone straps. A method of welding the straps to the plate includes forming each of the strap ends with a stud member having a diameter larger than an opening in the plate. The studs and openings are aligned and ultrasonic energy applied, simultaneously with pressure to force the studs into the openings to form a weld. The different sizes of the stud and opening creates weld flash moving in front of the first member and also outwardly of the opening, which has an encircling recess to receive the weld flash.The stud member is formed with an enlarged head overlying an encircling recess and weld flash deposited therein.

Abstract: A security pedestal base is disclosed which includes a base, an upstanding support mounted on said base and wherein the upstanding support is substantially hollow, a support shaft positioned concentrically within said upstanding support and mounted on said base and upstanding therefrom, support platform means mounted on the top portion of said upstanding support and interconnected with said support shaft, a sleeve member rotatably positioned about the support shaft and adapted to be rotatably movable when contact is made with any cutting instrument, and a decorative slip-on column which overlies the upstanding support and positioned in overlying relationship with respect to the base and wherein the support platform overlies the decorative slip-on column. The support platform is further provided with a concealing shield such that the connection of the support platform to the support shaft is concealed from access by any unauthorized person.