Abstract: A ball point pen and removable cap combination includes a ball point pen assembly and a removable cap that has a clip/writing-stabilizer portion extending away from the closed end and the open end of the cap. The ball point pen assembly includes a point portion and a barrel portion. The removable cap is capable of sliding longitudinally and fitting by a friction fit onto the barrel portion, on the barrel end opposite the point, when the ball point pen assembly is used for writing, forming a pen-cap combination. In this way, the removable cap can rest upon the skin of the hand between the uppermost joint of the index finger and the uppermost joint of the thumb when the ball point pen assembly is used for writing.

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.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a free body dispenser for a washing machine wherein the dispenser employs premeasured and preloaded laundry additive units. It is not necessary to measure out additive from a storage bottle. Another object is to provide a dispenser which will not clog and will not have moving parts to wear out. Dispenser (1) has a reservoir (2), a conduit (4), and a receptacle (3). The reservoir (2) has a quantity of additive (6) within a collapsible wall (5). During the spin cycle of the washing machine, centrifugal forces squeeze the additive (6) out of the reservoir (2), through the conduit (4), and into the rigid receptacle (3). When the spin cycle is over, the rinse cycle begins; and clean water is added to the machine. Clean water enters the receptacle (3) and dilutes the retained additive (6). All the additive (6) is diluted with water and rinsed out of the receptacle (3) during the agitation phase of the rinse cycle.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a shoe sole which prevents the build up of static electricity to the degree that a shock occurs when a shoe is worn while walking across a floor covering such as a carpet. Electrically conductive elements in the shoe sole are unnecessary. Alteration of the carpet is unnecessary. A build up of static electric charge between the shoe sole and the floor covering is prevented when the sole has a bottom portion made from substantially the same material as the surface of the floor covering.Shoe (1) having sole (2) is used for walking across floor covering (4). The bottom portion (3) of sole (2) is made from substantially the same material as floor covering surface (5). The bottom portion (3) may be a coating which may be brushed or sprayed on. Bottom portion (3) may also be a film material which adheres to the remainder of sole (2) by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a shovel blade attachment having both a brush and a cutter secured to the shovel blade by a common attaching assembly. Modifications of the shovel blade, such as drilled holes, are not required. Any conventional snow shovel can be readily converted into a shoveling, brushing, and cutting implement by employing the attachment of the invention.Said attachment (1) is secured to the shovel blade (2). Said attachment (1) includes a brush (3), a cutter (4), and an attaching assembly (5). The cutter (4) has slots (12) or (13) for adjusting the exposure of the cutter (4) in contact with the shovel blade (2) in order that the shovel blade (2) absorb impact forces.Compression pads (9) help secure the attachment (1) to the shovel blade (2) and provide clearance (19) between a clamping plate (8) and an upturned end (20) of the shovel blade (2).

Abstract: A bristle support, having semirigid long lasting bristles, is attached to a snow plow near the lower cutting edge of the plow blade so that the semirigid bristles project below the blade edge and serve the multiple functions of: rigidly contacting the surface to be cleared thereby providing a cutting action on the undesired material on the surface to be cleared and a brushing of the surface; and at the same time having the flexibility to yield to and ride over small surface irregularities and resiliently return to normal position when the irregularities are passed.

Abstract: A disposable article such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, bandage, and the like for absorbing bodily excretions; the article having a quantity of absorbent material placed between the body and a semitransparent water impermeable backsheet wherein the improvement comprises a quantity of saline water indicating material placed in close proximity to both the inner surface of the semitransparent backsheet and the excretion-absorbing material. The saline water indicating material is comprised of a water-insoluble polymeric ion exchanger and a water-insoluble polymeric exchanged-ion indicator in intimate contact with each other. The saline water indicating material may be a particulate composition or a structured material.

Abstract: A sensor controlled device for interrupting electric power to a portable electric clothes iron. Two sensors are attached to the handle of the iron. These sense skin contact of the operator and horizontal orientation of the iron. The sensors control circuitry which controls a switching circuit which then controls a power connecting means, such as a relay, for shutting off power to the iron. The switching circuit may also control an electronic timer and an alarm.

Abstract: A writing and display apparatus which includes a unified writing and display surface exhibiting a reference luminosity; and a hand-held write/erase instrument which is used to apply writing energy to said surface of reference luminosity thereby causing writing to be displayed and retained for an appropriate length of time, and which is also used to apply erasing energy directly to said retained, displayed writing thereby causing the writing to be erased.

Abstract: A shovel blade used for clearing snow and ice from walkways, road surfaces, and the like having semirigid bristles projecting from the lower surface of the shovel blade.