Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage identification system, including a first beverage identification element positionable about a beverage container; and a second beverage identification element wearable on a person, where the first and second beverage identification elements are visually substantially identical to one another. Each of the first and second beverage identification elements may define a ring-shaped body, and the first and second identification elements may be elastic. In addition, each of the first and second beverage identification elements may be the same color, and/or each of the first and second beverage identification elements may have substantially identical patterns thereon. Further, the first and second beverage identification elements may be removably coupled to each other.

Abstract: A device and method for temporarily plugging and visually identifying the condition of tubes.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a garment has been used comprising integrating an indicator tag to a garment having an indicator material which reacts with any one of body sweat, water or dry cleaning chemicals or provides wear down indication to provide a visual indication of such use. A garment with an indicator tag having an indicator material which reacts with any one of body sweat, water or dry cleaning chemicals or provides wear down indication to provide a visual indication of such use.

Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus capable of generating a plasma in a processing chamber accommodating therein a substrate to plasma-process the substrate, a component disposed in the processing chamber includes an identification indicia formed with one or more symbols indicated by arranging a plurality of dotted recesses on a surface of the component. The dotted recesses are of a substantially circular shape in a plane view and a substantial U-shape in a sectional view. The life span of the component can be detected based on a status of the identification indicia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for helping to assure cleaner hands using a soap dispenser are disclosed. The method includes marking a hand of a user with a slight indentation on their hand when they activate the dispenser, wherein the indentation lasts during the desired period of hand washing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for a gauge for indicating a pressure of a fluid, including a gauge having a face where the face has a first plurality of graduation marks, each for indicating a pressure in an ascending direction. The face also has a second plurality of graduation marks, each for indicating a pressure in a descending direction. In addition, the gauge includes a sensor magnet for detecting the pressure of the fluid, a pointer magnet coupled to a pointer and in communication with the sensor magnet for moving the pointer in correspondence with a movement of the sensor magnet, and wherein the pointer traverses across both the first and second pluralities of graduation marks for indicating the pressure of the fluid in either an ascending direction or descending direction.

Abstract: A system for verifying fuel cap engagement utilizes a transducer coupled to a purge line of a fuel vapor recovery system to generate an electrical signal corresponding to one of the vapor pressure and the vapor flow rate in the purge line. A monitor receives the electrical signal and estimates the vapor pressure when the electrical signal corresponds to the vapor flow rate. The monitor likewise estimates the vapor flow rate when the electrical signal corresponds to the vapor pressure. The monitor also correlates the electrical signal and the estimate to generate a dataset relating vapor pressures to corresponding vapor flow rates at predetermined time intervals, computes a linear approximation of pressure versus flow rate, and computes a curve approximation of pressure versus flow rate. An indicator is actuated by the monitor when the difference between the computed linear and curve approximations is less than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A personnel guidance and location control system for controlling movement of one or more individuals to a particular destination, e.g. guiding one or more individuals in a selected path to a waiting point and then to an activity in advance of that waiting point or otherwise to a particular destination. The system relies upon a plurality of indicators or markers which may be secured to a floor or ground surface and which define guide paths for the one or more individuals. Various floor covering segments can be also secured in desired combinations to achieve a desired guide path.

Abstract: An operational guide system (10) adapted to provide visual indicators to an individual to guide sequential actions includes at least one sensor apparatus (26), a controller (20), and at least one directional light device (22, 24). The sensor apparatus (26) is operable to detect operation information and generate an output indicative of the sensed operation information. The controller (20) receives at least a first input signal indicative of the operation information and selectively provides at least one command signal in response to the first input signal. The at least one directional light device (22, 24) being selectively operable to project and target at least one indicating light in response to the at least one command signal from the controller (20).

Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition of a consumable component in a substrate processing system that includes a tapered plug having a first axis, a second axis that intersects the first axis, a top portion with first width, a bottom portion with a second width, and sidewalls joining said top and bottom portions respectively. The tapered plug has a cross sectional profile that is substantially parallel to the top and bottom portions and a cross sectional width that varies according to a location where the cross sectional profile intersects the second axis. At least one of the tapered plugs is inserted into at least one consumable component of the substrate processing system such that the top portion of the tapered plug is exposed to a processing environment of a plasma processing system.

Abstract: A stapler includes a base, a staple storage chamber coupled with the base, a staple pusher assembly positioned at least partially in the staple storage chamber, and a low staple indicator distinct from the staple pusher assembly and movable between a first position indicating the presence of a staple at a location in the staple storage chamber and a second position indicating the absence of a staple at the location in the storage chamber.

Abstract: A system for controlling luminance of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp includes an MCU (3), an LED circuit (4), an LED lamp (5), and a display (6). The MCU controls the LED circuit to adjust a luminance value of the LED lamp. The MCU includes: a CPU (31) for monitoring a status of the associated display, generating a corresponding PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) pulse when the system operates in different working phases, and transmitting the corresponding PWM pulse to the LED circuit via a PWM pin (32); a timer (33) for recording a duration of a user operating a control button (61); and a memory (34) for storing control programs. The LED circuit sets a luminance value of the LED lamp according to the PWM pulses. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A personal placement and location control system for controlling movement of one or more individuals to a particular destination. The control system provides a plurality of rows of indicators spaced apart from one another for defining a pathway of movement and an end of the line element, and where the path forming elements extend from the opposite ends of the end of the line element. The control system thereby guides individuals to a destination beyond the end of the line element. These elements are all located in a substrate, which can be placed on a ground surface. The substrate may contain instructional material or other advertising or promotional material.

Abstract: A personnel location control system for controlling and guiding a group of individuals in a selected path to a waiting point and then to an activity in advance of that waiting point. The system in one embodiment relies upon a plurality of disks or like guide path-forming elements which define the edges of a desired guide path for a line of individuals waiting to reach the activity or destination. These elements may be physically mounted on a ground cover substrate where a single substrate or a plurality of similar substrates in combination, could form a desired guide path. Thus, some of the ground substrates may define arcuate guide path sections and others may define straight guide path sections, etc., but which when combined will form a total guide path. Thus, modular carpet substrates or sections could be provided and each of these carpet sections would be capable of being secured to a ground or floor surface.

Abstract: A motor controller comprising, a detector configured to perform a difference processing for information relating to a counter electromotive force and an induced electromotive force generated by a stepping motor, and to generate a driving control signal based on a result of the difference processing, and a driver configured to drive the stepping motor based on the driving control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device or indicator device and a timer circuit. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within a beverage receptacle. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The timer circuit, automatically, after a certain period of time, may change the indicator device from the first or second state to a third state in which the indicator device does not provide a visual indication of the type of beverage within a beverage container.

Abstract: A record holder and scheduler comprises a file container of sufficient size to hold a tangible record of a person or thing, the file container having front and rear faces. On the file container there is disposed a schedule indicator and/or a condition indicator. The schedule indicator is positionable between different time markings to indicate visibly a time associated with the person or thing, and the condition indicator is positionable between different indicia to indicate visibly a status of the person or thing. The present invention is further directed to a method for using the record holder and scheduler.

Abstract: An underground marking system for marking buried objects is constructed from synthetic, brightly colored materials, which provides redundant horizontal and vertical markers and the ability to trace back to the buried object. The system is economical and easily installed. In one embodiment, the system includes a base disposable adjacent to the object, a hollow member having a lower end attachable to the base. The upper end is disposable adjacent to the ground. A cord is disposed in the hollow member and extends from the lower end to the upper end of the hollow member. The system provides a way of easily locating the marker either above or immediately below the ground surface. The hollow member may include a calibrated marking system to identify the depth to either the base or the buried object from the point of discovery of the hollow member.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method in which the water absorption of the porous cell structure is measured as the standard for setting the carrying conditions of the catalyst component in advance, when allowing the porous cell structure for use as a catalyst carrier to carry the catalyst component and forming a catalyst layer by a wash coating process. In the present method, an amount of a particulate material sticking to a surface of a partition wall constituting a cell of the porous cell structure and the surfaces of pores in the partition wall is regarded as the water absorption of the porous cell structure to measure the sticking amount.

Abstract: A method of using a remote control locator with a remote control includes providing a remote control locator including a wing-shaped fluorescent body and a mounting assembly, the wing-shaped fluorescent body including a length L at least twice the width Wr of the remote control and no greater than ten times the width Wr.; and attaching the wing-shaped fluorescent body only to a top end portion of the remote control using the mounting assembly so that the wing-shaped fluorescent body is centered and extends laterally with respect to the remote control to form opposite lateral fluorescent wings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrant locator that facilitates the location of a hydrant by firefighters, particularly in an emergency. The low profile device wraps around the hydrant cylinder for mounting purposes and a switch in an emergency vehicle sets off strobe lights on the device upon activation to alert firefighters to the hydrant location. The locator device comprises a plurality of solar powered strobe lights that are strapped about the hydrant alternating with solar panels. A locked latch secures the locator belt of strobe lights and solar panels to the hydrant. A shatterproof shield is mounted over the strobe lights and solar panels. A receiver is also mounted within the locator to activate the strobe lights upon receipt of a remote signal. A remote switch located in an emergency vehicle is coupled to a transmitter to activate only those hydrant locators within a given range of approximately 1500 feet. The switch can activate a different color strobe light to indicate the closeness of the hydrant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package for goods having a bar-code (2) and a temperature indicator (3) having a contrast medium between a front wall and a base wall. According to the invention, the temperature indicator (3) is placed beside the bar-code (2) in close connection to an outer code bar (4) thereof without covering the bar-code in order to, on one hand, in a first temperature state unimpededly enable scanning of the bar-code, but, on the other hand, after changing of the colour in the contrast medium make scanning impossible, more precisely by making an outer neutral field (5) opaque. The invention also relates to a temperature indicator as such as well as a method for marking packages.

Abstract: A pressure measurement method using a pressure measuring film in which a toner layer with a definite thickness is held between an adhesive layer formed on a first support and an inactive adhesive layer formed on a second support. Prior to applying the pressure to be measured to the measuring film, the inactive adhesive layer is activated to have an adhesive property. After pressure to be measured is applied to the film, the first support is removed and the applied pressure is determined based on the amount of toner attached to the second support. Using a toner having extremely small size, an extremely low pressure applied to an extremely small contact area can be measured. Also the pressure measuring film is not affected by use conditions (temperature, humidity). The inactive adhesive layer may be formed of a thermoplastic resin adhesive which can be activated by heating to become adhesive.

Abstract: A preformed molded colored shell adapted to be placed on case of a gauge, such as a pressure gauge. Cutouts allow the shell to be installed or removed without removing the gauge from service. A predetermined action may be taken based on the color of the shell. The shell provides a simplified means of identifying the pressure gauge. The shell can be adapted to comprise any one, or more, of a plurality of colors. A greater variety of colors can be imparted to the case than is available when integrating color into a phenolic case. The shell can thereby provide a true color to a case, whereas phenolic colored cases comprise a black hue. Thus, an identification system comprising a plurality of different colored shells is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for fitting footwear and footwear inserts provides a removable insert which measures the foot by thermal imaging. The insert is provided with a thermally sensitive layer, for example a thermochromic material having a color transition interval within the range between room temperature and body temperature, that thus reacts to the heat transferred from portions of the foot in contact with the insert and temporarily changes color. The insert retains an image of the footprint for a short interval after contact with the foot, and can be removed from the footwear to examine the position and size of the foot relative to the footwear insole (and thus relative to the footwear) when the footwear is actually worn. For inserts which are purchased separately for cushioning, odor-reduction etc., the footprint image can be used as a guide to cut the footwear insert to follow the shape of an individual's foot.

Abstract: A thermochromic polymer-based temperature indicator composition which comprises a polythiophene and a carrier medium. The composition is characterized in that the polythiophene is present in the medium in an amount of about 0.05 to about 5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The structure of the compound is designed such that when the composition is placed in a heat-exchange relationship with an article, the composition will exhibit a color change when a design temperature or a temperature beyond the design temperature is reached in the article.

Abstract: A novel kit, method, and system for the identification of a key and a corresponding lock. The kit, method, and system involve use of a first sticker and a second sticker, each sticker having an identical identification aspect. The first sticker is placed on a key and the second sticker is placed on a lock. By virtue of the identical identification aspects of the two stickers, a user can identify the key and the corresponding lock.

Abstract: A gauge pin includes a round rod that extends perpendicularly from a top surface of a disc shaped base. A bottom surface of the base is coated with an adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device. The apparatus may also be comprised of a beverage pitcher onto which the display device can be placed. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The display device may be comprised of a sliding member for allowing or preventing a first or a second designation for a first or a second type of beverage to be displayed. The beverage pitcher in one embodiment is a coffee pot. The first type of beverage may be decaffeinated coffee and the second type of beverage may be caffeinated or regular coffee. In other embodiments, a coffee machine includes an indicator device which indicates whether coffee is decaffeinated or not.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying medical devices comprising the steps of providing at least one medical device with at least one characteristic and providing the at least one medical device with at least one visible color, wherein the at least one characteristic corresponds to the at least one visible color. A key may be provided which lists the potential visible colors and the corresponding characteristics.

Abstract: A vessel is constructed dispensing and displaying a measured quantity of water by a graduated scale along the side wall of the vessel. The consumption of each measured quantity of water is tallied by actuation of one of a plurality of tactile buttons. In one embodiment, the buttons are distributed about a side wall of the vessel and in a second embodiment, the buttons are distributed about an end wall in a cap attached to the vessel.

Abstract: A method of warning of a hazard includes placing a container containing a plurality of mats, having cautionary information thereon, in an area prone to hazards. In addition, the method contemplates that a first person who notices a hazard will remove a mat from the container and place it over the hazard to warn a subsequent passerby of the existence of the hazard. Finally, the method provides leaving the mat over the hazard until a second person removes the hazard. In addition, the method may include providing on the mats a liquid impermeable cover and a padded portion. The padded portion may aid the second person in eliminating a hazard involving sharp objects. Further, the padded portion may be absorbent to aid in eliminating a liquid hazard. Moreover, the mat or the cover may be brightly colored to attract the eye of passersby to aid in warning them of the hazard.

Abstract: A safety device includes a material, and a cone holding the material and having an opening from which the material can be dispensed. The material can have absorbent properties and/or can be configured to warn of a hazard by displaying cautionary information. A hazard can be addressed by providing the cone containing the material within an area prone to hazards, and, after a hazard is created within the area, removing material from the cone and placing the material on the hazard.

Abstract: A reversible indicator tab is provided for a carafe of the type having a lever with a free end extending therefrom. The indicator tab includes a hollow cap having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls. The top and bottom walls are spaced apart and are connected to the side walls. The side walls are spaced apart and are connected to the top and bottom walls. The walls define at least one open end sized to receive the free end of the lever. The lever is receivable in at least two different orientations relative to the top wall. The top wall is readily visually distinguishable from the bottom wall by color.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing a cautionary warning on water-going vessels. The method comprises the step of placing a plurality of reflective warning markers on at least one side of the vessel. These warning markers preferably comprise a front, reflective (that is, reflecting incident light) surface and a rear surface. The rear surface comprises an attachment mechanism adapted to attach to the surface of the side of the vessel. Preferably the attachment mechanism is coextensive with at least the perimeter of the front, reflective surface. The present invention also provides a removable informative marker. This marker comprises a resilient, front reflective surface and a resilient, back magnetic surface. The resilient back magnetic surface is preferably substantially coextensive with at least the perimeter of the resilient, front reflective surface to assist in assuring a firm attachment of the marker to a metallic surface.

Abstract: A high visibility panel for use with aerial mapping and aerial surveying is constructed of lightweight corrugated cardboard. Two sections, each having a reflection side and a deflection side, are used. The panel sections are folded alternately into an accordion pleat into short segments along the entire length of each of the panel sections. The panel sections can be installed with either face toward the sky, depending upon the ground conditions on which they are installed. The panel sections are extended to expand the accordion pleating and the ends are secured to the underlying surface to cause the segments to diverge between 10° and 30° from the ground plane to which the panel sections are attached.

Abstract: In the process of wrapping a strip-like flexible repair substrate around a cylindrical article such as a pipe, an edge of the repair substrate is aligned with at least one visible indicia along the length of the previously wrapped repair substrate to easily control the amount of overlap, or pitch of the helix, between adjacent substrate layers created by successive wraps of the substrate about the article. Each of these indicia allow the substrate to overlap the previously wrapped substrate by a consistent amount, the amount desired being dependent upon the application and amount of strength required for the repair.

Abstract: A recyclable process kit part is provided with a visible mark. After the part undergoes a cleaning process that removes deposited material therefrom, the part can be determined to be within tolerance, based on the mark's visibility. More specifically, the recyclable process kit part is made of a material, and has a first surface that has a first elevation. A visual mark is formed in the first surface, and extends to a second elevation, wherein the distance between the first elevation and the second elevation is adapted such that the mark is visible until an amount of the material is removed from the part so as to make the part nearly out of tolerance.

Abstract: A labeling system to ensure that blood products are compatible with a patient's blood type. A blood product housing, which is attached to a blood product, comprises a plurality of block-like projections and recesses corresponding to the antigens/antibody characteristics of a blood product. A patient housing, secured to the patient, comprises a plurality of mirror image three-dimensional block-like projections and recesses corresponding to the antigen/antibody characteristics of the patient's blood. If the blocks and recesses of the housings mate and seat to one another this confirms the blood product is compatible with the blood of the patient. If the blocks and recesses of the housings do not mate and seat to one another this confirms the blood product is not compatible with the blood of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle travel position marker and method for confirming vehicle travel position for correct, visual confirmation of tire position and vehicle width, which before now could only be sensed. The present invention relates to a method for confirming vehicle travel position wherein markers 2a and 2b are established at positions, at or near the inside bottom of the vehicle A windshield 1, appearing from the driver's seat to lie over lines extending from the right and left tires 3a and 3b of the vehicle A, and the vehicle is operated using the markers 2a and 2b as signs for the positions through which the right and left tires 3a and 3b will pass. The present invention also relates to vehicle travel position markers used in the method for confirming vehicle travel position.

Abstract: A parking guide for a vehicle made of a telescoping antenna attached to a mounting bracket wherein the antenna is extended to allow the driver to see where the front or rear of a vehicle is in relation to other objects while parking.

Abstract: Exposure time is determined by a device which is sensitive to an environmental substance in a controlled environment. Embodiments include a humidity sensitive timer treated with a cobalt salt which changes colors after a certain exposure time within the controlled environment. Elapsed time is measured by exposing the timer to a humidity controlled environment and monitoring the timer for a change in color.

Abstract: A cap assembly is shown for a right of way line marker which includes a cap body with a conical exterior and an end opening. A mounting assembly including a lower, stationary disk and an upper, sliding disk are received within the end opening of the cap body. The lower disk has an aperture therein for receiving the upper end of a vertical support member. The upper sliding disk is positionable within the cap open interior upon contact with the upper end of the support member to thereby securely mount the cap assembly about the right of way line marker.

Abstract: A system and method for warning an individual of entry into an unsafe zone, particularly one that includes a floor or overhead conveyor, comprises a plurality of flexible upright members. The members are arranged to cover or affront the unsafe zone and are at a height so that an individual will contact and deform the members. Such contact then warns the individual that he or she is entering or approaching an unsafe zone. The flexible upright members can be arranged in separable or integral fashion on one or more bases. When using a plurality of bases, the bases can be sized and arranged to cover or abut any configuration of an unsafe zone.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator indicates the useful shelf life of an associated product which may be affected by the passage of time and an applied temperature. A creeping material has a first end connected to a first fixed location and a second end connected to a load applying device such as a spring. In response to application of the load applying device, the passage of time, and the application of various temperatures, the creeping material will increase in length in a known manner. An indicator associated with the creeping material indicates whether the passage of time and application of various temperatures have caused the associated product to exceed its useful shelf life.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting water leaks is disclosed. The method and device comprise an odorant in a water soluble barrier. The odorant and water soluble barrier can be contained in a housing and placed in a location where water leakage can occur. In the method and device described herein, leaking water dissolves the barrier and releases the odorant into the atmosphere thereby alerting persons to the presence of water as a result of a leak.

Abstract: A technique for avoiding the risk of spreading communicable diseases in drinking inadvertently from another's open beverage can by applying distinctive user identification markers on the can top cover, positioned arcuately about the cover and identified by using the lever-opener also as an identification indicator through rotational alignment with and locking at a desired user's marker.

Abstract: A conventional magnetomechanical EAS marker is modified to aid in authenticating an article of merchandise to which the marker is to be applied. The marker includes a housing, a magnetostrictive element in the housing, a bias magnet mounted to the housing, and an authentication element in the housing for indicating the authenticity of the item to which the marker is to be applied. The authentication element may be a printed logo, bar code or character string or a discrete element having distinctive or rare characteristics.

Abstract: There is provided a method for marking the treated areas of soil or ground surface wherein the boundary markers have a high degree of visibility, thereby permitting the boundary markers to be distinguishable from a distance and in less than ideal lighting conditions. The marking medium used in the boundary marker utilizes chemiluminescence to radiate light. The chemiluminescence may also be controlled to regulate the length of time marking medium radiates light. When the marking medium is applied to the ground to mark the boundary of the treated area in accordance with the present invention, the marker is easily distinguishable from a distance and may be easily viewed in less than ideal lighting conditions.