Abstract: A system and method for sensing and indicating air pressure within an enclosed space is described. The system comprises a pressure sensing device and pressure indicator further comprising a housing enabled to house a plurality of electronic devices and having an opening, an elastomeric membrane covering the opening of the housing and capable of flexing inwards and outwards, a light emitting device to provide an illumination and a projector for projecting a positive pressure symbol and a negative pressure symbol. The elastomeric membrane flexes inwards along with a representation of the positive pressure symbol with an illumination of a first color when the pressure within the enclosed space is positive and the elastomeric membrane flexes outwards along with a representation of the negative pressure symbol with the illumination of a second color when the pressure within the enclosed space is negative.

Abstract: A secondary indicator for a vapor recovery valve is presented. The vapor recovery valve comprises a piston and a primary indicator, the primary indicator is attached to the piston, and the piston moves linearly in relation to the actuation of the valve and moves proportionally in conjunction with the piston to provide a visual indication that the valve has actuated. The secondary indicator is mounted to the vapor recovery valve and is not attached to the primary indicator. The secondary indicator comprises a signal, a torsional spring, and a fixed pin. The secondary indicator is second class lever, the torsional spring is the effort, the fixed pin is the fulcrum, and the primary indicator is the load between the torsional spring and the fixed pin, such that the signal rotates with the linear movement of the primary indicator to multiply the effect of the primary indicator.

Abstract: A check valve includes an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve, and a lower housing having a seating portion and defining an outlet of the check valve. The check valve further includes a chamber interposed between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet, and a flexible diaphragm mounted in the chamber. The flexible diaphragm selectively permits fluid flow in a first direction, and prevents fluid backflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The flexible diaphragm includes a color changing material, and when the flexible diaphragm is seated on the seating portion and bent due to force of the fluid flowing in the first direction, the flexible diaphragm exhibits a color change.

Abstract: A cuff pressure stabilizer includes a substantially rigid protective housing and a balloon disposed therein. The balloon has a base low pressure of 10 cm H2O when it contains a base low-pressure volume of air. When the balloon contains a first medium-pressure volume of air, the balloon has a first medium pressure of 25 cm H2O. When the balloon contains a second medium-pressure volume of air, the balloon has a second medium pressure of 40 cm H2O, and at least 20% of an outer surface of the balloon touches a portion of the inner surface of the housing. The second medium-pressure volume of air equals the base low-pressure volume of air plus a second incremental quantity of air that is less than 60 cc. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A cap for forming a sealed cavity around an end of a fastener protruding from a structure. The cap has: a cap body with an annular base terminating at a rim which surrounds an opening into a central cavity; an annular skirt providing an annular pocket between the skirt and the base; and an inlet hole in the skirt. The inlet hole is in fluid communication with the pocket and arranged to interconnect with a sealing material injection device to provide a flow of sealing material through the skirt via the inlet hole into the pocket. An outlet is also provided in the skirt. The outlet is in fluid communication with the pocket and arranged to enable air to escape the pocket through the skirt via the outlet hole as the sealing material flows from the inlet hole into the pocket.

Abstract: An airway management device is provided that may adjust the inflation level of a cuff associated with an endotracheal tube. The cuff inflation may be adjusted in response to an increase in carbon dioxide levels above the cuff, which may indicate a poor seal of the cuff against the tracheal walls, as well in response to a measured intracuff pressure. By using information about the seal quality of the cuff together with information about the cuff pressure, the inflation of the cuff can be adjusted to minimize cuff inflation pressure while maintaining a high quality tracheal seal.

Abstract: A cap for forming a sealed cavity around an end of a fastener protruding from a structure. The cap has: a cap body with an annular base terminating at a rim which surrounds an opening into a central cavity; an annular skirt providing an annular pocket between the skirt and the base; and an inlet hole in the skirt. The inlet hole is in fluid communication with the pocket and arranged to interconnect with a sealing material injection device to provide a flow of sealing material through the skirt via the inlet hole into the pocket. An outlet is also provided in the skirt. The outlet is in fluid communication with the pocket and arranged to enable air to escape the pocket through the skirt via the outlet hole as the sealing material flows from the inlet hole into the pocket.

Abstract: A rectal drainage appliance is disclosed comprising a tubular element having an inflatable balloon at a distal end for anchoring the appliance in the rectum. The appliance includes one or more of: (i) first and second auxiliary lumens communicating with the inflatable balloon to provide independent inflation and pressure monitoring paths coupled to the balloon; (ii) a pressure state indicator defined by a mechanical element configured to flip between first and second states or shapes responsive to sensed pressure; and (iii) a collapsible auxiliary lumen larger than the inflation lumen, and configured to permit admission of irrigation fluid. The pressure state indicator may also be used in intestinal drains.

Abstract: A cap for forming a sealed cavity around an end of a fastener is disclosed having a cap body with an annular base terminating at an inner cap rim which surrounds an opening into a central cavity and lies in an inner cap plane around a majority of a circumference of the annular base. A skirt provides an annular pocket between the skirt and the annular base. The skirt has a first part which is integrally formed with the cap body from a first material and terminates at an edge, and a second part which is formed from a second material and extends from the edge of the first part of the skirt to a skirt rim which lies in or below the inner cap plane around a majority of a circumference of the skirt.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a post for an intake manifold having a first portion and a second portion held together is set forth. Each of the portions extends from a shell half that, when the two shells are attached to one another, form the intake manifold. Each of the portions includes a face. A groove is formed on at least one of the portions. A seal is fitted in the groove. A fastener hole is formed in the portions. In one portion, the fastener hole passes through the portion and in the other a thread is formed by a thread forming fastener. The seal may be positioned in a groove formed on a post face, in a groove formed adjacent the opening of the fastener-receiving hole in the post, or in a groove formed on an interior wall of the post adjacent a cap fitted over the head of the thread forming fastener.

Abstract: A fuel system component may include a body arranged for use in storing or moving fuel within the fuel system, and an indicator associated with the body to provide an indication when the body is subjected to a condition outside of a threshold. The indicator may be responsive to one or more environmental or system conditions outside of a threshold. For example without limitation, the indicator may be responsive to one or more of temperature, pressure, corrosion and electrical conditions to provide an indication when at least one condition exceeds a threshold for that condition.

Abstract: The description provides a method of forming a seal around an end of a fastener protruding from a structure. The cap includes a cap body with a cavity; a sealing material inlet comprising an opening in the cap body; three or more ridges protruding from the cap body into the cavity; and three or more channels between the ridges. The method includes: installing the cap body over the end of the fastener so that it is enclosed within the cavity and contacted by the ridges; injecting sealing material into the cavity via the sealing material inlet so that the sealing material flows along the channels, fills the cavity, contacts the end of the fastener, and contacts the structure; and curing the sealing material to form the seal.

Abstract: Sealable plastic bag with a vacuum indicator is comprised of first and second sheets, each formed of a thin flexible plastic membrane. At least one perforation is formed in the first sheet. An indicator is disposed on the first sheet over the at least one perforation. The indicator is comprised of a resilient material which forms a resilient convex protrusion on an external surface of the bag. The convex protrusion defines a chamber which is airtight except for the at least one perforation. A containment structure is associated with the perforation to inhibit migration of particles from the interior compartment into the chamber. The resilient material is responsive to an air pressure differential as between the interior compartment and an environment external of the interior compartment to collapse the convex protrusion under a predetermined pressure differential condition.

Abstract: A security tag for being mounted to a container seal includes a sensor element having a sensor volume which is filled at least partly with an indicator material, an indication area arranged at the sensor volume, and a manipulator element configured to cause, with an abrupt mechanical deformation at the container seal, when opening same, an irreversible, physical and/or chemical alteration of the indicator material which may be perceived visibly or in a tactile manner in the indication area.

Abstract: A contact lens storage and cleaning case is described. The case compromises (a) two contact lens chambers that are closed via a chamber cap for each contact lens; and (b) fluid reservoir and integrated pump. The contact lens chamber can be closed using removable chamber caps each of which has a flexible compressible cavity in whose center is mounted a flexible cap membrane that faces and isolates the chamber. Air can escape from the cavity via an opening in the chamber cap.

Abstract: A fluid flow indicator for observation of low flow rates in liquids includes a capillary tube (12) slidably mounted at each end in passageways (4) and (5) and biased into a no-flow indicating position by a castellated elastomeric membrane (14) providing a sealed barrier within a chamber (1) between a first zone (17) and a second zone (18). Fluid flow introduced through spigot (9) causes the capillary tube (12) to slide to the opposite end of the passageways (4) and (5) whereupon the deformed position of the elastomeric membrane (14) can readily be observed through transparent walls (3) in the chamber (1). Upon cessation of flow, the elastomeric membrane (14) causes the capillary tube (12) to revert to its original position.

Abstract: An indicator suitable for signaling restricted flow of a fluid through a filter mounted in a filter assembly includes a housing having an inner cavity. A diaphragm disposed within the housing separates the inner cavity into first and second chambers and deflects from a neutral position in response to applied pressures within the first and second chambers. A tab assembly opposite the diaphragm includes a spring-loaded flag moveable from a first position within the housing to a second position outside the housing. A pin operably coupled to the diaphragm holds the spring-loaded flag within the housing when the diaphragm is in the neutral position. In response to the diaphragm being deflected sufficiently from the neutral position to release the pin, the spring-loaded flag travels to the second position outside the housing, thereby indicating a restricted flow condition for the filter.

Abstract: A tactile and visual indicator is mounted on the hub cap of an axle of a vehicle. The indicator has a deformable face that protrudes away from the hub cap in response to the presence of pressurized air in the space containing the wheel bearings. The position of the deformable face indicates the presence or absence of hub integrity and indication of grease about the wheel bearings.

Abstract: A lid for a food storage container includes a lid body with a vacuum sense opening and a vent opening extending through the lid body, a releasable cover disposed over the vent opening, and a pressure-indicating protrusion. The cover impedes air flow into the container through the vent opening until the cover is released. The pressure-indicating protrusion, which has a cavity in it, is in hydraulic communication with the container through the vacuum sense opening. The pressure-indicating protrusion contracts toward the vacuum sense opening in response to negative container pressure.

Abstract: The present invention describes a container end closure which utilizes a material that is adapted to provide a visible indicator when the internal pressure of the contents increase to a predetermined level. In one embodiment, an interruption in a reinforcing bead incorporated in the end closure is deformed to visually notify a consumer of spoilage due to bacterial activity and to substantially prohibit the use of traditional can openers to access the spoiled contents within the container.

Abstract: A signal to warn of the open condition of a sub-grade vault whose lid may be open or missing. A spring-loaded placard is held down in the vault by a closed lid and raises above the opening by its own stored energy when the lid is open or missing.

Abstract: Container for storing food products including a base defining a product support surface for supporting the food product and a cover releasably engaging with the base such that when the cover engages with the base, a storage compartment is defined by the cover and the base. The cover includes an air control unit for controlling air pressure in the storage compartment and a window extending downward from the air control unit to surround food products in the storage compartment. A product supported on the product support surface of the base is visible through the window when the cover engages with the base. By providing the window as part of the cover, the base is separable from the window to thereby expose the product support surface of the base so that cakes can be easily placed on the product support surface and then enclosed by the cover.

Abstract: A pressure indicator and a corresponding method are disclosed, the pressure indicator comprising a display diaphragm, optionally transparent, and an indicator diaphragm coupled to and in fluid communication with the display diaphragm. In use, pressure is applied to the diaphragms, which may be amplified, whereby a change in the pressure applied causes relative movement between the diaphragms which is observable either on the outer surface of the display diaphragm or through the display diaphragm. The diaphragms may form a compartment preferably containing a liquid or gel. The indicator diaphragm may bear a recognizable configuration or pattern which can be colored and may comprise a symbol or graphic projecting from its surface. The configuration or pattern may comprise at least two components, each component corresponding to a different pressure. Also disclosed is an inflatable device, especially a football or a tire, comprising such a pressure indicator.

Abstract: A mechanical gauge having a mechanism for setting multiple alarms within tolerance values. When such tolerance values defined by the mechanism are reached, the same mechanism activates an alarm.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel according to the present invention addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art. In accordance with the present invention, a vacuum insulation panel comprises a barrier film and a core material and a vacuum detection indicator. The vacuum detection indicator is configured to facilitate the evaluation of the integrity of the vacuum within the vacuum insulation panel. The vacuum detection indicator may comprise a cavity in the core material which allows the barrier material to form a depression when a vacuum is drawn within the panel. Accordingly, as the vacuum is reduced or lost, the depression formed in the barrier material will be similarly reduced or lost. In addition, the vacuum detection indicator may comprise a viewing window configured above the barrier material to permit the evaluator to readily determine whether the vacuum has been reduced or lost. Further, the vacuum detection indicator may comprise a spring-like device configured within the cavity.

Abstract: A low cost air filter restriction indicator gauge for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine can be achieved by both simplifying individual part configuration and reducing overall part count. More specifically, a simplified design can be achieved by utilizing a one piece base cap which includes a locking extension and reset button integral therewith. By having this part injection moldable, it is easy to fabricate and lower in cost as a complex locking pin assembly can be eliminated. Further, the low cost device can be further enhanced by providing a two color visual indicator which displays one color when the device is in its reset position and a second color when the device is in its locked or set position.

Abstract: A restriction indicator for an air cleaner of an internal combustion engine. A bellows-type diaphragm is biased toward a retracted position by a first end of a compression spring. A calibration wheel threadingly engaging the housing supports a second end of the compression spring, such that the restriction indicator can be calibrated by rotation of the calibration wheel. An end of the compression spring is seated on a slanted seating surface so that a plunger is pushed off-center to engage a latch and lock the restriction indicator.

Abstract: Display apparatus connected to a filler gun of a fuel dispensing station. A carrying body on a prominent part of the filler gun supports a detachable display surface carrier which in turn supports an inflatable balloon shaped element. The balloon shaped element carries an advertising message which is viewable when the balloon shaped element is inflated. A valve on the filler gun is connected to a source of inflation air and to the balloon shaped element. The valve is actuated by the fuel dispensing trigger on the filler gun. During fueling an inflation gas is supplied to the balloon shaped element which in the inflated state prominently displays the advertising message.

Abstract: A button enhancement coating system wherein mechanically actuated buttons and vacuum actuated buttons of closures may be provided with a coating system which changes color after the closure has been applied to a container and then removed therefrom with the change in color indicating tampering. The coating system includes a first coating layer applied directly to the upper surface of the button and a second coating layer of a different color applied in overlying and bonded relation to the first coating layer. The second coating layer is preferably transparent and the two colors are selected so that they produce a third color while the coating layers are bonded together. When the two coating layers become separated during the removal of the closure from a container, the button assumes the color of the second coating layer. The first coating layer may have an embossed upper surface including ribs and grooves with the second coating layer flowed thereinto.

Abstract: A device for optically displaying the pressure of a medium comprises a housing, a piston within the housing which is movable along a longitudinal axis against a restoring force, and an optically transparent element within the housing having a display surface which is visible from outside the housing. An inner wall of the optically transparent element delimits a cavity which is open towards the piston. A surface of a first color, e.g., green, is mounted on the piston and is movable therewith, the colored surface being received within the cavity of the optically transparent element. The optically transparent element includes a circumferential zone of a second color, e.g., red, which colored zone is not directly visible from outside the housing through the display surface.

Abstract: Gas-generating or absorbing activity of microorganisms is detected by providing a vessel in which the microorganisms are incubated, the vessel having a cap with a membrane indicator therein. The membrane has a deformed region which is inflated to indicate the existence of a change in pressure within the vessel as compared with ambient pressure. Automatic monitoring of the inflated portion is disclosed.

Abstract: A container capable of being evacuated by a pump which is removably and sealably attached thereto comprises a cover having a removable valve mounted therein and a container body which is adapted to receive the cover. A compressible indication member is positioned between the periphery of the cover and container body, the visibility of which from the outside of the container provides an indication of the evacuation state of the container. The cover and the container body are movable relative to each other which movement is dependent on the pressure difference between the interior and the surroundings of the container whereby the deformation of the indication member provides an indication of the amount of pressure in the container.

Abstract: A protective or purge enclosure provides a positive atmosphere around an operating device such as a hand-held computer or calculator contained therein. The protective enclosure has sufficient flexibility, even though providing a positive, sealed atmosphere, to enable the user to operate the functional features of the device sealed within the enclosure, and the material forming the device is sufficiently transparent to enable the user to view the functional features of the device for operation. A visible indicator provided on the enclosure enables the user to determine if the enclosure is maintaining the positive atmosphere sealed therein.

Abstract: Gas-generating activity of microorganisms is detected by providing a vessel in which the microorganisms are incubated, the vessel having a cap with a membrane indicator therein. The membrane has a deformed region which is inflated to indicate the existence of an increase in pressure within the vessel as compared with ambient pressure. Visual or automatic monitoring of the inflated portion is disclosed.

Abstract: A tamper evident indicating means for a vacuum packed package or bottle comprising an indicia printed seal that is separated from a translucent closure member when the package or bottle is under vacuum so that the indicia is not readable or discernible through the closure member, but when the vacuum is lost, as through tampering, the seal contacts the closure and the indicia printed thereon is readable or discernible to warn of possible tampering.

Abstract: A gauge or indicator (20) for providing a positive on/off visual indication comprises a lens (22) and a transition mount (24) with a resilient diaphragm (32) secured therebetween to define a sealed chamber therein. The chamber is filled with an opaque liquid (34) and a contrasting plug (36) which is secured to the diaphragm (32) and movable therewith responsive to an actuator stem (38) between an "off" position obscured by the liquid and an "on" position wherein the plug is visible behind the lens (22) upon displacement of the liquid. Additional embodiments (50, and 70) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for use in a pneumatic circuit. A rolling diaphragm (14) is mounted within a housing (9,10) and divides the housing into first and second regions (15,16), one sealed from the other. The diaphragm has an outer sleeve section (18) and a connected inner cup section (19) lying within the outer sleeve section, the outer surface of the cup section and the inner surface of the sleeve section both being subject to pressure in the second region. An indicator (22) is seated within the cup section. The cup section is biased towards the first region against pressure therein, and into a position wherein the indicator lies substantially wholly within the cup section and is shielded from view thereby. The housing has a transparent section through which the indicator may be viewed as it moves out of the cup section in response to increasing pressure differential between the first and second regions.

Abstract: A captive volume device containing a small amount of solid propellant and a safe life indicator such as a colorimeter material or a differential pressure sensor. As the propellant deteriorates, it expends a gas which changes the color of the colorimeter material or causes the differential pressure sensor to alter its position, indicating that the propellant material is useless.

Abstract: A gauge or indicator (20) for providing a positive on/off visual indication comprises a lens (22) and a transition mount (24) with a resilient diaphragm (32) secured therebetween to define a sealed chamber therein. The chamber is filled with an opaque liquid (34) and a contrasting plug (36) which is secured to the diaphragm (32) and movable therewith responsive to an actuator stem (38) between an "off" position obscured by the liquid and an "on" position wherein the plug is visible behind the lens (22) upon displacement of the liquid.

Abstract: A bandage useful, for instance, in medical applications includes a rupturable sheet or strip having encapsulated fluid (liquid or gas). The sheet or strip is disposed between the body portion to be bandaged and the outer surface of the bandage. The sheet or strip ruptues when a predetermined pressure is exceeded, thereby releasing the fluid for indicating that the bandage is applied too tightly. When the fluid is a liquid, such as a dye, the released liquid will stain the bandage. When the fluid is a gaseous substance, the release of the gas will be sensed. When a plurality of strips are used, one strip may contain a liquid and another one a gaseous substance, the strips rupturing at different predetermined pressures.

Abstract: An air pressure indicator for mounting on an automobile tire valve. An inflatable balloon is used to indicate a desired condition. The balloon is surrounded by a transparent cap. Should the air pressure in the tire fall below a desired level, the balloon will deflate. A free floating valve is positioned in a cavity formed adjacent to the transparent cap. The valve seals an air passage through the transparent cap should the inflatable balloon rupture.

Abstract: A vacuum drainage bottle includes a chamber for receiving fluids from a patient and a pressure indicator (9,21) for measuring the pressure in the chamber. Prior to use, the pressure indicator is isolated from the chamber by means of a breakable seal. The seal may be in the form of a recessed membrane (43), which may be ruptured by depressing the pressure indicator, causing a ball (45) to bear against the membrane (43).

Abstract: A flow sensor wherein a body (10) that includes a recessed surface (18) is covered by a flexible cover (12). The portion of flexible cover (12) adjacent recessed surface (18) moves between a contracted position and an expanded position to indicate flow.

Abstract: An improved switching device for indicating the beginning and ending of the breath of a test subject. A flow through housing is provided with an inlet and first and second outlets. A flexible diaphragm is connected in series with the first outlet to serve as a check valve which opens during the high flow rate portion of a breath. A sensitive flow responsive member connected in series with the second outlet opens in response to the presence of gas flow during the low flow rate portion of the breath. A detecting circuit responsive to the position of the flow responsive member accurately signals the beginning and ending of a breath without interference by the check valve.

Abstract: An improved switching device for indicating the beginning and ending of the breath of a test subject. A flow through housing is provided with an inlet and first and second outlets. A flexible diaphragm is connected in series with the first outlet to serve as a check valve which opens during the high flow rate portion of a breath. A sensitive flow responsive member connected in series with the second outlet opens in response to the presence of gas flow during the low flow rate portion of the breath. A detecting circuit responsive to the position of the flow responsive member accurately signals the beginning and ending of a breath. A damping member connected to the flexible diaphragm prevents the latter from vibrating at low breath flow rates and thereby stabilizes the motion of the flow responsive member.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the pressure between a support dressing and a body portion surrounded by said support dressing comprises a device for sensing the pressure, a device for indicating the pressure sensed and an arrangement transferring the pressure sensed to the device for indicating the pressure. The device for sensing the pressure may have a first part borne by the support dressing and a second part movable relative to the first one and being urged against the body portion by a spring or the like, the second part being connected to an indicator cooperating with a graduation through a lever system. The device for sensing the pressure may, however, also comprise a cavity filled with an incompressible fluid, said cavity being defined by a wall which is flexible at least in a region abutting the body portion.

Abstract: A pressure detection arrangement embedded between the skin of a portion of the body and a means used to surround and/or immobilize that particular part of the body, such as a cast. The pressure detection arrangement is a bifurcated capsule having a reservoir cavity and an indicator cavity. A colored fluid is initially contained only within the reservoir cavity by either a frangible disc across the conjunction of the indicator cavity with the reservoir cavity or an extensible bladder within the reservoir cavity. The indicator cavity is transparent or translucent and protrudes through the cast to regions external thereto.If there is swelling of the limb due to medical complications, the skin presses against the capsule and either breaks the frangible disc allowing the colored fluid to pass into the indicator cavity or forces the extensible bladder into the indicator cavity of the capsule. Both methods provide a visual indication in the indicator cavity of excessive pressure on the limb.

Abstract: A medical suction device is disclosed which includes a vacuum indicator flag. This flag is made up of a flexible tube capped with a plug. The rigidity of the walls of the tube is chosen such that the walls collapse when the pressure inside the tube falls below a predetermined value, thereby allowing the flag to droop. In addition the rigidity of the tube serves to hold the flag upright when the pressure inside the tube rises above a second predetermined value. Thus the state of the flag (upright or drooped) provides a remote indication of the pressure being developed by the suction device. In addition, the suction device uses a constant force coiled ribbon spring to provide substantially constant suction as the suction device is filled. Furthermore, the suction device includes a plurality of separately valved drainage receptacles which can be folded and stored compactly against the drainage device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for protecting nuts and protruding threads of bolts from corrosion and damage. A cup-shaped cap is provided for sealingly enclosing the exposed threads. A suitable protecting fluid may be introduced through a charging port, and an expandable bladder protruding from the side of the cap indicates that the cap is maintaining the protective fluid under pressure. A nut cover is slidably mounted to the cap, and serves to protect the nut from the environment.

Abstract: A pressure checker for a pneumatic tire having a tire valve, including a cap member defining an open ended chamber therein and adapted for sealing threaded engagement with the tire valve, a pressing member provided in the chamber and adapted to press the tire valve open when the cap member is threaded on the tire valve, and inflatable membrane provided in the chamber and inflatable by an air pressure released from the tire when the tire valve is opened by the pressing member so that from the degree of deformation or inflation of the membrane an observer can check the air pressure of the tire.