Abstract: A remote mailbox alerting system for advising users of the system to the delivery of mail to a mail receptacle containing the system. The system includes a floating mail sensing assembly utilizing a pair of opposing, parallel, nonaligned doughnut like magnets, and a radio frequency transmitter in electrical communication therewith. At a remote location, such as the dwelling, a receiver is provided for receiving transmitted signals upon activation of the mail sensing assembly and transmitter. To alert the user, an alarm system is included.

Abstract: This invention provides an omnidirectionally responsive cable switch (5) capable of snake-like or twisted wiring or layout and comprising a tubular outer cover (1) made of an insulating material and 2-4 separate conductive rubbers (3a-3d) fixed on the inner surface of the outer cover leaving an air gap (2) therebetween, the separate conductive rubbers being spaced apart from each other, and the outer cover being capable of being distorted together with the conductive rubbers so that the separate conductive rubbers may contact with each other when substantial compressive pressure is applied thereon at any point of the outer cover, thereby forming a switching contact therebetween. The air gap (2) may be substantially of a cross-shaped, Y-shaped, V-shaped, S-shaped, or arrow-head-shaped form. The omnidirectionally responsive cable switch may be further protected or guarded by a reinforcing member or material.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a patient in a bed having a room number that provides a signal to a nurses station when the patient exits the bed including a sensor pad positioned on the bed responsive to the weight of a patient, a control unit adjacent the bed to which the sensor pad is connected, a display unit positioned adjacent the nurses station having a room number visual display and an audio signal generator and a radio signal transmitter in the control unit that transmits a radio signal upon actuation of the sensor pad and a radio receiver in the display unit that responds to sound an audio alarm and to visually display the patients room number.

Abstract: A chair occupancy monitoring device having pressure sensitive switch housed within a flexible cover. A cushion formed by a pair of foam pads positioned between the cover and the switch protects the switch and increases patient comfort. The switch includes first and second oppositely disposed base members. First and second electrical conductors are mounted to an interior portion of the first and second base members, respectively, on the surface facing the opposing base member. A gap is created between the electrical conductors by a pair of separator members which are disposed intermediate the oppositely disposed surfaces of the first and second base members and are mounted to a side portion of at least one of the base members. At least one electrically non-conductive contact limiter member is disposed intermediate the electrical conductors, covering a portion of the second electrical conductor.

Abstract: A membrane weight sensor incorporates a plurality of membrane switch elements, each characterized by a distinct activation force threshold determined by the effective diameter and activation travel distance of the associated membrane. A plurality of membrane switch elements is incorporated into a single membrane switch pad. The membrane switch pad is aligned with a pair of first and second plates, one of which incorporates a plurality of protrusions, each operatively coupled to a different membrane switch element for purposes of deflecting the associated membrane. The signals from each of the associated switch elements are encoded and combined so as to form a single analog output signal having a plurality of discrete levels indicative of the amount of force applied to the membrane weight sensor.

Abstract: A touch panel for a swimming race comprises a rear panel, a front panel spaced from and opposed to the rear panel and movable vertically and horizontally relative to the rear panel, and a top edge panel having a first end portion connected to the rear panel and a second end portion connected to the front panel. A sensor is mounted in the space between the front panel and the rear panel and is actuable in response to rearward horizontal movement of the front panel for generating a signal. An elastic member is movably disposed in a space defined by the front panel, the rear panel and the top edge panel for biasing the top edge panel and the front panel vertically upwardly. A sliding member is disposed between the elastic member and the rear panel for reducing a friction between the elastic member and the rear panel during movement of the elastic member.

Abstract: An apparatus that detects the occurrence of slack in a cable and that compensates for detected slack is disclosed. The apparatus includes body parts that are movable relative to each other between fully extended and fully retracted positions. A bias device biases the body parts toward the fully retracted position. However, normal tension conditions in the monitored cable overcome the bias and extend the body parts to their fully extended relation. If the cable becomes slack, the body parts retract to take up the slack. If the cable slack is to such an extent that the body parts move to a predetermined relative position, the apparatus generates a signal warning of extreme slack conditions. The present invention also is a cable slack control apparatus for a door operator, with such control apparatus including a cable slack detection and compensation device and a door motor drive control device.

Abstract: A safety strip for use on moving devices with the danger of pinching has a plurality of contact elements assembled into a row under an axial prestress along the safety strip. Extending in these contact elements are electrically conductive contact pins that, in the off, i.e. non-operate state maintain a circuit through the adjacent contact elements by contact and in the event that the safety strip is deformed through some external force open the circuit through the spatial distance from each other. The axial prestress and control of the individual contact elements is effected by means of an elastic tubing. However, in the present state-of-the-art, such safety strips result in a high material load in the area of the contact zones between the individual contact elements and, in addition, have only a limited maintainability.

Abstract: An instrument case and alarm is disclosed that provides a reliable alarm system that selectively uses audio, visual and radio alerts to attract attention to the case and instrument. In one preferred embodiment, the alarm emits a separate and distinct audible alarm if the instrument is removed from the case. The case comprises housing that protectively encloses the instrument. A door hinged mounts the housing to provide access therein. Several feet project from the housing to support the case. The alarm mounts inside the housing. A primary set switch penetrates the instrument case housing and the alarm frame. This primary switch is preferably key-operated. The switch sets the alarm. Preferably, my alarm has a selective down time. The alarm uses several triggers to sense detonation stimuli. The case trigger comprises two separately actuable sensor arrays. Preferably, at least one sensor on each array penetrates a case foot. Another trigger detects motions of the case. Another trigger detects case openings.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive switch apparatus for use in monitoring the position of a patient in a bed or chair is provided. The switch includes a resilient conductor disposed between first and second conductors located at opposite surface areas of the switch. The resilient conductor provides varying degrees of electrical contact between the first and second electrical conductors in response to pressure applied to either of these conductors by shifting of the patient's weight.

Abstract: A sensing unit to be positioned between the matress of a bed and the bed frame for monitoring an occupant of the bed, the sensor consisting of thinly spaced upper and lower steel plates between which is located a point sensor such as a Hall effect transducer or a reed switch. The upper plate flexes in response to the weight of an occupant above. The sensing unit is to be attached to a control unit which generates an audible and visible alarm signal when the occupant leaves the bed. In a different embodiment, sensors are located in the bed frame to monitor the occupant of the bed.

Abstract: A new Pressure Controlled Alarm Clock System for providing an alarm clock alarm which can not be turned off unless a user is removed from a bed, and where the alarm restarts if the user returns to the bed in a predetermined amount of time. The inventive device includes an alarm clock, a pressure switch normally open and in communication with the alarm clock to control the alarm, the pressure switch is positioned mesial a box spring and a mattress for determing if the user is in or out of the bed. The pressure switch further includes an adjustment member for adjusting the sensivity of the pressure switch. A heat sensing pad may be utilized as an alternative to the pressure switch thereby detecting the user's body heat near the surface of the mattress.

Abstract: Each sensing safety edge system includes an elongated, one-piece, flexibly resilient, extrusion of air-impervious material. The extrusion includes an elongated hollow member with tubular wall, a pair of laterally spaced apart support legs extending radially outwardly from an outer side of the tubular wall, an elongated mounting strip extending outwardly from the tubular wall between the pair of support legs and a weather strip extending outwardly from an opposing side of the tubular member. Conical plug closures are provided in each of two opposing ends of the tubular member, preferably so as to seal the ends to air passage. The resulting safety edge is mounted on a leading edge of an overhead steel door or like movable structure.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive cable switch includes a pair of metallic conductors arranged in opposing relation to one another on the neutral axis for bending within the cross section of a rubber tube, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the tube. A pair of belt-shaped electrodes made of conductive rubber material or other conductive materials and embedding the metallic conductors therein, are disposed to oppose each other on the inner circumferential surface of the robe with respect to the neutral axis for bending. The electrodes extend in the longitudinal direction of the tube. Therefore, an erroneous operation of the cable switch at a part where the switch is bent is prevented, and furthermore the cable switch operates while coping with a wide range of load application angles.

Abstract: A traffic sensor for dispostion across a lane or lanes of a roadway includes a pliable strip within which is housed a flexible carrier which in turn supports electrical sensors and coaxial cables. The components are in circuit with a roadside located recording device. Vehicle imparted loads applied to the strip and carrier are counteracted by an inelastic member extending lengthwise of the strip to prevent erroneous electrical impulses. The inelastic is embodied in strands of material embedded in the carrier. Fastener elements extend through the strip for insertion into the roadway for strip retention.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive sparkless switching device includes a layer of piezoresistive cellular polymer foam, at least two conductive layers, and an insulative spacer element having at least one opening. When pressure is applied to the device the piezoresistive foam disposes itself through the opening of the spacer element and makes electrical contact between the conductive layers. The resistance of the piezoresistive foam varies with the amount of pressure applied to provide an analog as well as on-off function. The device may also provide multiple switching, and shear detection capabilities.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a long term care device having a sensor thereon for detecting the presence of a patient on the device includes a microprocessor responsive to a resident program. A first circuit connected to the microprocessor and to the sensor automatically activates operation of the microprocessor to a "monitor" mode upon detection by the sensor of the patient's presence on the device, maintains operation of the microprocessor for a predetermined time period at least equal to a running time of the program and terminates operation of the microprocessor at the expiration of the predetermined time period after detection by the sensor of termination of the patient's presence on the device prior to expiration of the predetermined time period. A second circuit operates the system in response to commands manually applied to the second circuit to deactivate the system to a "hold/reset" mode after activating of the system to the "monitor" mode.

Abstract: A device that mounts on the top of each fence post along a security fence and utilizes an alarming arm which produces an electric alarm signal when moved or displaced. When a multiplicity of the units are mounted on the tops of all of the fence posts along a security fence with the alarming arms pointed outward from the fence line and barrier material is strung between the alarming arms, an extended barrier is created which increases the height of the security fence and produces an alarm when an intruder attempts to climb over the extended barrier and moves the alarming arm(s) or any member of the extended barrier supported by the alarming arm(s), thus moving the alarming arms. An extended barrier may also be installed along the top of walls by installing a plurality of devices spaced at distances approximating the spacing of fence posts along a line of security fence with barrier materials strung between the alarming arm(s).

Abstract: A pressure sensitive switch has upper, middle and lower laminar elongated members, the middle member having an opening therethrough defining a cavity between the upper and lower members. A first array of substantially parallel, spaced-apart electrically conductive bands is fixed to a lower surface of the upper member and traverses the cavity. A second array of substantially parallel, spaced-apart electrically conductive bands is fixed to an upper surface of the lower member and traverses the cavity and the upper member bands, selected lower member bands being discretely connected to an electrical input lead and other lower member bands being discretely connected to an electrical output lead.

Abstract: An oven occupancy warning apparatus for domestic cooking ovens which senses the presence of an object within the oven and provides a warning of such presence. Except for the subject apparatus, the oven is of conventional construction and thus has a heating chamber and a food rack supported in the chamber. The apparatus supports the rack for slight pivoting or rocking movement about a horizontal axis in response to the presence of an object resting on the rack, regardless of where on the rack the object is located. An alarm activator associated with the rack is activated when the rack pivots in response to the presence of an object thereon, and an alarm is activated by the alarm activator to alert a user of the oven that an object is in the oven. The apparatus is useful with both gas and electrically heated ovens and is especially useful to alert a user of an object in the oven before preheating the oven, an action frequently taken without opening the oven.

Abstract: A switching pad or plate having electroinsulating flat bodies arranged essentially in parallel to one another, to which at least one current-conducting contact path is assigned which has disconnecting switches disposed in series and are actuated by pressure on one of the flat bodies. Contact pins are assigned to the disconnecting switches which contact pins subjected to spring force, rest against the contact path by a contact head. The contact pins are firmly connected at the end facing away from the contact head with one of the flat bodies and each contact pin is movably held in a guide which is formed by an insulating flat body.

Abstract: A feed control switch is provided for controlling the supply of feed to a hopper without the need to contact the feed. The control switch includes first member having a switch contact surface and a second member slidably moveable relative to the first member, the second member having a suspender from which the hopper is suspended. A spring biasing arrangement pulls the first and second members together at a predetermined spring bias strength and switch, adjacent to the switch contact surface and at the second member, is provided which is in the off position when the switch is at an extended position and is in the on position when depressed by the contact surface. When the weight of feed in the hopper exceeds the predetermined spring bias strength, the second member pulls away from the first member causing the switch to move away from and disengage the switch contact surface so that the switch moves to the extended and off position thereby signally the cut off of feed to the hopper.

Abstract: A sensing and detecting apparatus includes an elongate sensor for placement parallel to one axis of a bed. The sensor includes a first and second conductive members, the first conductive member having a resistance-per-unit-length substantially different from that of the second conductive member. One of the conductive members is electrically coupled to a source of electrical power wherein the weight of the body in the bed urges the first and second conductive members together to define an electrical path for output of a sensor signal, which varies in magnitude responsive to the position of the body along the sensor. The apparatus according to the present invention further includes an alarm circuit, with means for comparing the sensor signal to predetermined position and activity level values, and triggering an alarm or alarm signal in the event the position and or activity level values are exceeded.

Abstract: A timing system for swimming race which records, displays, and prints the time of race. To provide a mask circuit in a control device which controls each signal, enables the timing system to exactly perceive a swimmer's touch. Furthermore, a top edge panel is provided on a touch panel so as to perceive a swimmer's touch at an oblique angle. A plurality of lane boxes are provided for backup of a touch signal and a starting block signal, in case of failure and misoperation of the control device. Further, a visual display device is provided in order that a swimmer can recognize a starting signal visually.

Abstract: A detector assembly (20) detects motion by utilizing a plurality of motion detectors (22-28), each detector having a first finger (40) and a second finger (42 ). First finger (40 ) has a signal line (36) on the inner surface (32) and second finger (42) has a ground line (38) disposed on another portion of inner surface (32). Spacer (46) keeps fingers (40) and (42) out of physical contact in the normal position so that there is an open circuit between signal line (36) and ground line (38). When a moving object (50) strikes first finger (40), first finger (40) is deflected downward so that first finger (40) and second finger (42) make physical contact at contact point (48), thereby establishing a closed circuit between signal line (36) and ground line (38). In this fashion a detection pulse is generated. The substrate (30) of detector assembly (20 ) is made of a resilient, flexible material such as a synthetic resin, for enhanced sensitivity.

Abstract: A light-up coaster for beer bottles, and the like, has an outer housing in which is vertically-slidable an inner housing. The upper surface of the inner housing is used to support a bottle thereon, and a spring biases the inner housing upwardly. A pair of switches are controlled by the movement of the inner housing. The first switch is a normally-closed switch, and the second switch is a normally open switch. The two switches are arranged in series with a light bulb and battery power-source. When there is no bottle supported on the upper surface of the inner housing, the upper surface of the inner housing is raised by the spring to its highest level and into abutting contact with an interior, upper, annular lip of the outer housing. In this state, the first switch is closed but the second switch is open.

Abstract: A sound-giving tread mat has a bag-like tread mat, a foam rubber sheet interposed in the tread mat, one or more buzzers partly adhered on the inner surface of the lower layer of the tread mat, and a sound-giving electric unit to give out sounds. The buzzer(s) is electrically connected with the sound-giving unit placed on a corner surface of the tread mat or somewhere inside a door in a house. When the tread mat is treaded on with a shoe of a visitor, the buzzer(s) can be vibrated by the compressed air in the tread mat to give out an electric signal, and then the sound-giving electric unit amplifies the electric signal coming from the buzzer(s) and gives out sounds.

Abstract: A weight alarm device for a trash container having a body with a top surface resiliently connected to a bottom surface, a switch attached to the body and responsive to relative movement between the top surface and the bottom surface, and an alarm electrically connected to the switch for producing a humanly perceivable signal when the relative movement between the top surface and the bottom surface exceeds a predetermined amount. The body has a shape adapted for receipt within the trash container. The top surface and the bottom surface have overlapping sides extending around the periphery of the surfaces. A coil spring is interposed between the top and bottom surfaces. The switch is a contact switch which is movable between a first position and an alarm sounding second position. An abutment member is connected to the bottom surface so as to contact the contact switch upon a movement of the top surface beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An indicating system for a washing device having has at least one rack for holding articles during the washing of same and a door for gaining access to the articles. The indicating system includes a detector for sensing whether or not the rack holds articles and logic circuits responsive to the detector and to the operating state of the washer for providing an indication that the articles have been cleaned when a predetermined operating state is detected and for providing an indication that any articles in the washer are not clean after the detector senses that the articles in the rack were removed from the at least one rack.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly operable by means of a force applied in a first direction and including a switch having an switch actuator member responsive to a force applied thereto in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The switch assembly further comprises a transfer actuator having a force receiving portion facing the first direction and an end portion flexibly connected at a first end thereof to the force receiving portion and at a second end thereof bearing against a surface slidably in the second direction. A tab connected to the end portion and movable therewith is operably aligned with the switch actuator member. A force applied in the first direction to the force receiving portion of the transfer actuator is transferred to the second direction to operate the switch. This is accomplished by means of the transfer actuator having a shape that flattens out when a force is applied thereto from the first direction.

Abstract: An infusion alarm system comprised of a housing, an upper cover attached to the housing at the top, a control circuit set in said upper cover, a battery box set inside the housing and an inner shell set between the housing and the battery box, a tension spring set in the inner shell having a hook coupled thereto at the bottom for suspending a drip infusion bottle, an adjusting key set set in the housing to adjust the tension of the tension spring. When the weight of the drip infusion bottle is reduced to a predetermined range due to reducing of infusion solution during drip infusion operation, the control circuit is triggered to produce audio and visual alarm signals through an audio and a visual alarm device respectively.

Abstract: A signal activating device for activating a nurse call system as commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes to summon the attending personnel for assistance, wherein an elongate bar having circuitry electrically interconnected to the call system is supported on the railing structure of a bed or chair so as to extend transversely thereacross in a readily accessible location over a midportion of the body of a person in the bed or chair. A hollow tube is fitted over the bar in engaging, supported relation on a number of electric switches mounted at spaced intervals along the bar's length such that pressure applied by the person to any location along the upper portion of the tube serves to operate at least one electric switch on the bar, thereby activating the nurse call system.

Abstract: A peak pressure sensor, for insertion between a body support pad or the like and an anatomical portion supported thereon, has a envelope, pliable electrically conductive sheets on opposite inner surfaces of the envelope, conductors for connecting each sheet to an alarm circuit, and a fluid pressurizing the envelope to a predetermined internal pressure so as to normally hold apart the conductive sheets. The sheets are movable into electrical contact by sufficient pressure applied locally to any relatively small portion of a sensing area on the exterior of the envelope, thereby to detect a peak pressure on the anatomical portion in excess of the internal envelope pressure.

Abstract: The movable electrode of the switching element consists of a flexible compressible contact-mesh comprising conducting and non-conducting wires. The conducting wires extend in the first direction of weaving and are arranged essentially straightlined in a plane. On the other hand, said non-conducting wires, which extend in the other direction of weaving, are bent around said conducting wires, thereby keeping said conducting wires at some distance from a flat electrode contacting said contact-mesh. When said contact-mesh is compressed said conducting wires are flexibly deformed, whereby the wave crests formed on said conducting wires are reaching the surfaces of said contact-mesh and are contacting there said flat electrode.

Abstract: A self-adjusting slide assembly is provided for mounting a weight on gear switch to an aircraft. The slide assembly is particularly adapted for mounting on a skid equipped helicopter for responding to vertical oscillatory deflection of a cross tube of the skid landing gear. A mounting bracket is attached to the underside of the helicopter for supporting a back plate and a pair of clamp plates. A C-shaped slide member has a flange mounted between the back plate and clamp plates so as to slide vertically. Take-off and landing stresses cause the cross tube to exhibit vertical oscillatory deflection between an upper arm and a lower arm of the slide member. A microswitch mounted on the lower arm is actuated when the cross tube contacts a bottom bumper on the lower arm while the helicopter is fully on skid gear.

Abstract: A timed bedside night-light combination is disclosed that turns on a bedside lamp when a person steps on a mat adjacent the bed and turns on a timer when the person steps off of the mat. The timer turns off the lamp after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A normally-closed electrical switch having a plurality of electrically conductive contacts normally arranged in overlapping electrical communication. A preferred embodiment of the present invention also comprises a pressure directing mechanism for directing and actuating pressure to specific portions of the electrically conductive elements. The normally-closed electrical switch of the present invention interrupts an electrical circuit in response to an applied pressure.

Abstract: A bed lighting apparatus is set forth wherein at least one, elongate elastomeric pad switch member is arranged between a mattress and box spring of an associated bed. Upon an individual arising from the bed, contact is made within the switch to illuminate a series of lights of conventional configuration, or alternatively LED lighting may be utilized. A manual over-ride switch is also utilized.

Abstract: A system is shown for detecting the movements of a patient confined to a bed so as to determine if there is the likihood that the patient is trying to leave the bed. A sensor is arranged to be placed under the mattress of a bed next to the frame and is totally sealed from the intrusion of contaminants so that it is not necessary to discard the sensor after a patient is discharged. The sensor utilizes ribbon switches sandwiched in assembly between stiff plexiglas plates. The assembly is sealed in a bag that holds the parts in assembly while permitting relative movement in all directions. The alarm system is arranged so that if the sensor detects undesired patient movement, the regular nurses' call light system is deactivated and an alarm distinguishable therefrom is superimposed on the nurses' call light alarm. In addition, an alarm audible to the patient encourages the patient to return to the desired position on the bed.

Abstract: An alarm system uses an area sensor having a piezoelectric film sensitive to changes in pressure. A piezoelectric film with electrodes deposited on opposite surfaces of the film converts changes in mechanical pressure to electrical signals. A signal processor detects the electrical signals and generates an output signal in response. The electrodes could comprise single metalized sheets deposited on each surface. Alternatively, an array or pattern of individually operative electrodes could be provided. An array or pattern of electrodes enables the signal processor to determine the location, motion, and direction of motion of a force generating pressure changes on the piezoelectric film. The alarm system may include a threshold detector sensitive to the magnitude of pressure changes so that an output signal will not be generated unless the pressure change is sufficiently great. This invention is suitable as a floor covering for detecting an intruder walking over its surface.

Abstract: A horn operating means has two contact plates separated from each other by a resilient foam sheet. For contacting, one of the contact plates is deformed by the operating force so much that it will touch the other contact plate. In one embodiment, grooves in the central region of one of the contact plates provide for the necessary operating forces not being greater in the central region than in the edge region.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system that includes a refrigerant storage container, means for withdrawing refrigerant from a refrigeration system to be serviced and feeding such refrigerant to the container for storage, and a scale supporting the container for sensing impending overfill of the container. The scale includes a beam horizontally rigidly cantilevered from a base. A switch is positioned adjacent to the cantilever-remote end of the beam, and is responsive to deflection of the beam to indicate impending overfill of the container and prevent or terminate operation of the refrigerant recovery system.

Abstract: A pressure switch wherein electrode plates are provided on both sides of a pressure conductive rubber plate. The pressure switch is interposed between a body and a receiving block slidably fitted to the body so that both electrodes may be connected with each other by connecting the rubber plate into conductive state to obtain an electric signal across the electrodes. The pressure applied to the rubber plate is regulated by a variable spring.

Abstract: A conformal electrical sensor switch for determining the presence or absence of weight, such as a person in a bed, comprises flexible, parallel sensing strips positioned to make contact when pressure is applied. Sensing strip circuits are held apart by a separator strip until pressure is applied and thus closing a latch which provides signal output through snap connectors which are affixed to the sensing strips and which extend beyond the sealed flexible cover of the sensor switch. The flexible cover serves to secure the sensing strips and connectors in a facing relationship. The connectors are designed to permit easy attachment to a variety of signal processing/monitoring devices.

Abstract: A road vehicle has a transducer which provides an output signal representing movement of an axle relative to a chassis of the vehicle. The output signal is compared with a reference signal to produce an indicator signal which is applied to means for indicating the axle load numerically and for providing a visual indication when the maximum prescribed axle load is exceeded. For initial calibration, the reference signal is temporarily substituted for the output signal and the numerical display is adjusted to display in selected units the prescribed maximum load. The output signal is then restored and the vehicle is loaded to subject the axle to the prescribed maximum load. While this load is maintained, the reference signal is varied until the numerical indication of the prescribed maximum load is restored.

Abstract: A rugged pressure actuated cable switch especially suitable for use in road vehicle detection comprises a central elongate conductor; a flexible insulating element helically wound around central conductor; a flexible tubular body of electrically conductive plastics material surrounding the central conductor; two elongate conductors in electrical contact with the outer surface of the flexible tubular body, and an overall insulating sheath of a transverse cross-section of approximately semi-circular shape having a flat surface for supporting the cable switch on the ground. Each outer conductor is embedded in the sheath alongside the flexible electrically conductive tubular body at a position intermediate of the flat surface and the longitudinal axis of the central conductor.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive elongate pressure-actuated electrical switch especially suitable for security purposes comprises a flexible tubular body of insulating material having air within its bore and incorporating at opposed locations around its periphery two sectoral portions of electrically conductive material. Two elongate conductors extend lengthwise in electrical contact with the conductive sectoral portion and two electric conductors extend lengthwise in contact with the conductive sectoral portion. The sectoral portions have a conductivity less than that of the conductors. An overall outer sheath surrounds the tubular body and conductors and has a flat surface which is suitable for supporting the switch on the ground and which is so positioned with respect to the sectoral portions that one conductive sectoral portion is at a position intermediate of the flat surface and the other conductive sectoral portion.

Abstract: An animated novelty device which is shaped in the form of an animated creature having a flexible body portion and a head portion having eyes. The eyes include a light source connected in a circuit which is operatively associated with a sound producing device which is located within the body portion of the animated device. The arrangement is such that when a force or pressure is applied to the body portion of the device, a sound or voice associated with the animated creature is sounded and simultaneously therewith the eyes light up.

Abstract: The oral machine controller is an apparatus for controlling operations of a machine by jaw and tongue movement of an operator. Upper and lower dentition grips include thermoplastic members which are conformed to tooth shape to cling thereto. A lightweight control unit in a housing includes a straight potentiometer which generates a controllably variable voltage signal to control a speed or intensity function of the machine. One dentition grip is attached to the control unit housing by a first control arm and the other to a second control arm which is attached to a moveable contact on the potentiometer for changing its position and controlling the speed or intensity function of the machine. A tongue-actuated microswitch is provided for additional control of machine functions.

Abstract: An axle weight load indicator device for mounting on a motor vehicle to detect when a pre-set axle weight has been exceeded. The device includes an electrical switch, an axle-mounted permanent stop and a retractable probe mounted in a housing which is operably associated with the electrical switch and permanent stop. When not in use, the probe is retracted into the housing to ensure that false signals are not emitted during movement of the motor vehicle. When operable, the probe is positioned to make contact with the permanent stop when a pre-set load limit has been exceeded. Continued loading causes activation of the electrical switch. The electrical switch trips an alarm to warn of the excess load.