Abstract: An instrument cluster that is mountable on a top surface of a vehicle dashboard is disclosed. The instrument cluster includes a transparent dial that has indicia engraved thereon. A plurality of light emitting diodes are positioned in a center portion of the transparent dial so as to illuminate the indicia for night time driving. The center portion of the transparent dial further includes a high gloss semi-transparent appliqué that provides a mirror finish. Symbols are incorporated on the appliqué so as to provide indicators in the center portion of the transparent dial when a light source illuminates the symbols of the appliqué.

Abstract: A visual wear indicator is disclosed capable of giving a visual indication of the degree of wear on an athletic or other type of shoe. In general, the visual wear indicator may operate by having two different colored regions, each having a viscosity which varies a function of pressure. Before pressure is applied, the boundary between the two regions is clear. However, over time, as the midsole and/or outer sole of the shoe wear away, the pressure exerted on the visual wear indicator increases during activity. As the pressure increases, the viscosity of the regions eventually decreases. When the viscosity decreases, the regions bleed together, and the boundary between the regions becomes less clear. The degree of mixture between the regions may be calibrated to give a clear visual indication of when the shoe has worn down to the point where the shoe is unable to provide a desired level of support and stress absorption.

Abstract: A surface template is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the surface template includes at least two template panels of similar size and shape and disposed in spaced-apart relationship to each other. Each of the at least two template panels has a pair of side edges disposed in generally perpendicular relationship to each other and a surface edge extending between the pair of side edges. A method of forming a surface between adjoining surfaces is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the leveling device applying the optical interaction between a laser beam and a freely floating air bubble confined in a transparent, liquid-filled vial. When the air bubble is impacted by the laser beam, the curved surface of the air-bubble deflects the beam toward the end of the vial, where a photo-electric device is positioned. The photo-electric device activates a sound emitter such as a buzzer. The function of the level being based on the optical interaction between a laser beam and the curvature of an air-bubble, it is highly accurate and consistent. It is applicable for vertical and horizontal settings, has an adjustable arm for secure attachment to structural frames or other objects. No direct eye and manual contact with the device is needed while in operation.

Abstract: It is possible to eliminate the problem that a conductive part to a light source is subjected to stress by operation of a needle-pointer, thereby improving reliability. A needle-pointer type meter includes: an indicator plate having a first see-through portion and an indicator portion surrounding the first see-through portion; a rotary body having a second see-through portion corresponding to the first see-through portion; a drive device for moving the rotary body; a needle-pointer mounted on the rotary body and moving along the indicator portion around the first see-through portion; light sources illuminating the needle-pointer; and a display device for displaying predetermined information to an observer via the see-through portions. A plurality of light sources are arranged at an interval along the movement route of the needle-pointer. The needle-pointer is made of translucent material which emits light when receiving light from a predetermined light source of the plurality of light sources while moving.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for front to back substrate registration is described. Alignment characteristics of features on surfaces of substrates can be used to physically align substrates with a multiplicity of integrated alignment optics. Measurement of offsets of the integral alignment optics are used to compute registration data for use in calibration of the substrate global alignment.

Abstract: A simple self-contained, hand-held instrument for reading an azimuth or bearing in relation to the earth's magnetic field either out in the field or on the water with substantial accuracy. Means are provided that places the far object into the same focal plane (or focal point) as the close up bearings on the compass disc face, thus allowing the eye to instantly see both images without adjustment between near-sight and far-sight. Means are also provided for the adjustment of the instrument for the local variation or declination of the earth's magnetic field versus that of true north.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface roughness/contour shape measuring apparatus that can move a probe relative to a workpiece within an orthogonal X-Y plane while employing a relatively inexpensive construction. In the surface roughness/contour shape measuring apparatus (1), the probe (6, 7) and a driving unit (4) for driving the probe (6, 7) in one predesignated direction are connected together by a connecting member (8) capable of moving the probe (6, 7) in one predesignated direction relative to the driving unit (4).

Abstract: In a method according to the invention for estimating the accuracy of azimuthal orientations (a) of a measuring device (1) having an electronic magnetic compass (2), a plurality of determinations of an azimuthal orientation (a, a?, a?, a??, a??) are carried out, in which the measuring device is aligned with one and the same measuring points at different measuring locations (P, P?, P?, P??, P??) adjacent to one another. On the basis of these determined azimuthal orientations (a, a?, a?, a??, a??), the value of the accuracy is automatically estimated by the measuring device (1) by means of a computational method. The adjacent measuring locations (P, P?, P?, P??) are advantageously located one above the other or along a straight line to the measuring point. By means of this method, stationary stray fields of local scale can be detected and the effects thereof on the accuracy can be estimated. Further methods according to the invention are designed in each case specifically for further types of stray fields.

Abstract: A tilt sensor system (10) is provided comprising a housing (12), a magnetized region (13) within the housing (12), and a magnetized, articulated pendulum (14) magnetically coupled to the magnetized region (13) for suspending the pendulum (14) within the housing (12). In a particular embodiment, the tilt sensor system (10) is incorporated into a park brake system (50) including a park brake for securing a portion of a vehicle in a static condition, and a control system for actuating the park brake responsive to a tilt measurement from the tilt sensor system. In addition, the tilt sensor system (10) may be incorporated into (or functionally coupled to) other vehicle control systems adapted for receiving tilt-related information from the tilt sensor system for use in performing respective vehicle control functions.

Abstract: A laser leveling device having a suction mounting arrangement includes a housing and a mounting seal extending from the lower portion of the housing. The mounting seal cooperates with an attachment surface to define a suction mounting area therebetween. The suction mounting arrangement cooperates with the mounting seal to maintain the vacuum pressure seal in the suction mounting area. A laser light source mounted within the housing in a planar relationship relative to the attachment surface includes at least one diode projecting an alignment beam through an opening in the housing to denote a reference plane along the attachment surface.

Abstract: An inclination sensor includes: a case having a turning shaft section projected in a lateral direction on a front surface thereof; magnetism detecting means fixed on an upper side of the turning shaft section; a pair of magnets fixed in parallel to a rear surface of the case to be located on both sides of the magnetism detecting means; a pendulum axially supported by the turning shaft section to turn freely; and a pair of ferromagnetic bodies fixed on an inward surface of the pendulum. When the case inclines, one of the ferromagnetic bodies approaches the magnetism detecting means, and a magnetic circuit is closed by the pair of magnets and one of the ferromagnetic bodies. Magnetic fluxes of the magnets pass over front and rear surfaces of the magnetism detecting means.

Abstract: A humidity indicator includes a first film (F1) covering a surface of a humidity-determining plate (B), and a second film (F2) covering a back of the humidity-determining plate (B). A flat air layer (Au) is formed at least between the first film (F1) and the surface of the humidity-determining plate (B), so that the entire surfaces of humidity-determining faces (M1 to M4), to which cobalt chloride (CO) is exposed, face to the air layer (Au), and a plurality of small holes (H) are formed at distances from one another in the first film (F1) to permit the direct communication of the air layer (Au) with the atmosphere. Therefore, even if an operator picks, with his or her hand, a humidity indicator for determining humidity by the discoloration of cobalt chloride, the cobalt chloride on a humidity-determining face is prevented effectively from adhering to the operator's hand and thus, entering into his or her body.

Abstract: An operation indicator is provided to indicate the open/closed status of device, e.g. a circuit interrupter operable between open and closed operating positions. The operation indicator includes two indicator members having cooperating interleaved or interlaced construction such that a relative small operating stroke of the operable device results in relatively larger open and closed symbol and indicating surfaces.

Abstract: A medicine bottle cap with time and day markers includes a main cap member, a first set of indicia, a second set of indicia, a central axle, a first arrow arm and a second arrow arm. The main cap member has a top and a circular sidewall that itself has an inside area with a bottle closure mechanism. Both sets of indicia are in a circular pattern located on the top of the cap. This first set of indicia is a fourteen position set of indicia, seven of which represent ante meridiem and each of the seven days of the week, and seven of which represent post meridiem and each of the seven days of the week. A central axle holds a rotatable first arrow arm that extends to the first set of indicia, and a second arrow arm that extends to the second set of indicia.

Abstract: An improved laser sight apparatus that is capable of identifying and impinging several different targets at varying ranges from the shooter. In the preferred embodiment, the laser sight according to the present invention includes three lasers, each of which is pre-calibrated to impinge targets within a range that is distinct from the other two lasers. In an alternative embodiment, the laser sight can utilize a single laser that is capable of an automated adjustment to identify and impinge targets at various ranges.

Abstract: A gauging head includes a substantially closed casing, a movable arm with a first portion, partly located inside the casing and associated with a position transducer, and a second portion, outside the casing, carrying a feeler for contacting a piece to be checked, and a zero-setting mechanism for adapting the head to check pieces with different nominal dimensions. The zero-setting mechanism, located outside the casing, includes a quick locking/unlocking device between the first and second portions of the arm and a movable mechanical reference coupled with the first portion of the arm and including a reference surface cooperating with a corresponding reference surface for holding the first portion of the arm in a preset position with respect to the casing.

Abstract: A warning flag assembly is disclosed for attachment to an overhanging load on a roadway vehicle. The flag assembly is generally cylindrical and has one margin secured to a holder that may be releasably attached to the overhanging load using conventional hardware whereby the flag assembly can be used with a variety of loads, re-used and conveniently stored when not in use.

Abstract: An assembly of a tape measure and a screwdriver includes a tape measure having a case, a ruler received in the case, an outlet being defined in the bottom of one side of the case for extension of the ruler, a receiving chamber being defined in one surface of the case and extending to an edge of the case, a pressing unit being disposed at one side of the case; and a screwdriver mechanism movably disposed in the receiving chamber of the case, the screwdriver mechanism having a positioning unit corresponding to the pressing unit. Thus, the assembly has functions of a tape measure and a screwdriver for easy use.

Abstract: Provided is a device/method of alignment of a laser's beam with the laser's support system so that the beam is substantially parallel in a chosen direction with respect to a reference line on the laser's support system.