Abstract: A reflective warning and locating collar for fire hydrants, pylons or support posts to improve their visibility and identity, the collar having a support member defined by a flexible extruded web having flanges along the longitudinal edges to define a channel slot for receipt of an elongate flexible reflective member in web form slidably receivable within the channel, the ends of the reflective member and support member having a plurality of alignable apertures for receipt of a fastening member.

Abstract: A visual device placed on a water ski that enables easy detection of the ski in various water and weather conditions. A reflective red flag attaches to a flexible spring that is attached to a rotator. A second spring attached to the rotator is connected to a counterweight to balance the flag. The rotator is rotatably coupled to a bracket that attaches to a water ski. In use, the device bends out of the way as to not interfere with the performance of the water ski. When the ski is not in motion, gravity causes the counterweight to move the flag to an upright position to allow visual detection of the ski.

Abstract: A sealed linear encoder for determining the relative position of a first object and a second object. The sealed linear encoder includes a scale unit arranged in a hollow body that is mounted to a mounting structure associated with the first object and includes a slot which extends in a direction of measurement. A scanning unit for scanning the scale unit and a carrier connected to the second object, wherein the carrier extends through the slot. Sealing lips arranged at the hollow body and abutting the carrier so as to seal the carrier and a cover form-fitted to the hollow body for covering at least the slot.

Abstract: A window measuring device measures the distance between a target feature and a datum feature on a window. In another aspect of the present invention, a window measuring device is flexibly conformable to a curved window. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a window measuring device having a pair of legs with incremental marking and a target feature alignment portion.

Abstract: A calculating device for determining an apparel size of an adult male based on a given weight and height comprising: means for entering into the device a height and a weight, means for determining an apparel size based on the data in Tables 1-17 wherein the data is generated on a proportional basis from the data in Tables 1-17 with the following constrains on the data; the weight increments are no greater than about 10 pounds per about one inch of height for a chest size less than 53; the weight increments are not greater than 14 pounds per one inch of height for a chest size 53 or greater; means for displaying the apparel size.

Abstract: An equatorial sundial apparatus with an adjustable base assembly utilizing one or more concave cylindrical focusing mirrors. One of the benefits that is derived from this apparatus is the use of one or more concave cylindrical mirrors to project a focused beam of light onto a calibrated surface from which the time can be read. This sundial has the additional benefit of not suffering from blurring of the time indicator in a shadow or non-focused beam of light typical of other sundials. This sundial's focused light forms a sharply demarcated indicator from which time can be read to the minute. A further benefit of this apparatus is the ability to incorporate multiple concave cylindrical focusing mirrors to reduce the size of the visual field or screen where the time is read and to incorporate various shapes and designs for ornamental purposes without significant compromise of the sundials accuracy for telling time.

Abstract: A reflective collar attachment which is designed to be attached around the periphery of an existing fire hydrant includes mating semi-circular halves, each of which has formed therewith a pair of integral semi-circular extensions with a number of circular stair-stepped indentations of incrementally decreasing radii. Each half of the collar can be adjusted in inner radius by severing the semi-circular extensions at any of the indentations so that the collar can be adjusted to fit any fire hydrant design. Other embodiments include a collar attachment of three piece construction and a resilient strip with projecting top and bottom teeth which can fit any fire hydrant design or shape. A removable reflective tape web is positioned in a display area positioned around the periphery of any of the collar attachments.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine including a support platform for supporting an object. Scanning means is supported by the support platform. The scanning means includes a probe assembly and a non-contact scanner. Drive means is connected to at least one of the probe assembly and the non-contact scanner for moving the probe assembly and non-contact scanner relative to each other. The probe assembly includes a probe movably disposed in a guide tube. The probe includes a shaft and a tip integrally formed from either a fiber-optic or non-fiber-optic material. The tip extends from the guide tube so as to be detectable by the non-contact scanner. The tip may include one or more stylus. During operation the tip contacts the object and the non-contact scanner detects the tip to determine the corresponding coordinates of the object. A light source illuminates the tip for improved detection of the tip. When the probe is formed of a fiber-optic material, light is emitted through the probe.

Abstract: A picture hanging aid including generally rectangular mounting bracket that has a rear wall with a threaded opening therein, and a generally rectangular opening extending from a top wall to a bottom wall. A generally rectangular strip is provided and has an adhesive on a first side and a second side. The first side of the strip is adhered to the bottom wall of the mounting bracket. The second side of the strip is releasably coupled to a frame edge of a picture frame. Finally, an elongated L-shaped stem has an elongated member that is sized for adjustable placement within the rectangular opening of the mounting bracket when the mounting bracket is coupled with the picture frame. The elongated member is held within the rectangular opening by an adjustment screw positioned within the threaded opening of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the contour of a lens frame of an eyeglass frame and measuring the shape of a template. The apparatus has at least a pair of holding hooks (43, 44) for holding the rim of the eyeglass frame from above and below. The apparatus is constructed to hold a template holder (100) of a template (T) by the holding hooks (43, 44).

Abstract: A length measurement system for measuring the relative position of two objects in a given measuring direction comprises a scale carrier which carries a measurement scale and which is fastened to a first of the two objects and a scanning head which scans the measurement scale at a scanning location and is fastened to the second of the two objects. The scale carrier is constructed so as to be stiff in the longitudinal direction but can deflect in a springing manner vertical to the measuring direction and is fastened by only one of its ends to the first object, while its other end projects freely. The scale carrier is positively guided in the region of the scanning head.

Abstract: A plumb system for construction projects having a laser module embedded within includes a spring or the like device acting as a connecting device to a tripod or the like apparatus for projecting a vertical laser beam to a vertical end point, from the floor to a certain top point. Conversely, a spring or the like device mounted to the opposite end of the laser module of the plumb can be mounted to a certain high point for projecting a top to bottom laser beam for determining an end point at the floor. An optional horizontal base designed to horizontally receive the plumb for projecting a horizontal laser beam. A horizontal level indicator mounted onto the horizontal base can ensure a true horizontal plane. An optional self standing horizontal block can be used to determine the intermediate points of the horizontal laser beam.

Abstract: A sight includes an elongated rod-shaped element of light absorbing and light guiding material, and a holding arrangement closely surrounding portions of the rod-shaped element for holding the rod-shaped element. A fastening arrangement is adapted to connect the holding arrangement to a firearm. The holding arrangement includes a first sleeve device, the first sleeve device enclosing an end portion of the rod-shaped element, the first sleeve device being, during operation of the firearm by a shooter, arranged proximate an active eye and a non-active eye of the shooter, a second sleeve device, the second sleeve device enclosing the opposite end portion of the rod-shaped element, and a plurality of thin flange members, the flange members being arranged in a spaced-apart relationship between the sleeve devices.

Abstract: An alignment system is comprised of a lower base plate coupled to an upper slide plate. The plates are coupled together by a sliding mechanism configured to allow the upper plate to slide in two dimensions parallel to the lower plate. A mounting surface is formed in the upper plate proximate a first outer edge, the mounting surface being inclined at a angle below the horizontal relative to the outer edge of the upper plate. A vertical plane of light is generated and is visible when the light impinges upon an object. An alignment bar is coupled to the outer edge of the upper slide plate in an orientation parallel to the plane of light. When a support surface is level, the upper plate is inclined at an angle and gravity causes the upper plate to slide relative to the lower plate until the alignment bar rests against a component to be measured.

Abstract: A method using piezoelectric effect is provided for measuring an angle between a reference plane and a plane to be measured. The method can be used to measure the inclination of a plane or for leveling purpose. The method employs an apparatus wherein the main characteristics of the apparatus are simple in structure with no limitation in the measurement range and fewer limitations to the environment. The method may also have the following advantages compact, quick and accurate measurement, easy for multiaxial measurement.

Abstract: A vehicle alarm apparatus includes a frame mountable to a vehicle and defining a distal end spaced from the vehicle. A roller is rotatably mounted to the frame adjacent the distal end thereof to rotate upon coming into contact with a curb or other object. An alarm device is connected to the frame and is responsive to rotation of the roller to generate a warning signal.

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: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for indicating a patron's status in a restaurant, the apparatus comprising one or more color-coded subsections on a device within the patron's reach. The present apparatus includes a movable indicator that the patron may position over a selected subsection to communicate a particular message to the waiter. A legend positioned on or near one or more of the subsections may provide a description of the message corresponding to a particular color. The status indicating apparatus may be incorporated in a device for handling the patron's check and payment, such as a portfolio or tray, or in some other structure such as the edge of the patron's table or a fixture on the table.

Abstract: A chalk line dispenser holder system is provided including at least one chalk line dispenser for selectively dispensing a chalk line from a periphery of the dispenser. Also included is a structure connected to an end of the chalk line for resting on a recipient surface onto which chalk is to be applied. A weight of the structure precludes the movement of the end of the chalk line.

Abstract: A position indicator for a rotary valve actuator has a stator of one color mountable on a housing for the actuator and a rotor of a contrasting color which is connected to the actuator output shaft for rotation with it. The rotor has inner and outer coaxial cylindrical walls with windows in the outer wall. The stator has a hollow cylindrical wall in the space between the rotor walls. When the windows of the rotor and stator are in registration the inner wall of the rotor is visible and the stator is hidden to indicate one position of the actuator output shaft. When the windows of the rotor and stator are out of registration the inner wall of the rotor is hidden by the stator wall which is visible through the rotor window to indicate another position of the actuator output shaft. A circuit actuator and sensor may be mounted on the rotor and stator for generating electrical signals indicative of the actuator output shaft position in addition to the visual indication.