Abstract: A position indicator may include a position indicator display and mechanism. A polymer housing houses the position indicator display and mechanism and a one-piece clear polymer cover encloses the position indicator display and mechanism in the polymer housing. The position indicator may further include a hinge and hand-operated latch that secures the one-piece clear polymer cover to the polymer housing such that the one-piece clear polymer cover can be opened without the use of tools.

Abstract: An improved sewer backup indicator. The sewer backup indicator is installed into a sewer cleanout cap housing which comprises a pop-up device that detects and holds the detection of a back up in the sewer system, which is due to number of reasons. This invention helps to determine a problem in the sewer system and where the problem would most likely be making it quicker to resolve the problem so that a sewer spill could be prevented. In general, this invention will prevent sewer spills, law suits, and prevent the endangerment of our wild and aquatic life. My invention is basically is to protect our environment and our water supply.

Abstract: Rolling element holding members have two holding window for holding rolling elements in rolling element running channels formed between both track faces of a rail and a slider. Further, the rolling element holding members are held between two end caps fixed opposite end surfaces of the slider by engagement of four retaining grooves formed on the end caps and opposite end portions of the rolling element holding members.

Abstract: A flagpole ball ornament comprising opposed, hollow, hemispherical parts interfitted to each other at a circular rim formed on one of the parts and interconnected by an elongated diametral rod-like brace member. The brace member is internally threaded at opposite ends for receiving a machine screw to connect one of the hemispherical parts to the brace member and the opposite end of the brace member receives an all-thread member for connecting the ball to a support post member. The brace member may include, alternatively, a bolt clearance bore for receiving an elongated bolt for connection to the post member.

Abstract: A medication dosage reminder device (1300) operating on the exterior of a medication container (C6) includes a selector member (1304) retentively engaged with an attached cooperating support member (1306). The selector is engageably movable to each of a plurality of selectable positions referencing dosage time indicia (1308). The indicia may be inscribed to establish a highly customized schedule. A selection may be secured against inadvertent displacement of the selector. The selector and the scheduled dosage time period form a reminder indicating when a next dose is due or when the last dose was taken. A standardized device is suitable for use with a large variety of curved wall and flat wall containers.

Abstract: A method for making beaded jewelry is provided. The method utilizes a megaphone shaped device having a small diameter first end and a larger diameter second end. The circumference of the first end is that of one part of the human body, such as a child's wrist. The circumference of the second end is the size of another part of the human body, such as an adult ankle. Markings on the girth of the device sequentially graduate in circumference and define graduated bracelet, anklet and other jewelry sizes. When one is making a bracelet or other article of jewelry of strung beads, the diameter of the beads affects the finished length of the article. Use of the device takes into account the diameters of the beads and thereby ensures that the finished item of beaded jewelry will fit the intended wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column module for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering angle sensor (13) that is inserted into a module housing (1,2). The rotor of the steering angle sensor is assigned to a steering column and co-operates with at least one fixed measuring wheel (37), in which angular modifications of the steering column are registered by electronic measuring sensors (22), operating as the stator and connected to the vehicle electric system by means of a central printed circuit board (6). The measuring sensors (22) are fastened to the printed circuit board (6) and the measuring wheel or wheels (37) is/are mounted in a housing (38) that is fixed to the printed circuit board (6).

Abstract: A telescopic flagpole for reducing the manual force required to extend and secure multiple segments. The flagpole includes a plurality of segments including a bottom segment, at least one intermediate segment, and a top segment; a plurality of sleeve assemblies each positioned between an associated pairing of a relatively lower segment and a relatively higher segment; and a plurality of biasing members each urging an associate one of the segments toward an extended position.

Abstract: An alignment device and method for aligning an antenna with a satellite. The device includes a grooved cylindrical sleeve inserted into a ridged cylindrical sleeve, a raised azimuth indicator ring and a magnetic or digital compass mounted upon the grooved cylindrical sleeve, and a bubble level mounted on a capped cylindrical sleeve that fits over the grooved cylindrical sleeve. A known value of optimal azimuth alignment is offset from the North Magnetic Pole so that a reference and alignment mark may be placed on the antenna mounting pole. This alignment device and method eliminate the need for two technicians and eliminate the need for a signal strength measuring device.

Abstract: An angle-measuring arrangement that includes a base body, a code disk, which is rotatable relative to the base body around an axis A and a contact area, which is laid out in such a way that electrical current or electrical signals can be conducted into the angle-measuring arrangement from a further stationary body. The contact area is arranged to be stationary with respect to the base body and has an identical electrical potential at every point of the contact area. The contact area is also configured in such a way that a first point is defined by polar coordinates R and ?1, and a second point by polar coordinates R and ?2, wherein the first and second points are located on the contact area, and R is a distance of an identical size of the first and second points from the axis A, and ?1 and ?2 represent different angles.

Abstract: An adjustable jig includes rigidly formed arms that have rectilinear shapes provided with opposite edges, an elongated central opening formed therein and opposed ends abutted with adjacent arm ends. Fasteners are interfitted within the arm openings such that the arms become statically affixed to each other and are detachable from associated ones of the openings. Each fastener includes a tri-lobed nut that has a threaded bottom end. A cap is conjoined to the threaded bottom end and has an outwardly beveled perimeter converging upwardly towards a bottom surface of one of the arms. Each arm has two of the fasteners interfitted through the opening associated therewith. A level gauge is included for establishing a horizontal plane along one arm and is releasably conjoined to a top surface of one arm and positioned at an interior edge thereof.

Abstract: An automatically programmable tilting mechanism for holding a scribe tool at varying angles using an aerostatic bearing. The air bearing secures the scribe tool about its longitudinal shank and generally allows for free axial movement while the tool holding structure prevents rotation of the scribe tool, thus providing extremely fine compliance and force application of the scribe tool point against the substrate. During a scribing process, the tilting mechanism regularly adjusts the angle of the scribe tool relative to the substrate so that a fresh cutting edge is always being employed in the scribing process.

Abstract: A tilt sensor has a source for optical radiation, a pattern support having an optically effective pattern for the passage of the optical radiation generated by the source, a tilt-sensitive unit downstream of the pattern support in the direction of propagation of the radiation, and a projection area for the incidence of the radiation generated by the source and passing through the pattern support and the tilt-sensitive unit, wherein the source is in the form of a pattern support.

Abstract: An indicator device for use in indicating whether or not a no-back device is operable, the indicator device comprising an indicator member 42 moveable between a first position and a second position, a biassing arrangement 56 being provided to urge the indicator member 42 towards its first position, and a latch arrangement 46 being provided to allow the indicator member 42 to be held, against the biassing load of the biassing arrangement 56, in its second position, the indicator member 42 being adapted such that, in use of the associated no-back device, movement of the pawl 30 of the no-back device causes the indicator member 42 to be moved out of its second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of facet joint prostheses at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing a cephalad facet joint prosthesis including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a cephalad facet joint prosthesis for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudal facet joint prosthesis including a stem element and a trial caudal bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudal facet joint prosthesis for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudal facet joint prosthesis measurement tool.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding or otherwise opening the shell. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.

Abstract: A probe head for a coordinate measuring machine has a stylus resiliently suspended in a housing. A sensor arrangement serves for detecting deflections of the stylus relative to the housing. The sensor arrangement comprises at least one Hall sensor having a magnet and a Hall element arranged in a vicinity to each other. When the stylus is deflected, the magnet is laterally passed by the Hall element in a direction defined from the North Pole to the South Pole of the magnet or vice versa. A Hall voltage of changing polarity can be tapped at the Hall element then. A preferably linear range around the polarity change is processed in order to determine the deflection of the stylus.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a power tool such as a jigsaw, circular saw or mitre saw which is provided with guideline generating means. The guidelines are typically generated as laser beams and the invention allows for the generation of at least first and second, side by side guidelines. The guidelines are generated onto the workpiece and the area which lies between the guidelines defines the path along which a cutting blade of the power tool is to be directed. Preferably the guidelines are spaced such that a first guideline lies to one side of the blade and the other guideline lies to the other side of the blade thus allowing the guidelines to be viewable on both sides during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device includes a casing, a display unit, a roller, an encoder and a controller. The casing has a casing surface. The display unit is disposed on the casing surface. The roller is rotatably disposed on the casing surface with a portion of the roller being exposed outside the casing. The roller is for adjusting the voice of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device works at a voice-adjusting mode. The roller is for touching a surface and rotating on the surface to measure a length when the portable electronic device works at a length-measuring mode. The encoder disposed inside the casing is for outputting a pulse number. The controller receives the pulse number and determines a length value accordingly, and then controls the display unit to display the length value.

Abstract: A viewed component of a vehicle instrument cluster includes a housing and a first dial structure. The first dial structure includes an outer boundary presenting a first radial portion supported by the housing and a face portion presenting a second radial portion offset within the first radial portion. The face portion includes a series of indicia thereon. A second dial structure is supported between the housing and the first dial structure. The second dial structure presents an inboard plurality of graduations. A plurality of connecting portions extend between and couple the outer boundary and the face portion of the first dial structure.