Abstract: A system for marking trails including a visible tag having a unitary body of a planar configuration. The tag is made of a highly visible color with the body of the tag being made of a biodegradable plastic material. In use, a plurality of tags are fastened to foliage at regular intervals along a trail to provide a series of visible markers which define the trail. The tags are retrieved for reuse after the tags have served their intended purpose.

Abstract: A high output horn for sports' fans can have a pair of plastic tubes spanned at one end by a membrane with a setback of the outer tube from the inner tube of 0.1 to 0.3 mm and a ratio of the inner diameters of the two tubes between 1.1 and 1.7 and a ratio of the outer diameter of the thickness of the membrane spanning the tubes of substantially 1000 to 2000. Air is blown in through a lateral opening in the outer tube and the end opposite the membrane of the air gap between the two tubes is closed.

Abstract: An indicator for tracking compliance with the required action of a recurring event is disclosed, the indicator comprising a plurality of selectively removable tabs connected to a main body by a narrowed connecting neck, the tabs having an indicia corresponding to the specific occurrences of the recurring event. Upon compliance with the required action, the appropriately marked tab is removed by the user by breaking off the tab from the main body at the narrowed connecting neck. Appropriate indicia may be marked on the adjacent tabs of the indicator corresponding to the periodicity of the recurring event, such as twice-a-day or three times-a-day. Where the recurring event is the taking of medication, the indicator may be adapted to be attached to a standard medication bottle in a number of alternative ways. Alternatively, where the medication bottle or bottle cap are plastic, the indicator 10 may be molded directly into either of these components.

Abstract: According to the present grinding method, a plurality of optical markers are formed by photolithography such that the markers are embedded in a chiplet having a magnetic head. Markers are preferably in the shape of a bar having predetermined height, width and length and are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance where one end of the bars are sequentially offset from each other by a predetermined amount. During coarse grinding of the magnetic head as the magnetic head surface material is ground away, the end-face of the bars, one at a time, become visible. The closer the grinding surface approaches the desired inductive throat or MR element height, more end-faces become visible. Coarse grinding continues until a predetermined number of end-faces become visible at which point the grinding process is terminated and the magnetic head is ready for the final lapping process.

Abstract: An air pressure indicator attaches to a manifold and uses air pressure to elide a pressure pin outward. A spring moves the pressure pin inward when pressure decreases in the manifold. A collet and o-ring on the pressure pin prevent the flow of pressurized fluid through the interior of the indicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable sight gauge system to monitor fluid levels in a reservoir or fluid tank. The sight gauge of the present system is mounted to the wall of a fluid tank by two bolt assemblies. The bolt assemblies, which include an entry bolt, an exit bolt, and a fastener, are designed to selectively allow fluid from the tank to flow through the bolt assembly into the sight gauge while holding the sight gauge securely against the fluid tank. The entry bolt houses a valve which opens when the exit bolt is mated with the entry bolt. When the exit bolt is disengaged from the entry bolt, the valve moves back to a closed position so that fluid cannot escape from the fluid tank. The sight gauge can easily be replaced from the disengaged exit bolt.

Abstract: A portable tensiometer to in situ determine below-grade soil moisture potential of earthen soil includes, a) a body having opposing first and second ends and being adapted for complete insertion into earthen soil below grade; b) a porous material provided at the first body end, the porous material at least in part defining a fluid chamber within the body at the first body end, the fluid chamber being fluidically sealed within the body but for the porous material; c) a degassed liquid received within the fluid chamber; d) a pressure transducer mounted in fluid communication with the fluid chamber; e) the body, pressure transducer and degassed liquid having a combined mass; f) a flexible suspension line connected to the body adjacent the second body end, the flexible line being of sufficient strength to gravitationally freely self suspend the combined mass; and c) the combined mass being sufficient to effectively impart hydraulic communication between below-grade earthen soil contacted by the porous material un

Abstract: An improved mounting arrangement is shown for a magnetostrictive level sensing instrument for sensing level of a process fluid in a process vessel. The process vessel includes an opening into a storage space in the vessel. The improvement includes an elongate tube having a closed end and an opposite open end. A process fitting receives the open end of the outer tube, the process fitting being adapted to be received in the vessel opening, in use, whereby the process fitting and the elongate tube seal the vessel opening. A magnetostrictive wire assembly is removably received in the elongate tube through the open end for operatively sensing position of a magnetic float captured on the elongate tube and floating atop the fluid in the vessel. A housing is mounted to the adaptor fitting and supports the wire assembly when the wire assembly is received in the tube.

Abstract: A handheld device used by skaters and the like for warning pedestrian traffic comprises an air bladder attached to a strap that is secured to the palm of the hand in such a way that when the user simply squeezes the bladder firmly, a loud honking sound is emitted. The sound is created by air passing through a disk containing a small vibrating reed that is housed on the posterior side of the air bladder. Additionally, the handheld warning device may incorporate a palm protection pad to minimize injury to the hand in the event that the skater falls down.

Abstract: A self-luminescent indicator which may be employed in a tachometer, a speedometer, or other such gauges in automotive vehicles. The self-luminescent indicator comprises an indicating pointer, a luminescent element, and a semitransparent member. The indicating pointer includes a housing and a cover. The housing has formed therein a groove. The luminescent element is disposed in the groove of the housing. The semitransparent member is arranged within the cover of the indicating pointer for diffusing light emitted from the luminescent element out of the indicating pointer. The semitransparent member has side walls extending substantially parallel to each other in a vertical direction parallel to a given optical path of the luminescent element. With this arrangement, the indicating pointer projects light having uniform and high brightness to an observer without having the light experience total reflection in the semitransparent member so as to improve the visibility of pointer deflection over a dial plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a liquid level by a float carrying one or more magnets and movably positioned adjacent spaced analog output voltage Hall-effect sensors. The apparatus is calibrated by moving the float relative to the sensors and measuring the voltage outputs of the sensors relative to the position of the float, and storing the measured values. After calibrating, the voltage outputs of any sensors activated by the presence of the float are measured and compared to the stored values to determine the liquid level. Preferably, the voltage output of at least two sensors are measured while the float is at one position for greater accuracy.

Abstract: A sample of fibrous material prepared so that is has a large surface area relative to its weight. The sample is placed on a metal plate and then heated under pressure and successively cooled under pressure. A brush or sweeper then removes substantially all of the fibers left in the sample. If necessary, the sample is dried. The sample now consists of spots on the metal plate. An automatic counting system is used to count the number of spots to determine the sticky characteristic of the fibrous material.

Abstract: An emergency signalling device is provided. The emergency signalling device includes a cylindrical canister pressurized with a quantity of a lighter than air gas. A valve is provided on the top of the canister for sealing the gas. An inflatable balloon is sealed to the top covering the valve. A cord is attached on one end to the canister and wrapped around the canister in a plurality of layers of cord, the combined canister and wrapped cord having a first diameter. A waxy substance secures the cord to the canister and each layer of the cord to adjacent layers of the cord. A loop forms a closed circle on the other end of the cord, the loop having a second diameter greater that the first diameter. In a specific embodiment the valve on the top for sealing the gas includes scoring on the top of the canister.

Abstract: A self-luminescent indicator which may be employed in a tachometer, a speedometer, or other such gauges in automotive vehicles. The self-luminescent indicator comprises an indicating pointer, a luminescent element for emitting light, and a lens. The luminescent element is disposed in the indicating pointer. The lens is arranged in the indicating pointer and includes a flat surface through which light emitted from the luminescent element enters and a corrugated surface which projects the light entering the flat surface out of the indicating pointer. With this arrangement, the indicating pointer projects the light having uniform and high brightness to an observer for improving the visibility of pointer deflection over a dial plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating efficiency losses in a pump is provided. The apparatus includes a temperature sensor located at the pump input, a second temperature sensor located at a second location, a fluid flow sensor located at the second location, a processor for producing a difference signal in response to signals from the first and second temperature sensors and for quantifying efficiency losses of the pump in response to the difference signal and a signal from the fluid flow sensor. A fault indicator is also provided that is responsive to the efficiency losses.

Abstract: A floatless liquid level gauge assembly utilizing polymeric resistive/conductive elements is provided which measures the liquid level of partially conductive or conductive liquids in a tank using a three terminal voltage divider network or a two terminal voltage or current network. The polymeric resistive/conductive element(s) extending into the tank and the liquid in the tank provide an electrical path which provides a signal proportional to the liquid level in the tank.

Abstract: A device of any material, shape, size, texture, style, color, configuration, and orientation that is affixed, secured, or is an integral part to a staircase handguide, to a handguide support or frame, or to a sidewall. The device provides anyone, ascending or descending the stairs, with a tactile cue that indicates the pedestrian's approach to a final step in a series of steps. A pedestrian senses the tactile indicator to determine when he or she is at the last step so as to change accordingly his or her walking or motion. This safety indicator is intended for the public at large. A pedestrian without sight, with impaired or limited sight, or with compromised sight (due to power outage, light-source outage, smoke-filled stairwell, temporary blindness, etc.) can negotiate stairs with greatly increased safety, speed, and confidence.

Abstract: A shift lever indicator assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a shift lever having a pivot axis. The shift lever indicator assembly comprises a housing having a housing track. An indicator member having a flag portion is slidably located within the housing track. The indicator member also includes an indicator arm connected to the flag portion, the indicator arm being connected to the shift lever such that the flag portion will be moved about the pivot axis of the shift lever when the shift lever is moved while allowing the flag portion to move lateral to an arc about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for detecting the level, composition, and temperature of a liquid fuel stored in a tank on a vehicle, as well as the tank pressure, and for transmitting this data via a multiplex bus to a central vehicle computer. The apparatus for collecting liquid fuel level data comprises first capacitive sensing means located within the fuel tank for storing a charge proportional to a full liquid level, second capacitive sensing means located within the tank for storing an instant liquid level charge proportional to the instant liquid level in the tank, and first processing means in communication with the multiplex bus and first and second capacitive sensing means for comparing the full liquid level charge to the instant liquid level charge to determine an absolute liquid level value and for outputting a corresponding fuel level data signal to the multiplex bus.

Abstract: A radiation detector with temperature readout has a multicolored LED display divided into segments of zero degrees to 9 degrees centigrade colored green, 10 degrees to 19 degrees centigrade in yellow, and 20 degrees to 100 degrees centigrade in red. Alternatively, two red segments are provided for ranges of 20 degrees to 64 degrees centigrade and 65 degrees centigrade and above, respectively. The radiation detector is automatically zeroed at ambient upon use and provides a readout of temperature rise above ambient throughout a scan of a subject. In one design, only one LED for each segment of the display is illuminated at a time. An audible signal is sounded at an increasing pulse frequency as the display is illuminated from the green segment to the red segment of measured temperature rise above ambient with a constant tone for temperature rises above about 20 degrees centigrade. In an alternative design a timing circuit allows the detector to self operate for a predetermined length of time.