Abstract: A traffic control device information display system, including (a) a receiver that receives first information about a traffic control device, (b) a relay that transmits second information to a processor responsive to the first information, (c) the processor, wherein the processor processes the second information to determine identification information for the traffic control device and to determine if the traffic control device has been improperly moved or knocked down, and (d) a display that displays the identification information to an operator and that indicates if the traffic control device has been improperly moved or knocked down.

Abstract: A traffic control device information display system and method. In one embodiment, a receiver receives information about a traffic control device, a processor processes the received information to determine identification information for the traffic control device and to determine if the traffic control device has been improperly moved or knocked down, and a display displays the identification information to an operator and indicates if the traffic control device has been improperly moved or knocked down.

Abstract: A traffic control device information display system and method. In one embodiment, a receiver receives information about a traffic control device, a processor processes the received information to determine identification information for the traffic control device and to determine if the traffic control device has been improperly moved or knocked down, and a display displays the identification information to an operator and indicates if the traffic control device has been improperly moved or knocked down.

Abstract: A technique that seamlessly broadcasts a live event from a point that occurs before or during an interruption through a point that occurs after the interruption. This seamless broadcast is accomplished by storing data for the live event during and preferably after the interruption and broadcasting at least part of the stored data until the broadcast of the live event catches up to the live event. Techniques for catching up to the live event include, but are not limited to, editing of the stored data and time-compressed broadcasting of the data.

Abstract: A traffic control device information display system. This system includes a receiver that receives information from a traffic control device transmitter for a traffic control device, a processor that processes the information to determine identification information and location information for the traffic control device, and a display that displays the identification information and the location information to an operator. The display highlights traffic control devices for which an error is detected in the location information. This error could be, for example, a reported location that does not match a proper location or a missing reported location, thereby indicating that the traffic control device may have been improperly moved or knocked down. The system can be provided in a vehicle or in a central office.

Abstract: A specialized shower hanger. This hanger includes a twist-resistant connector that fits on a shower curtain rod or shower door bar for a shower. The hanger also includes an arm. At least a part of the arm extends into the shower when the connector is hung on the shower curtain rod or shower door bar. When the connector is hung on the shower curtain rod or shower door bar and an article is placed on the part of the arm that extends into the shower, the hanger supports the article entirely over the shower's basin.

Abstract: A traffic control device transmitter. The transmitter includes a mount that attaches the transmitter to a traffic control device and a transmission element that transmits identification information and location information corresponding to the traffic control device. Preferably, the traffic control device transmitter also includes storage for storing the identification information and the location information. The location information can be pre-stored location information, or the transmitter can also include a location detection element, for example a Global Positioning System, that determines the location information.

Abstract: The cigar cutter (1) has a housing (2), an opening (3) adapted for insertion of a cigar or the end of a cigar, at least three blades (5), and a squeeze bar (6). When the cigar cutter (1) is squeezed, for example by the pressure of a single hand on the squeeze bar (6) and the side of the housing (2) opposite the squeeze bar (6), a mechanism translates the squeezing force into an irising movement of the blades (5). The mechanism includes rings (11), squeeze bar pins (15), and blade pins (21). The inside diameters of the rings (11) are less than that of the opening (3). Part of the end of the squeeze bar (6) protrudes into the housing (2) and is forked so as to sandwich the rings (11). Squeeze bar pins (15) extend from the rings (11) and pass through slots (17) in the forked end of the squeeze bar (6). By means of this arrangement, an inward movement of the squeeze bar (6) causes the rings (11) to rotate.

Abstract: A polarization based optical sensor for detecting the presence, composition, or both of substances (26) on a transparent material's (12) surface (14). A polarized-light source (18) introduces light (22) into the material (12). Within the material (12), the light (22) undergoes one or more total internal reflections (18, 20) whether or not the substance to be detected or analyzed (26) is present. The presence of the substance causes a shift in the polarization of the light (22). This shift is detected by a polarized-light detector (20) when the light (22) exits the material (14).