Abstract: A method and material for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth. A first layer of non-woven fibers may be secured to a second scrim layer. A hinge may extend along the length of the cover. The cover defines a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the cover configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion. The cover is configured and dimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter. Adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover may be joined by using mating projections and apertures formed at adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover.

Abstract: A safety sign/barrier functions as a safety sign and as an access control barrier. The sign/barrier has an expandable fence member, a support, and a message display surface. The fence member has a variable length between its proximal and distal ends and expands and contracts along the length. The support includes two portions each of which are connected to an end of the fence member. The support is adapted to maintain the barrier in an upright, stable orientation when the fence member is contracted. Another embodiment provides a sign including a display surface and an expandable fence member. The display surface is either parallel to or at an acute angle relative to the expandable fence member. Methods of controlling access with a sign including an expandable fence and displaying messages on an access control barrier are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for positively positioning receptacle at a pre-selected location. In a preferred embodiment a system for positioning a receptacle is provided. The system includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an indicator. The transmitter may be on the receptacle and transmits a signal from the current receptacle position. The receiver receives the signal and using the received signal, causes the indicator to indicate whether the receptacle is at the pre-selected position. In other preferred embodiments, the receptacle includes a power supply for the power consuming components on the receptacle. In another preferred embodiment, the transmitter is at the pre-selected position and the receiver is on the receptacle. Methods are also provided which include transmitting and receiving a signal from the current position of the receptacle. From the signal strength it is determined whether the receptacle is at the pre-selected position.

Abstract: A self-standing floor sign including two support panels and a plurality of movable panels. The support panels each have a proximal and a distal end and are pivotally coupled to each other via their proximal ends to allow relative movement of the panels between a closed and an open position. When closed, the support panels are generally parallel to each other, whereas when open, the distal ends are spaced apart and allow the sign to stand on the floor. Each of the movable panels has a proximal and a distal end and a portion therebetween having two surfaces. Each movable panel is rotatable between a first position where the movable panel is supported by one of the support panels with one of its surfaces being visible, and a second position where the movable panel is supported by the other support panel and its other surface is visible.

Abstract: An alarm is provided for a container including an enclosure, a door, a door latch, and an actuator to open the latch. The alarm includes a switch, a circuit, and an output. The actuator actuates the switch when it opens the latch. In turn, the circuit senses the position of the switch and drives the output if the latch is open. Additionally, the alarm may include a power supply that powers the circuit via the switch when the latch is open. The alarm may also include a guide that prevents relative movement in one direction between the actuator and the switch. A lock switch may also be connected in series with the actuator switch so that the circuit drives the output only when the latch is open and the lock is locked. Additionally, a housing fitted to a lip of the enclosure may contain the circuit.

Abstract: Bit error rate is measured by sending a pseudo-random noise (PRN) code test signal simulating digital data through digital equipment to be tested. An incoming signal representing the response of the equipment being tested, together with any added noise, is received and tracked by being compared with a locally generated PRN code. Once the locally generated PRN code matches the incoming signal a tracking lock is obtained. The incoming signal is then integrated and compared bit-by-bit against the locally generated PRN code and differences between bits being compared are counted as bit errors.