Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling an availability of a user in an enterprise environment. If an enterprise user requests to change an availability status on one or more media, a determination is made as to whether to grant the request based on one or more predefined criteria associated with the enterprise. For example, the predefined criteria may comprise resource needs or one or more policies of the enterprise. The predefined criteria may be expressed as one or more rules in a rule base.

Abstract: A hose or duct that is comprised of a rubber, plastic, metal, woven or non-woven textile or composite material is outfitted with a luminescent exterior member. The luminescent exterior member includes a luminescent material. The luminescent exterior member can be incorporated into the manufacture of the hose, or added to and/or around the exterior of the hose after manufacture of the hose. The luminescent exterior member may be wound around the hose in a spiral manner or may run longitudinally along a length of the hose in a single line or multiple lines. The luminescent exterior member may be fixably coupled to the hose with adhesive or molecularly bonded or with an attachment mechanism or the luminescent exterior member may be externally spiraled as a rigid spiral sleeve and thereby removable from the hose and may be reusable.

Abstract: A method and system for determining at least one property of a strobe cover are disclosed. The determined property of the strobe cover may then be analyzed to determine whether it is the proper property for the strobe device. The property of the strobe cover may include the color of the strobe cover (such as clear, blue, amber, etc.), the shape of the strobe cover (such as a strobe cover with a lens or a strobe cover without a lens), the material of the strobe cover, etc. The method and system may include determining the property of the strobe cover and checking whether the determined property is the expected property of the strobe cover (such as the expected color of the strobe cover). The strobe cover may include one or more property indicators. The one or more property indicators may interface with a circuit, such as mechanically interface with the circuit, in order for the circuit to determine the property of the strobe cover.

Abstract: Signaling methods and apparatuses are described for preventing flood irrigation water from overflowing in a trench, field, or other area. Signaling devices may include indicators such as a reflector, a flag, a light, or a sound device provided on an end of an elongate member having its opposite end engaged with the ground. A stake is driven into the ground near the elongate member in the trench or other area where water will flow. A breakaway link such as a strip of paper is engaged to either the indicator or the elongate member and also to the stake, causing the elongate member to be bent downward, with the breakaway link located in the trench where water will flow. When exposed to the flow of water, the breakaway link weakens and eventually tears such that the elongate member springs upward carrying the indicator with it, signaling an operator that water has reached that location in the trench.

Abstract: A gas flow of a gas pipe is indicated before an electromagnetic valve is actually opened, so that the electromagnetic valve can be prevented from being opened or closed by a wrong manipulation or hazards caused by undesired mixing of gases can be avoided so as to improve safety. The substrate processing apparatus includes a state detection unit configured to detect an opening/closing request state and an opening/closing state of a valve installed at a gas pipeline; and a indication unit configured to indicate a gas flow state of the gas pipeline predicted according to the opening/closing request state and a gas flow state of the gas pipeline when the valve is opened, in a way that each state is distinguished.

Abstract: A forensic marker for marking a cementitious material is disclosed including a marker that is added to the cementitious material and is detectable for at least the expected life of the cementitious material. The marker is inert with respect to the cementitious material in that it does not significantly affect the desired qualities of the cementitious material (e.g. weight, adhesive properties, structural integrity, etc). The marker is detectable, for example, by instruments, during the life of the cementitious material. Sample markers are fluorescent polyamide fibers, rayon fibers, metallic fibers, etc.

Abstract: The extendable strobe light device (1) comprises a telescoping light mount (10) bearing a strobe light (11). By manual operation or by power to an antenna drive motor (23) the telescoping light mount (10) is extended or retracted. An insulated electrical conductor (28) provides power to the strobe light (11). The insulated electrical conductor (28) is wound on a negator reel (46). A negator spring reel assembly (32) contains a negator spring (400) retracts the insulated electrical conductor (28) when the telescoping light mount (10) is retracted. An electrical brush assembly (43) comprises a brush assembly insulated housing (52) composed of a rigid material including metals and plastics. The brush assembly insulated housing (52) is affixed to the case by screws or bolts (34).

Abstract: An impact-protecting structure includes a rigid body, a soft body, an adhesive layer, and a plurality of illuminating particles. The rigid body has a corner portion and a plurality of side extending portions extended from the corner portion. The soft body has an impact-resistant portion and a plurality of side covering portions extended from the impact-resistant portion. The soft body covers the outer surface of the rigid body. The adhesive layer is affixed onto the inner surface of the rigid body. The illuminating particles are disposed within the soft body. The impact-protecting structure offers warning capability and buffering effect against impact.

Abstract: A signaling light source facilitates locating personnel under adverse conditions such as in a smoky environment and resists damage from exposure to a harsh user environment A lighting unit includes at least one, and preferably two, of the signaling light sources also includes at least one personnel identifying red-green-blue (“RGB”) light emitting diode (“LED”) Disclosed methods for operating the signaling light source include energizing operation of a LED light source by supplying a sequence of electrical current pulses which repeat at a rate which causes emitted light to pulse visually, supplying electrical current to a pair of LEDs alternatively connected either in series or in parallel depending upon battery operating condition, and monitoring smoke density in environment around the signaling light source and modulating the intensity of emitted light responsive to smoke density.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a marking system comprising at least one module, which comprises at least two sections, wherein the at least one module fails upon an expulsion charge initiation or a delayed expulsion charge initiation, and wherein the at least two sections each independently comprise at least one system chosen from a fluorescent system, a thermal-generating system, and a chemical light system. In some embodiments, a section of a module as disclosed herein comprises a heat/light system that generates both heat and light signals. The heat/light system comprises at least one first part comprising at least one oxalate ester, at least one fluorescer, and at least one inorganic salt, and at least one second part comprising at least one peroxide and at least one catalyst.

Abstract: A gas measurement apparatus can comprise a sensor and a processor, in an example. The sensor can measure a pressure condition of a gas tank, in an example. The processor can select at least one light source, the light source can be positioned or of a distinct color to indicate a corresponding level of gas remaining in the tank when illuminated. The level of gas can be based on the measured pressure.

Abstract: An impact detection sensor is attached to a packaging container. When the packaging container is subjected to impacts downward in a vertical direction twice, i.e., a bottom surface of the packaging container is subjected to impacts twice, a weight moves downward in the vertical direction by the application of the first impact, and is seen through a weight indicator unit located on the bottom of an impact detection sensor. At the time of the application of the second impact, the weight moved downward in the vertical direction is prevented from moving back to. an initial position by a pressing portion, and seen through the same bottom weight indicator unit.

Abstract: In a first aspect there is provided a modular visual output component for a gaming machine, including a housing, at least one visual output device, an input connector electrically coupled to the visual output device, and an output connector electrically coupled to the input connector. The input and output connectors being arranged relative to the housing and shaped such that the output connector can be connected to an input connector of a further modular visual output component having the same configuration with the modular visual output components abutting one another, whereby two or more modular visual output components can be joined to one another and supplied from a common power source.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a silent signal to a waiter/waitress that one of service is required and service is not required. The apparatus comprises a base member having a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material. A signaling member is engageable with the base member and has a second predetermined shape and is formed of a second predetermined material. There is a connecting member for engaging such signaling member to the base member.

Abstract: A hand held particle sensing device includes a housing having a component portion that encloses a particulate sensor, and a handle portion extending from the component portion for enabling the device to be carried by a user. An onboard power source may be housed within the handle portion. A display is positioned on the housing for outputting a signal, such as a visual or audible signal, corresponding to the level of particulates sensed by the sensor. The device may include an air flow path extending through the device, which may be air tight and separate from the rest of the device. A controller may be connected to the power source, the particulate sensor and the display for operating the particulate sensor and the output display.

Abstract: A sensor for installation on a steering wheel includes a pressure sensitive material mounted on a base material of the steering wheel. The pressure sensitive material is configured to provide an electrical signal to a controller when pressure is applied. The controller provides a command to a vehicle system based on the electrical signal. The pressure sensitive material has at least one of a variable resistance and a variable capacitance based on the amount or type of pressure that is applied to the material. The electrical signal is based on the at least one of a variable resistance and a variable capacitance.

Abstract: The detection of ambient light on an optical touch-sensitive device is disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment comprises capturing an image of at least a portion of a display screen with a camera located within the display device, and determined if ambient light in the image is at an acceptable level for display screen operation. Then, a visual representation is displayed representing whether the ambient light level is acceptable for display screen operation.

Abstract: An ultraviolet risk indicator instrument comprising a dial and a shadow projection device on it, the dial having colored areas that indicate different UV risks, defined by lines of declination (solstices and equinoxes) and solar hour lines calculated based on the transformation of the Hour Coordinates of the Sun (Hour Angle and Declination) in a 3D Cartesian Coordinate System, whose origin is the tip of the shadow projection device (being a polar style parallel to the rotation axis of the Earth, or a straight style perpendicular to the dial plane) using matrix calculations to produce the necessary rotations of the system, taking into account the latitude of the place, the declination and inclination of the dial. The style may be a rod or a triangular shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for indicating the depletion of a cleaning agent or auxiliary cleaning agent introduced into a dishwasher machine for a plurality of washing programs. According to the invention, a display appliance is arranged on or in the dishwasher machine, indicating to the user the depletion of the cleaning agent or auxiliary cleaning agent.

Abstract: An ink tank receives data signals from a printer and an LED provided on the ink tank is driven on the basis of the received data signals. The LED is driven in an inactive time period that is different from the time period in which the date signals are input to the ink tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the air flow in a clothes dryer by determining a pressure characteristic of the air within the drying chamber when the dryer is turned on and comparing the determined pressure characteristic to a predetermined reference value to ascertain the condition of the air flow in the dryer.

Abstract: A basketball goal comprising: a frame; a transparent backboard mounted on the frame having a front face and a back face opposite the front face; a hoop mounted on the backboard and extending perpendicular to the front face of the backboard; an indicator strip mounted directly to the back face of the backboard, said strip including a plurality of light emitting diodes that are visible through the backboard; and a controller operatively connected to the indicator strip to selectively energize the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A detectable warning tile system has a tile base with an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a plurality of upward projections therefrom. The tile base has two side edges for alignment with corresponding side edges of other tiles, and front and rear edges. An area of the upper surface of the tile base is formed free of the detectable warnings and may include a trough into or over which a replaceable tile section may be placed. The tile base and/or replaceable tile section may be configured to receive one or more individually-installable detectable warnings.

Abstract: A lighted orientation device according to the present invention includes an outer housing having a construction that is resilient, generally spherical, and defines an interior space for holding fluid. A directional indicator such as a float is positioned within the outer housing and rises to a top surface of the fluid for indicating an upward direction. The float is also constructed of a resilient material and includes first and second chemicals separated by a breakable membrane. The two chemicals react when combined to produce light, whereby a user may view the float and ascertain which direction is “up”. The lighted orientation device may be coupled to a digging tool according to an alternative embodiment such that a user may begin digging out of an avalanche as soon as their orientation is determined.

Abstract: The system comprises an optical device (4) emitting an optical signal, and identifying tags (6a, 6b), each identifying tag comprising an attachment portion for attachment to a garment, such as a sock (9a, 9b), and an identification portion having a predetermined optical characteristic, not easily recognizable by the human eye in ambient lighting conditions, the optical signal and the optical characteristic being matched so that the optical characteristic is easily recognizable by the human eye upon exposure of the identification portion to the optical signal.

Abstract: A system for increasing awareness and enhancing visibility of a sign that includes a base attached to the sign panel, a plurality of illumination devices coupled to the base, a power source, and a controller coupled to the illumination devices and the power source.

Abstract: A method of operating an electrical appliance includes coupling a solar collector to the electrical appliance such that the solar collector may provide electrical power to the appliance. A global positioning system receiver is used to determine a location of the solar collector. A level of power that may be sourced by the solar collector is calculated wherein the calculation is dependent upon the location of the solar collector as determined by the global positioning system receiver. The appliance is configured to draw a level of power corresponding to the calculated level of power that may be sourced by the solar collector.

Abstract: A solar energy handle for a bicycle is located at a bicycle body and includes a handle body, a solar energy board, a battery set, at least one alarm and a control system. The handle body has a left handle and a right handle. The solar energy board is located at the handle body for absorbing the solar energy and converting the solar energy into electric power. The battery set is connected with the solar energy board for storing the electric power. The alarm is connected with the battery set. The control system is located at the handle body. Thereby, the solar energy is converted into the electric power and is stored in the battery set. The user uses the control system to turn on or turn off the alarm. The power is saved. It is good for the environmental protection, and it is convenient for the user.

Abstract: A rope light is provided comprising a plurality of infrared lamps that enable a user to stealthily operate the light under cover of darkness. The method of using the rope light comprises either signaling to an observer or operating on a workpiece. The rope light can be positioned to signal information such as the outlines of a runway or supply drop point. The observer, using appropriate goggles or other visualization devices, can then detect such signals. The rope light provided can also be used to operate on such things as an automobile engine under cover of darkness. The rope light can be flexibly positioned in such things as engine compartments to flood the compartment with infrared light, enabling a person to repair a workpiece such as an engine. Other embodiments use a rope light that radiates light visible to the human eye for both signaling and operating on a workpiece.

Abstract: A gaming environment is described. An indicator is provided at top of a cabinet of a gaming machine. Also, a light emitting pattern of the indicator is controlled based on an accumulated number of executed games. Also, light-emitting part of the indicator lengthens with an increase in the accumulated number of the executed games.

Abstract: The screen (3) is in a light box (6). Lighting means (5, 11) are arranged to light the screen (3) with a subdued light and a warning light. The subdued lighting means (5) are placed in the light box (6) and the warning lighting means (11) are remotely located outside the light box (6), to light the screen (3) via a light duct (8). The invention applies to motor vehicle dashboards.

Abstract: The present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, is directed to portable electronic devices which operate on exhaustible power sources, for example, batteries. The electronic devices of the present invention comprise at least one signal switch and a microchip in communication with the switch wherein the switch is only capable of transmitting a signal to the microchip that the switch has been activated or deactivated. The microchip is in communication with the exhaustible power source of the electronic device and controls (i) the power on/off function of the device, (ii) at least one other function of the device in response to activation and deactivation signals from the switch, and (iii) an automatic shut off function in response to the receipt of an activation signal from the switch.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a circuit to indicate a match between a user-selectable power setting and an input voltage, comprises a first circuit node connected to a power source at an input voltage level, a second circuit node, a switch to switch the first circuit node and the second circuit node between a first position associated with a first voltage and a second position associated with a second voltage, and a first indicator coupled to the first circuit node and the second circuit node and activated when the switch is set in a position that corresponds to the input voltage level.

Abstract: An operational guide system (10) adapted to provide visual indicators to an individual to guide sequential actions includes at least one sensor apparatus (26), a controller (20), and at least one directional light device (22, 24). The sensor apparatus (26) is operable to detect operation information and generate an output indicative of the sensed operation information. The controller (20) receives at least a first input signal indicative of the operation information and selectively provides at least one command signal in response to the first input signal. The at least one directional light device (22, 24) being selectively operable to project and target at least one indicating light in response to the at least one command signal from the controller (20).

Abstract: An LED light bulb having separately addressable groupings of LED's. The LED light bulb can serve as a visual indicator of emergency or non-emergency conditions by selectively illuminating groupings of LED's in a variety of colors, each color corresponding to a predetermined condition.

Abstract: The Cabbie Caller is an illuminated signal, specifically used to hail a taxi cab or vehicle for hire. It is a black, hand held device that emits a strong, high visibility blinking orange light. It replaces a chaotic, inefficient, unsafe mode of hailing a taxi, and provides significant safety, social, communication, environmental, and economic benefits to the people using it and to their communities.

Abstract: An outboard motor has an engine, a cowling for accommodating the engine, and an air duct for introducing ambient air into the cowling 11. An air filter is provided in the air duct. One or more sensors detect when the air filter is clogged. When air filter clogging is detected, a warning signal is triggered.

Abstract: An electronic circuit including a microchip for use as an intelligent user interface also comprises touch sensor technology that differentiates between proximity and physical contact events to activate and control various loads including light bulbs, products with radio frequency circuitry or electric motors. An input to the microchip is connected to a switch or sensing structure that does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The electronic circuit controls various functions in response to user actions including automatic delayed shut-off functions, find-in-the-dark indicator and a power source level/product state indications. The microchip allows the user to select specific functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.

Abstract: A guidance marker for utilization with a fibrous web surface and providing an individual with a safe egress to an exit. The guidance marker includes a base carrying an indicator surface and at least one lock pin. The indicator surface is identifiable in the absence of normal lighting. The lock pin secures the base to the fibrous web surface.

Abstract: A rack has a plurality of LEDs arranged on the front surface thereof correspondingly to respective units. The rack is provided with an LED lighting circuit which lights these LEDs, on the back of a display section and an input section. The LED lighting circuit has an LED lighting control section and a memory. The LED lighting control section acquires correspondence relation information indicating correspondence between servers and apparatuses from the input section, and stores the information in the memory. When a server is selected, the LED lighting circuit lights some of the plurality of LEDs based on the correspondence relation information stored in the memory.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for detecting and eliminating the buildup of snow and/or ice on the viewable face of an LED traffic signal lens. The circuit measures the ambient temperature within the LED signal, and when the temperature falls to a level where snow and/or ice accumulation can occur, the circuit begins looking for snow and/or ice buildup on the lens of the LED signal. An infrared LED transmits a signal which is reflected when snow or ice is present on the lens of the traffic signal. When the reflected signal is received by an infrared receiver, it sends a signal to a microcontroller, which analyzes the signal to determine if it is a valid signal. If it is, a heater is turned on until the ice and snow are removed.

Abstract: In an illumination system the radiation from one or more laser arrays is directed into a light pipe. The light pipe mixes the individual radiation contributions from the laser arrays and forms a uniform illumination line. The pointing direction of each of the laser arrays is monitored and controlled to preserve the brightness of the composite illumination line.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device or indicator device and a timer circuit. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within a beverage receptacle. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The timer circuit, automatically, after a certain period of time, may change the indicator device from the first or second state to a third state in which the indicator device does not provide a visual indication of the type of beverage within a beverage container.

Abstract: The invention relates to an indicator comprising a light-guiding layer, a cladding layer on one surface of said light-guiding layer, and a patterning layer on the other surface.

Abstract: A display instrument with two illuminated pointers, in which instrument the illuminated pointers (4, 6) are supplied with light via a light splitter (10). The latter has a frustum-shaped depression (21) so that a portion of the light is radiated in the axial direction and passes into the upper illuminated pointer (4). A further portion is scattered radially at the generated surface (24) of the frustum (23) and passes into the lower illuminated pointer (6).

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensing device adapted for sensing tension in a belt securing a child's car seat in a vehicle, and comprising a housing (52) having a upper housing member (50) hingedly attached (at 54) to a lower housing member 52, and a closure catch (58) to permit the passage of a length of seat belt (36) through the housing to pass over a depressible switch (66). Within the housing is a power source (40) and alarm/indicator (41) responsive to a signal emitted by the switch (66) when actuated by the scar belt (36) passing over the switch. Sufficient belt tension may be shown by a visible indicator, while insufficient tension may be indicated by an audible alarm.

Abstract: A releasably attachable grip comprises a body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The grip also comprises a light emitter integral with the first side of the body. The grip also comprises a stretchable material having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The top surface is adhered to the second side of the body. The grip also comprises a releasable adhesive disposed on the bottom surface of the stretchable material. The releasable adhesive is configured to adhere to the outer surface.

Abstract: The reflective marker allows a user to easily place the invention in a desired location without damaging the housing or structure of the marker. More specifically, the reflective marker that contains a foot cleat allowing a user to foot pressure to the cleat or to strike the cleat with a mallet/hammer to drive the invention into the ground. As a result, force is not exerted on the marker's external housing or marker's reflector, and the reflector's aesthetic appeal, structural integrity and reflecting capacity are kept intact. The reflective marker has a primary and a secondary anchor spike for securing the device in the ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides a attention getting device, which comprises: a standing board, having a standing surface; a flashing element, having a twinkling light body outwardly and having a circuit connected to a battery behind said twinkling light body and inside said flashing element, and having a back cover which is made of ferrous material; and a magnet with magnetism; thereby, said flashing element can twinkle and mutually attract with said magnet on a back surface and said standing surface of said standing board respectively so as to attract the attention and vision of the people.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device or indicator device and a timer circuit. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within a beverage receptacle. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The timer circuit, automatically, after a certain period of time, may change the indicator device from the first or second state to a third state in which the indicator device does not provide a visual indication of the type of beverage within a beverage container.