Abstract: An impact detector includes a circular weight, a case containing the weight, in which a transition path for the weight is formed, a planar elastic member extending in the case with a first end oriented in a direction in which the weight move upon an impact in a first direction, a fixing member fixing the planar member to the case. The planar elastic member includes a folded portion disposed on a second end of the planar elastic member, and a first arm and a second arm both extending from the folded portion. An end portion of the first arm holds the weight at an initial position, and the first arm deforms to release the weight upon the impact in the first direction. The fixing member includes a sandwiching portion sandwiching the folded portion and a contact portion in contact with both the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A net structure for attachment to a roll cage of a vehicle includes a mesh structure, a reinforcement structure attached to the mesh structure, and an overload indicator. Upon a rollover event during operation of a vehicle, to which the net structure is attached, with the net structure in a lowered, closed configuration, an operator of the vehicle may impact the net structure, causing the net structure to deflect outwardly. This outward deflection of the net structure may cause the overload indicator to become visible, which provides an indication to an operator or other person associated with the vehicle that the structural integrity of the net structure has been compromised, such that replacement of the net structure may be warranted.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection and indication is disclosed. The device includes a housing and a detection assembly configured to detect receipt by the housing of an acceleration event. In response to detecting the acceleration event, the detection assembly causes a display element coupled to the housing to provide an encoded indication of impact status.

Abstract: An impact detecting apparatus that is configured to be attached to an object and includes a drop-impact display unit configured to display a direction of drop impact when the object is dropped; and a tilt display unit configured to display a direction of tilting when the object is tilted. The drop-impact display unit and the tilt display unit displays the direction of drop impact and the direction of tilting at the same time.

Abstract: An impact detector includes a case, an impact indicator disposed on a front side of the case, to indicate an impact history of the impact detector, a first weight that moves inside the case to a side to which the case falls, causing the impact indicator to indicate the impact history by moving through at least one of a first transition path and a second transition path, a first guide member to guide the first weight to a first impact detection position along the first transition path when the case falls in a first direction, and a second guide member to guide the first weight to the second impact detection position along the second transition path when the case falls in a second direction. The first transition path at least partly overlaps with the second transition path on a projection plane on the front side of the case.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection and indication is disclosed. The device includes a housing; a mass member located within the housing, the housing configured to enable movement of the mass member from a first position to a second position within the housing in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event; and first and second spring members disposed within the housing and configured to bias the mass member to the first position, wherein, in response to receipt by the housing of the acceleration event, the mass member is configured to overcome the biasing force of the first spring member and move from the first position to the second position, and wherein each of the first and second spring members extends across a medial portion of the mass member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate layer having a first and second sides, and at least one thermochromic compound layer to generate a set of temporary marks. The set of temporary marks is configured to include a first temporary mark at a first impact location associated with a first impact to a surface of a first object by a second object, and subsequent temporary marks at subsequent impact locations associated with subsequent impacts to the surface of the first object. The thermochromic compound layer can be in direct contact with the second object during the first impact, and is configured to enable the first temporary mark to fade throughout a fading period accommodative of the subsequent impacts, and to remain distinguishable throughout the fading period from the subsequent temporary marks. Other examples, embodiments and related methods are described and claimed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to medical devices that provide signals to diagnostic equipment such that functionality of an implantable member can be determined. In particular, various designs and structures are utilized to signal tissue growth on an implantable member such as a stent. The tissue growth can limit flow through the stented lumen. If the growth has a thickness above a certain limit, a signal can be detected by diagnostic equipment such that a proper diagnosis can be made.

Abstract: The all-directional fall sensor of the present invention includes a first casing defining a first interior space filled with a liquid and a floater buoyed by the liquid inside the first casing. The floater includes an indicator having indicative materials therein. The indicator includes a body defining a chamber, which is divided into at least a first portion and a second portion with a first sealing member located therebetween. The indicative materials are contained in the second portion of the chamber and are sealed therein with the first sealing member. When the all-directional fall sensor is applied with a force, the first sealing member would be dislocated and thus the indicative materials are dispersed within the chamber.

Abstract: An indicator assembly for an aircraft landing gear for providing indication of a hard landing. The indicator assembly including a actuator member movable when the pressure on a shock strut of the aircraft landing gear exceeds a desired load and stroke threshold indicative of a hard landing. A shear pin is coupled to the actuator member which is configured to shear when a desired level of force is applied to at least a portion of the shear pin. A visibly recognizable indictor is moved from a non-indicating position to an indicating position upon shearing of the shear pin.

Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a drop indicator having a magnet installed therein. The drop indicator according to the invention is used to determine whether a product has ever been dropped or impacted, either in delivery or in use, by inspecting changes in the original condition of the magnet caused by the interaction between the magnetic force and the acceleration of gravity, inertia force, and colliding force, etc. generated upon collision. Take a cell phone or a PDA, for example, changes in the indicative material of the drop indicator will help decide whether the faulty product has ever been dropped or impacted in delivery or in use, so that liability can be determined.

Abstract: To implement a detection technique in which a tumble of and a shock to on articles can be detected even with a simple and low-cost structure. An indicator according to the present invention for detecting a tumble of and a shock to an article moves away from a holding guide in a detector when the detector inclines and goes beyond a limit for inclination. The indicator includes a first part in the shape of rolling on the holding guide when the detector inclines, and a second part smaller than the first part and in the shape of not preventing the first part from rolling. The first part and the second part join together and separate when receiving a shock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a drop indicator having a magnet installed therein. The drop indicator according to the invention is used to determine whether a product has ever been dropped or impacted, either in delivery or in use, by inspecting changes in the original condition of the magnet caused by the interaction between the magnetic force and the acceleration of gravity, inertia force, and colliding force, etc. generated upon collision. Take a cell phone or a PDA, for example, changes in the indicative material of the drop indicator will help decide whether the faulty product has ever been dropped or impacted in delivery or in use, so that liability can be determined.

Abstract: A cavitational ultrasound (e.g., Histotripsy) gel phantom and cavitational ultrasound testing system are provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the phantom and system is that it can allow for instant visual feedback on the efficacy and dosage of a Histotripsy transducer. The changes in the gel phantom can be visualized with the naked eye without having to wait for histology. The changes in the gel phantom can also be visualized with a camera, with ultrasound imaging, or with microscopy. In various embodiments, the phantom includes indicators such as carbon particles, dye-encapsulated beads, and red blood cells. Methods associated with use of the cavitational ultrasound gel phantom and testing system are also covered.

Abstract: A device and method to insure protection of a ballistic protection apparatus using a microtube indicator for alerting a user to inspect the ballistic protection apparatus for flaws, cracks and gaps. The device can include microtubes adapted to function as accelerometers. The microtubes can include a color containing component, a non-color containing component, and a frangible separating portion. The device can include a housing with a top surface, a window, a message, a bottom surface, parallel cuts, and an adhesive for securing the housing to the ballistic protection apparatus. A G-force impact that exceeds a preset limit can cause the color containing component to flow to the non-color containing component, thereby indicating that an excessive G-force event has occurred and that an inspection of the ballistic protection apparatus is required.

Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.

Abstract: There is provided a blast occurrence apparatus for indicating the occurrence of a significant and potentially injury causing blast overpressure. The apparatus comprises a base, a housing and blast indication means to provide a visual indication that a significant blast has occurred. A blast indication means may be implemented using a rupturable membrane or a layer of microencapsulated paint or dye material, dimensioned to rupture at the desired overpressure level. The device is configured to withstand acceleration or shock resulting from impact.

Abstract: [Object] To implement a detection technique in which a tumble of and a shock to on articles can be detected even with a simple and low-cost structure. [Solving Means] An indicator according to the present invention for detecting a tumble of and a shock to an article moves away from a holding guide in a detector when the detector inclines and goes beyond a limit for inclination. The indicator includes a first part in the shape of rolling on the holding guide when the detector inclines, and a second part smaller than the first part and in the shape of not preventing the first part from rolling. The first part and the second part join together and separate when receiving a shock.

Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus to indicate impact by an object are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting an impact and use thereof.

Abstract: A marker for the wingtip or other extremity of an aircraft. The marker includes a fabric pouch having a flap containing hook and loop fasteners, to hold the pouch on the aircraft extremity. A fabric tube extends outwardly and substantially horizontally from the pouch and supports a marker flag at its tip. The fabric tube contains a breakable support rod, so that if the aircraft wingtip collides with an object, the support rod will break and the flag will droop, providing a visible indication that a collision has occurred. The broken rod can then be replaced.

Abstract: A marker for the wingtip or other extremity of an aircraft. The marker includes a fabric pouch having a flap containing hook and loop fasteners, to hold the pouch on the aircraft extremity. A fabric tube extends outwardly and substantially horizontally from the pouch and supports a marker flag at its tip. The fabric tube contains a breakable support rod, so that if the aircraft wingtip collides with an object, the support rod will break and the flag will droop, providing a visible indication that a collision has occurred. The broken rod can then be replaced.

Abstract: A system for alerting a skater when the skater's feet touch during a maneuver. The system comprises a wrap that bears a pocket positionable on an item of footwear, such as an ice skate. The wrap includes lateral portions extending around the ankle of the skate and may further include an instep strap coupled to the lateral portions and extending beneath the skate. The system further includes a contact device in communication with an indication device. The contact device is configured to detect an amount of contact from a nearby object, such as a skater's other foot. Upon detecting the amount of contact, the indication device provides a human perceptible indication to the skater that indicates that a sufficient amount of contact was made to trigger the contact device.

Abstract: A shock indicator is described comprising (A) a base having a first side and a second side; (B) an indicator associated with the first side of the base, the indicator comprising a plurality of indicator subparts, the subparts comprising solid material arranged (i) in a first configuration when the shock indicator is in a first state prior to a shock event, and (ii) in a second configuration when the shock indicator is in a second state following a shock event; and (C) means associated with the second side of the base for attachment of the shock indicator to a surface. A method of manufacture is also provided.

Abstract: A tamper detection switch is primarily for use in an enclosure of a security system component. The enclosure has a base and a cover that may be repositioned relative to the base. One of the cover and the base holds a conductive magnetic element free to translate within a predetermined range generally perpendicular to the respective cover or base. The other of the cover and the base holds at least two ferrous metal contacts of an open tamper circuit in proximity of a conductive magnetic element. In the closed position the conductive magnetic element bridges the ferrous contacts and closes the tamper circuit. Attempts to tamper with the enclosure separate the ferrous contacts from the conductive magnetic element, opening the tamper circuit and signaling a possible attack.

Abstract: A shock force indicating device for measuring and visually displaying the extent of a shock force received by an article during handling of the article is disclosed. The device has a cavity formed between a base member and a top member having a raised portion. A bearing is disposed within the cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the top member and the base member provide a compressive force to the bearing such that the bearing is held in place until the device is subjected to a shock force greater than a predetermined threshold. The base member has a pressure sensitive material which provides a visually identifiable path which traces the movement of the bearing when the bearing moves in response to a shock force to the device. The base member may have indicating marks for representing a scale with which to measure a component of a force to the device. The top member is transparent for easy viewing of the indicating marks.

Abstract: A pressure measurement method using a pressure measuring film in which a toner layer with a definite thickness is held between an adhesive layer formed on a first support and an inactive adhesive layer formed on a second support. Prior to applying the pressure to be measured to the measuring film, the inactive adhesive layer is activated to have an adhesive property. After pressure to be measured is applied to the film, the first support is removed and the applied pressure is determined based on the amount of toner attached to the second support. Using a toner having extremely small size, an extremely low pressure applied to an extremely small contact area can be measured. Also the pressure measuring film is not affected by use conditions (temperature, humidity). The inactive adhesive layer may be formed of a thermoplastic resin adhesive which can be activated by heating to become adhesive.

Abstract: A suspension mass is mounted for swinging movement relative to, and extends between, a pair of fixed posts spaced apart from each other on an annular support mounted in a portable electronic device. The mass is connected to the posts through a pair of breakable links.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment such as for detecting and providing visual confirmation of pressure thereon, e.g. from an impact, which comprises an article having a sandwich construction with a pressure-disclosing layer (3) comprising a liquid crystal, thermochromic material, and a temperature differential layer (5), separated by a layer (4) providing a compressible mechanical shield between the pressure-disclosing layer and the temperature-differential layer. Material according to the invention can be employed to indicate the boundaries of a tennis court, or sports playing areas, or as a golf training aid, among other uses.

Abstract: An en route package apparatus and methods for operating the same comprise a reservoir having a fluid, a tilt indicator section having an X direction indicator including an X capillary coupled to the fluid in the reservoir, a Y direction indicator including a Y capillary coupled to the fluid in the reservoir, and a Z direction indicator including a Z capillary coupled to the fluid in the reservoir wherein the fluid from the reservoir flows through one of the X capillary, Y capillary, or Z capillary to a respective corresponding direction indicator in response to tilting the en route package sensing apparatus in a direction corresponding to the particular direction indicator.

Abstract: Short extensions (15) are formed on the housing (10) of a control device. These extensions (15) consist of the same material as the housing (10) and can therefore be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner in a single production process. The impact energy being created when the housing (10) is dropped on the ground can be compensated with the aid of these extensions (15). In special cases and as a function of the specifications, visually noticeable damage of the extensions (15) can be used as an indicator for possible damage to the electric components arranged in the housing (10).

Abstract: A protective element is provide in which a honeycomb element for absorbing impact loads is sandwiched between a forward facing load spreading layer and a foam backing. The forward facing layer is transparent so that the condition of the honeycomb can be inspected.

Abstract: A knee hinge appliance has a pair of hinge assemblies that are secured on the leg of a wearer on opposed lateral sides of the knee joint. Each hinge assembly is formed of juxtaposed first and second disks that rotate relative to one another about a transverse axis extending through the knee joint. The first disk has an upper arm secured to an upper strap or band that encircles the thigh just above the knee joint, and the second disk has a lower arm which is secured to a lower strap or band that encircles the lower leg just below the knee joint. The disks have a cam that slides freely in a circular channel with stop members that allow normal flexing of the knee joint but prevent rotation when the knee is subjected to a blow from the front and prevent excessive lateral movement between the upper and lower leg.

Abstract: Peak pressure of a shock wave can be measured by a plurality of frangible crospheres of known fracture pressures. The microspheres are sized to be surrounded by the shock wave as the shock wave travels thereby. The microspheres remaining intact after the shock wave passes provide a measure of peak pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an earthquake alarm that functions as an awakening and early warning mechanism which provides an audio and visual warning to a possible earthquake. The device is comprised of a free-standing arm which rests against an adjustable rod which can be manipulated to make the arm more or less sensitive to vibrations, The arm, which is pivotally mounted within a case, swings downwardly through a slot in the case when vibrations comparable to the vibrations of an earthquake cause the arm to be dislodged from its upright position. The arm is entrapped between two tabs that extend outwardly from a rotatably attached beam. The beam comprises a third tab which is secured against one distal end of a rocker arm, the opposite distal end of the rocker arm being engaged in the extended teeth of a spring loaded wheel.

Abstract: An impact gauge for determining the cumulative impact energy along a single axis including a housing having an elongated chamber with a pair of bendable members cantilevered into the chamber, so that when an impacting member positioned in the chamber and proximate bendable member with the impact member having sufficient mass so that when the housing is subjected to an impact, the inertia of the impacting member is sufficient to permanently bend the bendable member so that one can measure the degree of bend of the bendable member which can be correlated with impacts of measured strength to enable one to determine the accumulated impact energy absorbed by the impact gauge.

Abstract: A monitoring device for indicating relative motion between first and second structural members. The motion monitoring device includes a first component with a base and a markable indicator member. The markable indicator is disposed on the top surface of the base, and the bottom surface of the base is fixedly mounted to the first structural member. The second component includes a base, a support arm and a marking indicator member. The second component base, which is fixedly mounted to the second structural member, is connected to one end of the support arm. The other end of the support arm is connected to the marking indicator member. The first component and the second component are operationally alignable upon mounting to the respective first and second structural members such that the markable indicator member and the marking indicator member achieve contact therebetween.

Abstract: An audible push-up detector produces a sound when the device is compressed between the chest of a user and the underlying floor or surface, thus alerting an instructor or supervisor, as well as the user of the device, that the exercise has been performed properly. The device comprises a hollow, air filled flexible, pliable, resilient container having a reed valve or the like installed in one side. When the device is compressed, as between the chest and the underlying surface when a person is performing push-ups, air within the device pneumatically actuates the reed valve to produce a sound. Thus, the device is most useful in group exercise or physical training sessions, where a single supervisor or at most a relatively few supervisory personnel must monitor a large number of persons performing push-up exercises. The device includes a spacer disposed therebeneath, to position the pneumatic device at the proper height.

Abstract: A protective post for guarding gasoline filling station pumps, drive up teller machines, and the like. The post has structural strength for resisting collision by a motor vehicle. It is hinged to its base by a stout spring. The post includes a rubber outer cover and an internal resilient layer, both surrounding a metal core member. Thus, the structure of the post both compresses resiliently and leans in response to contact by a motor vehicle. Both the guarded structure and the vehicle are spared damage by this construction. The warning post has contact actuated visible and audible alarms. Warning or commercial messages in the form of indicia may be located on the exterior surface.

Abstract: A thermochromic sensor for locating the area of contact between two surfaces moving in relation to each other, has applications in boundary line officiating and other situations where the location of the area of contact is important. For tennis and similar sports, thermochromic sensors are placed along boundary lines. The thermochromic sensors can be formed with thermochromic liquid crystals, which change color in the area of contact, thereby accurately indicating where a ball contacted the court. The color change can be used to characterize the speed of the impact. A temperature controller can be built into the sensor or placed near the sensor to maintain the temperature of the sensor near the sensor trigger point--the point at which a color change will occur on contact.

Abstract: A system for indicating the use of a fall arresting device to arrest a fall wherein a collapsible member is mounted on one of the load supporting members so that the collapsible member will collapse when a predetermined load has been applied thereto but will remain substantially in place to indicate that the predetermined load had been applied thereto.

Abstract: A crush indicating device is disclosed which is designed to be attached to an object or a container for the purpose of indicating whether the object or container subsequently is subjected to excessive force, acceleration or shock. The indicator device has a contrasting agent reservoir filled with a contrasting agent, an absorbing wick and a compressible wall. The compressible wall extends between the wick and the reservoir, holding them in a fixed apart relationship while the wall is uncompressed. Application of force to the device compresses the wall and brings the wick into contact with the reservoir. The wick absorbs contrasting agent from the reservoir, resulting in a marked visible change in the wick which signifies that excessive force has been applied to the device. A base is located at one end of the wall, supporting the reservoir and providing means to attach the device to an object or container. A transparent cover sheet is located at the opposite end of the wall.

Abstract: In order to reduce the risk of head injuries in a passive safety belt system, the upper anchoring fitting provided with a buckle insert is automatically pivoted in response to loads typical of an accident to a safety position in which the anchoring fitting projects only a minimal amount into the region of a passenger head in a passenger compartment of a vehicle.

Abstract: An overhead sensing device for motor vehicles and the like comprises a non-conductive flexible feeler adapted for contacting an overhead obstruction, and an actuation device for outputting a signal in response to the non-conductive flexible feeler contacting an overhead obstruction. An audible and a visual signal device signals the operator in the case where the non-conductive flexible feeler contacts an overhead obstruction. The audible and visual signaling device are operative in response to the output of the actuation device. A control device, including a remote control device, controls the height of the non-conductive flexible feeler above a highest point of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanical sensor comprises a casing having an axis, an inertia body received in the casing for displacement axially thereof, and an output member received in the casing for displacement axially thereof and having a portion extending out of the casing so as to transmit displacement of the output member to the outside of the casing. A set spring biases the inertia body to a set position in the casing. A stopper is received for axial displacement within the casing, and an actuator spring is engaged between the inertia body and the stopper and is also engageable with the output member to cause it to displace upon displacement of the stopper. Latch members movably coupled to the inertia body are engaged between the stopper and the casing in the absence of displacement of the inertia body in response to a predetermined acceleration of the inertia body so that the stopper stores energy in the actuator spring.

Abstract: A shock sensor is able to detect an externally applied acceleration. A weight is fixed to a first end of a first supporting member. The weight is rotatably movable about an opposite end of the supporting member. A second supporting member, having an indicating portion, is provided under the first supporting member. A spring member is integrally formed with the second supporting member so as to hold the second supporting member either at an upper position to support the weight or at a lower position where a predetermined acceleration is detected. Whether or not the shock sensor has detected that an acceleration exceeding the predetermined value has been applied to the sensor is indicated by the position of the indicating portion.

Abstract: A belt pretensioner in a safety belt system for vehicles is equipped with a piston/cylinder linear drive which is activatable by a pyrotechnical gas generator and which is arranged in a support housing pivotally between a rest position and a triggering position. The piston/cylinder linear drive forms a vehicle-sensitive inertial mass which is loaded by spring bias in the direction of the rest position and movable by deceleration-induced inertial forces into the triggering position. The gas generator is provided with a percussion ignitor. Mounted on the support housing is a spring-loaded striking member which has an anvil for striking against the percussion ignitor and is held in a readiness position by engagement on a holding surface of the piston/cylinder linear drive.

Abstract: A process and device for revealing impact(s) received by a substrate make use of a film capable of being deposited onto said substrate and consisting of a matrix in which are embedded microcapsules intended to be broken during the impact and thus to release product(s) which they enclose and which is (are) endowed with different photoluminenscence properties according to whether it is (they are) encapsulated or released into the matrix.