Abstract: A locating device includes a surface, an actuator, and a tactile guide coupled to the surface. The tactile guide extends from a location on the surface away from the actuator and terminates at a location on the surface adjacent to the actuator.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a directional input device that changes the distance between electrodes that are included in a capacitative element in correspondence with a sliding direction (that is, input direction) to which an input unit is made to slide, thereby changing the electrostatic capacity of the capacitative element. The directional input device according to the invention is a directional input device for detecting an input direction depending on a change in the capacity of a capacitative element.

Abstract: A direction indicator device captured between couplers of ends of firehose sections that point to the source of the firehose and to safety. The direction indicator device includes a gasket-like annular body which fits over the male threads of the male coupler and is captured between annular ends of the abutting male and female coupler bodies. Direction pointing fingers, integral with the annular body, point toward the hose section to which the male coupler is attached and are angularly oriented to fit between longitudinal lugs of the male coupler. A lip is provided on an inwardly facing surface at each finger tip to hinder removal and to prevent inadvertent removal of the device from the male coupler body.

Abstract: An elongate strip for indicating a platform edge includes a base for resting on a platform; a back and a further surface. The arrangement is such that with the device resting on a platform, the further surface takes the place of the platform surface and includes an indicator to indicate an edge of the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dynamic visual feature coordination in an electronic hand held device is described. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes key configurations arranged in a clock-like fashion and other configurations so that a user's finger might be easily tracked prior to actual key selection within the circular arrangement and other keys to facilitate a multitude of features that includes anticipation of a user's actions and also shows alternative information based at least in part on current, previous and projected next finger movements. In other embodiments, visual display presentations related to described feature operations and key configurations are described.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container's coil. By energizing one of the housing's coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container's coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provides blind and vision impaired (B/VI) persons with improved Detectible Guidance Markers (DGMs) for navigation in a wide variety of environments, providing information regarding the presence, type, direction, and proximity of various navigational obstacles. A representative but non-exclusive example of an invented unitary DGM includes a plurality of tactually-detectable informational members, including a base member and one or more integral directional members configured to be disposed at a surface of a navigational substrate. A discrete number of directional members conveys an obstacle identity, while different lengths of directional members, and characteristics of other informational members, convey a direction and/or a proximity to an obstacle. Additionally, numerous structural alterations to a surrounding substrate surface cooperatively supplement the detectability and information-conveying benefits of a DGM.

Abstract: Disclosed are new methods and apparatus particularly suited for applications in a vehicle, to provide a wide range of information, and the safe input of data to a computer controlling the vehicle subsystems or “Telematic” communication using for example GM's “ONSTAR” or cellular based data sources. Preferred embodiments utilize new programmable forms of tactile touch screens and displays employing tactile physical selection or adjustment means which utilize direct optical data input. A revolutionary form of dashboard or instrument panel results which is stylistically attractive, lower in cost, customizable by the user, programmable in both the tactile and visual sense, and with the potential of enhancing interior safety and vehicle operation. Non-automotive applications of the invention are also disclosed, for example means for general computer input using touch screens and home automation systems.

Abstract: A directional rope with tactile indicators, the rope configured for denoting to a fire-fighter the escape route from a dark or smoked filled environment that has little or no visibility.

Abstract: A tactile warning pad composed of a polymer material, the pad comprising contact structures on its upper surface and embedded shearable anchor members in the form of a corrugated mesh webbing, wherein the upper portions of the mesh webbing are embedded within the pad and the lower portions of the mesh webbing extend below the pad, such that the pad may be positioned atop an uncured concrete base with the lower portions of the mesh webbing embedded within the concrete, and further such that the anchor members retain the pad on the concrete base once the concrete has hardened, and further such that the pad is removable from the concrete by shearing the anchor members at the interface between the concrete base and the polymer pad using a bladed shearing implement.

Abstract: A lift measurement system is provided for determining a position of a load during a lift operation. The system includes a display that includes a scale and encloses a movable indicator that moves relative to the scale. A linkage is in communication with the load and the scale, such that movement of the load is translated to movement of the indicator relative to the scale to provide an indication of the position of the load. A plurality of displays and linkages may be installed at various load support zones such that the relative position of the corresponding indicators provides feedback related to the orientation of the load.

Abstract: A direction indicator device captured between couplers of ends of firehose sections that point to the source of the firehose and to safety. The direction indicator device includes a gasket-like annular body which fits over the male threads of the male coupler and is captured between annular ends of the abutting male and female coupler bodies. Direction pointing fingers, integral with the annular body, point toward the hose section to which the male coupler is attached and are angularly oriented to fit between longitudinal lugs of the male coupler. A lip is provided on an inwardly facing surface at each finger tip to hinder removal and to prevent inadvertent removal of the device from the male coupler body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating underground obstructions are disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongate probe with a first and second end and a first internal fluid passageway, a handle disposed on the elongate member, and a tip disposed on an end of the elongate member, wherein the tip comprises a second internal fluid passageway in fluid communication with the first internal passageway, and a flexible hose connection disposed on the elongate member, wherein the connection is disposed between the first end and the second end and the connection is in fluid communication with the first internal passageway.

Abstract: A marking device for vehicle seats located adjacent emergency exits includes a panel associated with a cover for a seat. For example, seat covers for the upright back of school bus seats include a strip panel coupled between two facing panels. The strip panel is adapted to cover the top and opposite ends of the seat back and the two facing panels are adapted to cover the front and rear faces of the seat back. The strip panel portion of seat covers for seats located adjacent an emergency exit include a tactile feature. The tactile feature distinguishes emergency exit row seats from seats from those seats that are not located adjacent an emergency exit.

Abstract: A dosage reminder device is disclosed. The device is comprised of a front plate, a set of slides inserted into the front plate and a back plate connected to the front plate. Each slide indicates a first position for a dosage not taken, a second position to indicate a dosage taken, or to a third position to indicate no dosage. The rear of the back plate has a removable adhesive cover that once removed, facilitates adhering the dosage reminder device to a medicine vial.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes that include a detectable warning tile having a top side with a plurality of protuberances forming a pattern or array and a second tile member disposed perpendicular to an edge of the detectable warning tile. The bottom side of both the detectable warning tile and the second tile member have at least one anchoring member embedded within a concavity in the bottom side, making the tile and tile member especially durable on platform edges.

Abstract: A tactile fire escape system for guiding individuals to a fire escape during low visibility emergencies. The tactile fire escape system includes a plurality of first tactile members attached to a wall at a height above a floor, wherein the plurality of first tactile members are comprised of a tapered structure pointing approximately along an emergency path to an exit door, a second tactile sign attached to the exit door, wherein the second tactile sign is comprised of a tapered structure pointing approximately upwardly and a plurality of third tactile members attached to the wall indicating an immediate left or right turn across the hallway or common area. The first tactile members, second tactile sign and third tactile members guide a user along an emergency path toward an exit door. An initial tactile member may also be located within a room to guide the individual toward an initial direction along the emergency path.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of two-piece fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a threaded shank for extending through the panel and which has an anchor member threadably secured thereto.

Abstract: An avalanche probe for locating and rescuing people buried by an avalanche is collapsible, having several probe segments which allow the probe to be folded to a compact unit that can be quickly and easily assembled for use. A connecting cord passes through the probe segments and fastens to a probe tip. Applying tension to the cord draws the segments into alignment. A clamping mechanism maintains the tension on the cord in such a manner that the probe segments are fixedly and securely held against one another. The clamping mechanism provides two interpenetrating elements, an outer element and an inner element having a passage therethrough. At least one clamping element passes into the central passage and is forcibly engaged with the cord as the interpenetration of the elements increases.

Abstract: An elongate strip for indicating a platform edge includes a base for resting on a platform; a back and a further surface. The arrangement is such that with the device resting on a platform, the further surface takes the place of the platform surface and includes an indicator to indicate an edge of the platform.

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: 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 PTP constructed so that when the PTP is divided into a section having one or a plurality of pocket portions, a person can discriminate between the top, bottom, right and left sides of this section in the planar direction and a visually handicapped person can correctly identify the direction of medicament identifying means provided on the section. The PTP includes a flexible sheet having a pocket portion containing a tablet T, and a metal foil adhered to the flexible sheet to hermetically seal the pocket portion containing the tablet T, and the PTP is dividable into sections including a plurality of pocket portions by a dividing line. An unevenness serving as medicament identifying means is provided on a top surface of a pocket portion, and arcs are respectively formed on the dividing line on the sides so that the shapes of all the divided sections become the same.

Abstract: A tactile identification and direction guidance system and method for blind and otherwise visually impaired persons provides a plurality of substantially identical, longitudinally elongated marker members for support on an underlying walkway in laterally spaced apart, substantially parallel groups having different predetermined numbers of laterally spaced marker members forming different predetermined patterns each identifying and designating a different type of obstacle encountered by the visually impaired person, the person's proper movement required relative to the obstacle being indicated and directed by the positioning of the elongated dimension of the laterally spaced, substantially parallel extending marker members on a predetermined, line of travel orientation relative to the obstacle for proper movement of a person thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication management system that is simple, reliable and extremely easy to use. It comprises a label having a plurality of raised tabs that are depressed upon taking a medication to provide a tactile and a visual record of medication use. It can be secured to the medication container, and thus is not subject to being misplaced or forgotten. The system can be integrated with a pharmacy's computerized pharmaceutical record and prescription label printing system or it can be a stand-alone paste-on label. Alternatively, it can be used in combination with blister packs to dispense medication while maintaining a record of use. The label can be in the form of an overlay, which is placed over a preprinted container or a container having a prescription label. The use of a pressure sensitive releasable adhesive permits the removal of the overlay label in the event that is it necessary to read information on the underlying label.

Abstract: An indicator device captured between couplers of ends of firehose sections that point to the source of the firehose and to safety. The preferred embodiment includes gasket-like annular body which fits over the male threads of the male coupler and is captured between annular ends of the abutting male and female coupler bodies. Direction pointing fingers, integral with the annular body, point backward toward the hose section to which the male coupler is attached and are angularly oriented to fit between longitudinal lugs of the male coupler.

Abstract: A tactile identification and direction guidance system and method for blind and otherwise visually impaired persons provides a plurality of substantially identical, longitudinally elongated marker members for support on an underlying walkway in laterally spaced apart, substantially parallel groups having different predetermined numbers of laterally spaced marker members forming different predetermined patterns each identifying and designating a different type of obstacle encountered by the visually impaired person, the person's proper movement required relative to the obstacle being indicated and directed by the positioning of the elongated dimension of the laterally spaced, substantially parallel extending marker members on a predetermined, line of travel orientation relative to the obstacle for proper movement of a person thereby.

Abstract: A tactile guidance system is provided comprising a plurality of tactile indicators in a first form located at pre-determined spaced intervals along a surface to mark a route to be followed by a user to a particular location. The user moves towards the particular location by following the tactile indicators using a sensory part of their body. One or more further tactile indicators are provided in at least a second form on the surface. The tactile indicators in the second form indicate to a user that they are required to change their direction of movement and move in a new direction in order to reach the particular location. Once the user has changed their direction of movement accordingly, the user then continues to follow further tactile indicators of said first or further form to the particular location.

Abstract: This invention uses a family of exit-finding aids to enable occupants of rooms or workspaces in buildings, cabins in ships, seats in aircraft cabins, auditoriums, theaters, etc. to know the distance and direction to the nearest exit in each direction by touch as well as by sight; to know so before leaving those spaces; to similarly know the escape paths to each of those exits; to similarly know the distance and direction to alternate exits along the escape path; to similarly confirm arrival at an exit; and to similarly know the distance and direction to alternates to exits that are unusable.

Abstract: A food age organization system that provides the user with a convenient way by which to label the leftover food containers in their refrigerators, indicating the date upon which it was placed therein. Simple in design, the system incorporates a color-coding system wherein the date upon which a food storage container was placed in a refrigerator can be ascertained quickly and easily.

Abstract: A system for providing escape from a burning building. A fire resistant main cable is disposed adjacent the walls of the building at floor level leading to an exit. Rescue boxes including short cable portions are located at spaced positions which short cable portions include a harness for connecting to the main cable and a persons writs which, main cable when followed will lead to an exit containing a key to leave the building.

Abstract: A container of the gabled roof type has a top seal rib and a spout identifying mark formed on a side face of the rib at an end portion thereof providing a spout. The mark comprises cavities and/or protrusions which are tactually perceivable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for flagging the position of manually usable means (11,14) in a manually operable device (10). In order to guide a user to the location of manually usable means (11,14) which require to be manually actuated or to on or from which items require to manually entered or removed, the invention provides an air supply (17) and one or more nozzles connected to the air supply (17) to provide one or more jets of air. The nozzles (16) are stationed and directed such that a user of the device (10) can sense the position and direction of the air jet or jets so as to find the position of the manually usable means (11,14). The invention can be used to help those who may have a visual impairment to operate an automatic teller machine. The different areas of the machine can be found from air jets which come from the nozzles (16) stationed at the different areas of the machine, such areas including a card entry slot (11), a keyboard (14) and a cash dispensing slot (13).

Abstract: A system and method for warning an individual of entry into an unsafe zone, particularly one that includes a floor or overhead conveyor, comprises a plurality of flexible upright members. The members are arranged to cover or affront the unsafe zone and are at a height so that an individual will contact and deform the members. Such contact then warns the individual that he or she is entering or approaching an unsafe zone. The flexible upright members can be arranged in separable or integral fashion on one or more bases. When using a plurality of bases, the bases can be sized and arranged to cover or abut any configuration of an unsafe zone.

Abstract: A flexible tube for an endoscope is provided with a tubular sheath. An outer circumferential surface of the sheath is provided with an indicator that indicates at least one of an orientation of the sheath about an axis thereof and axial length information. The indicator includes at least one striation extending in the axial direction of the sheath. The striation is formed to be perceptible by touch.

Abstract: A container and closure assembly, affording a simple, quick, ergonomical, and reliable closing operation, provides an intermediate, partly open position that is reliably indicated. The distance of rotation of the closure relative to the container necessary for closing the closure is short, so that quick and simple closing of the container is provided. The closure is mounted to the container by a projection that is cooperatively received in a track. Either the closure or the container may be provided with the projection, the other being provided with the track. In a preferred embodiment, the track includes a protuberance that hinders the movement of the projection past a predetermined position along the track.

Abstract: A system for aiding emergency evacuation of people from a building, comprising a plurality of rails (51) with each rail (51) being associated with a direction indicator (54) comprising a tactile portion (66) which indicates the direction a person must move in to find an exit.

Abstract: A roofing membrane heat seal indicator provides a positive, visually perceptible indication that a joint or seam has been raised to a sufficiently high temperature to achieve a proper seal. The heat seal indicator is applied adjacent and parallel to an edge of a roofing membrane which will be arranged on a roof to form the upper (exposed) surface of an overlapping membrane seam. As the adjacent surfaces of the overlapped membranes are heated, heat passes through the membrane to the heat seal indicator. The heat seal indicator may be a temperature sensitive ink pigmented with material that changes color upon being subjected to a temperature indicating that the membrane surface has been subjected to a sufficiently high temperature to achieve an appropriate seal. Alternatively, the indicator may be an adhered layer of a ground or flaked polymer, such as polyethylene, which is initially opaque but melts to become translucent, thereby indicating obtainment of a proper sealing temperature.

Abstract: The combination of a bottle used to contain pharmaceutical products such as capsules, pills, tablets, caplets, gelcaps or the like and a permanent indicia system having a plurality of indicators operated sequentially by an irreversible physical act producing a permanent dosage recording indicator, the exposure of a plurality of said indicators showing a cumulative dosage record.

Abstract: A tactile safety guidance system for hallway and corridor systems for use in low visibility situations by an individual in a prone position, the guidance system having a plurality of first tactile directional symbols in linear spaced apart relationship positioned on the wall of a corridor proximate the floor and identifying the direction in which an individual should proceed in order to reach an emergency exit, a second tactile directional symbol positioned on the floor of an intersecting corridor indicating the direction in which the individual should proceed at the intersecting corridor in order to reach an emergency exit and a third tactile directional symbol positioned on the emergency exit proximate the floor and in vertical alignment with the opening mechanism of the emergency exit identifying to the individual the location of the emergency exit and opening mechanism.

Abstract: A safety directional line for underground mining that can be adjusted during to conform with any local codes. The line is constructed from high strength polypropylene which is non-conductive. A flame retardant is added to the polypropylene to make it flame resistant. There are flame retardant and non-conductive directional indicator cones evenly spaced and positioned such that they are pointing along the axis of the line. The cones are placed on the line such that when someone is exiting the mine his hand slides along the slope of the cone and meets little resistance. In the event that the miner is traveling the wrong direction, his hand will meet the flat surface of the cone and come to a stop, indicating that he is traveling in the wrong direction. There is fluorescent tape on the cones to make it more clearly visible to one trying to exit the mine. The tape is formed in an X on the flat surface of the cone indicating that it is the wrong direction.

Abstract: A medicinal recording device is provided which is placed directly upon a patient's medication container. The device consists of at least one strip having a plurality of indicia on raised or recessed detents. The indicia correspond to days and dosages. The patient slides a tab attached to the strip along the strip to the marked button corresponding to the day the medication is taken and/or the number of the dose taken. The tab engages the strip adjacent the selected indicia to releasably lock the tab in position and to prevent unintended sliding of the tab.

Abstract: A wheel restraint safety system has a frame having a perimeter size to surround a wheel assembly, and mounted for spacing the frame about the wheel assembly. The frame has a pair of sidebars connected to a pair of end gates forming a generally rectangular outline. The end gates are hingedly connected to one of the sidebars and releasably lockable to the other of the sidebars. The gates provide access to the wheel assembly. The frame has a sensor for detecting unbalanced rotation of a wheel of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A garment includes a garment shell defining a first waist section, an opposite second waist section, and a crotch section therebetween. At least one loop fastening element is attached to the first waist section. A plurality of tactile position indicators are operatively associated with the loop fastening element. The wearer can properly align and secure the garment on himself or herself by identifying the location of the tactile position indicators and releasably connecting portions of the second waist section to the loop fastening element. The invention is particularly useful with disposable absorbent articles worn by adults, and may alternately be employed with tape members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a textured tile for embedment in fresh concrete on a platform or walking surface comprising a generally planer element with an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface having a plurality of upper projections therefrom to provide a distinctive texture relative to the surface of the platform or walkway, said tile having two opposite side edges intended for alignment with corresponding side edges of other tiles, front and rear edges at least one of which faces oncoming pedestrian traffic. Vertical depending flanges are provided along said opposite side edges and said front and rear edges. There is a plurality of holes in said depending flanges and a series of projections depending from the lower surface of the generally planer element.

Abstract: A disk shaped element has a plurality of tactile sensed position indicators arranged along its' circumference. Each position indicator consists of a straight bar terminated at one end with a rod having a diameter greater than the thickness of the corresponding bar. Each bar extends outwardly from the circumference of the disk, and each rod extends outwardly from the circumference a distance greater than the corresponding bar. Each position indicator on the dial is oriented analogous to an hour hand position on a clock, with the rod providing a reference for the base of the hand.

Abstract: The guidance system of the invention includes at least two spaced, permanently magnetized regions that each produce a magnetic field. The two permanently magnetized regions can be provided at either side of another region that produces a magnetic field of less intensity than the permanently magnetized regions, and in one embodiment, the former region produces no magnetic field. The system may also include portable means for detecting the magnetic fields produced by the permanently magnetized regions, and that sensor may be mounted to a cane for use by a person. In another embodiment, the permanently magnetized regions contrast with either each other or the region that produces a magnetic field of less intensity, or have different surface characteristics, or both.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling devices or assemblies comprises a plurality of control elements located on a control surface. These control elements are provided with correspondingly assigned symbols for visually displaying the function of the respective control element and can be adjusted into at least two positions. In order to make reliable control easier, even under unfavorable light conditions, the control elements or an area directly adjoining them are provided with means for distinguishing the respective control element haptically. The control unit is suitable in particular for controlling a heating and/or air conditioning system in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: This invention is an audible thermostat designed for use by the visually impaired and totally blind. The thermostat has a speaker to indicate the setting of the thermostat or the ambient room temperature. It may also have a visual display working in conjunction with the audible output. The mechanisms to operate the thermostat are large and contain tactile surfaces so the blind may locate the correct mechanism.