Abstract: A device of any material, shape, size, texture, style, color, configuration, and orientation that is affixed, secured, or is an integral part to a staircase handguide, to a handguide support or frame, or to a sidewall. The device provides anyone, ascending or descending the stairs, with a tactile cue that indicates the pedestrian's approach to a final step in a series of steps. A pedestrian senses the tactile indicator to determine when he or she is at the last step so as to change accordingly his or her walking or motion. This safety indicator is intended for the public at large. A pedestrian without sight, with impaired or limited sight, or with compromised sight (due to power outage, light-source outage, smoke-filled stairwell, temporary blindness, etc.) can negotiate stairs with greatly increased safety, speed, and confidence.

Abstract: A firehose coupling which helps fire fighters determine the direction to safety along a firehose. The preferred embodiment of the firehose coupling incorporates an elongated extension integrally attached to each lug of a male component of the firehose coupling, which extends a predetermined length beyond the perimeter of the cylindrical body of the male component only, in a direction diametrically opposed to the direction by which said male component is inserted to couple with said female component. These extensions are easily identified visually, directing the fire fighter away from the fire and towards the source connection of the firehose. Additionally, the lug extensions may have raised or printed indicia on their surface further assisting a fire fighter.

Abstract: An indicator of the end of a length of a tape of dental floss contained within a dispenser, the indicator being a segment of the length of tape having a different indicia or appearance than a prior segment of the length of tape. The indicator is located at a predetermined distance from an end of the tape to indicate that the length of the tape remaining within the dispenser is being depleted.

Abstract: A hydraulic-pneumatic cushioning device including a pressure indicator mounted on the device or remote from the device and connected to the pressure chamber within the cushioning device. The indicator includes a recess and a small pin extending into the recess. The position of the pin relative to the recess provides a tactile indication of the condition of the cushioning device.

Abstract: A tactiovisual exit finding system is provided with a collection of tactiley and visually recognizable vees to direct occupants of structures, such as aircraft and public buildings, to the nearest appropriate exits. Since these vees are recognizable by touch and sight, they are effective at any level of visibility including the smoke-compromised equivalent of total darkness. These vees are incorporated into the main aisle and exit passageway floors of such structures where they are tactiovisually addressable by persons walking, crawling, or anything in between. The system also utilizes tactiovisually distinctive upholstery on the seats that flank exit passageways to further identify such passageways.

Abstract: A fire safety interior door marker including a plate with a front side and a rear side. The front side has a reflective surface area and a tactile surface area. The rear side of the plate is provided with an adhesive backing, normally covered by a release sheet, for securing the plate to an exit door or beneath a window Also disclosed is a method for visually and tactually indicating the location of an escape door or window for use during a fire in a building.

Abstract: A marking tile is disclosed, for use in conjunction with pedestrian platforms and walkways. The preferred embodiment of the tile has a plurality of buttons or longitudinal strips projecting upwardly therefrom to provide a distinctively textured upper surface. The upward projections are of a lower height adjacent each exposed edge than elsewhere on the tile. An integral flange, vertical or angled away from the vertical, projects downwardly from each exposed edge. The edges of the tile which are exposed to pedestrian traffic may have a downwardly angled portion such that the height of the upper surface of the tile at the exposed edge is substantially at the height of the lower surface of the rest of the tile, so that the edge may be installed flush with the platform or walkway if the surface of the platform or walkway is bevelled beneath the angled portion. The button surfaces and the surface of the tile between the buttons are provided with a plurality of small upward projections to texture the surfaces.

Abstract: An improved parking guide comprising a free-standing, portable base having a support member projecting vertically upward from the base and carrying a position display board mounted adjacent the upper end of the support member, a pointer rotatably mounted on a pulley mounted on the support member adjacent the position display board and having an indicator arm moveable across at least a portion of the position display board, a spacer arm mounted on the support member adjacent the position display board and projecting frowardly from the support member, and an actuating cord secured to the base and extending upward to the outer end of the spacer arm and then inward and about the pulley in driving relation with the pulley.

Abstract: A device which provides an escape route from a fire. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a directional fire hose which enables a person a person, even in a dark and smoke-filled environment caused by a fire, to follow the fire hose in a direction away from the fire and toward safety. In a second aspect, the invention provides a directional carpet which enables a person, even in a dark and smoke-filled environment, to escape from a burning house or building. The invention is particularly useful for volunteer fire-fighters, inexperienced fire-fighters, and crewmen on a seagoing vessel or platform at sea.

Abstract: A kit for indicating the polarities of terminals of a battery including a pair of markers formed of wafers made of a hard durable plastic and having plus or minus signs formed on one of the sides thereof, and a double-sided foam adhesive tape attached to the other sides thereof. The markers are readily secured to the surface of a battery near appropriate terminals by simply peeling off a laminate attached to the adhering side of the adhesive tape and sticking the marker on a clean spot on the surface of a battery.

Abstract: A system for use by a pharmacist for dispensing pharmaceutical prescription drugs to visually or medically impaired users employing a plurality of sets of containers for receiving prescription drugs therein, each container having on the external surface a visual and tactile indicia in the form of at least one raised symbol, there being one raised symbol for each dosage requirement, the symbols being spaced apart whereby the number of symbols is easily tactilely and visually discernable and the shape of each raised symbol in each set being uniform and distinctive, the shape of each symbol in each set being correlatable with a specific prescription drug and each set including containers having from one to "n" raised symbols thereon where "n" is the maximum dosage rate.

Abstract: The subject invention is a direction indicating clamp for attachment to fire fighting hoses which indicate direction to exit the building. The invention consists of an elongated band fully or partially encircling the fire fighting hose with attached directional fingers protruding perpendicularly from the band. The clamp is placed upon the hose at prescribed distances thereby allowing the fire fighter to continue feeling along the hose and eventually to exit the building. Various embodiments of the invention encase the flexible clamp with soft rubber or a cloth material. In addition, the directional fingers may have a pointed end or may have raised letters indicating the exiting direction.

Abstract: A container having a sealed gable top including top panels adapted to form a pouring spout at one end of the top. The container has a sealed ridge formed from adhered sealing panels surmounting the top panels to keep the contents of the container sealed until ready for use. The sealing panels (or one of them) are provided with tactile indicia formed therein over the top spout forming panels. The indicia may indicate the end of the top to be opened for forming the spout, and may also convey information about the contents of the container.

Abstract: A tile for positioning on walkways, crosswalks and other areas of pedestrian traffic for providing direction and warning to visually handicapped persons. The tile comprises a flat plate having a chamfered edge and including raised bumps coupled to a top surface of the plate and projecting upward therefrom to a maximum height of less than 8 millimeters. A flowable adhesive used at the chamfered edge provides for a tapered seal around the tile or for formation of an expansion joint between two contiguous tiles. The bumps are configured as truncated structure having a larger base and tapered to a top surface which bears the foot traffic. A bottom surface of the tile includes a uniform adhesive layer which enables attachment of the tile to a street surface. A system of tiles for assisting visually handicapped persons across the street is also disclosed and includes a combination of dot and bar tiles oriented to give direction to the pedestrian.

Abstract: Control knob for temperature control switch is provided with means for heating or/and cooling the same, whereby, by feeling of the temperature of the control knob with a finger tip, it is possible to instantaneously identify what the function of the control knob which the finger has toughed is, without turning the sight to a switch, and, even when the shapes and way of disposition of control knobs are identical with one another.

Abstract: A probe is disclosed for detecting the absence of helical springs from an array of mutually spaced springs, each mounted on a separate shank. The probe includes an elongate arm having a pair of pawls mounted in an aperture at one end of the arm, biased to extend from the aperture. During probing, the helical springs normally prevent the pawls from assuming their extended positions outside the aperture, which is urged by the applied biasing force. If a helical spring is missing from the array, the appropriate pawl pivots outward into its extended position and becomes lodged against the springless shank to lock the probe in position. Its location in the array then indicates where a spring must be replaced.

Abstract: A shower head attachment has a liquid detergent reservoir and facilitates a "soap," "rinse," and "off" cycle. The attachment has a body provided with a rotary valve having a transverse port. The port is alined, selectively, with a first or second longitudinal inclined passageway formed in the body forwardly of the valve. A third passageway of critical internal diameter communicates the first passageway with an opening formed in a depending neck on the body and acts as an aspirating passageway. A sleeve is secured within the opening and carries a depending feed tube. The feed tube extends into a reservoir or bottle of liquid detergent that is removably mounted on the depending neck of the body, externally of the sleeve. The sleeve has a valve seat above the feed tube, and a ball check valve is seated on the valve seat. The valve carries an external handle; and the ends of the handle carry depending cables, the ends of which are provided with respective tabs.

Abstract: A discharge valve assembly for a fire extinguisher container includes a housing defining a passageway providing communication between the container outlet and a nozzle. An elongated tubular valve stem is axially movable in the passageway between open and closed conditions with respect to a valve seat in the passageway, the stem projecting from the passageway for engagement by an actuating lever. An elongated indicating rod, shorter than the valve stem, is coaxially movable therein between extended and retracted conditions. A bias spring and the pressure in the container holds the valve stem closed, and the pressure in the container holds the indicating rod extended. A bias spring urges the indicating rod toward a retracted position. To check the pressure the indicating rod is manually depressed, the extent to which it returns to its extended condition being indicative of the magnitude of the pressure in the container.

Abstract: Comparison is made between an output from a temperature detecting element for detecting temperature of a control knob of a switch for controlling temperature, with a reference signal generated in association with a preset temperature of the control knob, and at least means for cooling or/and heating the control knob is driven on the basis of result of the comparison, whereby the control knob is held at preset temperature, so that the temperature of the control knob can be held at the preset temperature by a relatively simple control device.

Abstract: A space thermostat for the sight handicapped has a raised pointer on the center control point adjustment means which cooperates with raised numbers representing temperature on a cover ring surrounding the control point adjustment means whereby a sight handicapped person can place a finger on the raised pointer and move the control point adjustment means by feeling the raised number to the desired temperature setting for the desired temperature in the space.

Abstract: In a laser surgical apparatus having a laser oscillator operable to oscillate to produce a laser beam, and an optical path connected to the laser oscillator for transmission of the laser beam, a hand piece at the fore end of the optical path is equipped with a vibrator element comprised of a piezoelectric transducer, and the vibrator element applies a vibration to the hand piece.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a dual visual indicator vehicle parking aid comprising a base, a first readily deflectable parking limit visual warning member suspended from an upper portion of a bendable second parking limit visual warning member by a flexible means joining said second warning member to said first warning member, wherein said second warning member is bendable to a fixed position and is activated by contact with a bumper on said vehicle whereas said first warning member is activated by contact with the front or rear end thereof so as to give two visual warnings independently of one another.

Abstract: A phosphorescent escape route indicator having at least one protruding indicia formed within or attached to a sheet of material. The protruding indicia has incorporated therewith a phosphorescent substance capable of emitting a glow in the absence of light. An adhesive formed as part of the sheet is utilized to apply the indicator to the surface of walls or stairways thereby aiding in delineating escape routes or access routes to emergency equipment during time of emergency.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation path marking system employing a series of devices, each device having the tactile characteristics of shape and surface contacts, in combination, to indicate direction and distance to the nearest evacuation exit; the shape providing direction information and the surface contacts providing distance information. The devices also being capable of luminescence to aid in visual as well as tactile reference.

Abstract: A drum rotation indicator for a power driven cable drum operated by a control lever, which includes an arbor rotatably mounted within the control lever and having an exposed end with a thimble-like recess. An electric motor rotates the arbor, and the motor is driven by a signal generator driven by the cable drum. A control circuit triggers operation of the motor in one direction or the other upon rotation of the generator in one direction or the other, and a tachometer driven by the motor limits the effect of the generator so that motor speed is held proportional to generator speed.

Abstract: A disposable timer and product storage condition indicator in which components of a carrier mixture react physically and/or chemically with one or more receptive layers. The carrier mixture and receptive layers are so comprised as to react during a given time interval, the interval being dependent upon and constantly modified by such external physical conditions as temperature, moisture, light, radiation, or pressure. During the timing period the device can either give a changing color display which is matched in rate to the declining freshness of a food or medicine in a container to which the device is attached or can cause the appearance or disappearance of words or symbols or sticky areas or odors. A variety of means for activating the timer are possible.

Abstract: A device for reminding an automobilist to turn off the headlights before exiting the automobile which comprises a plug removably attached to the headlight control knob and means for removably attaching the same plug at a point near the door handle whereby the automobilist will be reminded to remove the plug from the headlight knob when operating the knob and to attach the plug to the door handle where it will be sensed when the automobilist grasps the handle in order to open the door.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for checking and measuring the momentary value of a variable physical magnitude, such as a volume of liquid in a container or tank, or a temperature, viscosity, or velocity, for example. The invention comprises a transducer free to follow without friction the variations of the physical magnitude, such as for example the level of a liquid fluid in a reservoir, the transducer having a portion of progressively varying cross-section displaceable as a function of the changes in the physical magnitude disposed in alignment with a sensor normally positioned in a reference position out of contact from the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical container capable of symbolically indicating a prescription dose and time requirements. The container and symbolic message adapted to be physically sensed by touch, are particularly suited for circumstances where a patient may not read English, have poor vision, or be blind.

Abstract: A control device includes a housing having a serpentinely disposed channel and a cover, secured to the housing, which converts the channel into an ultrasonic waveguide. One end of the waveguide is bounded by a stationary reflector and the other end of the waveguide communicates with a bore which holds a piezoelectric device matched to the waveguide so as to provide therein, when actuated, a propagating transverse wave in the ultrasonic frequency range. The cover includes three elongated slots, each of which slidably supports a different reflector unit. Each unit has a reflector extending into the waveguide and can be positioned anywhere along its corresponding slot. Actuation of the piezoelectric transducer by an electrical pulse causes an ultrasonic pulse to propagate down the waveguide and parts thereof are reflected back to the transducer where an electrical group of pulse signals are caused to appear.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a control device includes a housing having a serpentinely disposed channel and a cover, secured to the housing, which converts the channel into an ultrasonic waveguide. One end of the waveguide is bounded by a stationary reflector and the other end of the waveguide holds a piezoelectric transducer matched to the waveguide so as to provide therein, when actuated, a propagating transverse wave in the ultrasonic frequency range. The cover includes a plurality of slots communicating with the waveguide, each slot being located at a different position along the propagation path of the waveguide; and a plurality of resiliently mounted reflectors, each reflector being associated with a different one of the slots and being insertable into the waveguide by, for example, fingertip pressure. Actuation of the transducer by an electrical pulse causes an ultrasonic pulse to propagate down the waveguide.

Abstract: A plurality of blocks of resilient material are arrayed in proximity to each other. Each block has a predetermined amount of compressibility which is equal to the amount of compressibility of a model piece of meat which has been cooked to a known degree of doneness. In a preferred embodiment, four blocks will be labeled to indicate the corresponding degrees of doneness of four model pieces of meat which have been cooked to known degrees of doneness, and whose amounts of compressibility are equal to the amounts of compressibility of the blocks being labeled. In the preferred embodiment, the first block will be labeled rare, the second block medium rare, the third block medium well done and the fourth block well done. The degree of doneness of a cooked piece of meat can be measured by compressing the piece of meat and then compressing the blocks to determine which block has an amount of compressibility equal to the amount of compressibility of the cooked piece of meat.

Abstract: A tape cassette is provided with a recess or projection indicative of the front or rear side of the cassette, the playing time of the tape contained, the running speed of the tape or the like, which recess or projection is disposed along the peripheral edge of a window formed in a label applied to either surface or to both surfaces of the cassette and which can be utilized for tactile determination of the front or rear side of the cassette, the kind of the tape contained or the like by the blind.