Abstract: A surface tracker includes a tubular marker body having an interior electronic marker and a visual indicator attached to an upper end of the marker body which extends away from the marker body. When deployed, the marker body is mostly underground and the visual indictor extends upwardly from ground level to provide above-ground visual recognition. The electronic marker may be a passive electronic marker that includes a ferrite core assembly having a longitudinal axis which is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the marker body. The visual indicator may be a plurality of resilient filaments which pass through a hole in a tab portion of the marker body at its upper end, the filaments being folded about the tab portion and secured to the tab portion using a heat-shrink tube. In an exemplary embodiment, the filaments extend about six inches from the marker body and are brightly colored.

Abstract: A Land Surveying Safety Beacon that is secured above an existing land surveying prism assembly. The Land Surveying Safety Beacon includes a cylinder fitted with bright LED lights powered by a rechargeable battery and controlled by a switch on the top end. The bottom end of the Land Surveying Safety Beacon is threaded for securement to a standard male connection above the existing land surveying prism assembly. The fitting on the bottom end of the Land Surveying Safety Beacon is particularly formed to facilitate completed face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when attached to an existing land surveying prism. The above abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A marker fixture for attachment to a utility conduit such as a telecommunications cable. The fixture has an extension member with an electronic marker at one end, and is secured at the other end to the cable. The extension member is movable between a retracted position wherein the marker is adjacent an access point and an extended position wherein the marker is distant from the access point. The extension member is preferably biased toward the extended position and releasably secured at the marker end proximate the utility structure. The marker fixtures may be pre-installed on a utility infrastructure. The extension member is loosely secured so that the fixture may be moved around the cable after it has been installed in a trench to lie atop the access point. The low profile and conforming shape of the fixture make it particularly advantageous for pre-installation on flexible cables wound on large reels.

Abstract: A deployable signaling device and method of use thereof which includes material with detectable properties such that it can be distinguished from a background when deployed in various environments. Such detectable properties may include visible detection, detection by hyperspectral imaging sensors, radio wave detection, and/or detection other electromagnetic differentiation from the background in which the material is associated or adjacent to. In one preferred form, the selectively detectable material has an deployable shape having a plurality of directional biasing elements associated with said material.

Abstract: A survey marker having a rod with a pointed tip and a shank extending therefrom composed of a rod or rebar material. A head extending from a distal end of the rod opposite the point may include means for retaining a survey flag, means for engaging a drive tool, and means for alignment.

Abstract: A surface tracker includes a tubular marker body having an interior electronic marker and a visual indicator attached to an upper end of the marker body which extends away from the marker body. When deployed, the marker body is mostly underground and the visual indictor extends upwardly from the ground level to provide above-ground visual recognition. The electronic marker may be a passive electronic marker that includes a ferrite core assembly having a longitudinal axis which is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the marker body. The visual indicator may be a plurality of resilient filaments which pass through a hole in a tab portion of the marker body at the upper end thereof, the filaments being folded about the tab portion and secured to the tab portion using a heat-shrink tube. In an exemplary embodiment, the filaments extend about six inches from the marker body and are brightly colored. Multiple trackers can be used to mark the path of a buried utility.

Abstract: A laser projector and software are disclosed. The software controls the laser projector for factory and warehouse floor-room marking and signage.

Abstract: A warning flag assembly is disclosed for attachment to an overhanging load on a roadway vehicle. The flag assembly is generally cylindrical and has one margin secured to a holder that may be releasably attached to the overhanging load using conventional hardware whereby the flag assembly can be used with a variety of loads, re-used and conveniently stored when not in use.

Abstract: A signaling system. There is: a mast member, including: a first elongated member; and a second elongated member, collinearly coupled to the first elongated member; a coupling mechanism, coupled to the first elongated member; and a signal mechanism coupled to a top of the mast member, including: a first support member, collinearly coupled to the second elongated member opposite the first elongated member; and a plurality of flexible fin members, each fin member coupled to the first support member and extending outwardly therefrom. The signal mechanism is removably coupled to the top of the mast member. Each fin member diverges from the first support member with respect to an adjacent fin member. There is also a location signal provider module, coupled to a top of the signal mechanism, and a stand, removably coupled to the signal mechanism.

Abstract: A apparatus for use in surviving at least one of an avalanche and a mudslide. The apparatus includes a housing having a selectively inflatable member stored therein. The apparatus further includes a means connected to the housing for securing the housing to a user and means connected to the selectively inflatable member for inflating the selectively inflatable member. Upon activation of the inflating means the selectively inflatable member is caused to inflate and be expelled from the housing forming a support for the user and stay on a surface of at least of avalanching snow and sliding mud.

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 floor marking system includes a floor having a predetermined location intended for use of a predetermined character, the predetermined location being marked with impinging light. The floor marking system also includes a lighting unit having a light source for marking light onto the floor at a predetermined location. A patterning device is disposed between the light source and the floor, and is configured and arranged to mark at least one of a graphic pattern and a color onto the floor at the predetermined location with the impinging light. The at least one of the graphic pattern and the color marked on the floor by the lighting unit and the patterning device forms an indicator, and the indicator corresponds to the character of use of the floor at the predetermined location.

Abstract: An indicator device is used for locating an underground object, for example an underground pipeline, prior to surrounding excavation by a bucket excavator. The device generally comprises a panel member buried in the ground directly above the object. The panel member includes a distance marker mechanism indicating distance to a bottom end of the panel member to provide an indication to an operator of a bucket excavator. The panel member is formed in vertically stacked sections permitting individual sections to be removed sequentially as digging progresses. Each section is formed of folded tearable material which can be both unfolded to produce an elongate visible banner or torn to provide further indication to the excavator operator with regard to distance to the object to be avoided.

Abstract: An indicator device for alerting the driver of a pickup truck to the orientation of the tailgate includes a housing assembly and an indicator assembly carried by and extending from the housing assembly. The housing assembly is attached to the tailgate of the pickup truck in a position that causes at least a portion of the indicator assembly to extend from the side of the truck so that the driver can see the extending portion in the side view mirror of the truck. Viewing the position of the indicator assembly allows the driver of the truck to ascertain the position of the tailgate.

Abstract: A surface tracker includes a tubular marker body having an interior electronic marker and a visual indicator attached to an upper end of the marker body which extends away from the marker body. When deployed, the marker body is mostly underground and the visual indictor extends upwardly from the ground level to provide above-ground visual recognition. The visual indicator may be a plurality of resilient filaments which pass through a hole in a tab portion of the marker body at the upper end thereof, the filaments being folded about the tab portion and secured to the tab portion using a heat-shrink tube. The visual indication, along with the ability to electronically detect the marker, provides a tracker with superior locating capability.

Abstract: A reflective warning and locating collar for fire hydrants, pylons or support posts to improve their visibility and identity, the collar having a support member defined by a flexible extruded web having flanges along the longitudinal edges to define a channel slot for receipt of an elongate flexible reflective member in web form slidably receivable within the channel, the ends of the reflective member and support member having a plurality of alignable apertures for receipt of a fastening member.

Abstract: An anchoring marker post comprising a hollow elongated member, the elongated member composed of a flexibly resilient polymer plastic and having a first end and a second end, integrally attached to the elongated member is a set of anchoring flaps, the anchoring flaps located proximate the second end of the elongated member, attaching each of the anchoring flaps to the elongated member is a flexible living hinge, the flexible living hinge allowing the anchoring flaps to be moveable from a first closed position to facilitate the handling and transportation of the marker post to a second open position to prevent the withdrawal of the elongated member from an embedded position.

Abstract: An antenna fob is disclosed that comprises a main body portion and a socket. The socket extends into the main body portion and reduces in size as it does so and is configured and adapted to allow the free end of a vehicle's antenna to be inserted thereinto. An antenna assembly fob assembly is also disclosed which comprises a hollow exterior body portion and an antenna attachment member. The antenna attachment member and the exterior body portion are secured to each other via interlocking geometry of a rim of the attachment member and a channel of the exterior body portion.

Abstract: A golf flagstick with telescoping sections displays patterns, colors, or other visual indicators on sections. A given visual indicator may be displayed by extending a section or hidden by retracting the section. By extending and retracting combinations of specific sections, linear sequences of visual indicators corresponding to different hole positions on a golf green may be displayed to distant golfers, assisting the golfers in aiming drives to optimize ball placement.

Abstract: An indicator device for alerting the driver of a pickup truck to the orientation of the tailgate includes a housing assembly and an indicator assembly carried by and extending from the housing assembly. The housing assembly is attached to the tailgate of the pickup truck in a position that causes at least a portion of the indicator assembly to extend from the side of the truck so that the driver can see the extending portion in the side view mirror of the truck. Viewing the position of the indicator assembly allows the driver of the truck to ascertain the position of the tailgate.

Abstract: An underground marking system for marking buried objects is constructed from synthetic, brightly colored materials, which provides redundant horizontal and vertical markers and the ability to trace back to the buried object. The system is economical and easily installed. In one embodiment, the system includes a base disposable adjacent to the object, a hollow member having a lower end attachable to the base. The upper end is disposable adjacent to the ground. A cord is disposed in the hollow member and extends from the lower end to the upper end of the hollow member. The system provides a way of easily locating the marker either above or immediately below the ground surface. The hollow member may include a calibrated marking system to identify the depth to either the base or the buried object from the point of discovery of the hollow member.

Abstract: A visual device placed on a water ski that enables easy detection of the ski in various water and weather conditions. A reflective red flag attaches to a flexible spring that is attached to a rotator. A second spring attached to the rotator is connected to a counterweight to balance the flag. The rotator is rotatably coupled to a bracket that attaches to a water ski. In use, the device bends out of the way as to not interfere with the performance of the water ski. When the ski is not in motion, gravity causes the counterweight to move the flag to an upright position to allow visual detection of the ski.

Abstract: A supplemental reflective and informational member securable within the C-shaped channel of existing traffic sign posts to provide additional reflective safety warning, extend the life of the traffic sign function from fading due to UV sun rays and to provide information of a safety, directional or commercial nature.

Abstract: A stake can be driven into a surrounding terrain using a point drive system. The stake body is formed of a durable material such as plastic with a pointed bottom end and a top end which can carry a bundle of colored filaments. The stake body has a hollow interior bore extending from a top end opening downwardly to a bottom end in the vicinity of the pointed bottom end of the stake. The hollow interior bore allows the stake to be driven into a surrounding terrain by an extended tool which is received within the interior bore in point drive fashioin.

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: A stake can be driven into a surrounding terrain using a point drive system. The stake body is formed of a durable material such as plastic with a pointed bottom end and a top end which can carry a bundle of colored filaments. The stake body has a hollow interior bore extending from a top end opening downwardly to a bottom end in the vicinity of the pointed bottom end of the stake. The hollow interior bore allows the stake to be driven into a surrounding terrain by an extended tool which is received within the interior bore in point drive fashioin.

Abstract: A trail marking device includes an elongated sheet of pliable tape having at least one surface with first and second sections being formed by illuminative material and brightly colored material, respectively. The illuminative material and brightly colored material of the first and section sections are formed in a pattern of diagonals on the tape which is readily visible during both day and night times.

Abstract: A combined sleeve having an open bottom which fits over a post or other vertical member includes an integrated message panel formed in the upped end when installed. The combined sleeve and sign holder according to the invention is preferably made of synthetic/polymeric material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, or any other sufficiently durable material, using any suitable process, including an injection mold, blow mold, or rotational-type mold. Depending upon the process used, the article may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or components may be joined through any suitable form of attachment process, including the use of adhesives and/or welding. The message may be supported to the sleeve in a variety of ways, depending upon the need for interchangeability vs. permanence. In the preferred embodiment, the signage is fully integrated into the upped end through the use of decals, which are included in the mold and integrally formed with the article during the molding process.

Abstract: Emitter controller including a controller, and a power amplifier, the controller being connected to a power source, the power amplifier being connected to the controller, the power source and to an emitter, the controller providing a pulse sequence to the power amplifier for operating the emitter, the controller determining the pulse sequence according to an available power voltage level.

Abstract: A method of using a remote control locator with a remote control includes providing a remote control locator including a wing-shaped fluorescent body and a mounting assembly, the wing-shaped fluorescent body including a length L at least twice the width Wr of the remote control and no greater than ten times the width Wr.; and attaching the wing-shaped fluorescent body only to a top end portion of the remote control using the mounting assembly so that the wing-shaped fluorescent body is centered and extends laterally with respect to the remote control to form opposite lateral fluorescent wings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrant locator that facilitates the location of a hydrant by firefighters, particularly in an emergency. The low profile device wraps around the hydrant cylinder for mounting purposes and a switch in an emergency vehicle sets off strobe lights on the device upon activation to alert firefighters to the hydrant location. The locator device comprises a plurality of solar powered strobe lights that are strapped about the hydrant alternating with solar panels. A locked latch secures the locator belt of strobe lights and solar panels to the hydrant. A shatterproof shield is mounted over the strobe lights and solar panels. A receiver is also mounted within the locator to activate the strobe lights upon receipt of a remote signal. A remote switch located in an emergency vehicle is coupled to a transmitter to activate only those hydrant locators within a given range of approximately 1500 feet. The switch can activate a different color strobe light to indicate the closeness of the hydrant.

Abstract: A retractable target marker is a device designed to provide golfers the ability to aim at a visible target when practicing in an open field. The device has been designed to withstand reasonable winds through the use of a retractable support element and a colored casing made from a compressible sheer, fishnet or nylon material. Contained within the retractable support element is a retractable arm that allows for the device to easily expand to height visible by golfers over several hundred yards away when in operation. The retractable support element also contains a lower extension that is placed within the ground during operation. The retractable target marker is designed to store compactly when not in use.

Abstract: An anchor system for flexible marker posts comprises an anchor that receives a post before the anchor is driven into the ground. In one version of the anchor system, a V-shaped configuration folded along two longitudinal side axes and one lower lateral axis. This version has front and rear plates, and the rear plate has and combines with two flanges to define a narrow pocket that receives the post. The post is secured in the pocket by deforming the pocket with punches. The anchor is retained in the earth by mechanical interference and friction. Additional embodiments include plates that are pre-bent into a V-shape, tabs for maintaining separation of the plates, and a one-piece anchor having a V-shaped lower portion and coplanar, horizontal, upper surfaces connected to the upper edges of the lower portion.

Abstract: A marker post includes a tubular barrel with upper and lower ends and a bore extending therebetween. An annular flange assembly is formed at the barrel lower end and includes a concave extension portion extending radially outwardly from the barrel and a return portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the extension portion. The flange assembly resists pullout of the marker post when embedded in the ground. A method of manufacturing the marker post includes steps of preheating the tubular barrel adjacent to its lower end to soften same, and deforming the tubular barrel lower end to form the flange assembly thereof. An apparatus for manufacturing the marker post includes a warming tank for immersing the barrel lower ends in heated liquid for softening same. A barrel holder receives the pre-softened tubular barrels and includes a mandrel assembly reciprocated into and out of engagement with the barrel lower ends. The mandrel assembly reshapes the barrel lower ends into the flange assemblies.

Abstract: A sterilization monitor includes a substrate and an monitor composition. The monitor composition contains a colorant and a halogen source and undergoes a distinct color change when exposed to a peracid. The sterilization monitor can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving a peracid. A sterilization monitoring device, including a sterilization monitor enclosed in a housing having a vapor permeable barrier, can also be used to monitor a sterilization process.

Abstract: A portable accident marking system to be used in conjunction with a rigid structure such as a snowboard, skis or the like, in order to alert others of an accident. The system is pliable so that when not in use it can easily fold and fit into a small pocket. The system includes a main body, cords or elastic bands, and two opposing end caps wherein the cords attach the end caps to the main body. Each end cap includes a pocket which captures the tip or tail of a snowboard. Retainer clips are then used with each cord to adjust the fit of the system. Bright colours, reflective material, and indicia are used to make the system highly visible.

Abstract: A positioning and parking guide for a recreational vehicle (10), consisting of two, or more power-driven telescoping rods (12), extended to provide a visual horizontal and vertical frame of reference (33), in determining the distance required to avoid any fixed object, or to not exceed any boundary, when parking such unit within a campsite or other parking space, after slide out rooms are extended.

Abstract: An anchor system for flexible marker posts comprises an anchor that receives a post before the anchor is driven into the ground. In one version of the anchor system, a V-shaped configuration folded along two longitudinal side axes and one lower lateral axis. This version has front and rear plates, and the rear plate has and combines with two flanges to define a narrow pocket that receives the post. The post is secured in the pocket by deforming the pocket with punches. The anchor is retained in the earth by mechanical interference and friction. Additional embodiments include plates that are pre-bent into a V-shape, tabs for maintaining separation of the plates, and a one-piece anchor having a V-shaped lower portion and coplanar, horizontal, upper surfaces connected to the upper edges of the lower portion.

Abstract: An anchor system for flexible marker posts comprises an anchor that receives a post before the anchor is driven into the ground. In a first embodiment, a flat, rectangular plate of mild steel is folded into a U-shape with parallel upper and lower plates. The lower end of a post is placed within the anchor, and the anchor is driven into the earth with a bladed driver, the anchor bending into a V-shape along an axis defined by the blade of the driver. The anchor retains the post with friction, and the anchor is retained in the earth by mechanical interference and friction. Additional embodiments include plates that are pre-bent into a V-shape, tabs for maintaining separation of the plates, and a one-piece anchor having a V-shaped lower portion and coplanar, horizontal, upper surfaces connected to the upper edges of the lower portion.

Abstract: A Vehicle Locator Device for helping people to find their parked vehicle in a parking lot or garage during the nighttime. Some advantages that this invention has over other inventions are that you will no longer have to listen to the annoying and piercing sounds of a panic button to find your vehicle. Another advantage to this invention is that finding your vehicle will be as simple as pressing a remote controlled key chain and looking for a bright beam of light that will be shining above your vehicle.

Abstract: A survey marker having a rod with a pointed tip and a section of auger flights at a selected location thereof spaced apart from the tip, wherein the auger flights do not extend the entire length of the rod and preferably does not extend pass the half-way mark of the rod. A head extending from a distal end of the rod opposite the point includes means for retaining a survey flag, means for engaging a drive tool, and means for alignment.

Abstract: A seating space such as an aircraft passenger cabin has rows of seats along an aisle, identified by a row number and a seat location letter. A seat row indicator is arranged on the side flank of the seat back of each aisle seat, at the corner where the side flank and upper edge of the seat back meet. A seat location indicator is arranged at the middle of the upper edge of the seat back of each seat. The row numbers and seat letters are indicated on or in the indicators by paint, printing, engraving, inserts, illumination or tactile indicia. The indicators are conspicuous and easily visible to a passenger standing or walking in the aisle without bending or leaning over. Boarding of the aircraft is facilitated and expedited. Emergency evacuation is assisted by appropriate illumination of the indicators.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable accident marking system used in conjunction with a snowboard (skis or the like), to alert others of an accident. Generally, accident marking systems consist of an apparatus that has to carried by rescue workers or sport enthusiasts. This apparatus usually incorporates rigid components that when carried are inconvenient and possibly dangerous and often necessitate time-consuming assembly. The system of the present invention is simple and has no rigid components and can be installed quickly and conveniently. This invention relates to a portable marking system for use in conjunction with a snowboard, skis or other rigid apparatus comprising: (a) at least one positioning means to be attached to an extremity of the apparatus, (b) a main attention attracting body attached to said positioning means, (c) a second means for securing said main body to a portion of the rigid apparatus remote from said first extremity.

Abstract: A highly effective method and means for stranded or disabled persons to display visible distress signals that can be seen by search and rescue teams from a distance. The invention is achieved by providing, as part of the stranded person's equipment, a kit containing multiple particles of glitter material capable of reflecting sun rays or the rays from search lights. In use, the stranded person spreads or broadcasts the glitter material on the ground or in shrubs or trees in the surrounding environment. Since the broadcast material provides a myriad of facets focused in every conceivable direction to catch the rays of the sun or the rays from searchlights, it acts as a highly visible signal without the need for the stranded person to be aware of rescuers or to actively focus anything in the direction of the rescuers.

Abstract: The present invention is a structure of flagpole and its holder: on top of the flagpole is a fixing device for holding the flag; a joint between the flagpole and holder for connection; at one side of the holder a hook shaped plate to hang the holder onto an object.

Abstract: A buried closure guard has an electronic transponder attached to a flat, perforated carrier sheet constructed of a flexible polymer. Holes in the carrier sheet, which serve to anchor the guard, preferably have an effective diameter of at least about 1½″ to allow typical backfill materials to pass through. By providing a webbed carrier, any protrusion of a digging tool (such as teeth on a backhoe bucket) will catch on one of these holes and pull at the carrier to make it further visible during excavation. The perforated construction of the sheet allows backfill material to settle and pass through the carrier without significantly shifting or bending the carrier. The carrier also makes it easy to manually deploy the transponder, i.e., maintain a proper horizontal orientation of the transponder coil.

Abstract: Provided herein are articles by which the visibility of remote control units used in conjunction with television sets, stereos, video cassette recorders and the like is increased, so as to reduce or totally eliminate the propensity for such remote units to become lost within the environment in which they are used, such as in a den or living room. Articles according to the invention may be affixed to a wide variety of remote control units by virtue of their construction, and are thus universal in application.

Abstract: A self powered spheriacal marker is mounted on a power line by extending the line though opposite openings in the marker. There are two sets of opposite openings to allow the marker to be oriented so that solar cells mounted on the exterior of the marker face a southernly direction. A battery inside the marker is maintained in a charged condition by the solar cells and power led lights that flash intermittently so as to draw attention to the marker. Two halves of the marker are secured together by pin-latch fasteners that are placed around shoulders extending around the periphery of the marker.

Abstract: A user deployed, passive location indicator and method are disclosed, the location indicator including a body mountable carriage, a castable disk releasably engageable at the carriage, and a light weight streamer material associated at one end with the carriage and at its opposite end with the disk. The streamer material is stored in a chamber at one or the other of the carriage or the disk when they are engaged, and is unfurled when the disk is disengaged from the carriage by the user and cast away from the carriage (and thus away from the user).