By Location Patents (Class 116/209)
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Publication number: 20030005876Abstract: The invention relates to a guide device (2) for helping drivers to guide their vehicles into parking spaces, and a car park that includes a plurality of the guide devices for delimiting the boundaries of parking spaces in which vehicles may be parked, thereby defining the layout of the car park. The guide device (2) includes a support member (10) that is constructed and arranged to stand on the ground, at least one arm that is supported by the support member and in use extends substantially horizontally from the support member, and a ground anchor (12) having a lower part for anchoring in the ground and an upper part to which the support member may be attached.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventor: Anthony Boswell
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Publication number: 20020185051Abstract: A reflective rescue signaling device for revealing a specific location of a person in distress from a distance, which includes a buoyant container (30) provided with an attachment ring (38) to which a lid (50) is removably attached. The container is equipped with an attaching loop (42) having a bore (44) for fastening the container to an object or onto a person. The lid has a handle (70) on one side and a spindle (58) on the other to which a length of reflective tape (94) is rolled. The tape is attached on one end to the spindle and on the other to an inside surface of the container such that when the lid is removed the reflective tape may be unrolled from the spindle and thrown or dropped into the water When on land the tape may be manually unrolled and placed in an open clearing on top of vegetation for visual recognition and identification from a distance or to indicate direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2001Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventor: Dennis C. Perucca
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Patent number: 6484662Abstract: A reflective rescue signaling device for revealing a specific location of a person in distress from a distance, which includes a buoyant container (30) provided with an attachment ring (38) to which a lid (50) is removably attached. The container is equipped with an attaching loop (42) having a bore (44) for fastening the container to an object or onto a person. The lid has a handle (70) on one side and a spindle (58) on the other to which a length of reflective tape (94) is rolled. The tape is attached on one end to the spindle and on the other to an inside surface of the container such that when the lid is removed the reflective tape may be unrolled from the spindle and thrown or dropped into the water When on land the tape may be manually unrolled and placed in an open clearing or on top of vegetation for visual recognition and identification from a distance or to indicate direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventor: Dennis C. Perucca
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Patent number: 6481366Abstract: A safety signaling apparatus for personal water craft (PWC) which increases the visibility of a personal water craft when the PWC is in a moving, stopped, or capsized position. The apparatus comprises a pendulum signaling arm (15) in pivoting connection with a mounting device. The mounting device includes a pivot bolt (28) threaded into a clamp (21). The mounting device is operative to removably attach the apparatus to a bumper of a PWC. The pendulum signaling arm includes a counterweight (26), a flotation tube (16), and a signaling device (14) such as flag, light, or siren. The signaling device works completely automatically using gravity and flotation, with the flotation tube and the pendulum counterweight to create a pendulum counterweight flotation action which maintains the signaling device in an upright position above the PWC.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Inventor: John M. Patera
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Publication number: 20020152948Abstract: A trail marking apparatus is used for marking a trail in a woodland. A spring loaded clip is normally closed under a spring tension and manually opened for attachment to a twig or small limb. The clip provides a pair of flat surfaces on opposing sides for receiving a pair of adhesive reflective markers which are engaged with the flat surfaces of the clip. A flexible streamer of approximately 10 inches in length has one end of the streamer bonded to the clip and the other end of the streamer fitted with a pair of reflective markers adhered to opposing sides of the streamer. The apparatus is used to mark a trail by engaging the clip with any natural object in the wooded area as the hunter passes. When returning at night the hunter finds the trail markers by shining a light beam in an approximate direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Kenneth J. Percle
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Patent number: 6446571Abstract: A kit includes a retro-reflective sheet made from a flexible plastic material and provided with a plurality of seams, which define therebetween a plurality of detachable warning signs, and a means for attaching these signs to an object so as to increase its conspicuity by reflecting a light beam in a direction reverse to a direction of light incidence.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Printmark Industries, Inc.Inventor: Alexander Sloot
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Publication number: 20020121235Abstract: A chemically sensitive warning apparatus capable of changing colors upon contact with a chemical is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises an elongated tape having opposed, first and second major surfaces and warning indicia visible to an individual viewing the first surface to provide visual indication of possible danger or hazardous condition. Mounted to the tape is at least one chemical indicator that is responsive to the presence of at least one chemical by changing colors so as to provide a visual indication of the exposure of the indicator to the chemical. The tape may also include at least one color reference indicia to facilitate interpretation of the color of the chemical indicator when the chemical indicator changes color upon exposure to the chemical.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Carpenter, Allen P. Mardian, Philip H. Campbell, Ross S. Dando
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Patent number: 6439152Abstract: Disclosed is a device for marking the path along the ground of a rolling wheel, comprising: a container having a perimeter, and a single opening along the perimeter for dispensing a marking substance contained within the container, and a sliding gate covering the opening, the gate slidable from a closed position in which it fully covers the opening, to open positions wherein progressively more of the opening is exposed, to adjust the delivery of the marking substance through the opening. The device is mounted to the outside of the wheel so that it rotates with the wheel, the container thereby dispensing the marking substance by gravity when the container opening is rotated by the wheel rotation to a position in which the substance can fall from the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Inventor: Richard J. Kady
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Publication number: 20020104472Abstract: The present invention relates a temporary, moveable marker system for directing air or ground traffic. It relates to a marker having a shape that conveys information to air or ground traffic, such as an “X”, and being sized at least large enough so as to be seen by air or ground traffic. The marker is displayed on a generally horizontal surface in a generally horizontal fashion and may include elements for receiving fasteners to permit the marker to be fastened to the ground or other generally horizontal surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2002Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventor: Timothy W. Neubert
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Patent number: 6415734Abstract: A high visibility panel for use with aerial mapping and aerial surveying is constructed of lightweight corrugated cardboard. Two sections, each having a reflection side and a deflection side, are used. The panel sections are folded alternately into an accordion pleat into short segments along the entire length of each of the panel sections. The panel sections can be installed with either face toward the sky, depending upon the ground conditions on which they are installed. The panel sections are extended to expand the accordion pleating and the ends are secured to the underlying surface to cause the segments to diverge between 10° and 30° from the ground plane to which the panel sections are attached.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Inventor: James LaPuzza
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Publication number: 20020073915Abstract: A ground marker for marking a location on the ground to indicate the location and possibly the orientation of a buried object, such as an underground utility line. The ground marker includes a ground penetrating stake, and a substantially planar marker plate. The stake has at one end a head with a long dimension and a short dimension, and a substantially planar point with outwardly biased barbs at the other end. The marker plate also has a long dimension and a short dimension, and has an opening for receiving the stake, configured such that the long dimension of the stake head will align with the long dimension of the marker plate when the stake is extended through the opening, and such that relative rotation of the stake and marker plate is prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventor: Michael Howard
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Publication number: 20020069814Abstract: A self powered spherical 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2000Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventor: Robert Hawk
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Publication number: 20020059894Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventor: Albert A. Burlando
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Patent number: 6382126Abstract: A reflective safety, signal, and warning patch is disclosed that is attachable to clothing articles worn by an individual or to an object includes a plurality of reflective panels that can have a variety of geometric configurations that are arranged in either rows or columns on one surface of the patch, and each row and column of panels is mounted to the patch by a wire that extends through each panel of that respective row and column. Each panel incorporates a reflective, prismatic, or fluorescent material, and is capable of slidable movement on the wires to diffuse reflected light thus producing a broken-up pattern of light dissemination for enhancing the visibility of the light and the individual wearing the patch or patches, especially during the dusk, twilight, and nighttime hours.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Craig Alan Findley
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Patent number: 6378220Abstract: The spacing between a paint applicator and an auto body surface can be measured by a tool that is screwable onto the applicator in place of the paint spray head. The measuring tool includes a mounting fixture and a deflectable wand having an effective length that corresponds to an optimum spacing between the auto body surface and paint applicator. The paint applicator can be calibrated (adjusted) while the measuring tool is affixed to the applicator. All paint applicators in the system can be calibrated by a single pass of an auto body through the paint booth in which the paint applicators are located.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Danny Baioff, David A Tiessen, Gil Boucher
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Patent number: 6378453Abstract: A vehicle locator device including an easily visible flag with recognizable indicia thereon, such as vendor advertising logs, wherein the flag is supported above the top height of the vehicle by an elongated compression spring pole or mast at a distal end thereof. Because of the compression spring, the vehicle locator is foldable about itself into a loop, so that it can be reduced in size and fit within the glove compartment of a vehicle for storage when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventor: Eugene Conway
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Patent number: 6374766Abstract: A safety signal apparatus is secured to the lower side portion of roll up doors on trucks and trailers to provide a visual indication of the position of the roll up door, when viewed by the driver of the vehicle through a side mounted rear view mirror. The safety signal apparatus includes a mounting bracket secured to the lower side portion of a roll up door. A first rod portion is secured to the mounting bracket. A resilient flexible member is secured to the first rod portion. A second rod portion is secured to the opposite end of the resilient flexible member. A signal member is secured to the second rod portion, in visual alignment with a side mounted rear view mirror. The signal member is preferably reflective. The resilient flexible member allows the signal member to bend or flex if struck, and to return to operating position when released.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Inventor: Blair T Clark
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Patent number: 6371692Abstract: A device for ground burial with an underground utility line or element and useful for early detection of the underground utility line or element during the excavation. The device has at least one sheet of non-conductive material, indicia on the sheet forming a cautionary message indicating the presence of an underground utility line or element, and at least one support element for vertically positioning the device in the ground. Further, a method for early detection of a underground utility line or element during excavation. The method includes burying at least one of the above-described devices in the ground along a side of an underground utility line or element so that the device is positioned vertically in the ground and extends up toward the surface of the ground from the underground level of the underground utility line or element.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventor: Francis Robert Fatigati
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Publication number: 20020035959Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: March 28, 2002Inventor: Theodore Bukky
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Patent number: 6349667Abstract: A location marker having an upwardly converging body having one or more receptacles at the upper end which are configured to removably support chemical luminescent flares, flags or other warning devices. The device may be used by motorists, at crime scenes or even as boundary markers for sporting events.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Inventors: Richard J. Rogers, Bradley F. Rogers
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Patent number: 6347600Abstract: A portable indicating and protective structure for underground utilities is provided. The portable structure is designed to be erected about a utility located at ground level on a construction site, to permit construction workers to avoid inadvertent damage to such a utility. Such damage occurs when the utility is impacted by construction machinery, delivery trucks, and other vehicles on the construction site. The portable structure is a protective barrier which would enclose or encircle the utility. The sidewall elements may be secured in place by stakes or the like. The sidewall may be cylindrical, rectangular, or some other geometric configuration. The top portion and the lower portion would be open to permit access to the utility. Two poles will be affixed proximal the sidewall and will extend vertically several times the height of the sidewall. These pole elements may secure the sidewall in place by passing vertically through a plurality of ring elements which are connected to the sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Inventor: John T. Duff, II
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Patent number: 6321679Abstract: A combination line marker and test station is shown which includes an upright support member, an internal locking sleeve and a test terminal which is supported by the locking sleeve within the upright member. A cap is engageable with the upper end of the support member for covering and protecting the exposed upper end and the internal locking sleeve and test terminal. A cupped-washer bolt is insertable within a common aperture provided within the cap and upright and is engageable with a locking nut carried by the internal locking sleeve to secure the cap to the upper end of the upright.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: S&B Technical Products, Inc.Inventors: Pamela L. Murrin, Mark Byerley
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Publication number: 20010039913Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventor: Clarence E. Truax
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Publication number: 20010035121Abstract: Plush stuffed toy novelty attachment for a remote control unit. The novelty provides a simple solution for keeping track of the remote control unit in a home and business environment. The novelty can be made from the same material and manner used for producing children's stuffed plush toys. The lightweight novelty enhances the visual obviousness of the location of the remote control unit while allowing unhindered use and operation. The novelty also hinders the remote control unit from sliding into furniture crevices and into the interior of the furniture. The shape, color pattern, and colors of the novelty may be customized to advertise schools, sports teams, businesses, and business products.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventor: Edward Eleazer Huling
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Publication number: 20010029882Abstract: A personnel guidance and location control system for locating a group of individuals in a line to reach a selected destination in advance of the end of that line, such as a group of individuals waiting to reach a bank teller. The individuals are guided in a guide path by indica on one or more mats which can be conveniently disposed upon the floor of an institution and arranged to form a guide path. In addition, fixed guidance elements, such as physical markers, may be used with the floor mats in order to further identify points where the group of individuals should turn or otherwise alter directions. In addition, the mats are uniquely designed so as to present informational messages, such as advertising, or other material on a surface thereof. Further, the mats are constructed so that they are rollable, but nevertheless, very durable and do not crack or cause wrinkling of any image upon rolling thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Dan Pharo, Alex J. Humbree
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Patent number: 6298803Abstract: A car locator that uses a pluraity of visual indicators to help the owner locate a car in a crowded parking lot.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Inventor: James E. Gregg
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Patent number: 6294985Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft collision avoidance system having remote triggering means, multicolored lamp display, audible alarm, and a stroboscopic light for providing adequate early warning to an aircraft tug operator and other surrounding individuals that a possible emergency situation may exist. The system comprises four assemblies: (1.) a portable unit; (2.) a tug unit; (3.) a station unit; and, (4.) one or more hand wand transmitters. The station unit comprises a strobe light mounted to a building or gate and is positioned so as to be visible by a tug operator and flightcrew. The tug unit comprises an audible alarm mounted within the tug vehicle which is audible to the tug operator when triggered and a highly visible strobe light. The portable unit comprises an audible alarm that sounds when triggered and a highly visible strobe light. The portable unit may be utilized in place of the tug unit or may be utilized in conjunction with the tug unit at other positions, depending on the degree of warning needed.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Inventor: Jeffery M. Simon
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Patent number: 6289840Abstract: A lightweight housing pack containing a flexible mast, a flag and a means to deploy said mast for use with an otherwise conventional life flotation vest. The housing pack will be attached to the back of an existing vest by a fastening means and the actuator positioned at the upper front shoulder. The flexible mast having a highly visible flag signal device attached to the uppermost portion. The flexible mast will be internally contained within a pack by a means of fasteners securing the outer flap to the inner body of the pack. The flexible mast will be released from its housing by pulling on a deployment ring. The pull ring is attached to a sleeved pull cord and terminated at the avulsion closer. When the flexible mast and flag are released they will extend vertically into the air and become highly visible by oncoming vessels.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Dennis L. Hill
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Patent number: 6286450Abstract: A cap assembly is shown for a right of way line marker which includes a cap body with a conical exterior and an end opening. A mounting assembly including a lower, stationary disk and an upper, sliding disk are received within the end opening of the cap body. The lower disk has an aperture therein for receiving the upper end of a vertical support member. The upper sliding disk is positionable within the cap open interior upon contact with the upper end of the support member to thereby securely mount the cap assembly about the right of way line marker.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: S&B Technical Products, Inc.Inventors: Pamela C. Murrin, Charles I. Allen
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Patent number: 6271667Abstract: A device for electronically marking a buried closure has a transponder and a shield or cover affixed to the transponder in such a manner that, when attached to the buried closure, the transponder is positioned at a predetermined location and orientation with respect to the known position and orientation of the buried closure. The shield can have a raised portion housing the transponder, and is preferably elongated with an arcuate cross-section, generally larger than the buried closure.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventor: Joe T. Minarovic
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Patent number: 6260507Abstract: A reflective collar attachment which is designed to be attached around the periphery of an existing fire hydrant includes mating semi-circular halves, each of which has formed therewith a pair of integral semi-circular extensions with a number of circular stair-stepped indentations of incrementally decreasing radii. Each half of the collar can be adjusted in inner radius by severing the semi-circular extensions at any of the indentations so that the collar can be adjusted to fit any fire hydrant design. Other embodiments include a collar attachment of three piece construction and a resilient strip with projecting top and bottom teeth which can fit any fire hydrant design or shape. A removable reflective tape web is positioned in a display area positioned around the periphery of any of the collar attachments.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Inventors: Jeffrey K. Simpson, Timothy A. Carty
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Patent number: 6250248Abstract: A safety signaling apparatus for personal water craft (PWC) which increases the visibility of a personal water craft when the PWC is in a moving, stopped, or capsized position. The apparatus comprises a pendulum signaling arm (15) in pivoting connection with a mounting device. The mounting device includes a pivot bolt (28) threaded into a clamp (21). The mounting device is operative to removably attach the apparatus to a bumper of a PWC. The pendulum signaling arm includes a counterweight (26), a flotation tube (16), and a signaling device (14) such as flag, light, or siren. The signaling device works completely automatically using gravity and flotation, with the flotation tube and the pendulum counterweight to create a pendulum counterweight flotation action which maintains the signaling device in an upright position above the PWC.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Inventor: John M. Patera
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Patent number: 6247423Abstract: An antenna cover apparatus for securement to a vertically oriented antenna of an associated vehicle. The antenna cover apparatus includes an exterior casing portion, an insert apparatus, and at least one streamer portion. The exterior casing portion is configured in the shape of a sports helmet and defines an interior cavity for promoting a favorite sports team. The insert apparatus is snugly fitted inside of said interior cavity for enabling said novel antenna cover apparatus to be slid onto the antenna. At least one streamer portion is attached to said insert portion for adding flare to said antenna cover apparatus to provide a more eye-catching promotion than conventional antenna covers.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Inventors: Susan A. Ingram, Fred E. Benefield
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Patent number: 6243958Abstract: An illuminated evidence marker has a translucent pylon. A battery powered light is present in the interior of the pylon, and illuminates the pylon. The pylon has indicia, such as numbers or letters, on each side thereof, which may be in sequence when combined with other markers. The pylon sits on a base, which may have a scale formed or printed thereon.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Inventor: Michael B. Ringley, Jr.
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Patent number: 6239701Abstract: A vehicle locator device comprising a battery/solar powered strobe light assembly having a reflector mirror and a variety of colored lenses to allow a user to select a predetermined color so as to assist the user in identifying their vehicle in a parking lot. The device is activated by remote control and includes a securing mechanism for locking the device to the end of an antenna.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventors: Michael Vasquez, Angelo M. Vasquez
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Patent number: 6237524Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Robert D. Andrew
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Patent number: 6223682Abstract: A locating device for avalanche victims having a collapsible, balloon-like envelope having a release and drive means to expand said envelope, and having a connecting element to connect said locating device with the user is provided with at least two essentially rigid opening parts (3, 3′, 11), which are connected to said envelope (7), being movable relatively towards each other by spring power and are being held in their resting positions by means of a releasable locking means (5).Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Daniela Venier
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Patent number: 6220200Abstract: A line marker apparatus for visibly marking the location of a utility line and the like has a tube disposed vertically in the ground. A locking ring is disposed on the tube and has a plurality of locking fingers extending from the ring. The locking finger are bendable in towards the tube. A cap or marker is removably coupled to the locking ring. The cap has an open end for receiving the locking ring and a protrusion extending into contact with the locking finger for forcing the locking finger in towards the tube. Ribs may be formed on an inner surface of the fingers to prevent the locking ring from rotating on the tube. A slot may be formed in the locking ring or cap to vent the cap. An indentation may be formed in the cap to receive indicia.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Carsonite InternationalInventors: Michael Howard, Charles Li
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Patent number: 6217253Abstract: A ribbon marking tool (10) for dispensing a length of warning tape (14) along the ground above a buried conveyance tool includes a housing (20) within which a roll of warning tape (36) is mounted for rotation. A mechanism (32) within the housing serves to feeds the tape out through the housing and to staple the tape to the ground and to sever the tape once a sufficient length of tape is dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: AT&T Corp.Inventors: Hossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman
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Patent number: 6216629Abstract: A system of stanchions used to warn about the depth of a swimming pool. The stanchions stand upright and carry a “no dive” warning message about the depth of the pool. Each stanchion can have a flexible base that allows it to flex from a generally vertical position to a horizontal position if someone bumps into it. The stanchions can be read from any direction of approach. The height of the stanchion indicates the depth of the bottom of the pool adjacent to where it is standing.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Curt Straub
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Patent number: 6202315Abstract: A surveying spike is described which includes a single nail portion and an end portion; the end portion is attached to the nail portion and coaxial therewith. The end portion has a body portion, and a reference surface forming portion projecting radially from the body portion and having a reference surface formed thereon parallel to the axis of the end portion. The reference surface has a dimple formed therein. When the surveying spike is driven into a vertical surface, the reference surface may then be horizontal and the dimple may receive a vertical pole; this facilitates surveying using EDM (electronic distance measurement) techniques. The surveying spike may advantageously be manufactured by providing a metal nail portion and a plastic end portion, and inserting the nail into the end portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: BenchTie L.L.C.Inventor: Robert H. Schmick, Jr.
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Patent number: 6202588Abstract: An apparatus for marking the location of an article or piece of cargo which has accidentally or intentionally been dropped from a transport vehicle into a body of water. The marking apparatus includes a housing, having a wall portion, movable from a closed position to an open position when a coupler element is decoupled. A tether line and a float are packed within the housing. The tether line has an upper end attached to the float, and a lower end which passes through a lower wall of the housing before it is attached to the article. An activation cable extends between the vehicle and the coupler element on the housing. A median portion of the housing is buckled to a cargo cable, extending between the underside of the transport vehicle and the suspended article. If the article drops from the vehicle, the activation cable immediately pulls upon, and decouples the coupler element. This allows the movable wall portion of the housing to open, exposing the tether line and the float.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: Charles L. Hebrard
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Patent number: 6202587Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Jervis B. Webb International CompanyInventor: Brian G. Stewart
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Patent number: 6196153Abstract: A marker suitable for use in a golf fairway having a base portion suitable for installation in a ground hole, and a hollow upper body portion fixed to the upper end of the base portion which includes a dome formed of resilient material. The dome has a normal, unstressed raised condition in which it protrudes above ground level, to be readily visible to golfers, and has a depressed condition in which it is close to ground level and in which the material is stressed such that it tends to move to the normal, raised condition. A generally closed chamber beneath the dome has one-way valve means which allows air to be rapidly expelled from the chamber when the dome is depressed but restricts air flow into the chamber to delay recovery from the depressed condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Jean-Guy Brunet
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Patent number: 6198459Abstract: The present invention is an artificial potted flower and plant television and radio antenna. The antenna is in the shape of a flower pot with flowers in it. The base emulates a flower pot and the antenna ears resemble the stems and petals of flowers. An optional signal amplifier may be installed within the base for improving signal strength.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: James P. Rowe
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Patent number: 6158381Abstract: A time-temperature indicator indicates the useful shelf life of an associated product which may be affected by the passage of time and an applied temperature. A creeping material has a first end connected to a first fixed location and a second end connected to a load applying device such as a spring. In response to application of the load applying device, the passage of time, and the application of various temperatures, the creeping material will increase in length in a known manner. An indicator associated with the creeping material indicates whether the passage of time and application of various temperatures have caused the associated product to exceed its useful shelf life.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Ideas to Market, L.P.Inventor: Alan V. Bray
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Patent number: 6155197Abstract: A retractable flag hand held unit for permitting a user to selectively deploy a hand held flag to signal another. The retractable flag hand held unit includes a tubular housing with an opening therein at a distal end. A proximal end of an elongate rod is extended into the housing through the opening of the distal end of the housing. A back plate is disposed in the housing and coupled to the proximal end of the rod. The housing has a longitudinal slot in a side wall of the housing. A slide plate is disposed in the housing adjacent the longitudinal slot and is coupled to the back plate. A thumb slide has a slide extent extending through the longitudinal slot of the housing into the housing and which is coupled to the slide plate. A flag is coupled to the rod adjacent a distal end of the rod. The rod has a spaced apart plurality of constrictions adjacent the distal end of the rod. The rod comprises a resiliently flexible material so that the rod may be resiliently folded at each of the constrictions.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Inventor: Wilbert T. Stanley
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Patent number: 6142882Abstract: A device used to plug an opening into and locate a receptacle in an anchor to a base employed on a playing field. The device has an elastic body that has a shape sufficiently large to extend across the opening of the receptacle. A flexible indicator is connected to the body and indicates the location of the body. The body is made from an elastomeric material capable of being deformed to insert a portion of the body through the opening into the receptacle and expands to form a plug across the opening to prevent access of dirt into the receptacle. The flexible indicator has a length sufficient to extend from the body and for a sufficient distance to be observed when the body is mounted with the receptacle and is sufficiently flexible to be deflected during ground care operations of the playing field and be visible after such ground care operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1995Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Inventor: James H. Anglea
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Patent number: 6133738Abstract: A device for electronically marking a buried object, such as a service drop cable, comprising a reel for retaining the cable in a known position and orientation, and a transponder positioned at a predetermined location and orientation with respect to the cable wound on the reel. A foam shield may be used to provide a visual indication of the presence of the device, and an anchor may be affixed to the reel to secure it more firmly in the ground. The transponder can be located within the hub of the reel. The transponder can be active or passive.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Inventor: Joe T. Minarovic
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Patent number: 6129035Abstract: A visual car spotter that is visible for a distance either day or night. The visual car spotter includes a telescopic mast with three telescopic segments frusto in cross section constructed of translucent or transparent material which when extended frictionally lock one within another. The mast is removably attached to a base which either has a permanent magnet embedded therein or has a layer of plastic with magnetic particles embedded therein adjacent to the bottom of the base for attachment to the metal roof of the automobile. In one embodiment a light at the distal end of the extended mast is a visual indicator at night and in another embodiment the light is in the base and the entire mast has illumination. A lanyard attached to the base or mast or both extending into the interior of the automobile between the door and door frame prevents theft and provides notice to the driver of the automobile to remove the visual car spotter from the roof.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Inventor: Dale Schweinberger