Abstract: A backhoe camera assembly includes a camera unit that is pivotally attached to a bucket of a backhoe to capture imagery of a work area beneath the bucket. A display is coupled to the backhoe and the display is oriented to face a seat in the backhoe. The display is in communication with the camera unit thereby facilitating the display to display imagery captured by the camera unit to the operator. A lifting unit is integrated into the seat of the backhoe to adjust a height of the seat for enhancing the operator's ability to see the work area beneath the bucket of the backhoe. A plurality of reflectors is each positionable around the work area at strategic locations to facilitate the operator to view the work area on each of the reflectors.

Abstract: An emergency localization device for initiating an emergency measure, wherein the emergency localization device comprises a control unit, at least one acceleration sensor and at least one position sensor, the control unit being configured to receive a plurality of motion and/or position parameters from the acceleration sensor and/or from the position sensor, and by evaluating the plurality of motion or position parameters to determine a risk level for an emergency using a predefined logic, and to initiate an emergency measure if the calculated risk level exceeds a predefined threshold. The emergency localization device is reliable, robust and largely independent of aircraft-mounted systems.

Abstract: An emergency signaling system is disclosed. The system includes a receptacle and a painting device. The painting device is covered in a paint material and stored in the receptacle. The receptacle can be used to launch the painting device onto a surface, such as a roof, in the event that a user needs to signal a search and rescue team or anyone near their present location. The painting device, upon contact with a surface, creates a painted signal. The painted signal can have different shapes according to the shape of the painting device. The painting device can include weight members or flexible frame members to facilitate opening the painting device from a closed or folded configuration to a fully open configuration once the painting device has been launched from the receptacle.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle able to float on the surface of the water comprises a body delimited at least partially by a curved surface, the body defining an enclosure, the underwater vehicle comprising an arm mounted with at least one emitter or at least one receiver of electromagnetic waves, the arm being linked to the body by an articulation joint with a degree of freedom in rotation about an axis of rotation, the articulation joint allowing the arm to pivot reversibly between a retracted position, in which the arm is housed in the enclosure and is flush with the curved surface of the body, and a deployed position in which the arm extends out of the enclosure, the arm comprising a curved outer surface along the length of the arm, being flush with the curved surface of the body when the arm is in its retracted position.

Abstract: A method of documenting a position of an underground utility which involves placing temporary markings on a ground surface designating an underground location of the underground utility. A photograph is then taken providing an overhead panoramic view of the temporary markings designating the underground location of the underground utility. The photograph includes visual landmarks, such as sidewalks, driveways, trees and hedges, thereby providing a visual reference. After excavation has taken place and the temporary markings have been removed along with the ground surface, using the photograph to reconfirm the underground location of the underground utility by using the visual reference provided by the relationship that the temporary markings depicted in the photograph bear to the visual landmarks that remain after excavation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing excavation damage to buried infrastructure. A plurality of excavation-sensing modules is buried near the buried infrastructure. The modules protect buried infrastructure by emitting dense clouds of highly visible gas when the modules are activated by impact with excavation equipment. In most cases the visible gas will be brightly colored and it may also have a strong odor and may produce a loud sound when the module is activated. The dense clouds of highly visible gas, the optional odor and loud sound alert construction crews or other workers that their excavation is nearing a protected underground structure. Once installed, no maintenance or active monitoring is required. In a preferred embodiment of the excavation-sensing module, the dense cloud of highly visible gas is produced by ignition of a smoke grenade within the module.

Abstract: A paint stick and marker installation system for inserting a marker having shaft with a bottom end for inserting into the ground and an engagement portion of the shaft separated from the bottom end by an insertion portion of the shaft. The apparatus includes a magazine assembly configured to receive at least one marker. The magazine space has a push position in the magazine space for receiving the at least one marker. The apparatus further comprises a push assembly mounted on the magazine assembly. The push assembly is configured to engage the engagement portion of the shaft of the marker located in the push position and push the marker from the magazine assembly when the push assembly is actuated. A plurality of the markers are bonded together such that each of the markers can be removed from the rest of the plurality when inserting a marker into the ground.

Abstract: The specification discloses a composite adhesive tape, containing a thermally reflective and insulative adhesive tape layer; and a rigid adhesive tape layer. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a composite adhesive tape, containing the step of laminating a thermally reflective and insulative tape layer with a rigid adhesive tape layer. Further disclosed is a method of applying a flooring material, containing the steps of placing the composite adhesive tape as described herein on a surface; and positioning the flooring material on the tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing excavation damage to buried infrastructure. A plurality of excavation-sensing modules is buried near the buried infrastructure. The buried infrastructure excavation-sensing modules protect and detect buried infrastructure by emitting dense clouds of visible gas when the excavation-sensing modules are activated by impact with excavation equipment. In most instances, the visible gas will be brightly colored and it may also have a strong odor. In addition to the gas released by the modules, a loud sound may also be produced by the activated excavation-sensing module. This alerts construction crews or other workers that their excavation is nearing a protected underground structure. Once installed, no maintenance or active monitoring is required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flight data recorder. It is equipped with capsules designed to break at determined depths. The capsules release hydraulic tracing elements, generating a luminous streak in the water, when they are broken, so that the searches for the flight data recorders, or black boxes, are made easier.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a marking system comprising at least one module, which comprises at least two sections, wherein the at least one module fails upon an expulsion charge initiation or a delayed expulsion charge initiation, and wherein the at least two sections each independently comprise at least one system chosen from a fluorescent system, a thermal-generating system, and a chemical light system. In some embodiments, a section of a module as disclosed herein comprises a heat/light system that generates both heat and light signals. The heat/light system comprises at least one first part comprising at least one oxalate ester, at least one fluorescer, and at least one inorganic salt, and at least one second part comprising at least one peroxide and at least one catalyst.

Abstract: A marker setter is described that includes a magazine holding a plurality of stacked planar markers, each marker having a flag section and a post section with a distal tip; a marker extractor adapted to extract a marker from the stacked plurality of markers and convey the marker along a pathway to insert the tip of the marker into the ground, the marker extractor having a post inserter with a distal end; and a tip deflector adapted to bend the marker distal tip around the post setter distal end prior to insertion of the tip into the ground. The tip deflector includes a deflector plate pivotal between an initial position in the pathway of the marker tip and post inserter, and a forward position beneath the pathway, the deflector being moved to the forward position by the post inserter while bending the marker tip around the post inserter distal end.

Abstract: A process and system for detecting the presence of a person overboard including: setting the perimeter of an area to scan, scanning said area 180 degrees in azimuth utilizing a laser beam for receiving a reflection of said laser beam off said person, detecting said reflection and playing back a video recording of said trajectory of the person, wherein the area above and below the perimeter of an area to scan is continuously video recorded and wherein upon detecting the target, one or more of audio and visual alarms alert that crew, and wherein an alarm with location is sent to PDA system with GPS coordinates time and date. Additionally a launched deploys a device to track the person overboard, and allows persons on the ship or in a control center to ascertain the location of the person overboard.

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

Abstract: A moisture detection apparatus is installed within a building below a critical area of the building's envelope and has a casing, which may be telescoping, and which as a window on one or both ends. An absorbent material is disposed within an interior chamber of the casing as is a moisture soluble dye that changes color upon contact with moisture and thereby changes the color of the absorbent material which color change is visible through the windows, the moisture entering the interior chamber through at least one upwardly oriented aperture on the casing. The apparatus is installed so that the window protrudes either through an interior wall section of the building's exterior wall, an exterior wall section of the wall, or both. If water penetrates the building, the water enters the casing, and causes the dye to change the color of the absorbent material to alert an occupant that a cladding failure has occurred.

Abstract: A device for inserting a utility marker is described that includes an elongated handle with upper and lower ends; a marker extractor adjacent the handle lower end that is moveable along a vertical pathway, and a marker magazine adjacent the handle lower end adapted to hold a plurality of markers including a leading marker adjacent the marker extractor pathway. The extractor, when moved to its extended position by pushing on the plunger, extracts the leading marker from the marker magazine, and inserts the lower end of the marker into the ground. Simultaneously, a valve actuator at the lower end of the handle is moved to an operative position to open the valve of an aerosol can, spraying paint adjacent to the marker. In one embodiment of the invention, the magazine is adapted to enclose a continuous roll of markers. In another embodiment, a housing adjacent the marker extractor pathway receives a replaceable magazine of stacked markers.

Abstract: A device for inserting a utility marker is described that includes an elongated handle with upper and lower ends; a marker extractor adjacent the handle lower end that is moveable along a vertical pathway, and a marker magazine adjacent the handle lower end adapted to hold a plurality of markers including a leading marker adjacent the marker extractor pathway. The extractor, when moved to its extended position by pushing on the plunger, extracts the leading marker from the marker magazine, and inserts the lower end of the marker into the ground. Simultaneously, a valve actuator at the lower end of the handle is moved to an operative position to open the valve of an aerosol can, spraying paint adjacent to the marker. In one embodiment of the invention, the magazine is adapted to enclose a continuous roll of markers. In another embodiment, a housing adjacent the marker extractor pathway receives a replaceable magazine of stacked markers.

Abstract: A utility conveyance (10), such as a pipe, cable or duct, designed for burial in surrounding earth (12) carries a passive warning mechanism (16), preferably a water-soluble dye embedded in the conveyance. The dye, when exposed to moisture (e.g., rainwater in the surround earth) will bleed from the conveyance and discolor the surrounding soil, thus alerting any contractor attempting to excavate in the surrounding area.

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: A self-illuminating attitude indicator for use by persons who have been buried in snow or the earth. The attitude indicator has a container partially filled with liquid and a manually operated light to illuminate the container. The liquid may be removed from the container and distributed on the snow to make the location more visible to rescuers.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device for inserting a utility marker is described that includes an elongated handle with upper and lower ends; a marker extractor adjacent the handle lower end that is moveable along a vertical pathway, and a marker magazine adjacent the handle lower end adapted to hold a plurality of stacked markers including a leading marker adjacent said marker extractor pathway. The extractor, when moved to its extended position by pushing on the plunger, extracts the leading marker from the stacked markers, and inserts the lower end of the marker into the ground. Simultaneously, a valve actuator at the lower end of the handle is moved to an operative position to open the valve of an aerosol can, spraying paint adjacent the marker. A unique marker for use with the device is also described, the marker including an extraction projection that is engageable by the lower end of the marker extractor.

Abstract: A self-illuminating attitude indicator for use by persons who have been buried in snow or the earth. The attitude indicator has a container partially filled with liquid and a manually operated light to illuminate the container. The liquid may be removed from the container and distributed on the snow to make the location more visible to rescuers.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-theft element in an anti-theft device which is intended to be attached to a theft-attractive article such that said device can only be removed from the article with the aid of a special release device. The anti-theft element includes a fouling-substance ampule which contains a fouling substance and which is disposed in the anti-theft element so as to be broken, crushed or otherwise destroyed or opened so as to release said fouling substance if an attempt is made to release the anti-theft device from the theft-attractive article without the aid of said special release device. The ampule (2) encloses a first fouling substance (B; D; G) having a specific fouling property, and at least one second fouling substance (C; E, F; H) having a fouling property which differs from the fouling property of the first fouling substance (B; D; G).

Abstract: A position indicator device for marking the location of an aircraft that has crashed has a buoyant housing containing a radio beacon, a dye dispenser, and a visual beacon. Upon the crash of the aircraft, the buoyant housing is deployed by an air bag ejection system. Upon deployment, a control wire pulls a control pin from a controller, thereby activating the radio beacon, dye dispenser, and visual beacon. The radio beacon immediately alerts emergency personnel that a crash has occurred and can guide the emergency personnel to the scene. The dye dispenser slowly releases a liquid dye that stains the water an easily recognizable color. The visual beacon not only allows crash survivors to find the position indicator device and gather together for survival and rescue, it also allows emergency personnel to find the position indicator device in bad weather or at night.

Abstract: A swimmer's safety device including a housing having a source of battery power, a water pressure sensitive switch, a timer and a solenoid valve electronically connected with a circuit board within the housing, arranged to allow a mix of water reactive chemical once the housing is submerged to a depth predetermined aforehand, and for a time interval set in accordance with the skill of the swimmer as well. The housing, in accordance with the invention, could be incorporated as part of a swimsuit construction, can be temporarily secured to the swimsuit of a wearer, or could be worn as a swimsuit accessory such as a wristband, armband, headband or necklace, to, in each instance, permit the water reactive chemical to open a valve in a chamber to release a dye into the surrounding water as a visual alarm alert of a swimmer in need of help.

Abstract: A swimmer's safety device including a casing having a top surface with a plurality of perforations to allow water to enter once submerged, and having a deflectable membrane along with a plunger to penetrate a dye material and puncture a rupturable bottom surface to release the dye into the water, once the casing is submerged to a depth predetermined aforehand, and for a time interval set in accordance with the skills of the swimmer, as well. The casing, in accordance with the invention, could be incorporated as part of a swimsuit construction, could be temporarily secured to the swimsuit of a wearer, or could be worn as a swimsuit accessory as a wristband, armband, headband, or necklace.

Abstract: The invention provides a warning to the excavation above a pipe, conduit or cable laid underground by a service utility by the directional drilling method by providing a coloured area of drilling mud and/or soil about the pipe, conduit or cable. A colouring material is added to the drill fluid during the direct drilling operation which then colours the drill mud and/or soil about the pipe, conduit or cable.

Abstract: A device for assuring that restroom users are effectively reminded to wash and cleanse their hands. A spray pump is attached adjacent to an exterior door-handle to a restroom and is activated either by the turning of the handle or by the opening of the door. The spray pump includes a spray nozzle which sprays the user's front palm and/or back of the hand with a dye stain when the door-handle is opened. The dye stain is non-toxic fast drying and easily washable with cleanser such as soap and water. The dye stain can be visible in natural light and include colors such as red, yellow, blue and the like. Alternatively, the dye stain can be only visible to infrared light. The device can be used with round circular door-handles and lever door-handles. A shield around the door handle can discourage attempts to defeat the staining.

Abstract: A device (10) for marking the ground above a buried conveyance includes an upper and lower shells (12, 14) of a fracturable material joined at their edges to form a sealed body. A separator layer (16) devises the void between the two shells into an upper and lower regions (18, 20). The lower region contains a paint-adhesive mixture (22), whereas the upper region contains an indicia-bearing member (26) that identifies the entity responsible for the buried conveyance. To mark the buried conveyance, a technician deposits the marking device (10) on the ground and then steps on it, thereby fracturing the upper and lower shells to release the paint-adhesive mixture and the indicia-bearing member for adherence to the ground by the adhesive.

Abstract: There is provided a method for marking the treated areas of soil or ground surface wherein the boundary markers have a high degree of visibility, thereby permitting the boundary markers to be distinguishable from a distance and in less than ideal lighting conditions. The marking medium used in the boundary marker utilizes chemiluminescence to radiate light. The chemiluminescence may also be controlled to regulate the length of time marking medium radiates light. When the marking medium is applied to the ground to mark the boundary of the treated area in accordance with the present invention, the marker is easily distinguishable from a distance and may be easily viewed in less than ideal lighting conditions.

Abstract: A flag and paint marking device for marking a path on a ground surface with paint and/or flags to indicate the path of an underground line or pipe, which includes a paint marker for dispensing paint and a flag receptacle for receiving a supply of flags and a stabber or ground hole-forming device for defining a hole into which a flag may be inserted.

Abstract: A purchase item security and information tag apparatus for attachment to a purchase item in a store includes a tag body, a purchase item information display mechanism for retaining item data in machine readable form, and a tag engagement security mechanism including an elongate item engaging member which spoils the item with dye if cut away from the item by a customer. The tag engagement security mechanism preferably includes a tubular item engaging member containing a dye, so that the dye escapes and spoils the purchase item if cut by a customer without prior deactivation of the tag engagement security mechanism. The dye is preferably contained at a pressure greater than atmospheric to cause the dye to spatter and spray onto the purchase item.

Abstract: A marine dye composition comprising a water soluble or dispersible dye, particles of a density controlling material having a bulk density and being present in an amount so as to cause said composition to have a relative density of about 1 and to be capable of floating at the surface of a body of water and a water soluble or dispersible binding agent for binding the dye and particles of density controlling material together.

Abstract: A device for marking motor vehicles in order to assist law enforcement officers in identifying and apprehending a motor vehicle that has illegally fled after being stopped. The vehicle marking device comprises plastic pouches or sacs containing dye, and explosive cartridges such as model rocket propellant for rupturing the pouches and expelling the dye onto an exterior surface of a motor vehicle. An electronic control for firing the explosive cartridges includes a master switch for arming and disarming the marking device, an inertia switch for detecting motion of the motor vehicle, and a timer for delaying firing of the explosive cartridges for a predetermined period of time after the inertia switch detects motion.

Abstract: A unitary flexible housing includes a top wall, having first and second contact plates mounted within a housing alarm cavity positioned between the top wall and the bottom wall, wherein a control housing is arranged to effect actuation of an audible alarm upon the first and second contact plates directed in communication relative to one another upon a vehicle directing the contact plates together. A visual alarm is optionally employed. The housing includes a bottom wall, including projecting nodes for effecting a non-skid bottom wall surface.

Abstract: Boxing goggles include a unitary housing, having a resilient band mounted to side walls of the housing, with through-extending apertures directed through the housing extending from the rear wall through the front wall. The resilient housing structure is arranged to accommodate impact directed to the housing during a boxing procedure.

Abstract: A system for marking unauthorized discharge of liquid waste product includes a supply for containing a dye tracer product within the confines of a factory, refinery, or vessel, an interface line for adding the dye product via a flow line to the discharge line of a factory, refinery or vessel, a valve controller for valving the flow of dye product between the supply tank and the discharge line, an activating device for activating the valve controller responsive to the sensing of a preset level of liquid waste product flow being discharged via the discharge line, so that unauthorized discharges of waste material via the discharge line automatically activates the valve controller to mix a dye product contained within the supply tank with the unauthorized fluid discharge.

Abstract: A marker stake includes a ribbed spike having converging ribs directed towards a lowermost end for barring rotation of the spike, with the spike arranged for mounting an indicator shaft. The indicator shaft is arranged for removable mounting relative to the spike member, with a step plate arranged for removably mounting the organization relative to the spike member and the indicator shaft for indicating various geographical locations within a predetermined area.

Abstract: A rotary filing system is arranged to include a plurality of card holders, with each card holder including at least a forward transparent window arranged to coextensively extend over a pocket to receive a business card. A modification of the invention includes readily mounted tab and marking structure to indicate various categorizing of the business cards mounted within the structure.

Abstract: A compressed gas powered projection device is provided to alert other skiers of a downed skier who is incapacitated in the snow including a projection cartridge containing liquid to disperse into droplets as the cartridge is projected through the air. The opening to the cartridge is opened prior to or at the time of projection to sprinkle the liquid on the snow leaving brightly colored marks.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to facilitate the accurate measurement of changes in velocity of a vehicle. The apparatus (10) comprises a firing box (14) and a remote control box (16) for controlling a sequence of operations. A plurality of individually actuated solenoids (46) mounted within the firing box (14) actuate the firing of a plurality of marker cartridges (104) from a magazine (94) mounted to the firing box (14). The firing box (14) is mounted to the exterior of a vehicle (12). When a brake sensor (144) signals the actuation of a brake in the vehicle, the signal actuates the sequential firing of the cartridges (104) in equally spaced time increments to leave indicia on the surface of the ground over which the vehicle moves.

Abstract: A system for marking unauthorized discharge of bilge waste, including a supply for containing a dye tracer product within the confines of a vessel, an interface line for adding the dye product via a flow line to the overboard discharge line of a marine vessel, valve controller for valving the flow of dye product between the supply tank and the vessel overboard discharge line, an activator for activating the valve controller responsive to the sensing of a preset level of waste products being discharged via the overboard discharge line so that unauthorized discharge of waste material from the vessel's bilge via the overboard discharge line automatically activates the valve controller to mix a dye product contained within the supply tank with the unauthorized fluid discharge.

Abstract: Two half sections of bamboo defining three chambers contain a pre-inflated helium gas balloon with a radio beacon, two bags of surface dye, and bait fish. The sections are secured together by multiple wrappings of line ending in hooks or lures. When the associated probe is deployed, the windings unravel in free-fall--separating the half sections and dispersing the bait. The balloon is released and descends to the water surface, where the line hooks and the bait submerge. An aquatic nibble causes the balloon to bob. A more forceful bite separates the bags of dye--creating a surface marker. If a hook is set, the line also extracts a pin from the balloon--activating the radio beacon and freeing it to rise to an altitude where an induced leak soon results in the balloon redescending to the surface of the water. Upon reaching the surface, normal wave propagation forces out the residual gas and the balloon, being no longer buoyant under the weight of the radio beacon, sinks to the ocean bottom.

Abstract: A security device for preventing or indicating the tampering with a joint in a supply pipe, e.g. to a gas meter, comprises two or more members which fit together around the joint. The members have mutually interdigitating parts through which a blind bore is provided and which houses a glass phial containing a dye. Displacement of the members from the assembled configuration breaks the phial, thereby releasing the dye which stains the members so that the tampering is readily detectable.

Abstract: A reinforced metallic and polymer tape which has a light reflecting metallic layer and can have a color coating. The reinforcing material is usually a nonwoven clear resin through which the color is clearly visible. The combination of the metallic layer and reinforcing layer produces a high tensile strength, tear resistant tape. The combination also produces a tape that does not have the tendency to curl.

Abstract: The present invention involves a multiple protection security device which is used to prevent and/or detect burglary of articles, particularly of consumer goods and the like. In one embodiment, the present invention is a remote signal-actuating device for attachment to articles which includes a fluid-containing member which releases detection fluid in response to a predetermined force. In a second embodiment, an electronic security device includes such a fluid-containing member, and, in a third embodiment, a security device for physically restraining an article includes such a fluid-containing member. The detection fluid may be a gas, a liquid or a mixture of these and it may be a coloring agent, an odor containing fluid, a flourescent or phosphorescent dye, a radioactive material or the like.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tag adapted to be attached to merchandise and the like to deter theft of the merchandise. The tag includes an electronically-detectable device and a frangible container to provide a telltale stain on the merchandise to show attempted unauthorized removal of the tag.

Abstract: A material wear indicator for a disc brake lining or clutch pad or any other erodible part comprises a vapor substance. Erosion of the part to a predetermined level exposes the substance to an ambient environment or other chemical means. The substance begins to exude an invisible vapor with a specific scent or oder. Alternatively or in combination with a scent emission, visible vapor can be color coded for a fretted part identification or erosion level thereof. The presence of the vapor immediately alerts service personnel of the danger and necessity to replace the worn-out part. The vapor emitting wear indicator does not require any electrical, hydraulic, sound or mechanical connection to any gauge or system and therefore represents one of the cheapest, reliable and most effective ways to indicate the selected level of material abrasion.