Abstract: Device and methods for treating conditions caused by or associated with a sacroiliac joint abnormality using radiofrequency ablation. A surgical jig is provided that facilitates safe, easy, and quick placement of electrodes in a patient's spinal region for radiofrequency ablation of a set of spinal nerves and/or sacroiliac ligaments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furniture device configured to receive the weight of a being, said furniture device having a holding arrangement and at least one section. The section comprises a base, a movable plate element, a moving mechanism and at least one elastic device. The plate element is configured to interact with the at least one elastic device and to be moved by the moving mechanism in respect to the base in order to adjust the firmness of the at least one elastic device. The elastic device comprises a pocket made of a fabric, and an elastic member, the elastic member is arranged within said pocket, the pocket is attached to adjacent pockets whereby the attachment is formed so that adjacent elastic devices may move independently from one another along a distance (A), as measured from a free end of the elastic device and in a direction perpendicular to the plate member.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are described herein useful to indicate the number of products on a merchandising unit. Counting devices as described herein maintain an accurate count of the number of products on a given merchandising unit and provides a display of the count.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furniture device configured to receive the weight of a being, said furniture device having a holding arrangement (20) and at least one section (30). The section (30) comprises a base (2), a movable plate element (6), a moving mechanism (4) and at least one elastic device (12). The plate element (6) is configured to interact with the at least one elastic device and to be moved by the moving mechanism in respect to the base in order to adjust the firmness of the at least one elastic device. The elastic device comprises a pocket (14) made of a fabric, and an elastic member (18), the elastic member is arranged within said pocket, the pocket is attached to adjacent pockets whereby the attachment (32, 32?) is formed so that adjacent elastic devices may move independently from one another along a distance (A), as measured from a free end of the elastic device and in a direction perpendicular to the plate member.

Abstract: A lighting control console for controlling a lighting system includes digital adjusting commands being generated in the lighting control console that are transmitted to the lighting system via data links. The lighting control console includes at least one slide control for inputting operating commands via linear displacement of a control knob protruding from the upper side of the console housing. The upper side of the console housing includes a slit for each slide control. The control knob is connected to the slide control via the slit. A tactile sensor system provided at the slide control can detect when the user touches the control knob.

Abstract: A lighting control console for controlling a lighting system includes digital adjusting commands being generated in the lighting control console that are transmitted to the lighting system via data links. The lighting control console includes at least one slide control for inputting operating commands via linear displacement of a control knob protruding from the upper side of the console housing. The upper side of the console housing includes a slit for each slide control. The slide control is fastened to said electronic circuit board and not to any fastening point on the console housing.

Abstract: An instrument panel meter including a flexible face and a pointer. The flexible face includes indicators configured to convey information to a user regarding operation of the vehicle. The pointer is beneath the flexible face, and is movable between an inactive position and an active position. In the inactive position, the pointer does not stretch the flexible face. In the active position, the pointer does stretch the flexible face at or proximate to one of the indicators so as to convey information to the user regarding operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pointer assembly includes a guide, a helical drive member supported in the guide, a motor for axially rotating the helical drive member, a follower carried by the helical drive member, and a pointer coupled to the follower and movable relative to the guide for indicating a measured value, wherein axial rotation of the helical drive member in a clockwise rotation causes the follower and the pointer to move in a first direction relative to the guide and axial rotation of the helical drive member in a counterclockwise rotation causes the follower and the pointer to move in a second direction relative to the guide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting control console for controlling a lighting system. At least one slide control is provided in the control panel of the lighting control console, which slide control allows users to enter input values by linearly adjusting a control knob, wherein a contact holder is provided at the slide control. A linkage lever links the control knob and the contact holder. In the housing of the lighting control console, at least one light source is provided, wherein at least one light exit is provided at the control knob, and wherein a light conducting element is provided between the light source and the light exit, in which element the light of the light source can be transmitted to the light exit at the control knob.

Abstract: A center-less pointer type display apparatus includes a pointer moving device having a pointer section and a carrying section, and a containing case having a case body and a dial plate. A pointer accommodated in the containing case indicates a scale on the dial plate. The carrying section has a guide rail and a wire. A spring is interposed between a first support member and a second support member of the pointer section so that a lower portion and an upper portion of the spring push the first support member and the second support member respectively, and thereby holding an upper portion and a lower portion of the guide rail respectively. A wire fixing section is provided at an intermediate portion of the pointer section on a line connecting the upper pulley and the lower pulley.

Abstract: A recloser includes at least one pole position indicator. The position indicator includes a flexible strip that rides in a U-shaped channel. The flexible strip has an alternating color pattern and that is visible through spaced transparent windows on the indicator. The transparent windows are spaced so that the flexible strip, when in a first position shows only a first color and when in a second position only shows a second color.

Abstract: A pointer assembly includes a guide, a helical drive member supported in the guide, a motor for axially rotating the helical drive member, a follower carried by the helical drive member, and a pointer coupled to the follower and movable relative to the guide for indicating a measured value, wherein axial rotation of the helical drive member in a clockwise rotation causes the follower and the pointer to move in a first direction relative to the guide and axial rotation of the helical drive member in a counterclockwise rotation causes the follower and the pointer to move in a second direction relative to the guide.

Abstract: Label add-ons for decreasing medication errors and associated fatalities in the pharmacy dispensing process and for indicating the intended use of a drug in people ranging from the blind to the sighted, consisting of a circular, hollow, semi-flexible, ring-like material that is attached onto a prescription bottle. This invention serves as a vital safety-tool to the pharmacy dispensing process where duplicate medications become easily detected by the pharmacy personnel if device is properly attached to the prescription bottle. Imprinted, raised, or engraved legend in grapheme positioned over the outer surface of the device informs the reader the drug indication. Raised Braille coding and raised or engraved grapheme characters become vital in assisting the blind and visually impaired in identifying the drug through their sense of touch. Other distinctive features such as color, markings, and messages to uplift the mood on the apparatus, can further assist individuals in recognizing the correct drug indication.

Abstract: A gas measurement apparatus can comprise a sensor and a processor, in an example. The sensor can measure a pressure condition of a gas tank, in an example. The processor can select at least one light source, the light source can be positioned or of a distinct color to indicate a corresponding level of gas remaining in the tank when illuminated. The level of gas can be based on the measured pressure.

Abstract: An indicator system is provided that comprises an indicator positioned on a linear structure. The linear structure includes a portable linear structure having a proximal end and a distal end. The linear structure includes, for example, at least one of a hose, a fire hose, a cable, an electrical cable, a rope, a strap, and a tether device. The indicator includes directional markers positioned along the linear structure and oriented to identify a path to the proximal end. Each of the directional markers comprises a shape of an arrow, and a tip of the arrow points along the path to the proximal end. Additionally, the indicator can include a text string, for example, a text string comprising a word meaning “EXIT” or other similar term or phrase.

Abstract: The invention provides a unique identifying device that differentiates identical or similar beverage containers. In the case of cans, bottles, boxes, or pouches, a highly preferred band composition is elastic alternated with other material, preferably ribbon that will accept printing or writing. The invention is further a set of such bands, each with its own design, placed around the outside of individual containers to enable users to distinguish their beverage from others that are in the same type of container. The invention has the advantage of being quick and easy to use, and is inexpensive enough to be disposable. It is an object of the invention to identify individual beverage containers using a unique identifying device.

Abstract: This invention discloses a device for reminding a user about when to change his toothbrush. In a first embodiment, the present invention is a storage device for four toothbrushes to be disposed of, one at a time, on a regular basis, such as every three months. The storage device has at least four compartments intended to hold one toothbrush each. As the top is rotated the next compartment is opened, thus exposing the next toothbrush in sequence. The top also rotates to show the name of the month or the date on which the toothbrush is to be disposed of, or the date on which the toothbrush was first used. In this manner, the user is reminded as to when to change the toothbrush. A second embodiment of the present invention is a molded elastic form that adds a soft grip texture to the toothbrush handle and includes a date or the name of a month and is also intended to remind the user when it is time to dispose/change his toothbrush.

Abstract: A user wearable device for tracking or reminding the user of time and/or numerical records. In the preferred embodiment, the device takes the form of an attractive bracelet. The bracelet is made of two sets of beads strung together to form the bracelet and at least one charm for removable placement between the beads. The first set of beads has numbers marked thereon while the second set of beads does not have any markings. The two sets of beads are placed in a predetermined alternate fashion along the bracelet such that the at least one charm can be placed between certain beads to note the time and/or numerical record. In the preferred embodiment, each of the twelve sequentially numerically marked beads is separated by a predetermined number of unmarked beads, such as 4, such that each unmarked beads represents a fifteen (15) minute interval between the hours.

Abstract: A releasably attachable grip comprises a body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The grip also comprises a light emitter integral with the first side of the body. The grip also comprises a stretchable material having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The top surface is adhered to the second side of the body. The grip also comprises a releasable adhesive disposed on the bottom surface of the stretchable material. The releasable adhesive is configured to adhere to the outer surface.

Abstract: A personnel placement and location control system for controlling movement of one or more individuals to a particular designation. In a preferred embodiment, the location control system functions as a personnel guidance and location control system for controlling and guiding one or more individuals in a selected path to a waiting point and then to an activity in advance of that waiting point or otherwise to a particular destination. The system relies upon a plurality of indicators or markers which may be secured to a floor or ground surface or which may be formed on, or secured to floor coverings on that floor surface and which define guide paths for the one or more individuals. Various floor covering segments can be also secured in desired combinations to achieve a desired guide path. In one embodiment, a pocket forming section is provided in the floor covering for receiving a substrate containing informational material.

Abstract: A dose counter device for a fluid dispenser, said device comprising counting means (10, 11) actuated by actuating means (20) each time the dispenser is used, said device being characterized in that said counting means comprise at least one flexible rotary counting element (10) applied against and turning on a curved support surface (1, 2).

Abstract: A personnel placement and location control system for controlling movement of one or more individuals to a particular designation. In a preferred embodiment, the location control system functions as a personnel guidance and location control system for controlling and guiding one or more individuals in a selected path to a waiting point and then to an activity in advance of that waiting point or otherwise to a particular destination. The system relies upon a plurality of indicators or markers which may be secured to a floor or ground surface or which may be formed on or secured to floor coverings on that floor surface and which define guide paths for the one or more individuals. Various floor covering segments can be also secured in desired combinations to achieve a desired guide path. In one embodiment, a pocket forming section is provided in the floor covering for receiving a substrate containing informational material.

Abstract: An ozone detector in the form of two basic embodiments which can measure ozone concentration in ambient air at 0.001-1 ppm. The first embodiment includes a stretched elastic material and a standard which can give ozone concentration in response to degree of microcracking or frosting of the elastic material. The second embodiment includes a chamber containing a long strip of elastic material wound on a spool, a small amount of manganese dioxide in the chamber to neutralize any ozone therein so that the ozone does not attack and frost the elastic material, a take-up spool mounted away from the chamber and adapted to wind the material from the chamber, a component for stretching the material, a light source for generating a light beam and illuminating the film between the chamber and the take-up spool and a detector for the light beam after the light beam passes through the material.

Abstract: An ink jet pen supply cartridge having a spring biased ink reservoir with a visual indication of remaining ink quantity. The reservoir tends to collapse laterally as the ink supply decreases due to differential pressure exerted thereto. The spring-reservoir is contained in a rigid cartridge and a pair of flexible tape members are cemented or welded, one to each side of the spring-reservoir, and extend generally parallel toward a narrow end surface of the cartridge at which they overlap and can be viewed through a window. The overlapping relationship of the tape members provide ink quantity indicia which change as the spring-reservoir collapse draws them past each other.

Abstract: A dart game score board includes a case having a plurality of walled compartments therein. A removable front cover of the case forms one wall of the compartments, with the front cover having formed therein a plurality of groups of window openings arranged in a prescribed pattern and the window openings of each group aligned with a corresponding one of the walled compartments. A plurality of scoring modules are removably inserted in each of the walled compartments, with one scoring module aligned with a corresponding window opening. Each scoring module has a rotatable spool extending through a window opening to enable indicia on the spools to be displayed to keep score during play by one or more players.

Abstract: A stapling machine is provided which has markings on part of a constant tension spring visible from the exterior of the machine to provide an indication when the supply of staples within the machine is exhausted. The constant tension spring moves the pusher, and markings are present on part of the constant tension spring which becomes visible in a window provided for that purpose.

Abstract: A non-transparent, fluid product dispenser comprising a structurally rigid outer container and a flexible inner container provided with means for visually indicating the amount of product remaining in the dispenser comprising a mechanical actuator attached between the end of the liner container and an actuatable indicator on the outer container. Operating in proportion to the travel of the end of the inner container, the actuator is connected to at least one pull tab attached to an indicator window in the outer container.

Abstract: A fishing reel is provided with a device for setting the braking force, comprising a mobile support having, on its external face, setting signs visible through a window of the case. The support is driven in movement by the reel brake setting knob, the support and its mechanical connection with the setting knob being such that to each angular position of the setting knob there corresponds unequivocally a single setting sign visible through the window.

Abstract: The low battery level indicator is provided for a smoke detector. When the battery in the smoke detector becomes so weak that its voltage drops below a pre-determined value, an elongated, flexible signal member such as a tape or cord is released from the smoke detector so that it hangs down into the room below to persistently remind the occupant to replace the battery with a fresh one. The elongated signal member can be used together with a conventioanl device which emits audible periodic beeps or has a periodically flashing light to indicate the low battery condition. However, the long flexible signal member continues to hang down and remind the occupant that the battery must be replaced, even after the battery has gone completely dead and the horn and lamp no longer function. This invention constitutes a potential life-saving device.

Abstract: Apparatus for visually indicating a worn brush condition for carbon brushes arranged in a gang-type brush holder. A strip of red Teflon tape, or other distinctive marking, is positioned on the linear spring having a coiled top portion which biases the brush into contact with the collector ring. As the brush wears down, the marking on the spring becomes visible as the spring coils more and more. The tape is positioned on the spring such that, when the exposed top portion of the spring shows completely red (i.e., the color of the marking), it is indicated to the operator that a worn brush is to be replaced.

Abstract: An automatic reading gauge is provided and consists of an elongated flexible measuring member having a scale thereon with a float affixed to one end and a counterweight at other end. The measuring member is disposed within an O-shaped body having a weep hole, an air check valve and a top sight area. When the body is placed through a filler hole to extend to bottom of a tank, the amount of fluid within the tank will be indicated at the top sight area.

Abstract: A marker device for body scanning which permits the location of internal parts of a patient's body by reference to image reference points produced by marks on the device attached to the surface of the patient's skin during the scanning process. The device comprises a flexible tape which includes a substrate with marks, usually lines, thereon, the substrate being relatively transparent to the scanning waves, while the reference lines are relatively opaque with respect thereto. The substrate is conveniently formed from plastic, while the reference lines are advantageously metallic in character, preferably copper strips. The substrate is ordinarily coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive to allow its attachment to the patients outer skin, and it may be perforated with holes to accommodate insertion of biopsy needles.

Abstract: A meter tampering detection device, comprising a sealed housing adapted to be installed in the cover of a utility meter, a supply of flexible tape in said housing having a graduated scale which changes as the tape is withdrawn from the housing, an aperture in the housing through which the free end of the tape is passed, said tape being arranged so that it can be withdrawn from the housing by exerting a pull on the free end, and said tape being arranged and having a flexibility such that it cannot be pushed back into the housing once withdrawn, and gripping means for installation on a fixed part of the meter for gripping the free end of the tape such that said tape is withdrawn from the housing as the cover is removed.

Abstract: A viewing glass used through which measurements are displayed which comprises a groove (5) having a shape parallel to the movement of an indicator needle. Displaceable markers are placed in the groove in order to denote the limiting positions of the measurements being made.

Abstract: An improved tape cassette containing markings on the edge of the tape which contrast with the color of the tape. When the tape edges form the tape reel face as the tape is wound on one hub of the cassette an easily seen pattern is formed. This pattern is readily visible even under poor conditions of visibility through the cassette window. During recorder/playback use the operator can quickly check to see if the tape is moving by noting the pattern movement when viewed in the window.

Abstract: A display device for a machine such as a poker machine or fruit machine in which information to be displayed is arranged on a closed loop of flexible strip material arranged to pass in front of a viewing window. The closed loop is moved around the predetermined path by electric motors for example. The closed loop can be stopped or started as required and when in motion its position is sensed by an electronic sensor, the output of which is fed to a microprocessor. In a poker or fruit machine a number of such loops of flexible strip material are arranged side by side in a casing which may have the appearance of a conventional fruit machine or poker machine.

Abstract: A process and composition for applying and bonding an indicia which is curable at ambient temperatures to a cured elastomer substrate. The substrate is treated generally at ambient temperatures with organic oxidants selected from the group consisting of N-halosulfonamides, N-halohydantoins, N-haloamides, N-haloimides, and the various isomers of mono-, di-, and trichloroisocyanuric acid. The indicia which is generally a urethane polymer or prepolymer is blended with an amine curing agent. A polar solvent is added to the amine curing agent and the amine curable polymer or prepolymer composition and mixed with the resulting blend or mixture applied to the treated elastomer surface in the form of an indicia so that said polymer or prepolymer cures at ambient temperature and is bonded to said elastomer. The invention is particularly suitable for applying indicia to various elastomer articles such as tires, conveyor belts, hoses, floor mats, sporting goods, and the like.

Abstract: A gearshift range indicating system for indicating the set range of an automatic transmission includes a driving pulley secured on a control shaft of a transmission gear shift unit and a driven pulley rotatably mounted on a steering stem connected with a steering wheel of an automobile. The driving pulley is operably connected to the driven pulley by a cable which enables transmission of rotary motion therebetween while permitting a certain degree of relative displacement between the driven and driving pulleys. An indicator device responsive to rotation of the driven pulley is provided in order to properly indicate the operating range of the automatic transmission in a manner which is free from the influence of change in the relative positioning between the driving pulley and the driven pulley, thereby providing an indicating system well suited for use in automobiles having telescoping and/or tilting steering devices.

Abstract: In an indicating device for measuring and control apparatus, such as a pressure measuring device, having a planar scale, a flexible, endless indicator tape movable along the scale, at least two rotatable rigidly supported rolls tensionally supporting the tape, a pivotally mounted lever linkage connected at a point thereon to the tape, and means for rotating the lever linkage in an arcuate or circular movement at the connection point thereon in response to the measurement of a given physical parameter, means for compensating a lengthening of the tape caused by the arcuate movement of the lever linkage and tape at the connection point.

Abstract: A tape cassette for a tape recorder comprises a cassette housing having a pair of hubs therein, a predetermined amount of magnetic tape wound around said hubs and a display member having widening resiliency provided between said hubs.

Abstract: A handbag whose exterior surface can be changed to display a selected color in order to match a particular ensemble. The handbag includes two opposed compartments which are hingedly connected to each other. Each compartment has a C-shaped sidewall with a top and bottom wall connected thereto. Spools are supported within each compartment adjacent the ends of the sidewall. A roll of material is threaded between the spools and passes around the exterior of the sidewall. By turning knobs connected to the spools, the material can be moved from one roll to the other roll passing around the exterior of the sidewall. The roll of material includes a sequence of colored sections, whereby a particular desired color section can be displayed on the exterior of the handbag.

Abstract: A rocker switch having non-illuminated indicator means comprising a ribbon or sheet member which effectively slides along the interior surface of a rocker cap having a window visually exposing the appropriate indicia on the ribbon as the rocker is pivoted. The ribbon is flexible enough to assume the interior shape of the rocker cap and stiff enough to slide therealong during rocking operation. A window or lens may assume various positions on the rocker cap with appropriate positioning of indicia on the ribbon therebeneath.