Abstract: A method of correcting a pointing position of a pointer rotated by a stepper motor includes the steps of: performing a prereset operation in which the pointer is rotated to a reset operation starting position that represents a pointing position of the pointer which is shifted by a predetermined amount in a plus direction of a scale from a reset position where a pin which is rotated in conjunction with a rotation of the pointer abuts against a fixed stopper; after the prereset operation, performing a reset operation in which the pointer is rotated in a minus direction of the scale to the reset position; and after the reset operation, performing a correcting operation in which the pointer is rotated in the plus direction up to a reference pointing position which is indicated by previously stored reference pointing positional information.

Abstract: A assembling structure of an indicating needle for an instrument includes a case body having an upper case and a lower case (13), an indicating needle shaft (19) rotatably pivoted by the upper case and the lower case, and a top portion (19A) of the indicating needle shaft is projected to outside from the upper caser (13), and an indicating needle (32) provided on the projection. A concave portion (34) is provided on a shift supporting portion of the indicating needle shaft (19) in a bottom surface of the lower case, a lower end portion (19B) of the indicating needle shaft (19) is projected into the concave portion (34), and the projection amount is smaller than the depth of the concave portion (34).

Abstract: This invention relates to a driving device (1) comprising a drive shaft (3) that is rotatably supported in a housing, which driving device includes a position indicator for said drive shaft, wherein a cam (27) is present on the drive shaft, whose cam surface mates with one end of a feeler pin (29) which extends perpendicularly to the drive shaft, and which end is pressed against said cam surface under spring pressure (37), all this in such manner that movement of the feeler pin in its longitudinal direction, which is effected by the cam surface upon rotation of the drive shaft, provides an indication as regards the angular displacement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A meter for a motor vehicle includes a meter case 4 for protecting components of the meter which are incorporated therein, and a front cover 9 composed of a prism which is a part of a convex lens and provided in front of the meter case 4. A dial plate 5 of the meter has an outer contour in a substantially elliptical shape so that a virtual image of the dial plate as seen through the front cover 9 may look like a substantially perfect circle. Since the virtual image of the dial plate 5 is expanded in a vertical direction due to magnification inherent in the prism 9, the dial plate 5 formed in a substantially elliptical shape will be deformed into a substantially perfect circle in sight.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for driving and homing a stepper motor. In a preferred embodiment, 24 micro step pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage signals are used to drive the coils of the stepper motor. The phases between the driving signals are 90° out of phase. Thus, a sine/cosine methodology is used to drive the motor. Using micro-programmable pulse width modulation (PWM) levels involves the microprocessor reading stored voltage levels from a table stored in memory which corresponds to the amount of angular displacement desired by the motor. These voltage levels are then applied to the motor's coils. The microprocessor performs these operations by executing software instructions stored in memory. The software can be stored in memory located in the controller or in a separate logic block or logic chip.

Abstract: An actuated gauge pointer that includes a shape memory alloy element configured to move the gauge pointer when activated is provided. The actuated gauge pointer includes a first shape memory alloy element disposed within the perimeter of the gauge pointer housing. Additionally, the actuated gauge pointer may include a second shape memory alloy element to provide temperature compensation, and a bias member to return the gauge pointer to an initial condition.

Abstract: When excited states of excitation coils are controlled at a both excitation step of magnetizing both of two excitation coils, an initializing driving means 41a inputs excitation pulses in which a duty ratio thereof at an interval of time controlled by the both excitation step is less than 1 to the excitation coils. Contact detecting means 42 detects contact based on voltages generated at the excitation coils when the excitation pulses are not inputted.

Abstract: A reach arm (13) with opening to facilitate slide with arm/door bolt (24)protrudes out from mail signal apparatus when door is opened and after it is closed. Pushing protruding reach arm lowers/resets signal apparatus.

Abstract: A assembling structure of an indicating needle for an instrument includes a case body having an upper case and a lower case (13), an indicating needle shaft (19) rotatably pivoted by the upper case and the lower case, and a top portion (19A) of the indicating needle shaft is projected to outside from the upper caser (13), and an indicating needle (32) provided on the projection. A concave portion (34) is provided on a shift supporting portion of the indicating needle shaft (19) in a bottom surface of the lower case, a lower end portion (19B) of the indicating needle shaft (19) is projected into the concave portion (34), and the projection amount is smaller than the depth of the concave portion (34).

Abstract: A display device is provided for use, for example, on a vehicle. The display device has a removable frame that is snap fit onto the display cluster housing. The frame can be interchangeable with frames having different aesthetic attributes. Removal of the frame does not affect the water resistance of the display device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes indicating instruments with slim profiles. The indicating instrument comprises a meter movement and a circuit board. The main body of the meter movement is situated in an aperture in the circuit board. With this placement, the front end of the body of the meter movement extends a distance in front of the circuit board and the back end of the meter movement body extends a distance behind the circuit board. Through appropriate selection and arrangement of any components on the circuit board, the circuit board can be constructed such that none of its components extend beyond the distance that the meter movement extends on either side of the circuit board. In this manner the space needed for the meter movement and the circuit board and its components collapses into the same area. A light plate may be added to the circuit board and meter movement. The light plate provides a structural framework for the indicating instrument.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the controlled return of a pointer driven by a stepping motor in the event of failure of the supply voltage includes a control circuit for actuating the stepping motor. The supply voltage at least for the control circuit for the stepping motor is buffered with at least one buffer capacitor, the capacitance of the at least one buffer capacitor being such that the buffer capacitor supplies the control circuit for the stepping motor with electrical power at least until the control circuit has moved the pointer driven by the stepping motor to a default position. The default position is a zero position in relation to the scale on the display apparatus or to another indicated value which is noncritical in relation to the scaling on the display apparatus.

Abstract: A pointer of a meter such as a speedometer for use in an automobile is so structured that it is observed as if its illuminated length extends upon turning on a key switch and as if its illuminated length is shortened upon turning off the key switch, thereby giving an ornamental effect to the meter. A pointer cover gradually covering or exposing the illuminated pointer may be provided at a vicinity of a zero-scale position. The pointer may be progressively illuminated by plural light sources disposed behind a scale plate by tuning on the light sources one by one. The light sources such as light-emitting diodes may be embedded in the transparent pointer needle. Plural light sources covered by a bimetal cover may be disposed at a foot portion of the pointer needle, and the bimetal cover may be heated to gradually uncover the light sources thereby to progressively illuminate the pointer needle.

Abstract: A mechanical gauge having a mechanism for setting multiple alarms within tolerance values. When such tolerance values defined by the mechanism are reached, the same mechanism activates an alarm.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fluid pressure includes a reusable base section, and a disposable dome section detachably connected to the base section. The disposable dome section defines a fluid pathway and includes a dome viewing segment in fluid communication with a flush segment and a stopcock segment. A pressure transducer sensor is disposed in the reusable base section and is adapted to produce electrical signals proportional to fluid pressures sensed in the fluid pathway. A usage indicator can be disposed in the base section to provide a visual indication of usage of the apparatus within a predetermined number of uses. A calibration port can be provided in the base section to allow for simple calibration by the user without violating the sterility of the apparatus. The ability to reuse the base section with the sensor component reduces the cost of the apparatus, while the disposability of the dome section with the fluid pathway ensures sterility for each use.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument for a vehicle including a step motor and a stopper unit for stopping a pointer at a zero position, a memory for pre-storing a zero-level electric angle as a correction value at which zero-return alternating signal becomes a zero level at least twice after a zero-return signal is supplied. When the phase of the zero-return alternating signal becomes the zero-level electric angle, the zero-return signal is stopped to provide induced voltage induced in the stator of the step motor. If the induced voltage is lower than a threshold voltage, it is judged that the pointer is stopped.

Abstract: In a pointer-type instrument (1) having a pointer with a pointer shaft (5) that deflects a pointer vane (2), power is supplied to a light source (3), which is connected to the pointer for rotation in common, by a flexible, spiral film (11) provided with conductor tracks (12, 13). For this purpose, the pointer shaft (5) has an enlargement (9), which supports the film (11) and secures it against sliding off axially. As a result, the film (11) can be made particularly thin, thereby making it possible to reduce the driving torque required to deflect the pointer shaft (5).

Abstract: An indicating instrument has a pointer (1) driven by a measuring mechanism by a pointer spindle (3). The pointer has a region (10) on the pointer hub side which in cross section has the form of an H. This H is formed by a horizontal bar (20) and two outer bars (21, 22). Ribs (23, 24) extending in zigzag form above and below the horizontal bar (20) increase the rigidity of the region (10) on the pointer hub side.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the controlled return of a pointer driven by a stepping motor in the event of failure of the supply voltage includes a control circuit for actuating the stepping motor. The supply voltage at least for the control circuit for the stepping motor is buffered with at least one buffer capacitor, the capacitance of the at least one buffer capacitor being such that the buffer capacitor supplies the control circuit for the stepping motor with electrical power at least until the control circuit has moved the pointer driven by the stepping motor to a default position. The default position is a zero position in relation to the scale on the display apparatus or to another indicated value which is noncritical in relation to the scaling on the display apparatus.

Abstract: In a pointer instrument, a LED (7) is arranged in such a way that light can pass from it into a free end face (5) of a pointer shaft (2) which is embodied as a light guide. For this purpose, a printed circuit board (4) on which the LED (7) is fitted has an opening (6) which is flush with the end face (5) of the pointer shaft (2) and into which the LED (7) projects, at least partially.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a signal element to a bicycle wheel includes a base member for mounting to the wheel and a movable member coupled to the base member for movement relative to the base member, wherein the movable member includes a signal element mounting location.

Abstract: A holder and/or a holder and cover for containing a dispenser of a consumable product, such as a cartridge containing pressurized gas for therapeutic use, and a method for selecting the optimum parameters for such holder are provided to allow sensitive determination of the amount product remaining in the dispenser. The holder has a curvilinear or partly curvilinear circumference, and holds the dispenser so that the center of mass of the dispenser and the product it contains is at a predetermined optimum location relative to the center of mass of the holder. Thus, when the holder is placed on a horizontal surface, the holder can roll along the curvilinear circumference, and the predetermined optimum relationship of the center of mass of the dispenser and the center of mass of the holder causes the holder to come to rest at adequately spaced unique locations on the circumference of the holder depending upon the combined mass of the dispenser and the product it contains.

Abstract: An indicator dial preferably for a cooktop intensity indicator includes a base portion having an indicator, a shutter rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion, and an actuator rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion wherein at least one of the actuator and the shutter are rotatable between a retracted position exposing the indicator and an extended position at least partially covering the indicator.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a gear lever position includes one internal tube, one external tube, one adjust handle, one cover and one flexible piece. The internal tube has one ring-shape outer rim, one slot formed on the outer rim and one hollow and axial sheath. A convex fish-shaped lens is located on an imagine line from a rider's eyes to the position ring, the imagine line not being perpendicular to the axial sheath. Via the design of the convex fish-shaped lens, the position symbols are enlarged. The window only shows single position symbol in use. Thus, rider easily monitors and knows the actual gear lever position.

Abstract: A portable liquid filtration system includes a container 22 having a filtering assembly 30 therein and an arrangement for indicating the number of times that the cap has been fitted to the container in order to determine the remaining useful life of the filter. The indicator includes a clutch plate 50 having downwardly extending projections that mate with a plurality of upwardly extending projections on the filtering assembly top 34. The cap includes a vent and may include an arrangement to ensure that the filter is positioned correctly therein. Preferably, the indicator releases the filtering assembly after a predetermined number of uses that approximates the life of the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring system, especially for display devices in the automobile technology, with at least one first and one second separately actuated control, as well as a first and second driven shaft (17, 19) which can be rotationally fixed to a display element. The second driven shaft (19) of the second control is co-axially driven by the driven shaft (17) which is designed as a hollow shaft in the first control and the second driven shaft (19) protrudes above the end of the first driven shaft (17).

Abstract: A rotary direction indicator provided for use with a rotating element which causes the rotation of an associated member. The rotary direction indicator has an internally compliant body fixed in a normal to a central axis which has formed thereon a pair of arrows which appear to be three-dimensional moving in a clockwise direction. One of the three-dimensional arrows appears to plunge into the surface of the body while the other of three-dimensional arrows appear to rise out of the surface of the body thereby providing a visual indication of a correspondence between the direction of rotation of the rotary element and the movement of the associated member.

Abstract: A flow indicating device including a tube, a turbine wheel, and a cylinder is described. The tube defines a flow path. The turbine wheel is mounted in the tube for rotation alongside an inside wall of the tube. The turbine wheel has a plurality of turbine blades. The cylinder is mounted outside the tube for rotation alongside an outside wall of the tube. The cylinder is magnetically coupled to the turbine wheel through the sidewall of the tube so that rotation of the turbine wheel causes rotation of the cylinder. A visually observable pattern is provided on an outside surface of the cylinder so that rotation of the cylinder can be visually ascertained. The device is easy to install and provides an indication of flow within the pipe which is highly visible, easy to read, and viewable from any location around the pipe.

Abstract: A flow indicating device including a tube, a turbine wheel, and a cylinder is described. The tube defines a flow path. The turbine wheel is mounted in the tube for rotation alongside an inside wall of the tube. The turbine wheel has a plurality of turbine blades. The cylinder is mounted outside the tube for rotation alongside an outside wall of the tube. The cylinder is magnetically coupled to the turbine wheel through the sidewall of the tube so that rotation of the turbine wheel causes rotation of the cylinder. A visually observable pattern is provided on an outside surface of the cylinder so that rotation of the cylinder can be visually ascertained. The device is easy to install and provides an indication of flow within the pipe which is highly visible, easy to read, and viewable from any location around the pipe.

Abstract: An indicating instrument includes a dial plate, a casing disposed behind the dial plate, a drive control section disposed in the casing and a rotary shaft driven by the drive control section. The rotary shaft is comprised of a pair of thin shafts respectively supported by a pair of bearings and a thick shaft connecting the pair of thin shafts. Each thin shaft has such a length and an outside diameter that the ratio of the length to the outside diameter provides a sufficient bending strength. Therefore, the rotary shaft rotates smoothly and a pointer carried by the shaft indicates accurate values of a vehicle operating condition.

Abstract: A periodic pattern of colors is applied to a vehicle tire. The periodic pattern provides an indication of relative vehicle speed to an observer. The periodic pattern will appear to blend into a single color above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: In a pointer instrument (1), a pointer drive (3) is used to deflect a pointer (4) arranged on a supporting element (2). The supporting element (2) is shaped essentially like a circular ring and is mounted by bearing points (7) equally distributed over its circumference. The central area of the pointer instrument (1) is therefore free of apertures and, as a result, permits the arrangement of a display (9), for example an LCD display, which can be read irrespective of the angular position of the pointer (4).

Abstract: A holder and/or a holder and cover for containing a dispenser of a consumable product, such as a cartridge containing pressurized gas for therapeutic use, and a method for selecting the optimum parameters for such holder are provided to allow sensitive determination of the amount product remaining in the dispenser. The holder has a curvilinear or partly curvilinear circumference, and holds the dispenser so that the center of mass of the dispenser and the product it contains is at a predetermined optimum location relative to the center of mass of the holder. Thus, when the holder is placed on a horizontal surface, the holder can roll along the curvilinear circumference, and the predetermined optimum relationship of the center of mass of the dispenser and the center of mass of the holder causes the holder to come to rest at adequately spaced unique locations on the circumference of the holder depending upon the combined mass of the dispenser and the product it contains.

Abstract: For an indicating device with a pointer, in which the pointer comprises a rotary pointer spindle 2 and a pointer vane 1 arranged radially on the pointer spindle 2, the pointer vane 1 being deflected according to a rotation of the pointer spindle 2, in addition to its ability to pivot as a result of the rotation of the pointer spindle 2, the pointer vane 1 is also rotatable about the axis 13 of its radial extent and the pointer vane 1 has at least two boundary surfaces 11a, 11b or 12a, 12b and 12c which can be distinguished from one another in their appearance.

Abstract: A dispensing spoon comprising a handle, a scoop having an open mouth formed at one end of the handle, a powder leveling means in the form of a wiper part which is coupled integrally and flexibly to an opposite end of the handle remote from the scoop and which can be displaced manually in a sweep plane so as to sweep laterally over the mouth of the scoop for powder leveling purposes, and a counter which is automatically advanced by operation of the powder leveling means. The counter includes a counter disc having a plurality of numbers around its surface and is arranged to be indexed by one number when the wiper part is displaced to sweep over the scoop mouth to perform a powder leveling operation. The counter disk is journalled on the wiper part or the handle for rotation in a plane parallel to the sweep plane of the wiper part so that the numbers are displayed upwardly. The counter disc has on its underside a ratchet wheel having a plurality of teeth.

Abstract: A mailbox delivery indicator for a standard rural mailbox signals to a resident when the mail carrier has been to his mailbox. When the mailbox door is opened, an actuator arm extends and pushes an active signaling element, causing it to fall by gravity to a hanging position below the mailbox. Once the active signaling element has fallen, a passive signaling element is exposed for remote observation. The active signaling element in the hanging position together with exposure of the passive signaling element indicate to the resident that the mail carrier has been by his mailbox. At this time, the resident can check his mailbox without wasting a trip to the mailbox. After the resident checks his mail, he closes the door and resets the active signaling element to the covering position.

Abstract: In a pointer instrument (1), a pointer drive (3) is used to deflect a pointer (4) arranged on a supporting element (2). The supporting element (2) is shaped essentially like a circular ring and is mounted by bearing points (7) equally distributed over its circumference. The central area of the pointer instrument (1) is therefore free of apertures and, as a result, permits the arrangement of a display (9), for example an LCD display, which can be read irrespective of the angular position of the pointer (4).

Abstract: A method of supporting first and second indicators for a bicycle is provided, which involves mounting an indicator holder to a mounting portion of the bicycle; slidably supporting a first housing of the first indicator on the indicator holder for sliding adjustment along a first longitudinal axis of the indicator holder; and slidably supporting a second housing of the second indicator on the indicator holder for sliding adjustment along a second longitudinal axis that is parallel to the first longitudinal axis on a second surface of the indicator holder. In one embodiment, the step of mounting the indicator holder includes mounting the indicator holder on a handlebar that forms the mounting portion of the bicycle.

Abstract: An apparatus which measures the body weight of an individual, comprising a platform for supporting the individual to be weighed; a plurality of sensors disposed within the platform for sensing a force exerted on the platform indicative of the weight of the individual and generating an analog signal proportional to the sensed force; electronic means for combining the analog signals from the plurality of sensors to form a combined electronic signal indicative of the weight of the individual; a processor for generating a digital signal based on the electronic signal for driving an electro mechanical actuator for displaying the measured body weight on a display device, the display device comprising a graduated dial having at least one concentrically arranged scale and a rotatable pointer, the pointer driven in rotation by the actuator according to the processor to a position on the graduated dial which corresponds to the measured body weight of the individual.

Abstract: A gear indicator for a bicycle that includes first and second control cables connected to first and second shift actuators, respectively. The gear indicator includes a housing mounted onto the control cables. The housing is spaced apart from the shift actuators and is not attached to the handlebars. First and second pulleys are disposed in the housing and are rotatable by a displacement of the first and second control cables, respectively. First and second gear display elements are movable in response to the rotation of the first and second pulleys. The first and second display elements indicate the currently selected gears of the bicycle.

Abstract: For an indicating device with a pointer, in which the pointer comprises a rotary pointer spindle 2 and a pointer vane 1 arranged radially on the pointer spindle 2, the pointer vane 1 being deflected according to a rotation of the pointer spindle 2, it is proposed that, in addition to its ability to pivot as a result of the rotation of the pointer spindle 2, the pointer vane 1 is also rotatable about the axis 13 of its radial extent and the pointer vane 1 has at least two boundary surfaces 11a, 11b or 12a, 12b and 12c which can be distinguished from one another in their appearance.

Abstract: A display device, in particular for a vehicle, having a pointer which can be actuated by a measuring mechanism for analog representation of measured values, the display device including fixed scale marks which are assigned to the pointer, and a display, arranged in a region over at least part of which the pointer travels, for representing variable information, it being possible to represent scale labeling on the display. In order to reduce the manufacturing costs of the display device and to improve its legibility, the scale marks are arranged outside a display region which can be actuated, and at least one region of the display extends along the scale marks so that it is possible to represent the scale labeling in this region.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument (1) with a translucent dial (8), an illuminated pointer (4) is arranged, out of the viewing direction of a viewer, behind the dial (8) on its rear, inner side (7). The surface of the outer side and/or of the inner side of the dial is reflection-reducing so as to enable the dial to serve the function of a covering glass.

Abstract: A work vehicle including a hitch assembly having a mechanism mounted thereon, with a warning device connected to the mechanism. The warning device comprises a status indicator operatively associated with the mechanism indicates the status of the mechanism by being displayed when the mechanism is in a first condition and not displayed when the mechanism is in a second condition. The warning device of the present invention displays the status indicator when the mechanism is in the unlocked condition and in an offset position. The status indicator of the present invention is not displayed when the mechanism is in the locked condition. As such, the present invention provides a method to actively warn the operator of the work vehicle of the status of the hitch without the operator having to inspect the hitch or dismounting from the cab of the work vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device, in particular for a vehicle, having a pointer, which can be actuated by a measuring mechanism, for the analog representation of measured values, fixed scale marks which are assigned to the pointer, and a display, arranged in a region over at least part of which the pointer travels, for representing variable information, it being possible to represent scale labeling on the display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work vehicle including a hitch assembly having a mechanism mounted thereon, with a warning device connected to the mechanism. The warning device comprises a status indicator operatively associated with the mechanism indicates the status of the mechanism by being displayed when the mechanism is in a first condition and not displayed when the mechanism is in a second condition. The warning device of the present invention displays the status indicator when the mechanism is in the unlocked condition and in an offset position. The status indicator of the present invention is not displayed when the mechanism is in the locked condition. As such, the present invention provides a method for notifying an operator of the status of a mechanism by covering a means for indicating the status of the latch when the latch is locked and exposing the means for indicating the status of the latch when the latch is unlocked.

Abstract: A filter use device is adapted for use with various types of containers, such as, liquid containers for water coolers in which the device includes a cap to be threaded onto an open end of the container, a filter cartridge in the cap which retains a conventional filter and a resilient pawl which is engageable with a disk having an indicator aligned with a slot in the cap and engageable with ratchet teeth to incrementally advance the indicator each time that the cap is threaded onto the end of the container; and when the indicator reaches the end of the slot is shifted to prevent any further advancement of the disk or passage of water through the filter or device and thereby signify the end of the life of the filter and the need for replacement of the filter.

Abstract: An indicator dial preferably for a cooktop intensity indicator includes a base portion having an indicator, a shutter rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion, and an actuator rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion wherein at least one of the actuator and the shutter are rotatable between a retracted position exposing the indicator and an extended position at least partially covering the indicator.

Abstract: A bicycle gear shift indicating device is mounted on a bicycle handlebar which is in turn provided with an operating handle and a control cable. The device comprises a main body, a cable reel, an actuation set, a link member, and a gear shift levels indicator. The main body is provided with a slide portion and a window. The cable reel is rotatably mounted in the main body such that the cable reel is actuated by the operating handle, and that the cable reel is connected with the control cable. The cable reel is provided with an inclined surface. The actuation set has a slide portion, a link portion, an action member, and a spring for urging the action member to press against the inclined surface of the cable reel. The link member is actuated by the actuation set. The gear shift levels indicator is fastened with the link member and provided with a plurality of Arabic numerals designating the gear shift levels and corresponding in location to the window of the main body.

Abstract: A position indicator for a motor drive for actuating a step switch, tap changer, or dipping coil, has a display board having front and back faces and a first circular array of symbols on the front face corresponding to individual switching phases traversed during changeover of the motor drive from one operational position into another neighboring operational position. A first shaft extending through the board centrally of the first array and defining a first axis carries a pointer at the front face rotatable about the first axis through positions aligned with the symbols. A second circular array of symbols on the front face is associated with individual possible stationary operational positions of the step switch, the tap changer, or the dipping coil. A second pointer shaft projecting through the board centrally of the second array and defining a second axis carries a second pointer at the front face rotatable about the second axis through positions aligned with the symbols of the second array.