Abstract: In a bearing arrangement, a rotary shaft has an annular groove opposite a bearing portion so that a part of the annular groove extends outward from the bearing portion, and lubrication oil is disposed between the rotary shaft and the bearing portion.

Abstract: A indicator dial having a plurality of shutters disposed on a base portion and movable between radially retracted and extended positions, an at least partially arcuate visual indicator disposed on the base portion and located radially outwardly of the shutters when the shutters are in the retracted position, a cover portion having a cam groove disposed on a side thereof adjacent the plurality of shutters, a portion of the shutters protruding into the cam groove of the cover portion, the cover portion rotatable relative to the base portion to move the shutters between the retracted and extended positions so that the shutters cover the portions of the light emitting ring when the shutters are in the extended position.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for engaging a first control cable connected to a first bicycle shift control device and for engaging a second control cable connected to a second bicycle shift control device. The indicator includes a housing; a handlebar attachment member for attaching the housing to a handlebar; a first intermediate member; a first coupling member coupled to the first intermediate member for coupling the first intermediate member for movement with the first control cable; and a separate first indicating member viewable from outside the housing, wherein the first indicating member engages the first intermediate member so that movement of the first intermediate member causes movement of the first indicating member.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a compact, low-cost, rotary control knob assembly, including: an indicator portion having disposed thereon indicia representing selectable settings of the control knob assembly; a knob portion disposed over the indicator portion, such that the indicia are contained within a perimeter-defined area of the knob portion; and an indicator opening defined through the knob portion, which indicator opening is selectively alignable with ones of the indicia by rotation of the knob portion with respect to the indicator portion.

Abstract: A valve position indicator for visually indicating the open or closed position of a valve from a distance and from various angles includes a support; a hollow, elongated member rotatably mounted on the support; and an indicator member having indicia thereon representative of a valve-open position and a valve-closed position, the indicator member adjustably connected within the elongated member for selectively displaying either the valve-open or the valve-closed indicium.

Abstract: A magnetic field indicator mounts to an MRI system to indicate the presence of the polarizing magnetic field. An indicator wheel is mounted to a frame and is rotatable between an energized orientation in which a red colored region is seen through a window and a de-energized orientation in which a green region is aligned with the window. A weight biases the indicator wheel in the de-energized orientation and a ferrous rod rotates the wheel to its energized orientation when the polarizing field is present.

Abstract: An indicator providing visual information of the level of bulk material in a bin has rotatable visual members with bright and dark colored surfaces covered with a transparent lens. A actuator located within the bin is operatively coupled to the visual members to turn the visual member to an ON position exposing the bright colored surface to a person when bulk material engages the actuator and to an OFF position exposing the dark colored surface to a person when the actuator is free of bulk material whereby the person can determine the level of the bulk material in the bin. The visual members are also provided with a device that triggers a sensor that activates a remote indicator providing data as to the level of bulk material in the bin.

Abstract: A handle for a catheter, comprising a marking arrangement using index markings which can be read through a window. The window is arranged on the handle, and the index markings are carried by an embossed wheel pivoting on an axis perpendicular to the axis of the catheter.

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. The number of rachet teeth may be varied in accordance with the number of containers with which the filter is to be used.

Abstract: An avionics display (10) for use in an aircraft navigation system including a navigation receiver. The avionics display (10) includes a needle (12) for indicating the position, heading, glide slope or other navigational parameter of the aircraft and a stepper motor (14) coupled with the needle and responsive to the navigation receiver for driving the needle in response to the navigation signals received by the receiver. The stepper motor drives the needle at a much higher torque than prior art displays and is therefore less sensitive to contaminates and magnetic interference and is less fragile.

Abstract: A removably attachable automatic squeeze bottle utilization cycle counting device comprises a squeeze bottle, a nozzle, a removable nozzle cap for isolating the nozzle from the outside environment and a hinged mechanism which attaches onto the squeeze bottle and nozzle in a removable manner. This mechanism locates the nozzle cap relative to the nozzle and indicates the number of times the nozzle cap has been removed or replaced in a given cycle. The mechanism comprises upper and lower clips for removably attaching the mechanism to the bottle and nozzle cap, a rotatable part, a set of symbols, an indicator and mechanical means for indexing the rotatable part. Each time the nozzle cap is removed, or each time it is replaced, the rotatable part is automatically indexed to the next sequential position.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument display disposed in a panel in front of a driver's seat, wherein at least one scale plate of a plurality of instrument display devices is made of a colored or colorless transparent or transluscent material, whereby the internal mechanism of the display devices can be readily observed.

Abstract: A fan speed indicator is provided including a conventional fan with a pull cord adapted to change a speed at which the fan is running upon being pulled. Further provided is mechanical mechanism for mechanically indicating the speed at which the fan is currently running.

Abstract: A vessel for filtering liquids includes a container and a receptacle for the liquid to be filtered, with a filtering device between the receptacle and the container. A lid is removably fitted to the container for the purpose of easy access to the container. A counting device is associated with the lid and is automatically activated by the removal of the lid for detecting and counting the occasions on which access is gained to the container by removing the lid.

Abstract: An end-of-life indicator comprising a housing having a chamber therein and attachable to the water treatment device, a diaphragm disposed within the chamber, a rotatable cap having indicia disposed thereon adapted to cooperate with the housing, a spring device for rotating the cap with respect to the housing, an escapement device for regulating the rotational displacement of the cap and means for resetting the cap to a start position. The chamber is arranged for the ingress of water into the water treatment device to pressurize the chamber and the egress of water from the water treatment device to depressurize the chamber, the ingress and egress of water defining one fill cycle. The diaphragm is arranged to be moved by the pressurizing and depressurizing of the chamber. The escapement device are arranged to cooperate with the diaphragm and the spring device whereby predetermined incremental rotation of the cap is provided during each of the fill cycles.

Abstract: A fault indicator for use in conjunction with a load-break elbow connector includes a resilient mounting collar which wraps around the body of the fault indicator at a location overlying the arc-suppressing non-conductive margin between the electrically conductive sheath and the connecting end of the connector. An electrically conductive layer on the inside surface of the collar capacitively couples the circuitry of the fault indicator to the conductor within the connector to provide operating power to the fault indicator. A ground connection is provided by a second conductive layer on the collar which contacts the grounded connector sheath, or by a spring contact which extends from the fault indicator to the sheath. A voltage indicator is also disclosed using the same collar and capacitive coupling to the monitored conductor.

Abstract: A cassette with an end of ribbon indicator or mark in accordance with the present invention includes a spool for storing the useable ribbon, a pair of end hubs, and at least one end of ribbon mark. One of the end hubs is connected to each end of the spool. Each of the end hubs has an inner surface facing the spool which includes the end of ribbon mark. The mark indicates how much usable ribbon is left on the spool. Preferably, the marks comprise a plurality of concentric rings centered around an axis extending along the length of the center of the spool.

Abstract: A gauge assembly for a vehicle instrument cluster is provided. The gauge assembly includes a plate member and a pointer assembly that is rotatable relative to the plate member about a first axis. The pointer assembly includes a pointer cap having an internal surface and a pointer arm fixed relative to the cap. A driven surface is provided on at least a portion of the internal surface of the cap. The gauge assembly further includes a motor having a drive shaft. A driver is coupled to the drive shaft for drivingly engaging the driven surface of the pointer cap and rotating the pointer assembly.

Abstract: A speed indicator for bicycles for indicating the shifting action of the bicycle and a speed sign at each state of shift includes a driving wheel driven by a takeup reel of a shifting device, a resilient strip driven by the driving wheel, and a track along which the resilient strip may displace. When the resilient strip displaces along the track, a shift sign pre-formed on the resilient strip may be shown through an indicating element provided on the track. The resilient strip may be adapted for use in vertically or horizontally oriented tracks of any construction, and their assembly is easy. The driving wheel further includes a compensation mechanism for ensuring clear indication of the indicated sign on the resilient strip.

Abstract: A gauge includes a transparent pointer driven through gears by a stepper motor offset from the pointer axis. An output gear on the pointer axis is transparent and has a first hub supporting the pointer and a second hub aligned with a lamp, so that light is passed through the output gear to the pointer. The first hub has retention pads molded onto its side. The pointer has a tubular sleeve with axial slots to allow expansion and has retention ribs which ride over the pads upon assembly and snap over the pads to secure the pointer in an axially fixed position. The sleeve also has tapered axial ribs which slide between the pads during assembly to angularly orient the pointer.

Abstract: An on-vehicle display apparatus includes an analog meter mounted with a display surface facing downwardly within a meter hood of an instrument panel of a vehicle. A reflector is disposed below the meter to reflect a display image of the analog meter through an opening of the instrument panel into a driver's eyes so that the driver views a virtual image of the analog meter behind the reflector. The on-vehicle display includes a movement which has a rotating shaft and is positioned such that the movement is above the display surface. A pointer shaft rotatably is eccentric with the rotating shaft and is supported by a bearing. The pointer shaft has a pointer attached to a distal end thereof projecting below the display surface. The pointer angularly moves over the display surface together with the pointer shaft. A rotation transmitting means is provided between the rotating shaft and the pointer shaft for transmitting rotation of the rotating shaft to the pointer shaft.

Abstract: An automotive instrument cluster has closely spaced face plate and circuit board and a compact gauge including a housing mounted on the side of the circuit board facing the face plate. A light conducting pointer has a two-part snap-together hub extending into the gauge housing and an end face adjacent surface mount LEDs on the circuit board for direct pointer illumination. A gear on the hub is driven by another gear on a stepper motor which is offset from the pointer hub. The stepper motor has a permanent magnet armature supported by the housing and the circuit board, and surface mount electromagnets on the circuit board to provide a motor field.

Abstract: A friction device includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the device in response to wear on a friction surface within the device. The adjustment mechanism includes a first cam ring and a second cam ring adjacent the first cam ring. In one embodiment, the first cam ring is adapted for axial, but non-rotational movement with respect to a cover of the friction device, the cover being secured to a driving member for transmitting torque. The second cam ring is adapted for rotational movement with respect to the cover and the first cam ring. The first cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face of the first cam ring. The second cam ring has a plurality of annular ramped surfaces on an axial face opposing the axial face of the first cam ring.

Abstract: A high visibility indicator 12 for fitting to the rotatable drive shaft 11 of a rotary actuator 10 is capable of being rotated from a first position to a second position to indicate corresponding first and second positions of the actuator 10. The indicator 12 has an inner cylindrical member 13 fitted to the shaft 11, an outer cylindrical member 15 secured to the housing 10 of the actuator 10, and a sleeve member 17 interposed between members 13, 15 and drivingly connected to each via pin and slot connections 15A, 19, 14A, 18, which are arranged so that rotary movement of inner member 13 produces axial movement of sleeve member 17. The members 13, 15, 17 have color-coded surfaces arranged such that when the sleeve member 17 is at one end of its axial travel, a first color-coded arrangement is visible and when the sleeve member 17 is at the other end of its axial travel, a second color-coded arrangement is visible.

Abstract: An indicator for a gauge, such as a floor scale. The indicator includes a semi-circular dial and a two-pronged needle indicator that is free to rotate 360.degree. within the gauge with only one of the two prongs being used at a time.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a belt driven rotating agitator is provided with an indicia containing rotating dial, directly driven by one of these moving translating or rotating parts, to thereby indicate a problem or performance goal existent in one of them.

Abstract: An improved use counter for endoscopic instruments is mounted in the ferrule of the distal portion of an endoscopic instrument having separable proximal and distal portions. The counter includes a ratchet wheel having inner and outer teeth and a bimetallic coil having a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end of the bimetallic coil is attached to a hub portion of the ferrule and the free end of the bimetallic coil engages the inner teeth of the ratchet wheel. An inwardly extending tooth in the ferrule engages the outer teeth of the ratchet wheel to prevent backward movement of the ratchet wheel. The outer surface of the ratchet wheel is also provided with incremental indicia viewable through a window in the ferrule. As the bimetallic coil is heated and cooled when the instrument is sterilized, the free end of the coil engages and advances one tooth of the ratchet wheel. Movement of the free end is preferably limited by stops.

Abstract: A thermometer housing of a generally cylindrical configuration is arranged for floating reception within a bathtub, with the thermometer housing including a top wall divided into a first and second semi-annular indicator surface, with an indicator arrow operative through a bi-metallic spring arranged for deflection from the first to the second indicator surface upon bathtub water elevated to a second zone of temperature to be classified as inappropriate for bathing. A stabilizer weight member is mounted to the bottom wall to maintain alignment and emergence of the housing side wall within the associated bathtub body of water.

Abstract: A combination meter has a plurality of indicators for respectively indicating different measured amounts, in which an indicating area is reduced so as to achieve a compact design. Pointers of indicators are formed respectively by light transmitting slits provided respectively on disks. The disks are rotatably mounted in a laminated manner on a shaft concentric with these disks, and the disks are angularly moved respectively by drive sources in accordance with respective measured amounts.

Abstract: A scale indication device includes a character plate having sets of characters printed on a front side thereof such that each set of characters has characters disposed about an eccentric circle having a predetermined radius. A scale plate is disposed adjacent the character plate. The scale plate has a window corresponding to each of the sets of characters such that only one of the characters in each set may be viewed through the window at a time. An eccentric rotation device is mounted on a gearbox and rotates the character plate such that different ones of the characters in each set may be viewed through the window. The rotation device includes a scale switching gear rotatable about an axis, a first engagement device formed on the scale switching gear at a distance from the axis equal to the predetermined radius, and a second engagement device formed on the character plate for rotatably engaging the first engagement device.

Abstract: A position indicator for a shaft rotatable about an axis has a housing fixed adjacent the shaft, a plurality of indicia on the housing angularly equispaced about and radially equispaced from the axis, an eccentric fixed on the shaft and having a periphery that is eccentric to the axis, and an inner indicator plate carried on the periphery of the eccentric, having a periphery with a predetermined rectified length, and formed offset from the axis with an axially throughgoing inner aperture axially alignable with the indicia. A guide fixed on the housing forms a track on which the periphery of the inner indicator plate rides. This track has a predetermined rectified length longer than the rectified length of the periphery of the inner plate so that the indicator plate rolls on the track as the shaft and eccentric rotate. An outer indicator plate fixed on the shaft adjacent the first indicator plate is formed with an axially throughgoing outer aperture axially alignable with the indicia.

Abstract: The device comprises a distributor provided with an operating member for a counting device of doses of fluid associated with a mouth of a container, a ring nut for fastening the distitributor onto the mouth and resilient element suitable for transforming the translatory motion of said operating member with respect to the ring nut in a rotatory and axially reciprocating motion of a rotating and axially translatable element to cause the appearance of a different numerical index provided on the rotating element at an observation position obtained in the control member.

Abstract: A cross coil-shaped indicating instrument includes a cross coil structure in which two coils are wound around a coil bobbin at right angles to each other. The coil structure is electrically charged in correspondence to the amount measured so as to form a composite magnet. A magnet rotor is disposed inside the cross coil structure. The magnet rotor has a center rotary shaft rotatable at a predetermined angle in correspondence to the composite magnetic field. A pointer is fixed to the end of the rotary shaft. In order to press the pointer into an appropriate position with respect to the rotary shaft, a pressure recess is formed in the coil bobbin so that a rod-like fixture can be inserted into the recess, and a stopper projects inside the pressure recess to press against the magnet rotor when the fixture is inserted. The stopper makes the magnet rotor stationary. While the rotary shaft remains stationary, the pointer can be fixed to an predetermined indicating position.

Abstract: An indicating mechanism is described. The mechanism is ideally suited for the indication of time but is also applicable to other indicating functions where changing information must be displayed. The mechanism is composed of a flexible belt bearing indicia and three supportive discs. As the discs are caused to rotate, the belt and any indicia on it will rotate. This rotation will be apparent to users who see or touch the indicia on the belt, thus providing an indicating function. The unique geometry of the belt gives two full circular discoidal surfaces for decoration. Typically only one of these surfaces will be visible to users as the other is disposed directly below it. This arrangement allows times within each 12 hour period in the 24 hour day cycle to be indicated uniquely while maintaining the conventional location of each AM and PM hour's representation of the clock face.

Abstract: A method for detecting tampering with a dial of a utility meter is used with a meter of the type including at least one rotary dial having angularly spaced circumferentially arrayed indicia and an indicator, the indicator and said indicia being relatively rotatable by a gear train having at least one gear which rotates in unison with the dial in operation. The method includes emcoding the gear with a code which corresponds in a predetermined fashion with the indicia of the dial and anotating on the meter a predetermined key to the initial correspondence of the code with the relative position of the dial indicator. The invention extends to an apparatus for carrying out the foregoing method.

Abstract: A movable marking apparatus for marking a supporting surface includes a housing member, wheels rotatably mounted to the housing for engaging the supporting surface and rolling on it, and a handle assembly for controlling the apparatus and actuating the nozzle of a spray can. The apparatus also includes a speed indicating assembly rotatably mounted on the apparatus and connected to a wheel of the apparatus. This assembly has at least one set of indicia disposed in spaced intervals on the assembly. This indicia appears as a solid line when a user moves the apparatus at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A deck box valve operator and position indicator assembly characterized by a sprocket (66) supported by the housing (18) on a plateau (70) adjacent the spindle means (46) and having a plurality of radial forked (74) arms (72) with arcuate peripheries (76) extending between adjacent arms to extend about the circular circumference (78) of the spindle means (46). The spindle means (46) has a concaved recess (80) interrupting its circular circumference in an annular groove extending above the spindle means (46) for receiving the arms (72) of the sprocket (66). A gear train interconnects the sprocket (46) and an indicator ring (62) rotatably disposed in the housing for establishing a ratio between the number of revolutions of the spindle means (46) and the ring indicator (62) means whereby the ring (62) indicates the position of a valve means (12) between open and shut.

Abstract: To unvisualize the mechanical indicating instrument for an automotive vehicle when the ignition switch is turned off, the pointer is covered by a pointer cover below zero indication when the meter is deactivated, or a semitransparent front cover is disposed in front of the dial. In this case, the meter is offset by an offset magnet from a zero position to under the pointer cover when deactivated. On the other hand, to visualize the same instrument, when the ignition switch is turned on, lamps disposed in front and/or back of the dial are illuminated and a colored transparent pointer is illuminated by another or the same lamp in linkage with the ignition switch.

Abstract: There is provided a device useful for adjusting the main sail of a sailboat said device being equipped with apparent wind indicating means and color coded means for indicating desirable position for the boom of said main sail; said device being used alone or in combination with the main sail control sheet having color coded portions or with actual boom position indicating means having color coded sections; said color coded portions and color coded sections coinciding with the color coded desirable boom position indicating means.

Abstract: Deck access box connected to a deck of a ship and to reach rods to operate valves below decks. The deck access box is fixed to the ship's deck. The deck access box includes a spindle connected to the reach rod by a suitable coupling. The top end of the spindle includes a recess used to turn the spindle which in turn operates the valve. The spindle has indicator apparatus coupled to it to show the travel position of the valve. The indicator apparatus includes indicators and a new and improved transmission for regulating the movement of the indicators to provide a uniform, non-intermittent, and continuous position indicator of the valve open-close status. The indicators are adjustable, rotate and travel a circular distance proportionally equal to the travel of the gate or other closing device of the valve, such as a door, gate, plug valve or other device.

Abstract: A chemically activated rotary actuator mechanism is described which reacts to exposure to hydrocarbons such as gasoline and oil to cause a rotor to forcibly rotate from a rest or static position. Spring members load the rotor with compressive forces which act through the rotational axis of the rotor to cause the mechanism to be inherently unstable in the static position. The rotor is rotatably mounted in a body member and constrained from rotation with respect to the body member by means of shear pins which degrade when exposed to hydrocarbons. Rotation of the rotor shaft is utilized in generating an alarm.

Abstract: A pointer instrument movement is disclosed including a chassis of integrally moulded plastic, a pointer shaft rotatably mounted on the chassis, a lifting member, a measured value pickup which converts changes of the measured quantity to a mechanical deflection, a measured value transducer having a rocker connected to said lifting member for converting the mechanical deflection of the measured value pickup into a rotation of the pointer shaft, the rocker being formed integrally with said chassis.

Abstract: A device for attaching a compass assembly to a vehicle body comprising a support rod provided with a ball member on its end, said rod being disposed vertically on the upper surface of the housing of said magnetic needle assembly.

Abstract: Contact lens disinfector unit for sterilizing contact lenses contained within a lens case, wherein the contact lenses are of the type which preferably should be sterilized or disinfected once each day and periodically cleaned after a predetermined number of sterilizing or disinfecting cycles. The heating unit includes a housing in which is disposed a heating block arranged to contact the lens case, and circuit means operatively associated with the heating block and adapted to be coupled to a source of electric potential for utilizing electric current to apply heat to the heating block. The circuit applies the electric current for a sufficient period of time to attain a desired sterilizing temperature within the case, and then terminates the heating cycle allowing the lens case and the contact lenses to cool, thereby completing the overall sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: A tape position indicator embodied in a cassette of the type that incorporates a casing which houses a pair of spools and a magnetic tape extending between the spools. The indicator is associated with at least one of the spools and it incorporates at least one indicia carrying element that moves through a portion of a revolution in response to a predetermined number of revolutions being made by the associated spool during transport of the tape from one of the spools to the other. The indicia carried by the element is displayed through a window in one or the other or both sides of the cassette casing and hence provides for an indication of the number of revolutions made by the cassette spools.

Abstract: A color coding system for correlating the stages of a multiple stage, telescoping boom with the corresponding sections of a load chart and boom extension chart. The charts are arranged in separate sections which indicate, for various positions of the boom, the angle of the boom with respect to horizontal, its effective horizontal moment arm, and the maximum load that it can safely handle. The boom stages are each provided with a different exterior color, and the chart sections are colored such that each section is correlated with the boom stage to which it corresponds. Since the colors of the boom stages that are extended are readily visible, the color coding system facilitates reference to the proper sections of the charts and decreases the possibility of human error in reading of the charts.

Abstract: A signalling device operatively coupled between the side arm or lifting boom of a pipe layer and the frame thereof in a predetermined fixed position such that movement of the signalling device relative to the fixed position, which occurs in response to the operational load, is directly related to the critical or rolling load for any lateral position of the side arm or lifting boom.