Abstract: A user interface (120) for controlling a shower system (100) includes at least one control (140) configured to be actuated by a user and generate one or more signals for controlling an operation of the shower system (100), and at least one indicator light (154) configured to illuminate in different patterns which are matched to different operational stages of the shower system (100). The at least one indicator light (154) may be configured to provide a first light pattern when the shower system (100) is in a first operational stage, and a second light pattern that is different from the first light pattern when the shower system (100) is in a second operational stage. The first operational stage may include when water in the shower system (100) is being warmed to a predetermined temperature, and the second operational stage may include when a temperature of the water has reached the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A golf flagstick assembly includes a ferrule, a first flagstick portion, a second flagstick portion and a connector fitting. The first flagstick portion has a first cross-sectional dimension. The second flagstick portion is separate from the first flagstick portion and has a second cross-sectional dimension. The second flagstick portion is oriented such that an end of the second flagstick portion is disposed toward an end of the first flagstick portion. The connector fitting extends between and operatively connect the first and second flagstick portions. The connector fitting has a fitting cross-sectional dimension that is less than the first cross-sectional dimension of the first flagstick portion and less than the second cross-sectional dimension of the second flagstick portion. Connector fittings and methods of assembly are also included.

Abstract: Methods of making an electronic device and a keyboard are disclosed. One method including providing a flexible film; providing a first electrode underneath the flexible film, the first electrode coupled to a high voltage signal source; providing a second electrode located beneath the first electrode, the second electrode coupled to an input detector; providing a spacer configured to maintain at least a threshold distance between the first electrode and the second electrode; providing a piezoelectric actuator beneath the second electrode, a top surface of the piezoelectric actuator coupled to the second electrode, wherein contact between the first electrode and the second electrode couples the high voltage signal source to the input detector and the piezoelectric actuator; and providing a base plane beneath the piezoelectric actuator, the base plane coupled to a bottom surface of the piezoelectric actuator and a signal ground.

Abstract: A closure for a container has a plurality of indicia such as date and/or time, disposed on the lid's top surface, with a rotary collar which is adjustable to a fixed position to highlight (select) indicia regarding the contents of the container.

Abstract: A manually operated metered dose inhaler includes a dose counter chamber including a dose display tape driven by a ratchet wheel which is driven in turn by an actuator pawl actuated by movement of a canister, the tape unwinding from a stock bobbin during use of the inhaler, a rotation regulator being provided for the stock bobbin and including a wavelike engagement surface with concavities which engage against control elements in the form of protrusions on resilient forks of a split pin thereby permitting incremental unwinding of the stock bobbin yet resisting excessive rotation if the inhaler is dropped onto a hard surface.

Abstract: A counting device includes a shaft, a handle affixed to a first end of the shaft, and a locking unit mounted in the handle spaced from the shaft. A locking plate has an opening for accommodating the shaft. The locking plate has a plurality of recesses facing the locking unit for cooperating with the locking unit. A position indicating assembly is coupled to the shaft to move as the handle is rotated. The recesses are arranged in a circular pattern on the locking plate such that the locking unit engages each recess as the handle is rotated around the shaft. The recesses are configured to permit one-way rotation of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lid for a container holding a flowable substance which comprises a mounting portion to be attached to the container and an opening to remove the flowable substance from the container, whereas the opening is opened and closed by means of a slider which is connected to the lid and rotates around a vertical axis.

Abstract: Illustrated guide for the identification of organisms in the field comprising at least one sheet (23) whereupon has been printed a plurality of images (14) of organisms that are encountered in the field and a corresponding plurality of marking mechanisms (16) arranged adjacently to each one of the images (14), each marking mechanism (16) comprising a movable member (28) supplied with a pointer (19) that is being shifted by the user during his visit in the field in order to indicate through pointing at an indication (21) characteristic of the presence of the specific organism in the field, such mechanisms thereby being employed for the recordal and storage of the observations of the user relating to those organisms depicted in the illustrated guide for which the adjacently arranged marking mechanisms (16) have been shifted to point at the indication (21).

Abstract: A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.

Abstract: A passenger reminder system for reminding a driver-caregiver, upon exiting a vehicle, that a passenger remains in the vehicle. Embodiments of the passenger reminder system generally comprise one or more straps or other barriers used to connect a driver's seat belt to the interior of the driver side front door. When the driver's door is open, the strap of the passenger reminder system extends from the seat belt to the interior of the driver's door, impeding the driver-caregiver from exiting the car. This hindrance reminds the driver-caregiver that another passenger is onboard and prompts the removal of the passenger.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking time for contact lenses is provided. The timer is configured to track a time that one or more contact lenses have been stored in a contact lens case. A securing mechanism is configured to secure the timer to a cap of the contact lens case.

Abstract: An easy pill intake reminder that screws on the top of a container for articles such as medications and or vitamins in the form of pills, caplets, capsules, and or tablets and which serves as a cap there on, is surmounted by a cylinder housing a number of wedge shaped buttons marking a periodic time frame such as the days of the week all arrayed around a central circular button. Each wedge shape button can be lowered individually to mark a respective period of time such as a day, and stays lowered until the central button is pushed down. The lowering of the central button resets the surrounding wedge buttons to their upper position and thereby enabling the users to repeat the process.

Abstract: A reminder device for an automotive vehicle has a hand pivotally attached to a base which is attached to the driver's side door of the vehicle. The reminder device is positioned in a manner so that the hand pivots outwardly upon opening of said door into a position such that a finger of the hand interferes with closing of the door.

Abstract: A manipulative for modeling quantitative concepts, said manipulative comprising a flat, marking surface, said marking surface having a linear track with a defined start and end point representing a quantity to be measured therebetween, and a plurality of loose articles which can be placed upon the track representing segments of said quantity to be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a silent signal to a waiter/waitress that one of service is required and service is not required. The apparatus comprises a base member and an upper member. Such base member is colored red and such upper member is colored green. When the red base member is on top it is a signal to the waiter/waitress that service is not needed. When the apparatus is turned over so that the green color is on top it is a signal to the waiter/waitress that service is needed. The apparatus further includes a light to make the apparatus more visible.

Abstract: A nursing cuff that can be moved easily back and forth from the right to left wrist as a result of its contractible nature and a permanent opening, allowing the nursing mother to keep track of which breast she last used to feed her baby. The cuff is made of a durable, waterproof, non-toxic material and expands and contracts to conform to the nursing mother's wrist. The cuff also serves as a baby massager, which calms both baby and mother before, during, and after feedings.

Abstract: A deer attractant includes: an expandable visual indicator; and a cover adapted to slide over the visual indicator. The device is transitionable between a first state and a second state, so that when the device is in the first state, the cover compresses and encloses the visual indicator, and when the device is in the second state, the visual indicator is expanded and exposed, thereby attracting the animal. The visual indicator is a compressible bellows that urges itself to expand when not compressed by the cover. The device includes a vocal call that produces an audio signal when the device transitions from the first state into the second state.

Abstract: A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.

Abstract: A testing apparatus (100) for testing the position of a decorative piece (36) on a shell (32) includes a seat (10) and a board (20). A receiving space (144) is defined in the seat for receiving the shell. A measuring hole (22) defined in the board. The board is configured for engaging with the seat. The decorative piece is visible through the measuring hole when the board is attached to the seat. A pattern is disposed on the decorative piece. If the pattern is wholly visible through the measuring hole, the annular decorative piece is positioned correctly. If the pattern is not wholly visible through the measuring hole, the annular decorative piece is not positioned correctly.

Abstract: An assured grounding identifier includes a base unit connectable to an electrical cord, one or more indicators selectively adjustably mounted to the base unit and having colored regions, and a cover with one or more viewing windows aligned with the indicators. An assured grounding identifier includes a housing with a viewing window and a slot mountable around an electrical cord, an indicator having a plurality of colored regions disposed between the housing and the cord, and a tab extending from the indicator through the slot for positioning the indicator to align a selected colored region with the viewing window. An assured grounding identifier includes one or more indicators having a plurality of translucent color coded segments and an indicator light aligned with a viewing window to illuminate through the translucent color coded segments.

Abstract: A rolled product of contiguous separable sheets having at least one indicium to permit visual location of the end of the roll. The rolled product comprises at least a first and second contiguous separable sheet of product wound around an axis, forming a cylindrical roll, each sheet having an outer edge positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical roll. At least the first and second contiguous separable sheet of product has at least one indicium that bears a predetermined relationship when the first sheet is the outer most sheet of the rolled product. The predetermined relationship is such that a discontinuity of the indicium is likely to be formed between the outer edges of sheets marked with the indicium and the portion of the indicium which lies directly beneath the outer edge of the sheets. The rolled product can include sheets of contiguous separable product having multiple indicium.

Abstract: A fluid container includes a vessel for holding a fluid, a marker element, and a scale element. The scale element has a scale for indicating a total quantity of the fluid. The marker element and the scale element are adjustable relative to each other to enable an adding up of amounts of fluid and thereby indicate the total quantity of the fluid. The marker element and the scale element are held together by magnetic force and may be detached from each other.

Abstract: The invention is for a memory assist device with an indicia field to indicate a number. The memory assist device includes at least two filaments extending between internal walls of the memory assist device to form an indicia field. The memory assist device also includes clips selectively clamped on the filaments to indicate the number. In one embodiment, the memory assist device has a loop portion for attachment to a key chain when using the memory assist device to indicate a floor on which a user has parked his car in a parking garage. In other embodiments, the memory assist device has a first numerical label to associate a numerical expression with a particular clip. In still other embodiments, the memory assist device has a second numerical label to indicate the position of the clips within the indicia field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication management system that is simple, reliable and extremely easy to use. It comprises a label having a plurality of raised tabs that are depressed upon taking a medication to provide a tactile and a visual record of medication use. It can be secured to the medication container, and thus is not subject to being misplaced or forgotten. The system can be integrated with a pharmacy's computerized pharmaceutical record and prescription label printing system or it can be a stand-alone paste-on label. Alternatively, it can be used in combination with blister packs to dispense medication while maintaining a record of use. The label can be in the form of an overlay, which is placed over a preprinted container or a container having a prescription label. The use of a pressure sensitive releasable adhesive permits the removal of the overlay label in the event that is it necessary to read information on the underlying label.

Abstract: A bookmark (40) consisting of two alterable open book icons (30) (60) plus an adjustable highlighting device (24). Bookmark (40) provides for marking books with both single column pages and double column pages. Markings are made to a quarter of the text on a page and to a quarter of the text on a column. Paragraphs and sentences of five lines or more may also be marked. The markings will be retained even if bookmark (40) were to fall out on opening the book. Under normal usage, a single line-of-text can be marked. The bookmark (40) is usable in both soft-cover books and larger hard-cover books.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to control a plumbing fixture, such as a whirlpool, that has electrically operated components. The apparatus has a dial that is moveable by the user into a plurality of positions to select a function of the plumbing fixture to be controlled. A unique sensor arrangement detects motion and the direction of the motion and provides a signal to a controller that changes the valve of a pointer that designates which function is presently selected. The user then presses a keypad to indicate whether the selected function is to be activated or deactivated and to control the intensity of the selected function. The signals from the keypad also are applied to the controller.

Abstract: A medicine minder has an elastic band capable of detachable attachment to a conventional medical prescription bottle. An indicator is connected to the elastic band and has a first side, a second side, a first indicia indicating medicine needs to be taken, and a second indicia indicating medicine has been taken. A band hook and loop fastener is connected to the elastic band. A first side hook and loop fastener is connected to the indicator first side detachable mount end. A second side hook and loop fastener is connected to the indicator second side detachable mount end.

Abstract: Emitter controller including a controller, and a power amplifier, the controller being connected to a power source, the power amplifier being connected to the controller, the power source and to an emitter, the controller providing a pulse sequence to the power amplifier for operating the emitter, the controller determining the pulse sequence according to an available power voltage level.

Abstract: A thermostat reading enhancer is provided which includes an enhancer body adapted to be positioned adjacent a thermostat. The enhancer body can have at least portions thereof abuttingly contacting a mounting surface and retained in a position between the thermostat and the mounting surface or retained in a positioned adjacent the thermostat. The enhancer body also has substantially larger enhancer indicia than indicia on the adjacent thermostat visibly displayed on a surface thereof. The enhancer indicia align with the thermostat indicia in such a way that the enhancer indicia correspond directly to thermostat controls and settings. Methods of retrofitting an existing thermostat, installing and using a thermostat with enhanced reading are also provided.

Abstract: In order to provide a visible indication of loosening of a nut or a bolt relative to another member to which it is threadably engaged, a rotation indicator assembly comprises a first element, which is permanently secured to the nut or bolt and a second element which is adapted to be releasably and non-rotatably mounted in or on the first element, e.g. by interengagement with teeth in any chosen rotational position, and incorporates means, such as pointer, for indicating its rotational position relative to a fixed reference. The first element may take the form of an insert, an integral formation, or an external fitment. The fixed reference may be provided by an independently mounted marker secured by the nut or bolt.

Abstract: A safety device includes a material, and a cone holding the material and having an opening from which the material can be dispensed. The material can have absorbent properties and/or can be configured to warn of a hazard by displaying cautionary information. A hazard can be addressed by providing the cone containing the material within an area prone to hazards, and, after a hazard is created within the area, removing material from the cone and placing the material on the hazard.

Abstract: A positioning-sounding device for a card puller, it generates a sound when an inserting and extracting member (an extended card) in the card puller is inserted in position to make sure that the member has been in position. Wherein, a sounding device is mounted in a slide groove of an insertion seat and has a slide block and an elastic element both can slide in the slide groove; thereby, when the inserting and extracting member is moved inwardly of a channel of the insertion seat, it drives the slide block inwardly to compress the elastic element. When the inserting and extracting member is in position, the slide block is abutted against and is released from the inserting and extracting member and is elastically restored to its original position by the elastic element to collide with the inner wall of the slide groove indicating that the inserting and extracting member is surely inserted in position.

Abstract: A personal identification method and system for improving personal hygiene in which provision is made for identifying a beverage, food product, or the like, with a particular person so that another person does not inadvertently access the identified item unintentionally. Identifying indicia such as numbers or alphabetical letters are selectable and conditioned by the user to be prominently displayed on the item so as to identify it with the individual involved. For necked beverage containers, in one embodiment, a re-usable snap-on display device, or assembly, is configured to snap onto the neck of the container; in another embodiment, the existing conventional cap-attaching ring is modified to include alpha-numeric indicia and/or to receive a cooperating indicia-indicating display element.

Abstract: A hand-down indicator for aiding a football official in tracking play of an American-style football game including a pocket for holding and storing accessory items which may be easily accessed by the official during the game is provided. The down indicator also preferably includes an elastic wristband configured to be wrapped around the official's wrist, and a finger loop extending from the wristband. The pocket may be positioned on an inside surface of the wristband, or on an outside surface of the wristband and is sized to house the accessory items. In one embodiment, the pocket may include a flap for covering the open end of the pocket. In another embodiment, a cleat checking device which may be used by the official to check the size of a player's cleats during the game is removably supported within the pocket. The cleat checking device may also be attached to the finger loop to provide easy access thereto and to prevent misplacement of the cleat checking device.

Abstract: A human subject signals his personal attitude characteristic to others by placing one of a red cube, yellow sphere or green tetrahedron in a more prominent position that the other objects. The cube and tetrahedron respectively include an upper face and a base with indentations formed as sectors of a sphere having the same radius of curvature as the sphere. The sphere can be stably placed in the cube indentation and the tetrahedron indentation can be stably placed on the sphere.

Abstract: A bicycle warning device is capable of providing a turning or braking signal and is mounted on the bicycle such that the main body of the warning device faces the front and the rear of the bicycle. The main body is provided with at least two groups of reflector-type display pieces which are of a strip like construction and arranged alternately in rows. The display pieces are provided with symbols capable of forming in combination to indicate the turning direction or the braking action of the bicycle in motion. The display pieces are colored to enhance the warning effect of the device and are capable of being driven by the pull rods to displace up and down. The effects of the left-turn signalling, the right-turn signalling and the braking signalling are attained by the alternate and reciprocating motions of the display pieces.

Abstract: The combination of a bottle used to contain pharmaceutical products such as capsules, pills, tablets, caplets, gelcaps or the like and a permanent indicia system having a plurality of indicators operated sequentially by an irreversible physical act producing a permanent dosage recording indicator, the exposure of a plurality of said indicators showing a cumulative dosage record.

Abstract: A device is described for reminding a patient suffering from ailments such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels, who performs daily blood tests, of the site of the last blood extraction, in the case where blood is drawn from one or more sites of each finger of the hands. The invention includes two disks, each having an inner face and an outer face, the inner face containing a representation of the opposite hand from the other. On each disk finger holes are punched in the vicinity of the fingers to represent the sites where blood is drawn. On the inner face of each disk is a red marker area which may be displayed under the finger hole on the opposite disk, corresponding to the last site where blood was drawn. When the user progresses from one hand to the other in his testing regime, the device is flipped over, and the outside face of the other disk is used to display the status of the site where blood has been drawn on a representation of the hand currently used.

Abstract: A medicinal recording device is provided which is placed directly upon a patient's medication container. The device consists of at least one strip having a plurality of indicia on raised or recessed detents. The indicia correspond to days and dosages. The patient slides a tab attached to the strip along the strip to the marked button corresponding to the day the medication is taken and/or the number of the dose taken. The tab engages the strip adjacent the selected indicia to releasably lock the tab in position and to prevent unintended sliding of the tab.

Abstract: A display with rearrangeable characters, for instance for price display at sales points, has a front plate with recesses for mounting rearrangeable digital, rod-shaped elements in the plate and displaying digital characters. A removable rear or locking plate is affixed to the plate. In their unlocked position, the elements are rotatable in the front plate about a transverse axis in each recess for the display of a desired digital character. Each element is self-locking in its resting position and secured so as to avoid further rotation in this position by the rear plate, thus together with adjacent elements showing the desired character as an unbroken whole.

Abstract: Medical device having a counter for recording usage. A medical tool is provided having a proximal extremity. The tool having a collar fixed thereto and a cap. The cap includes a part which requires replacement and/or cleaning for each use of the tool. A detent assembly is carried by the cap and the collar and includes a rotatable counter wheel and a mechanism for causing advancement of the counter wheel from one number to the next number when the cap is separated from the collar so that the counter wheel is advanced by one increment each time the cap is removed and/or replaced on the collar to give an indication of the number of times that the device has been used.

Abstract: Medical device having a counter for recording usage. A medical tool is provided having a proximal extremity. The tool having a collar fixed thereto and a cap. The cap includes a part which requires replacement and/or cleaning for each use of the tool. A detent assembly is carried by the cap and the collar and includes a rotatable counter wheel and a mechanism for causing advancement of the counter wheel from one number to the next number when the cap is separated from the collar so that the counter wheel is advanced by one increment each time the cap is removed and/or replaced on the collar to give an indication of the number of times that the device has been used.

Abstract: A display and seat cushion for use at arenas, stadiums, and the like, has a generally hand-shaped foam polymer member having a plurality of finger portions thereon and a ductile frame extending through the foam polymer member plurality of finger portions so that the foam finger portions can be shaped as desired. A fabric covering covers the foam polymer member and a glove compartment is formed in the foam polymer member for hand holding the display. The foam polymer member is shaped and sized to act as a stadium cushion as well as a hand-held display having changeable, positionable finger portions.

Abstract: A numerical device (10) for recording and display of individual numbers, symbols and other indicia. The display can incorporate an infinite number of indicia in rows, columns and the like to represent thousands, hundreds, tens, and single digits and the like. The normal length of each column would be up to a maximum of ten numbers. The numerals are encapsulated in a plastic containment housing (12) having chambers which contain a fluid. By depressing a particular number at a particular location, the fluid is displaced from that location and the contrasting color at the rear of the liquid containment area becomes visible after the opaque liquid has been displaced from that particular location. Each column of numbers, e.g., tens, hundreds etc. would be separately contained on, or adjacent to, one common fluid access compartment. Adjacent numeral chambers are joined by a connecting tube (32). The device (10) would normally be overcovered with an overlay membrane-(54) of paper or the like.

Abstract: A device for preventing inadvertent headlight illumination includes a first panel for securing the device to an interior surface of a vehicle. A second panel is attached to the first panel and is movable with respect thereto for exposing a warning legend. The warning legend is disposed on one or both of the panels and is exposed to the view of the operator when the second panel is moved. The warning device also includes a motor vehicle door from within the vehicle. A cavity is formed in the door and a panel is received in the cavity. The panel is movable from a repose position to a warning position in which it also interferes with access to the interior door handle.

Abstract: A reminder device attached to an umbrella that can be removed from the umbrella and stored in a conspicuous position when the umbrella is removed by a person using the umbrella or carrying the umbrella for later use. The reminder device reminds the umbrella user that the umbrella should be returned to its normally stored position when the user returns to the area in which the umbrella is normally stored to enable the umbrella user to retrieve the umbrella in the event it has been forgotten and not returned to its normally stored position. The reminder device is a panel having magnetic properties to enable it to be attached to the exterior of a vehicle door adjacent the door handle and lock assembly with the panel being detachably connected to the normally provided retaining strap on an umbrella so that the panel can be separated from the umbrella and mounted on the vehicle door when a person leaves an automobile and carries the umbrella to a destination.

Abstract: A telescoping container structure which comprises a plurality of pieces which may be temporarily secured to one another and shipped in a flat form, and a method of manufacturing the same. When assembled, the pieces of the container telescope relative to one another and may be secured to one another at any position to create a container of infinitely variable volume.

Abstract: A device for preventing inadvertent headlight illumination includes a first panel for securing the device to an interior surface of a vehicle. A second panel is attached to the first panel and is moveable with respect thereto for exposing a warning legend. The warning legend is disposed on one or both of the panels and is exposed to the view of the operator when the second panel is moved. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A door sign device includes an actuator mounted on the inner door surface of a door that has inner and outer door surfaces so that a user can move the actuator between first and second actuator positions, and a follower mounted on the outer door surface so that the follower can be move between first and second follower positions that each correspond to a respective one of the first and second actuator positions. Coupling components are included for coupling the actuator to the follower magnetically so that the follower follows actuator movement, and indicator components responsive to the follower being in the first follower position indicate that a predetermined sign applies.

Abstract: Stock price tracking apparatus includes a base having at least one side; a chart removably mounted on each side and each chart including a first scale and a second scale; a lever associated with each side for monitoring a stock price to determine when to sell or retain a stock, each lever removably and pivotally mounted on the respective side along the first scale at a selected position corresponding to a stop loss setting, each lever including a pointer for pointing to a second stock price along the second scale as the lever is pivoted on the base about the selected position, and a channel extending along each lever; a retaining spring for releasably retaining each lever in a selected pivoted position; and a ball movable in each channel between a first position when the second stock price is above the stop loss setting and a second position when the second stock price is not greater than the stop loss setting for indicating when to sell or retain the stock.