Abstract: An electronic control for a range including a control panel with a display surface, at least one control, and a display module. The display surface is substantially reflective, but allows transmission of light from an inside to an outside of the range. The display module includes an augmentation element to illuminate a display and transmit the illuminated display through the display surface. The display module can be disposed at an angle to the display surface. The display surface mimicking the surrounding material to allow the display surface to blend into the surface of the display module, with the surface being illuminated through designed to be camouflaged into the background. The at least one control can be a knob, a button, or a series of buttons or knobs. The display can provide function status of an item in the range.

Abstract: An occupancy indicator for a door, and a method of use, one embodiment comprising a magnet a switching apparatus activatable by a person, a signaling device adapted to indicate one of at least two states, and a biasing mechanism. One embodiment may not be comprised of a magnet but may be comprised of a bolt assembly having a plurality of biasing mechanisms. The magnet or bolt assembly, switching apparatus, signaling device, and biasing mechanism are operatively coupled to automatically provide a signaling device state upon the door opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage identification system, including a first beverage identification element positionable about a beverage container; and a second beverage identification element wearable on a person, where the first and second beverage identification elements are visually substantially identical to one another. Each of the first and second beverage identification elements may define a ring-shaped body, and the first and second identification elements may be elastic. In addition, each of the first and second beverage identification elements may be the same color, and/or each of the first and second beverage identification elements may have substantially identical patterns thereon. Further, the first and second beverage identification elements may be removably coupled to each other.

Abstract: An indicating device includes an indicator housing member having a first circumferential wall defining an interior surface and a substantially circumferential cavity having a longitudinal axis. An engagement member is formed on the interior surface and a viewing window is formed through the first wall. An indicator member has a second circumferential wall with an exterior surface having dosage indicia and a bottom rim. The indicator member is rotatably mounted within the indicator housing member about the longitudinal axis and interiorly of the substantially circumferential cavity with at least a portion of the dosage indicia being progressively visible through the viewing window as the indicator member is rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the indicator housing. The bottom rim of the indicator member is supported by the engagement member.

Abstract: A radio-interrogable data storage medium having a carrier in which electric components are embedded, and a component for optically signaling a previously assumed operating state. Also, a method for operating the radio-interrogable data storage medium, including the steps of the data storage medium assuming various operating states, and optically signaling at least one previously assumed operating state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a step-by-step mechanism, particularly for hand-held devices for the portioned delivery of medicaments to be inhaled, comprising a graduated collar, which can be moved during an actuation stroke and which encircles the center axis of the housing. In order to provide a step-by-step mechanism of the aforementioned type with a more reliable operation while, in a spatially advantageous manner, having a simplified design, the invention provides that the switching finger(s) are permitted to slope upward from a hub located in the center.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a pop-top can having a pull-tab activated opening member is comprised of a label, an adhesive backing and identifying indicia. The label is sized and shaped such that it has two generally circular sections joined by a neck. The circular sections fit the contour of the free end of the pull-tab. The neck and the circular sections are shaped to allow the label to become affixed to the pull-tab by the mating of the adhesive surfaces of each circular section to each other through an opening in the pull-tab. The identifying indicia, which may be a colored surface or typographical characters, distinguish one apparatus from another. A pop-top can is identified by affixing an apparatus to the pull-tab of the can.

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

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of metered dosages that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes a base member adapted to be mounted to the container and a cap member moveably connected to the base member. The cap member is moveable relative to the base member along an axial path. A shaft is non-rotatably mounted to one of the cap member and the base member and defines an axis. An indicator member is rotatably mounted on the shaft and is rotatable in at least a first direction. One of the shaft and the indicator member has a helical groove while the other of the shaft and the indicator member has a follower disposed in the groove. The indicator member is moveable relative to the shaft along the axis as the indicator member is rotated in the first direction. In another embodiment, the indicating device includes first, second and third indicator members.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device or indicator device and a timer circuit. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within a beverage receptacle. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The timer circuit, automatically, after a certain period of time, may change the indicator device from the first or second state to a third state in which the indicator device does not provide a visual indication of the type of beverage within a beverage container.

Abstract: An article of jewelry, such as a bracelet, contains twelve or twenty-four primary links, each having a visual representation that identifies an hour of the day. Each link is provided with a reminder mechanism, preferably a group of stones. One of the stones is selected for viewing in association with the primary link for the hour of the day that an act or event is desirably remembered. The selected stone is color-coded to represent an activity to be remembered, such as a meeting, a child pick-up, or telephone call or the priority associated with the event, e.g., urgent, important, can be rescheduled, etc. Since the selected stone of the reminder mechanism is associated with a given hour of the day, by correlating the selected stone to the primary link of the hour of the day of the event or act to be remembered, the wearer is reminded of the hour of an event sought to be remembered.

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of metered dosages that have been dispensed from or remain in a container including a base member, a cap member moveably connected to the base member, an indicator member rotatably mounted to one of the cap member and base member and a drive member. The indicator member comprises a first stop member, and the drive member comprises a second stop member. The first stop member engages the second stop member as the indicator is moved to the final position. The engagement between the first and second stop members prevents the drive member from being rotated about the second axis. In another preferred embodiment, an inhalation device for dispensing metered dosages of medicaments from a container includes a container having a predetermined number of metered doses and the indicating device. A method for indicating the number of metered dosages of medicaments dispensed from or remaining in the container is also provided.

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: A file marker device adapted for use with a folder. The folder to which the device can be affixed comprises a front flap having a first top edge, a rear flap connected to the front flap by a folder bottom, the rear flap having a second top edge. Hanging folders often also comprise a plurality of equally spaced parallel slots near at least a first or second top edge. The file marker device can comprise a support portion having two opposed end tabs, each of the end tabs being capable of engaging one of the plurality of equally spaced parallel slots; and an indicator arm moveably attached to the support portion, the indicator arm being moveable about a pivot point from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments the file marker device also comprises a shield portion and/or a portion adapted for exhibiting identifying indicia.

Abstract: A record holder and scheduler comprises a file container of sufficient size to hold a tangible record of a person or thing, the file container having front and rear faces. On the file container there is disposed a schedule indicator and/or a condition indicator. The schedule indicator is positionable between different time markings to indicate visibly a time associated with the person or thing, and the condition indicator is positionable between different indicia to indicate visibly a status of the person or thing. The present invention is further directed to a method for using the record holder and scheduler.

Abstract: Reusable containers and lids with date indicating devices and methods for using the same disclosed, which allow the user to indicate one or more of the following: a date when the contents were stored, a date when the contents should be used, a time when the contents should be used, and a date by which the contents should be disposed. The date indicating device may include a plurality of resettable buttons, each of which may be located atop an individual platform. Both the buttons and the platforms may take on a variety of different shape.

Abstract: An indicating device for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes a first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member operably connected to the first indicator member. The second indicator member is moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the first indicator member. One of the first and second indicator members includes numerical indicia and the other thereof includes color indicia.

Abstract: An airborne hazard detector including a housing having a slot in a side thereof for receiving a sheet of M8 chemical detection paper and a principal opening in the top thereof for the passage of airbourne chemical warfare agents to the sheet and for observing color changes in the sheet. The housing also has a number of secondary openings adjacent the principal opening. A number of manually rotatable dials is positioned within the housing with each being visible through one of the secondary openings. The dials bear indicia indicative of the time and date that the sheet of M8 chemical detection paper was last inspected.

Abstract: A file marker device adapted for use with a folder. The folder to which the device can be affixed comprises a front flap having a first top edge, a rear flap connected to the front flap by a folder bottom, the rear flap having a second top edge. Hanging folders often also comprise a plurality of equally spaced parallel slots near at least a first or second top edge. The file marker device can comprise a support portion having two opposed end tabs, each of the end tabs being capable of engaging one of the plurality of equally spaced parallel slots; and an indicator arm moveably attached to the support portion, the indicator arm being moveable about a pivot point from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments the file marker device also comprises a shield portion and/or a portion adapted for exhibiting identifying indicia.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.

Abstract: A clipboard apparatus includes a compact integrated slide viewer. The clipboard section comprises a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer plus a document holding, spring loaded clip attached to the upper edge of the multilayered board. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the middle layer includes a cavity for receiving a rotatable wheel. Indicia on the rim of the wheel are viewable through a transparent window in the top layer of the multilayered clipboard. The wheel extends through an aperture in the side of the board so that the wheel can be rotated and information read off of the indicia through the transparent viewing window. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cavity is square and receives a rectangular slide that moves into and out of the cavity through a side aperture. Transparent windows on the top and bottom layers make it possible to view indicia on the slide from both sides of the multilayered clipboard.

Abstract: A media cassette adapted to hold multiple media types and an imaging apparatus which includes the media cassette. The media cassette includes a device for identifying the type of media loaded in the cassette to permit an adjustment of printer electronics based on the identified media in the cassette. The cassette comprises a cover that includes a section that is adapted to identify a a type of media. The identifying section can include a reflective surface or label which cooperates with a sensor in the imaging apparatus to detect and/or not detect light that is reflected back to the sensor. This signal is then used by the imaging apparatus to identify the type of media in the cassette, and adjust imaging operations based on the type of media in the cassette.

Abstract: A wearable dietary-intake counter for counting and tracking dietary intake of foods.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a shell with a hollow button at the top. The button has an indicator light received therein and a central tab extending downward. A first blade, a second blade and a grounding prong extend out of the shell through the bottom of the shell. A curved metal piece is housed in the shell and electrically and pivotally connected to an inner end of the second blade. A helical spring is mounted around the tab and compressed between the hollow button and the curved metal piece, and additionally a resistor is held in the shell and electrically connected to the grounding prong. The indicator light has a first terminal electrically connected with the helical spring and a second terminal selectively engaged with the resistor.

Abstract: A vessel is constructed dispensing and displaying a measured quantity of water by a graduated scale along the side wall of the vessel. The consumption of each measured quantity of water is tallied by actuation of one of a plurality of tactile buttons. In one embodiment, the buttons are distributed about a side wall of the vessel and in a second embodiment, the buttons are distributed about an end wall in a cap attached to the vessel.

Abstract: An information recording device having an attachment element for attachment to a grease fitting of a bearing assembly and a recording device attached thereto having date indicia to record installation date and/or maintenance records. The recording device further includes a grease fitting protective cap to fit over and enclose the grease fitting.

Abstract: A food age organization system that provides the user with a convenient way by which to label the leftover food containers in their refrigerators, indicating the date upon which it was placed therein. Simple in design, the system incorporates a color-coding system wherein the date upon which a food storage container was placed in a refrigerator can be ascertained quickly and easily.

Abstract: A contact lens case for tracking as time of use for both a left and right contact lens. The case includes a base having a top side; a left side cup and right side cup positioned on the top side of the base each receiving a respective one of the left and right contact lenses; a left side timing mechanism for indicating a month and date related to use of the left contact lens; and a right side timing mechanism for indicating a month and date related to use of the right contact lens. The left and right side timing mechanisms may each include a digital display indicating a month and date related to use of the left and right contact lenses, respectively. Alternatively, the left and right timing mechanisms may each include a month and date wheel rotatably secured to the base for providing a month and date related to a respective contact lens. The rotatable month and date wheels of the left and right timing mechanisms each include a locking mechanism for preventing unwanted rotation of the wheels.

Abstract: A manually rotatable composter 100 including a container 12 having an opening 110 for receiving compostable material. The container includes an outer surface having end sections attached thereto and a plurality of steps 20 capable of accommodating a hand or foot of a person in order to apply a rotational force to manually rotate the container. The steps can be in the form of pockets or protrusions. Indicia 28 can also be included for indicating the rotational state of the composer.

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: An identification system for a beverage container includes a beverage container; and a plurality of discrete areas associated with the container, each area being configurable from an original condition to a visibly different condition.

Abstract: A gift product package that allows a gift giver to easily order and have delivered a personalized gift. The package is adapted for delivery such as by courier, and presents the gift and special effects in a lively and potentially personalized manner. The package generally entails a rugged exterior carton for shipping purposes, a disguised container for concealing a gift, a recordable sound module which allows a gift giver to record a personalized message that is played upon opening the container, and an inflation device that causes a small gas canister to fill a large balloon or eject confetti. In addition to these special effects, the container is also configured to contain other party favors and a gift card.

Abstract: A technique for avoiding the risk of spreading communicable diseases in drinking inadvertently from another's open beverage can by applying distinctive user identification markers on the can top cover, positioned arcuately about the cover and identified by using the lever-opener also as an identification indicator through rotational alignment with and locking at a desired user's marker.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for indicating a patron's status in a restaurant, the apparatus comprising one or more color-coded subsections on a device within the patron's reach. The present apparatus includes a movable indicator that the patron may position over a selected subsection to communicate a particular message to the waiter. A legend positioned on or near one or more of the subsections may provide a description of the message corresponding to a particular color. The status indicating apparatus may be incorporated in a device for handling the patron's check and payment, such as a portfolio or tray, or in some other structure such as the edge of the patron's table or a fixture on the table.

Abstract: An air conditioner system including an air conditioner unit having a first operating mode in which the air conditioner unit is operated to effect one of cooling and heating, and a second operating mode in which the air conditioner unit is operated to effect the other of cooling and heating, the air conditioner system including a main body of the air conditioner unit, the main body comprising a casing accommodating a heat exchanger, a fan, and electrical parts; and a first graphic-bearing panel detachably fitted to the front surface of the main body of the air conditioner unit, the first graphic-bearing panel comprising a plurality of ribs forming slits penetrating from an obverse surface of the first panel to a reverse surface of the first panel, and displaying a first visual cue of one of coolness and warmth on the horizontal ribs, the first visual cue of the first graphic-bearing panel matching the effect provided by the first operating mode.

Abstract: A sweatband adapted to be worn upon the wrist of a user during exercise activity is fabricated as a tubular elasticized band of water absorbent material having an external compliant pocket. A transparent window is centered in the pocket to permit visualization of cards insertable into the pocket and containing indicia related to the exercise activity. A border of attachment substrate is disposed about the perimeter of the pocket. First and second sets of markers are releasibly attached to the attachment substrate in a manner which can record the progress or status of the exercise activity.

Abstract: A plate forming the lid of a housing for use in coaxial cable distribution systems has a first distribution port on one side and a second distribution port. A dial is mounted on the exterior of the plate which will indicate RF current flow and tap values.

Abstract: A device for assigning numbers to products having casings, such as electronic calculators, has at least two digit wheels, each preferably having digits 0 through 9. One of the digit wheels is transparent, while the other may be opaque, with a light background. The digits on each of the two wheels are offset from radial lines such that two-digit numbers can be made with selected digits juxtaposed. If three digit wheels are included the tens wheel has digits centered on radial lines. The casing of the product to be numbered has a number viewing window and an internal peg on which the digit wheels are held and can be rotated for adjustment, as well as at least one peg or pin for engaging registry holes to align and maintain the digit wheels in proper position. In a preferred embodiment the digit wheels are manipulated to the proper number by removing the back from the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating line type on a fishing reel having a spool for storing a supply of fishing line and structure for wrapping the fishing line onto the spool to effect retrieval of paid out fishing line. The apparatus includes a rotatable dial or other settable structure on the fishing reel for giving a user a visual indication of which of a plurality of different types of fishing line is on the spool.

Abstract: The outside perimeter contact surface is molded with a continuously varying outer radius as measured relative to the axis of rotation and concentric circles of contrasting color disposed on the lateral surface of the thumbwheel with centers located at axis of rotation thereby providing visual and tactile feedback to the user of the character of output signal.

Abstract: An easy open beverage container has a lever tab for breaking open a scored panel portion of the end wall by lifting up the distal lift end. The tab is held rotatably to the end wall by a rivet, which acts as a fulcrum forcing the proximal end of the tab downward to break open the scored panel portion. A plurality of spaced apart, unique indicia are disposed in an arc on the panel wall around the rivet. The distal lift end, after opening the can is lowered to lie against the end wall and is rotated to point to one of said indicia to thereby uniquely identify that opened container so that it will not be inadvertently used by another.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a work object, the control apparatus having a pair of substantially contrarotating members operable to define a selected relationship designated by the relationship of the members relative to each other; and an assembly for mounting the substantially contrarotating members in controlling relation to the work object whereby the selected relationship is operable to control the work object.

Abstract: A disposable shaver having a shaving head and handle equipped with blister bubbles positioned along the handle of the shaver. The blister bubbles are depressible from convex to concave and are provided to count the number of times the shaver is used. The method comprises the use of the inventive shaver to compute the useful life of a particular brand of disposable shaver.

Abstract: A portable tennis score keeper designed to keep the set score in the game of tennis. The set score is most often the most disputed score in the game. This invention allows any one of the players to simply flip over numbered plates to reflect the progress of each team's set score. The score keeper is simple in design, and is small enough to allow every tennis player to have it as a standard item in their sports bag. The two sets of plates suspended from notches on both sides of an elongated support member have inverse color combinations to identify each of the teams. The numbers zero through six reflects the number of games each team can win in each set. The number six is the last plate and is the total number of games required to win a set. The first numbered plate bears the word "love" inside the zero, an indicia in historical tennis score keeping terms for zero.

Abstract: This relates to the provision of a vacuum actuated button type closure with a tamper indicating arrangement which will visually indicate when a container has been opened or more particularly when the vacuum within a vacuum packed container has been lost. The deflectable button of the closure is utilized to squeeze a dye from a sponge like member into a layer of absorbent material so as to color the absorbent material. The absorbent material, in turn, is provided with non-absorbent areas which define indicia to indicate that an associated container has been opened.

Abstract: A labelling system which can protect a very wide variety of items from theft. The system requires four elements in combination: 1) A readily understandable message on an item which describes the state the owner intends the item to be in and further asks observers to take appropriate action should the item not be in that state. 2) The message must be easily detectable by people nearby. 3) The message must be changeable, at least once, to reflect a change in the state of the item it is on but, it must only be changeable by the owner and anyone he or she chooses. 4) The message must be very difficult to tamper with or hide without leaving a trace.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus is disclosed having a housing, a circuit board, a buzzer, a battery, an on/off switch, and a pair of mercury switches. The housing has a clip member extending therefrom with the housing being capable of attachment in a preferred and alternate embodiment in conjunction with an item of headgear worn by a golfer for indicating undesirable movement of the golfer's head while executing a golf club swing.

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

Abstract: A signalling device for scuba divers is disclosed. A substantially cylindrical rod has an opening formed therein along its longitudinal axis. A closed loop of resilient latex tubing extends through the opening. The loop of tubing is slipped over the scuba tank. The rod may be banged against the scuba tank for the purpose of signalling by pulling the rod away from the tank and then releasing it.

Abstract: A warning device for indicating undesired rotation of a threaded nut on a non-rotatable threaded shaft includes a tight fitting shell for covering the nut and a manually rotatable highly visible indicator on the end of the shell to be adjusted to a predetermined initial alignment. Any torque change caused by nut rotation will therefore rotate the indicator from its predetermined alignment.