By A Protrusion In Notch, Slot, Or Gap Patents (Class 116/315)
  • Patent number: 11554507
    Abstract: A port assembly (100) is generally disclosed that has an annular port ring (110) configured for placement in a barrier wall (10). The annular port ring (110) defines a port opening (20) extending from a first end (22) to a second end (24) and an annular sealing surface (118) about the port opening (20) on the second end (24). A port cover (120) is mechanically coupleable to the annular port ring (110). The port cover (120) defines an annular mating surface (124) configured to couple to the annular sealing surface (118) of the annular port ring (110). A manually actuatable handle (130) is in mechanical communication with the port cover (120). The handle (130) extends from the first end (22) of the annular port ring (110) away from the second end (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph David Copley, Steven Bruce Williams, II
  • Patent number: 9021981
    Abstract: A device to be mounted or adhere to a bottle cap, a box or other surface that easy and economically tracks when the last day and dose of a medicine or vitamin was taken or when the next is due The present invention comprises two disk and a dial. The base disk has indicia representing the days of the week, recessed teeth on the edge means to inhibit counterclockwise rotation of the cover disk and a central pin protruding from the center that clasp the three elements together at the same times that allows rotation of the cover disk over the base. The cover disk has indicia for the dose with a protruding wedge tooth means to inhibit counterclockwise rotation of the cover in relation to the base and a window to see the indicia of the base disk. The dial points to the dose indicia and holds the three parts together once the pin from the base disk clasp inside its aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Daniela Raiti de Boyles
  • Patent number: 9010269
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Dana Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Bala, Mark Bala
  • Patent number: 8709518
    Abstract: A system for managing the fluid intake of a person is disclosed. The system consists of multiple containers of various volumes, a common lid configured to incorporate a flow control valve, multiple flow control valves having varying flow rates, a date indicator ring incorporated circumferentially on said containers, a content indicator disposed on said lid, a chiller insert, and an optional slip on handle. The user selects a container based on the fluid needs of a person and a flow control valve based on the drinking ability of the person. The user fills the container with a drinkable fluid, and indicates the nature of the contents with the content indicator and the date of filling with the date indicator ring. The chiller insert allows the user to cool the contents without the possibility of dilution as with standard ice cubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Diane Young Jones
  • Patent number: 8608000
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Huhtamaki Oyj
    Inventor: Stephen Knipe
  • Patent number: 8479732
    Abstract: A dose counter for use in connection with a device adapted for metered dispensing of a medication is described. The dose counter has a first count indicator that has a first indicia bearing surface, with the first count indicator being rotatable about a first axis. The dose counter also has a second count indicator that has a second indicia bearing surface, with the second count indicator being rotatable about a second axis. The second axis is disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the first axis, and the first and second indicia bearing surfaces align at a common viewing area to collectively present at least a portion of a medication dosage count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adam J. Stuart, Graham R. Purkins, Rachel V. Striebig, Stephen J. Howgill, Peter D. Hodson, Richard D. Brewer, Benjamin J. Holden
  • Patent number: 8220629
    Abstract: A system for providing an expiration month on cosmetic containers that store perishable make-up media including a container, a control, and a handle portion formed on the control. The handle portion has a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of an exterior surface of the control wherein the greater outer diameter prevents the handle portion from entering the container, and a plurality of date-months formed on the exterior surface of the control in a sequential order in a first circumferential direction. The handle portion rotates the control in a second circumferential direction that is opposite the first circumferential direction thereby changing the date-months until the desired expiration date-month is visible in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Cindy Marie Crosby
  • Patent number: 8096415
    Abstract: A system for providing an expiration month on cosmetic containers that store perishable make-up media including a container, a control, and a handle portion formed on the control. The handle portion has a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of an exterior surface of the control wherein the greater outer diameter prevents the handle portion from entering the container, and a plurality of date-months formed on the exterior surface of the control in a sequential order in a first circumferential direction. The handle portion rotates the control in a second circumferential direction that is opposite the first circumferential direction thereby changing the date-months until the desired expiration date-month is visible in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Cindy Marie Crosby
  • Patent number: 7913437
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant indicator is disclosed. The indicator includes a front panel configured to be located on an outside surface of a door. The indicator also includes a back panel configured to be located on an inside surface of the door. The indicator also includes a turning indicator, including a springy living hinge, wherein said turning indicator has a front part disposed on the front panel and a back part disposed on the back panel, and the two parts communicate with each other via a rotatable axis or shaft member configured to pass through an opening bored through the door, and wherein the axis or shaft member is coupled between the front and back parts of the indicator, such that rotation of the back part of the indicator rotates the axis or shaft member, which in turn rotates the front part of the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Caroline Simmen Domenig, Robert Leonard Simmen, Colette Simmen Fischer, Pierre Willy Simmen
  • Patent number: 7882982
    Abstract: An indicator for a dispenser device, having an actuator element (1) displaceable between a rest position and an actuated position, a rotary counter element (5), and a drive element (6) that transforms an axial displacement of the actuator element into a rotary displacement of the counter element (5). The counter element (5) including a set of teeth (9) that co-operate with a resilient mechanism (7, 8) of the drive element (6). The resilient mechanism (7, 8) having two flexible tabs (7, 8), a first flexible tab (7) co-operating with the teeth (9) causing the counter element (5) to turn in a counting direction while the actuator element (1) is displaced towards its actuated position, and a second flexible tab (8) co-operating with the teeth (9) causing the counter element to turn in the same counting direction while the actuator element (1) returns to its rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Valois SAS
    Inventors: Giuseppe Stradella, Fabio Stradella
  • Patent number: 7779775
    Abstract: An air purifier (10) is disclosed which includes a housing (11) having a top wall with a schedule indicator (14). The housing top wall has a central recess (16), an annular inner groove (18) positioned concentrically about the central well, and an annular outer groove (20) positioned concentrically about the inner groove. An annular plateau (28) is formed between the inner groove and the outer groove. A first reset ring (31) is positioned within the outer groove for rotational movement therein. The first reset ring includes two inwardly extending timing indicating tabs (32) and (33). A second reset ring (35) is positioned within the inner groove for rotational movement therein. The second reset ring includes two outwardly extending timing indicating tabs or indicators (36) and (37). A knob (43) coupled to a power switch (45) is positioned within the central well for rotational movement therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventors: Glennbruce S. Campbell, Eugene Buican
  • Patent number: 7628315
    Abstract: This invention counts golf strokes per hole. It is worn on a golfer's wrist, on a lanyard, placed in a pocket, or clipped on one's clothing. It allows a full range of non-restrictive movement and is indexed between twelve positions patterned after the hours of a clock. The starting position is at 12 o'clock, first shot is 1 o'clock, second shot is 2 o'clock, etc. This enables the user to simply click to the subsequent position without the need to read the display. The pointer is mounted to a base and rotates, having 12 equally spaced positions. Each position is secured in place by means of a ball or radius shaft that is spring-loaded into one of the 12 equally spaced indentations in the base. The ball requires little or no friction during indexing but provides sufficient holding pressure, ensuring that the indicator is held firmly into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Allen Gary Duncan
  • Patent number: 7621231
    Abstract: A dosage reminder cap provides an easy, effective way to track consumption of medication. A rotating disk provides a tool for marking the either last dose taken or the next dose due to be taken of a prescribed medication in order to facilitate proper consumption of the medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin McNeely
  • Publication number: 20090095645
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a beverage cup that comprises a cup body, and a lid. The lid comprises a hinged plug insert, which covers the drinking port in the lid, a window and a counter means. The counter means comprises a disc that protrudes through the outer circumference of the lid in such a way that the user can rotate the disc. The disc is printed with symbols or numbers, one of which is visible at a time through the window in the lid. Different symbols or numbers on the disc are visible through the window as the disc is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Carlos A. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20080223284
    Abstract: The invention teaches a press-button type display indicator for golf club protector, comprising an enclosure having a marker display window and a connective device to engage with the golf club protector; a rotation wheel that can be rotated intermittently and a first half shaft and a second half shaft serving to supply the rotation of the rotation wheel set inside of the enclosure, wherein the first half shaft and the second half shaft are hollow tube shafts, and are located at the two sides of the rotation wheel, respectively; a pressing apparatus connected to the rotation wheel is disposed at one side of the rotation wheel; and a plurality of different markers is distributed along the circumferential direction of the rotation wheel, and is displayed orderly through the marker display window on the enclosure when rotating the rotation wheel intermittently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Chiawen WU
  • Patent number: 6912968
    Abstract: A schedule indicator (14) is provided having a wall with a first selection arrow (13) and a base (16). The base has an annular bottom wall (18) with an annular array of upwardly projecting protrusions (20). The schedule indicator also includes a first condition indicating ring (24) and a second condition indicating knob (25) positioned concentrically within the indicating ring. The indicating ring has a peripheral top surface (27) having an annular array of timing indicia (28), a recessed top surface (29) having an annular array of top depressions (31), and a bottom surface (32) with an annular array of bottom depressions (33). The indicating knob has a grasping portion (37) with a second selection arrow (38) thereon, and at least one protrusion (39) sized and shaped to be releasably received within the indicating ring top depressions (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Carbajal
  • Patent number: 6789497
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an indicator or numbering device for keeping track of the number of vitamins/medicine pills that one has taken. The present invention comprises a circular cover disk having a circular base plate disposed therein which plate is attached to the top of a medicine bottle, along with an indicator disposed between the cover disk and the base plate whereby the cover disk has an aperture therein which permits viewing of the days of the week which are stamped onto the top of the circular base plate. The indicator operates rotatably between the cover disk and the base plate to indicate the number of medications taken on a given day. The present invention may utilize a two-sided, adhesive strip for attachment of the circular base plate to the top of a medicine bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Edwin H. Aiken
  • Patent number: 6561124
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Business Lines Limited
    Inventors: Michael Marczynski, John Marriott
  • Patent number: 6517376
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Hwa Hwang
  • Publication number: 20030000452
    Abstract: A rotatable dial, with first and second windows, mounted on top of a container closure cap; imprinted first set of information on top of the cap positioned to be sequentially viewable throughout its entire range through the first window upon indexed rotation of the dial; imprinted second set of information on top of the cap positioned to be sequentially viewable throughout its entire range through the second window when the first window is set to view a bit of the first set of information; and the second set of information is dependently related to the first set of information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: David B. Zamjahn
  • Patent number: 6024723
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph A. Cota
  • Patent number: 6016764
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel Charles Giveen
  • Patent number: 6003467
    Abstract: A medication dosage indicator having two portions, a body portion and a cap portion. The body portion includes a circular top wall and a plurality of raised indicator tabs spaced apart in a circular fashion that have indicia corresponding to the day of the week or other unit of time. The cap portion includes a circular upper wall with a plurality of apertures sized and spaced apart to fit in a mating relationship with the indicator tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Paige Shelton-Ferrell, David Valencia, Anthony J. Bova
  • Patent number: 5975010
    Abstract: Indicators and methods of indicating are disclosed. Intended primarily for use with medicine containers, the devices typically indicate the number of doses of medication ingested or remaining to be taken by a patient during a particular period. These devices additionally provide tactile assistance to patients in appropriately repositioning the indicator arms and, when used correctly, may reduce the possibility of patient overdose by restricting improper attempts to advance the indicator arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Forrest A. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5924639
    Abstract: A fishing reel having a frame and an operating mechanism on the frame. The operating mechanism includes a line canying spool with a first structure operable for directing line onto the spool. Settable structure on the spool can be placed selectively in at least first and second different states which are each detectable by a user. The settable structure is placeable selectively in the first state to give a user a detectable indication that a first type of line is on the spool and in a second state to give the user a detectable indication that a second type of line is on the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Randy L. Atherton
  • Patent number: 5860387
    Abstract: An automatic squeeze-bottle utilization cycle counting device in the form of a squeeze bottle, a bottle cap having a nozzle attached to the squeeze bottle and a removable nozzle cap hinged to the bottle cap for isolating the nozzle from the outside environment. An indicating mechanism indicates the number of times the nozzle cap has been removed and replaced is provided in the form of a rotatable part rotatably attached to the bottle cap, a set of symbols on the rotatable part, a window in the nozzle cap for sequential indication of the symbols and cooperating ratchet elements on the rotatable part and the nozzle cap for indexing the rotatable part. The device provides positive positioning of the nozzle cap and allows tracking of compliance with a prescribed regimen which includes using the contents of the squeeze-bottle, while decreasing the risk of contamination of the nozzle and the contents of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Samuel Charles Giveen
  • Patent number: 5819597
    Abstract: A rotation detecting device which issues a plurality of code signals by a simple configuration so as to detect the rotational angle position and the direction of rotation of a rotor according to the code signals. The rotation detecting device has a knob member which is rotatably attached to a part of an enclosure, a plurality of projections which are formed on the periphery of one end of the knob member, and two detection switches which selectively engage with the projections to turn ON/OFF and issue signals. These detection switches are disposed on a printed circuit board in such a manner that they turn ON/OFF at different timings as the knob member rotates. Thus, the rotational position and the direction of rotation of the knob member are detected by the combinations of the ON/OFF signals of the detection switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sato, Yasuhiro Miyasaka, Hidetaka Numata, Tatsuya Yokoyama, Takashi Murakami
  • Patent number: 5732843
    Abstract: Cover to place on a door (5) with unlocking by means of rotation as to slightly open it and making it possible to appropriately sterilize the entire inside of the receptacle it closes, whilst enabling bactericide vapors to easily reach the surfaces adjacent to the door. In order to do this, the cover includes a fixed dome portion (20) flanged on the receptacle around the door, and a handling device (40 to 42) created through the dome and able to grip the door so as to slightly lift it up without breaking its imperviousness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: La Calhene
    Inventors: Charles Glachet, Jean-Pierre Simon
  • Patent number: 5692452
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: J.E. Thomas Specialties Limited
    Inventor: Zdenek Nepovim
  • Patent number: 5692453
    Abstract: A rotatable knob for adjusting the temperature setting of a thermostat has a deformable tab that is permanently deformed upon rotational movement of the knob to a position that is indicative of a temperature setting greater than a predetermined optimum temperature setting. A deformed tab demonstrates that the knob was moved to a position for setting the thermostat at a temperature greater than the optimum temperature setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond B. Vore, Max L. Green
  • Patent number: 5613463
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: William T. Stokes
  • Patent number: 5568787
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Zebco Division of Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Forslund
  • Patent number: 5492246
    Abstract: A cup holder with structure for counting the number of glasses of water drunk daily. It has a tubular body having an open top end for removably receiving a drinking cup. A C-shaped handle extends from the rear end of the tubular body. A counter assembly is mounted in the top end of the handle. The counter assembly has a disc and numbers from 0-10 are spaced around the perimeter of its front face. The disc has a shaft extending from its front and rear walls for allowing the disc to be rotated about a horizontal axis. The number displayed at a window recess would indicate the number of glasses of water drunk that day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Frederick N. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5386795
    Abstract: A combination pill bottle cap and indicator device adapted to function as the closure or cover for a pill bottle or container. The device includes an indicator providing a visual indication for the user that a pill has been or should be removed from the bottle for consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5356012
    Abstract: Container with counter comprising two cylindrical containers (1, 2) that one is placed coaxially inside the other, two saw-tooth structures (1a, 1b) and two sets of readings (1c, 1d) which are mounted on the outside surface of the inner cylindrical container (1), a window (2a) and a tenon with triangular cross section (2b) which are mounted on the outer cylindrical container (2), a cap (3) and a spring (4). When the container with counter is closed, the inner cylindrical container (1) is pushed in by the cap (3) and when the container with counter is opened, the inner cylindrical container (1) is partially pushed out by the spring (4). Accompanying these processes is a relative motion of the tenon (2b) along the saw-tooth structures (1a, 1b), which rotates the inner cylindrical container (1) and thus changes the reading shown from the window (2a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Yi Tang, Hong Yang
  • Patent number: 5280834
    Abstract: A storage container includes a base housing having first and second containers mounted to the housing. The base housing includes a cavity therewithin, having a rotatable dial projecting through a first side wall of the housing. The dial includes sequential digits visible through a window in a top wall of the housing, wherein sequential days are counted relative to contact lenses, and particularly disposable contact lenses stored within the first and second containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Bruce A. Berkley
  • Patent number: 5148764
    Abstract: A video cassette recorder index device is provided and consists of a plurality of drums that are manually rotatable vertically within a housing. Indicia is printed onto tops of the drums so that a portion of the indicia can be viewed through small window openings in the top wall of the housing. The indicia will indicate the title, tape number and place where the counter of the recorder stopped for video cassette tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventors: Bobby Berkenheger, George Spector
  • Patent number: 5103216
    Abstract: A deflectable battery retaining member in a battery powered unit blocks the improper insertion of a battery into the unit. Further, the same member in the absence of a battery inhibits engagement of the cover of the unit thereto providing a visual indicator of the missing battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald Sisselman
  • Patent number: 5055830
    Abstract: A smoke detector with a visual battery missing indicator and a removable cover includes first and second locking prongs molded in the detector and directed toward the cover. A battery is positionable between the first and second locking prongs deflecting same from a non-locking position to a locking position. In the locking position, free ends of the prongs can engage the cover, locking same to the detector. In the non-locking position, the prongs are not effective to engage the cover. If the detector is mounted on a ceiling, the non-engaged cover will not remain closed. In an alternate embodiment usable with a bracket mounted detector, a depressible blocking member is located adjacent a region where the detector is normally coupled to a portion of the bracket. In the presence of a battery this member is retracted, enabling the unit to be attached to the bracket. In the absence of a battery, this member is extended and the detector cannot be attached to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: Otto J. Cousins, Thomas E. Paulick, James H. Woodburn, Ronald Sisselman
  • Patent number: 4913083
    Abstract: A method for reminding a person when to take medication, is provided. A series of indicia are put on a plurality of flat areas about the circumference of the safety cap, which are in line with the interior stops of the safety cap. The indicia corresponds to times medication is required to be taken. The safety cap is placed upon a safety bottle in such a manner that one of the flat areas line up with an indicator below one of the plurality of exterior stops on the safety bottle that engage with the interior stops of the safety cap so as to show a person the first time medication is to be taken. The safety cap is then removed from the safety bottle and then replaced back on the safety bottle in such a manner that each next in sequence of the flat areas line up with the indicator 22 so as to show the person each next time medication is to be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventors: James Valvo, Paul Valvo
  • Patent number: 4890572
    Abstract: A gauge for indicating measurements including a dial plate provided with measurement scales, a central rotating shaft and an indicating plate. The dial plate is disposed in front of the indicating plate, with an arcuate slot opening formed in the dial plate so that a corresponding arcuate colored band provided on the indicating plate may be seen through the opening for unobstructed viewing of measured results as the indicating plate is driven by the shaft. The indicating plate may also be provided with an indicator which extends through the opening to prevent obstruction of the measurement scales during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: Tien T. Huang
  • Patent number: 4886010
    Abstract: There is disclosed a garment wear monitor for recording the number of times an article of clothing is worn. The monitor is removably or permanently affixed to a clothing hanger, or is removably affixed to the garment directly. Each time the garment is worn the garment wear monitor is advanced by one number manually or automatically. The garment wear monitor may also display the date on which the garment was last cleaned. A threshold indicator serves to remind the user to have the garment cleaned when a predetermined number of wearings have taken place. The garment wear monitor may display the number of wearings and the date of last cleaning by a mechanically movable scale or by an electronic digital display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventor: Ralph Stutzman
  • Patent number: 4561565
    Abstract: A material metering device having a discrete flow rate adjustment and indicator mechanism. The indicator includes an actuator knob which is rotated to adjust the flow rate of material from the meter. The actuator knob is also operably connected to a follower wheel which is rotated by movement of the actuator knob. Indicia on both the actuator knob and follower wheel are simultaneously registerable with a reference point, such as a viewing window, and the reading of the indicia at the reference point indicates the flow rate of material from the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Lester C. Wolf, William R. Lundie
  • Patent number: 4545246
    Abstract: A vehicle tire valve cap is disclosed incorporating a tire pressure indicator which can be set to indicate a pressure appropriate to given circumstances. The cap comprises two components (1,2). The top component (2) snap-fastens into the body component (1) and can then be turned into any selected index position. The top component bears on its top face a digit (15) and adjacent that digit the top components has a sectoral cut-out (10) through which any one of a plurality of digits (7) on the body component (1) can be exposed by turning the top component into the appropriate position. The two digits thus displayed indicate the selected tire pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Metro Products (Accessories & Leisure) Limited
    Inventor: John E. Starmer
  • Patent number: 4470273
    Abstract: In a knitting row counter, a settable member has a projection which can engage in a selected one of a number of recesses in a further member but is expelled from the recess on rotation of the settable member. A finger on the settable member engages in a groove in the further member to retain the members in assembled relation. The settable member flexes resiliently to permit the projection to be withdrawn from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Needle Industries Limited
    Inventors: Wilfred D. Rogers, Richard G. Budd
  • Patent number: 4446810
    Abstract: A dialable indicator comprising a lockable enclosure housing a rotatable drum. The outside surface of the drum is contoured to define a plurality of tag-holding stations. A window in the hinged cover of the enclosure allows viewing of one tag-holding station. The drum is biased by a coil spring against one side of the enclosure which is provided with a restriction against rotation of the drum. The drum must be pushed sideways against the spring before it can be moved to display an alternate tag-holding station. Spare tags can be stored in cavities running longitudinally within the drum. A locking mechanism mounted on the cover provides a restriction against lateral movement of the drum when the cover is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Inventor: Nick Bressi
  • Patent number: 4420264
    Abstract: A diver's watch having a watch case and a register ring which is rotatably mounted on the watch case to set a diving time. The register ring has a plurality of notches on the underside thereof and is urged by clicks made of spring plate and held by a holding ring secured to the watch case. A plurality of lock notches are formed on the outer periphery of the watch case. A lock pin is projected from the inside of the register ring and engaged with one of the lock notches, so that the register ring is locked to the watch case. When the register ring is depressed against the clicks, the lock pin disengages from the lock notch, so that the register ring can be rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Murata
  • Patent number: 4404543
    Abstract: An improved indicia display apparatus particularly useful for displaying indicia indicating the number of down to be played in football competition and locating the position of the ball along the sideline, for example, the apparatus comprising an opaque outer cylinder with a domed top and bottom, with three evenly spaced openings, said outer cylinder fitting over a translucent inner cylinder with two rows of printed indicia. Illumination within the inner cylinder is attached to a center pole that attaches to the domed top of the outer cylinder by a male and female plastic threaded screw fittings. The inner cylinder having a sleeve that slides up and down and rotates on the center pole for selecting desired indicia representing chosen down. Top dome and bottom dome of the outer cylinder are attached to outer cylinder body with metal screws for securing assembly together and removing to replace illuminating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Inventor: David L. Kracl
  • Patent number: 4373466
    Abstract: A storeroom bin marker which includes a base member having indicia thereon, and a rotatable view blocking member which can be selectively rotated to cover some, all, or none of the indicia, to thereby indicate the supply or reorder status of a stocked item. The base member has front and top panels at right angles with respect to each other, and is designed to fit over the front and top edges of a storage shelf. The bin marker has mounting holes in its front and top panels which can be used, with an elastic cord member, to secure the bin marker to wire shelves; or which can be used with screws to secure the bin marker to a solid shelf. Alternatively, the bin marker can be adhesively mounted to solid shelves. The front panel of the bin marker is provided with a pair of parallel, spaced apart bin label retainers for releasably holding a replaceable bin label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Inventor: Ralph G. MacPhee
  • Patent number: RE30637
    Abstract: A multi-dial, manually operable indicator employing color-coded, alphabetical and numerical indicia which are indicative of railway or road vehicle destinations, regardless of whether they may be local or outbound, major or minor vehicle defects requiring repair, other varied information requiring matching of indicia for proper vehicle selection, and other indicia affording useful information to the driver of the associated vehicle or highway or railway personnel. A novel clutch mechanism which is effective under the control of a single knob affords selective dial rotation while other manually operable knobs effect pointer operations indicative of the condition of special vehicle equipment such as refrigeration apparatus or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Inventors: John H. King, William C. Gore