Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape measure assembly having an internal deployment warning system therein. The device includes a substantially hollow housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, an end wall and a front wall with a horizontal slot between the front wall and the bottom wall. A tape measure having a plurality of marking indicia thereon extends through the horizontal slot and is selectively retractable within and extendable from the housing interior using conventional means currently used in various tape measuring devices. A first magnet is attached to the bottom wall of the housing for securing the housing to a metallic surface. A second magnet is removably attached to the top wall of the housing and has a slit thereon for selectively receiving an L-shaped catch member at a first end of the tape measure.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a rotatable structure (40) having an axis of rotation (41). The rotatable structure (40) includes a spool (16), a ratchet wheel (44), and a deflectable part (42) which deflects upon rotation of the spool (16) about the axis (41) relative to the ratchet wheel (44). An alarm apparatus (60) responds to deflection of the deflectable part (42) by providing an audible alarm upon subsequent rotation of the rotatable structure (40).

Abstract: A pocket size portable pill box with dual rounded bottom compartments with said compartments subdivideable by the user and with said compartments closed by snap action of a lid to form individual small compartments; said pill box further equipped with a removable filling means and means to changeably label the desired contents of each compartment. Some embodiments of the invention further having a make-up kit, a computer, or an audible alarm mounted on one surface of the boxlike unit.

Abstract: A warning device adapted to be laid flat upon a road way produces an audible warning sound when contacted by the wheels of a moving vehicle. The device is comprised of a mat of flexible resilient material having an elongated configuration, and a series of semi-rigid apertured raised longitudinal bumps each with a plurality of segments therein forming a segmented metal bar contained therein and extending throughout the length of each bump. The bumps are spaced a few inches at most over a distance of two to three feet which allows resonant sound from the vibration of the bars and frictional interaction of short segments making up the bars to be transmitted to an overpassing vehicle traveling at high speeds. In addition, the segmented bars reinforce and extend the life of the mat.

Abstract: A safety device in conjunction with a tensioning mechanism or a force-limiting device of a safety belt system of motor vehicles. The safety device includes a signal device for indicating actuation of the tensioning mechanism or force-limiting device, and after actuation, a signal device extends into a path of movement of a functional component of the safety device so that upon subsequent operation of the safety device, the signal device generates an audible signal.

Abstract: A safety device in conjunction with a tensioning mechanism or a force-limiting device of a safety belt system of motor vehicles. The safety device includes a signal device for indicating actuation of the tensioning mechanism or force-limiting device, and after actuation, a signal device extends into a path of movement of a functional component of the safety device so that upon subsequent operation of the safety device, the signal device generates an audible signal.

Abstract: A drowsiness warning device includes a band which is securable about a wearer's neck, and an alarm positioned by the band below the wearer's chin for producing a tactile and an aural warning as the chin contacts the alarm device. The band includes a central section formed with a vertically stiff plastic material which is capable of holding a lower elongated body of the alarm therein. An upper rounded dome section of the alarm extends above the central section. The band also includes a pair of straps having hook and loop tape fasteners, and intermediate sections between the straps and the central section lined with a fibrous material for wearer comfort. In one embodiment, the alarm includes a hollow elastomeric ball having a mechanical noisemaker disposed within an air inlet/outlet aperture for the ball. In another embodiment, the alarm includes an electrically actuated speaker connectable to a battery on depression of the upper rounded dome.

Abstract: An audible push-up detector produces a sound when the device is compressed between the chest of a user and the underlying floor or surface, thus alerting an instructor or supervisor, as well as the user of the device, that the exercise has been performed properly. The device comprises a hollow, air filled flexible, pliable, resilient container having a reed valve or the like installed in one side. When the device is compressed, as between the chest and the underlying surface when a person is performing push-ups, air within the device pneumatically actuates the reed valve to produce a sound. Thus, the device is most useful in group exercise or physical training sessions, where a single supervisor or at most a relatively few supervisory personnel must monitor a large number of persons performing push-up exercises. The device includes a spacer disposed therebeneath, to position the pneumatic device at the proper height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing automobile theft which includes structure for rendering the front windshield, or all the windows of the automobile, opaque. The opaqueness may be caused either by mechanical means, or alternatively, by utilizing liquid crystals or similar media, energized by electric fields.

Abstract: Safety equipment is described for use by firemen which includes an air tank (42, FIG. 2), a harness (14), a face mask (16), and a PASS (personal alert safety system 20), which assures that the PASS will be activated whenever the equipment is worn. The equipment includes a switch system with at least one switch (31-35) mounted on the equipment at a position to receive force as the equipment is mounted on the fireman, to set or actuate the PASS. The switch (31-34) can sense the force of the equipment against the fireman's body, and/or the switch (35) can sense buckling of a harness belt (48).

Abstract: A boiling indicating device for a vessel includes an electric device disposed in a cap and having an electric board and a speaker. The electric board includes two contacts. A plate is engaged in the cap and includes a conductor for electrically contacting with one of the contacts and includes a socket for electrically contacting with the other contact. A lever has one end pivotally coupled to the socket and has the other end for electrically contacting with the conductor when water vapor applies force against the other end of the lever. The electric device includes an IC for recording various kinds of sounds.

Abstract: Vehicle clearance anti-collision device includes an ultrasonic wave transmitter transducer and an ultrasonic wave receiver transducer for receiving waves generated by the ultrasonic wave transmitter transducer and reflected off an object disposed vertically above the vehicle. The device is mountable on a portion of a vehicle for transmitting substantially vertical ultrasonic waves. A computer device operatively associated with the ultrasonic wave transmitter and receiver transducers calculates the vertical difference between the object and the height of the truck and provides human-recognizable information to the operator of the truck as to the vertical clearance available between the object and an uppermost portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alarm system suitable for use in warning of overheating in rotatable bearings 4 having first and second bearing portions. The alarm system comprises an alarm signal generator means having a thermally activated engagement element 8 on a first bearing portion or body 6 connected thereto. The element 8 is in thermal connection with the bearing 4 and is formed and arranged so as to be driven from a first primed retracted position into a second deployed extended alarm position upon reaching a predetermined temperature. In the alarm position the element 8 contacts an engaging portion 12 on the second bearing portion so as to produce a distinctive alarm signal indicating that said bearing 4 has exceeded the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A sound generating device for a firearm, bow or the like which is hand-held by a hunter. A mounting mechanism is provided to attach or mount the sound generating device to the firearm, bow or the like. A noise generator produces a sound which is audible to an animal. The noise generator may be activated with one of the hunter's hands while holding the firearm, bow or the like, in order to cause the animal to pause in response to the audible sound.

Abstract: A tire chain support includes a first top wall canted relative to a second top wall defining an obtuse angle therebetween, wherein the second top wall extends from a forward distal end of side walls of the support to define an upwardly extending ramp directed to the top wall. Spaced parallel ribs define spaced slots therebetween to receive the tire chain mesh in an array aligning the array relative to the tire permitting proper alignment and positioning of the tire chain for securement relative to the tire. A modification of the invention includes an audible alarm arranged for actuation upon proper orientation of the tire relative to the support and to further include an alignment telescoping leg structure for properly orientating the vehicle relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A low pressure tire indicator is a mechanical device for producing an audible warning to the driver of low or inadequate tire pressure. The low pressure tire indicator includes a strap for mounting the low pressure tire indicator to a wheel hub. A spring housing is mounted on the strap. A rocker arm is mounted on an anchor pin positioned within the spring housing, and extends away from the wheel hub towards the inside tread wall of a pneumatic tire mounted on the wheel hub. The rocker arm includes a roller on a free end for engaging the inside tread wall of the tire during a low pressure condition. A hammer is mounted on the anchor pin and moves in unison with the rocker arm. A spring is mounted on the anchor pin, and, during proper tire inflation, normally urges the hammer into contact with the wheel hub, and normally positions the roller on the free end of the rocker arm between the wheel hub and the inside tread wall of the tire.

Abstract: A system for better determining the fit of shoes, particularly children's shoes, is described wherein transparent areas are provided in the shoe bottom along with fitting indices to enable comparison of the outline of a foot in the shoe to the fitting indices. The shoe may also be provided with optional audio-visual warning means to signal when the shoe is about to be outgrown.

Abstract: A fireplace log holder and alarm system is designed for placement within the firebox of fireplaces. The log holder is comprised of parallel log supports having a very rough top surfaces so as to minimize rolling and slippage of the logs. Attached to the front of the log supports is the alarm mechanism which includes metal uprights having eyes in their upper ends. An elongated hollow metal tube spans the eyes of the uprights and is loosely received within them. During the course of combustion as logs shift and are partially consumed, any forwardly shifting log will precipitously contact the metal uprights or the metal tube and cause the tube and uprights to strike together. This rapid striking action generates a loud noise which serves to notify the occupants of the dwelling that log shifting has occurred and that a dangerous repositioning of burning logs demands their attention.

Abstract: A click mechanism in a fishing reel is adapted to produce a click sound on relative rotation between a shaft having a first member non-rotatably connected thereto, and a second member which is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The click mechanism comprises a snap-action click ring which is provided between the first member and the second member. First teeth are formed on the side of the first member facing the snap-action click ring. Second teeth are formed on the side of the second member facing the snap-action click ring. The snap-action click ring comprises a first resilient tongue and a second resilient tongue which extend in the same direction in the circumferential direction of the snap-action click ring but are outwardly bent in opposite directions in the axial direction thereof. The first resilient tongue engages the first teeth, and the second resilient tongue engages the second teeth.

Abstract: A low tire warning device for pneumatic vehicle tires comprises a flexible stem attached to the vehicle side of a wheel, the stem contains an offset internal expansion chamber which will distort the stem assymetrically when pressurized by the air within the tire. This will displace a metal tip clear of an adjacent rod. If the tire pressure drops this will allow the striking tip driven by the rotating wheel to strike the rod, producing an audible sound warning.

Abstract: A system for better determining the fit of shoes, particularly children's shoes, is described wherein transparent areas are provided in the shoe bottom along with fitting indices to enable comparison of the outline of a foot in the shoe to the fitting indices. The shoe may also be provided with optional audio-visual warning means to signal when the shoe is about to be outgrown.

Abstract: An alarm system for a respirator fed from a supply of gas under pressure comprises a control valve having a pilot port and feed ports displaceable between an open position permitting fluid flow between the feed ports and a closed position preventing such flow. A pilot line connected to the pilot port is also operatively connected to the respirator for feeding gas under pressure from the respirator to the pilot port and urging the valve into one of the positions, the pressure in this pilot line being the pressure being applied to the patient. A spring is braced against the valve and urges same into the other position. A pneumatically actuatable acoustic alarm is connected to one of the feed port. Gas is fed substantially continuously under pressure to the other feed port. Thus when the pilot line pressure drops the valve moves into the other position and the alarm is either actuated or its actuation is stopped.

Abstract: A musical tea kettle is provided for playing a selected tune or the like when water within the kettle is heated to a boiling condition. The tea kettle includes a kettle body having an upper opening within which is mounted a steam driven whistle unit having a steam powered shuttle valve assembly for supplying steam to a plurality of steam whistles. When water within the kettle is boiled, the shuttle valve assembly drives a rotatable valve plate having valve ports therein for discharging steam to the plurality of steam whistles mounted on the shuttle valve assembly, wherein the valve ports are arranged in position and size to operate the steam whistles in a timed pattern to play the selected tune.

Abstract: A musical potty chair is disclosed having a novel mechanism for effecting operation of a music box upon elimination into a receptacle by a child using the device.

Abstract: A passive air, gas aerosol or pressurized fluid activated personal self-protection screech alarm device that is armed prior to the person utilizing it entering into a potentially dangerous area or situation. The primary and radically different feature of this device from those currently patented and/or on the market is that no action is demanded of the person carrying it in the event of an attack other than the natural inclination to release ones grip. Releasing ones grip on the aerosol can and lever and dropping the device then activates an irrevocable screech alarm. This device plays to the psychological implications of attack in that if active, overt action is taken by the person who is the subject of a rape, for example, the attacker oftentimes becomes more violent. With this device, the natural inclination to show fright and drop whatever one is carrying serves to activate the alarm.

Abstract: A cooking vessel is provided with a whistle knob which has an internal passage for carrying steam from a hole in the cooking vessel to a rotary whistle chamber molded in the knob. The whistle chamber is displaced from and eccentric to the knob axis. The lower surface of the knob has a cavity which surrounds the knob axis, providing a steam passage inlet which is in communication with the hole in the cooking vessel regardless of the angular position of the knob relative to its axis. From the inlet cavity, steam passes through a vertically extending passage, a plenum chamber and a horizontally extending passage which introduces steam into the whistle chamber at an angle which causes an audible whistle and rotary movement of the steam. The whistle chamber has an outlet which may be opened and closed by rotational movement of a valve ring which extends circumferentially around the knob.

Abstract: A tripod utilized over a manhole or the like to aid in the introduction or removal of a workman or equipment into the hole includes a housing and three legs extending downwardly and outwardly from the housing. An elongated rod extends vertically through the housing and includes a support member in the form of a loop or hook. A fall protection device may be suspended from the support member and includes a cable connected to a harness worn by a workman. In the event of a fall, the weight of the workman pulls the support member and rod downwardly against the force of a spring located within the housing until a limit switch carried by the rod activates an audible and visual alarm. A nut threaded onto the top part of the rod can be moved down against the top of the housing to prevent downward movement of the rod. This allows the tripod to be used to lower heavy equipment without activating the alarm.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting a conventional portable fire extinguisher wherein the support mechanism is modified or adapted to include an audible warning device such as a siren, whistle or bell. When a person removes the extinguisher from the support mechanism an audible warning sound is generated to alerted nearby individuals of the existence of a fire or the fact that the extinguisher may be in the process of being stolen. The individuals are thus alerted to the requirement for some action on their part.

Abstract: A lid knob for a pressure cooker contains a whistle which informs the user when boiling has occurred. The lid knob is designed so that the whistle hole of the knob may be rotated into alignment with the steam hole of the lid of the pressure cooker during initial heating and then rotated out of alignment with the steam hole once boiling has occurred. The lid knob is simple in structure and is easy to disassemble for cleaning.

Abstract: A marker rope to be stretched around a danger zone, such as a site of road repairs to warn trespassers off, has a plurality of cords. Each cord has a plug end and a socket end so as to be connected to each other and is provided with a plurality of luminous bodies and a sound producing unit which are sheathed in a watertight manner in a colored transparent protecting tube.

Abstract: A lid knob for a pressure cooker contains a whistle which informs the user when boiling has occurred. The lid knob is designed so that the whistle hole of the knob may be rotated into alignment with the steam hole of the lid of the pressure cooker during initial heating and then rotated out of alignment with the steam hole once boiling has occurred. The lid knob is simple in structure and is easy to disassemble for cleaning.

Abstract: A bathroom radio is provided and consists of a housing in the shape of an animal such as a duck to hold a radio circuit within, a pair of suction cup legs, for securing the housing in a place between a toilet tank and a toilet seat cover and a pressure sensitive switch in the flexible bill of an adjustable head of the housing electrically connected to the radio circuit so that when the toilet seat cover is lifted up the cover will press against the pressure sensitive switch to close the radio circuit and when the toilet seat cover is placed back down the pressure sensitive switch will open turning the radio circuit off.

Abstract: A toilet seat cover position monitoring device in the form of an attachment to the inside surface of a cover. Upon the cover being moved to the upper position permitting access into the toilet bowl, a first light begins to blink. After a set period of time, a buzzer will begin to sound. Deactivation of both the first light and buzzer will occur upon the toilet seat cover being moved to the lower position covering the opening of the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A speed-changing device which supports an operating lever rotatably to a fixing member having a lever shaft, the lever being provided at a boss thereof with a cavity, the fixing member being provided with a support member entering into the cavity, the cavity housing therein a sound generating mechanism comprising a plurality of recesses and an engaging member, so that a sound generated by the engagement of engaging member with each recess is amplified by resonance of said cavity.

Abstract: A disposable cutting edge to be installed upon a lawn mower rotor and an audible tone generator to warn the operator when the disposable cutting edge is not properly installed. A disposable cutting edge providing a quick and safe snap-on/snap-off installation/removal upon a specially constructed rotor containing an edge positioning sensor, and capable of generating an audible alarm.

Abstract: A device that protects the inner surface of pipes from rust is disclosed. This device is especially useful for pipes provided with threading and a thread guard at their threaded ends to form an airtight seal. The device comprises a holder that can be inserted in the pipes on which a number of receptacles are attached at intervals. The receptacles are filled with a drying agent or dessicant and are made of a moisture permeable material. A moisture indicator may be placed in the base of the thread guard.

Abstract: A safety ashtray device including a housing having a switch mounted in the upper surface of the housing and secured with respect to the bottom surface of an ashtray device. The ashtray device is movable from an upper switch position to a lower switch position and vice versa. The ashtray device when in the upper switch position closing the contacts in the switch and while in the lower switch position opening the contacts in the switch. A power source is mounted within the housing and is electrically connected in series with respect to the switch contacts as well as a timer and a buzzer. The timer is operable to be set as desired by the operator and the buzzer is adapted to activate responsive to the timer reaching the expired time and the ashtray being in the lower position. In this configuration a series connection will be made between the positive and negative terminals of the power source by a series connection through the switching device and the timer and the buzzer device and returning to the battery.

Abstract: This relates to the provision of a vacuum indicator in a container wherein a product is vacuum packaged. Most specifically, an end unit for a conventional container is provided with a vent opening through which air rushes into the container when opened. There is secured to the underside of the end unit a whistle device in communication with the opening so that the inwardly rushing air actuates the whistle device and causes the whistle device to emit a whistling sound in accordance with the vacuum present within the container and thereby gives an audible indication of the freshness of the product.

Abstract: A teakettle for boiling water, the covered kettle having a spout projecting therefrom whose mouth is normally closed by a whistle cap having an extension arm terminating in a pinion mounted for rotation at one end of a bail secured to the kettle and serving as a handle therefor. The pinion is engaged by a rack attached to the front end of an arcuate strip slidable within the hollow bail, the rear end of the strip being coupled through a slot in the bail to an external finger pad. To pour boiling water from the kettle, the user grasps the bail with his hand and manipulates the finger pad with his finger to push the pad forward, thereby advancing the rack and causing the pinion to rotate and lift the cap from the mouth of the spout. Release of the finger pad causes the cap to drop back in place on the spout and to return the finger pad to its initial position.

Abstract: A training or practice device especially designed for use on athletic club type of equipment such as a golf club, tennis racket, baseball bat or the like which is swung to strike a game ball during normal game use and which device is releasably attached to the club, racket or bat and operable to provide an audible and visual indication when the swing of said equipment is proper. The device includes an element that is actuatable to give an audible and visual indication when the swing of the club type equipment has the optimum velocity and power for striking the game ball. The element is manually resettable after each swing of the equipment for subsequent and repeatable use of said equipment whereby the user, by practice, may repeatedly obtain the optimum velocity and power on each swing of the equipment.

Abstract: A clicker is shown for giving an audible signal when an archer's bow string is properly tensioned. The clicker is mounted at the end of an elongated cable guard extension rod to cooperate with the rear edge of the connecting section of the string of a compound bow when the operative section of the string has been moved to its rearmost position, to indicate when the desired tension has been drawn in the string for shooting the arrow.

Abstract: A totally pneumatic crane warning system is disclosed capable of use in oil well environments. The crane warning system utilizes a pneumatic function generator. The pneumatic function generator includes a means for receiving a linear pneumatic signal that may be representative of a boom angle and translating that signal to a non-linear output representative of the maximum load capacity of the crane at that angle. This function is accomplished through the use of a rolling cam machined to represent the functional relationship between the boom angle and the maximum load capacity at that angle. This relationship has been found to be non-linear in nature. A pneumatic control circuit is utilized in conjunction with the rolling cam to effect the pneumatic output signal that is representative of the maximum load capacity at a given boom angle.

Abstract: An accessory case including a generally rectangular, box-like container having a hinged cover for mounting on the arm rest of a wheel chair. The case has a bottom wall having a forward position generally parallel to the cover, a rear portion which is canted or angled rearwardly and upwardly toward the cover generally. The case is mounted on the wheel chair with said cover approximately at the level of the arm rest, and with said canted portion of the bottom wall spaced from the wheel chair drive ring leaving same free to be manipulated. Structure is provided on the cover for signalling a distress signal and which is situated for convenient opening of the cover by a wheel chair occupant. An interior partition arrangement for the case within convenient reach of the chair occupant is provided.

Abstract: A strike zone pad for use in conjunction with a home plate marker to aid the umpire in calling balls and strikes in the game of slow pitch softball. The strike zone pad includes an elongated sheet having a thickness and width equal to that of the home plate marker. The strike zone pad is disposed in juxtaposed mating relationship at the rearward side of home plate terminating forward of the catcher's box and secured in position by a plurality of spikes.

Abstract: This invention is a combination smoke and fire detection and alarm system that comprises a battery powered personal unit and an AC/DC sustaining unit. It provides audible and visual alarms and an emergency light. The personal unit plugs into the sustaining unit for battery charge and provides an additional smoke and fire detector when used in this mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating breakage of a tensioned rope, or chain or the like by firing flares or other warning signals. In the preferred embodiment, an auxiliary cable running parallel to the towing or mooring cable is used to actuate firing of a first flare and to simultaneously activate a timing mechanism. Said timing mechanism fires a series of flares in a predetermined sequence. This combination allows both an immediate indication of a hazard and quick localization and recovery of a detached boat or vehicle.

Abstract: An alarm mechanism associated with a wheel using a vibratory body. A striker is also included which is adapted for contacting the vibratory body. The striker and vibratory body are mounted such that the striker is rotatable in relation to the vibratory body and the striker or contacts the vibratory body during the revolution of the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating breakage of a tensioned rope, or chain or the like by firing flares or other warning signals. In the preferred embodiment, an auxiliary cable running parallel to the towing or mooring cable is used to actuate firing of a first flare and to simultaneously activate a timing mechanism. Said timing mechanism fires a series of flares in a predetermined sequence. This combination allows both an immediate indication of a hazard and quick localization and recovery of a detached boat or vehicle.

Abstract: A wooden block, upon which an automobile wheel can climb, to facilitate tire chain installation, the block including an inclined ramp at one end, and a pair of transverse grooves across its top for receiving the chain; and the block, in a modified design, including a warning bell, so a wheel does not roll off the opposite end of the block.

Abstract: The improved draw check of the present invention includes a support plate, a device for affixing the rear surface of the support plate to the window of an archery bow adjacent the bow arrow rest, and a resilient arm secured, preferably pivotably secured, to the exposed front surface of the support plate. The arm is a single blade and includes a portion adapted to contact the outer margin of an arrow when the latter is on the arrow rest for shooting from the bow. That portion of the arm includes a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end having a part projecting toward the support a greater distance than the trailing end projects toward the support.With this arrangement, the archer can draw an arrow (while on the bowstring) on the arrow rest back past the check's leading end, thus causing it to suddenly move toward the support, and then further back past the trailing end, causing a further sudden movement of the draw check toward the support, in both cases signaling the position of the arrow.