Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
A gauge for quantitative measurement within a water-filled mattress of the type having an open-ended, recessable filler spout, the gauge comprising: a cylindrical stopper that fits closely around an inside wall of the recessable filler spout of said water-filled mattress to maintain a cylindrical shape for the filler spout, wherein the stopper has an end that fits closely around the open end of the filler spout; a quantitative measuring instrument with a sensing stem extending through the cylindrical stopper and with a crystal disposed above the end of the stopper to permit observation outside the mattress of measurements sensed by said instrument, wherein the sensing stem extends to a depth where the sensing stem is in thermal contact with the water when the filler spout is in a recessed position; and an annular hold-down member that runs around the crystal and the filler spout to secure the stopper in sealing relationship with the filler spout; said cylindrical stopper, measuring instrument crystal and annualr hold-down member forming a blunt-ended cap with a profile that is non-interfering with use of the mattress when the recessable filler spout is moved to its recessed position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
A gauge for quantitative measurement within a water-filled mattress of the type having an open-ended, recessable filler spout, the gauge comprising: a cylindrical stopper that fits closely around an inside wall of the recessable filler spout of said water-filled mattress to maintain a cylindrical shape for the filler spout, wherein the stopper has an end that fits closely around the open end of the filler spout; a quantitative measuring instrument with a sensing stem extending through the cylindrical stopper and with a crystal disposed above the end of the stopper to permit observation outside the mattress of measurements sensed by said instrument, wherein the sensing stem extends to a depth where the sensing stem is in thermal contact with the water when the filler spout is in a recessed position; and an annular hold-down member that runs around the crystal and the filler spout to secure the stopper in sealing relationship with the filler spout; said cylindrical stopper, measuring instrument crystal and annualr hold-down member forming a blunt-ended cap with a profile that is non-interfering with use of the mattress when the recessable filler spout is moved to its recessed position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gauge of claim 1, further comprising self-retaining means in the stopper for gripping the sensing stem and providing a seal between the sensing stem and the stopper.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The gauge of claim 2, wherein the means retained in the stopper is an O-ring of resilient material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The gauge of claim 1, wherein the annular hold-down member mounts the crystal for the quantitative measuring instrument.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The gauge of claim 1, wherein the annular hold-down member bears down on a portion of the quantitative measuring instrument that bears on the stopper to secure the stopper in sealing relationship within the filler spout.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The gauge of claim 1, wherein the quantitative measuring instrument has a crystal with a diameter about the same as that of the opening into the filler spout to permit observation of measurements made by said instrument.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
145 words
A cap assembly for mounting a quantitative measuring instrument that includes a crystal in an open-ended, recessable filler spout on a water-filled mattress, the cap assembly comprising: a cylindrical stopper that fits into the open end and closely around an inside wall of the recessable filler spout of said water-filled mattress to maintain a cylindrical shape for the filler spout; an annular hold-down member that runs around the crystal and the filler spout to secure the stopper in sealing relationship with the filler spout; and means within the stopper for frictionally gripping the stopper and the quantitative measuring instrument to hold the quantitative measuring instrument within the cap assembly; said cylindrical stopper, measuring instrument crystal and annular hold-down member forming a blunt-ended cap with a profile that is non-interfering with use of the mattress when the recessable filler spout is moved to its recessed position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
145 words
A cap assembly for mounting a quantitative measuring instrument that includes a crystal in an open-ended, recessable filler spout on a water-filled mattress, the cap assembly comprising: a cylindrical stopper that fits into the open end and closely around an inside wall of the recessable filler spout of said water-filled mattress to maintain a cylindrical shape for the filler spout; an annular hold-down member that runs around the crystal and the filler spout to secure the stopper in sealing relationship with the filler spout; and means within the stopper for frictionally gripping the stopper and the quantitative measuring instrument to hold the quantitative measuring instrument within the cap assembly; said cylindrical stopper, measuring instrument crystal and annular hold-down member forming a blunt-ended cap with a profile that is non-interfering with use of the mattress when the recessable filler spout is moved to its recessed position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The cap assembly of claim 7 wherein the quantitative measuring instrument has a stem and wherein the means for frictionally gripping is an O-ring of resilient material.