Abstract: A rechargeable device that stores and discharges hydrogen is described. The device stores hydrogen in a solid form and supplies hydrogen as a gas when needed. The solid storage medium may be metal hydride in a ground particle form that avoids the need for compaction or other treatment. Dividers partition a container into separate chambers, each provided with a matrix, formed from an appropriate material like a thermally-conductive aluminum foam, which forms a number of cells. For proper chamber size, the ratio of chamber length to container diameter should be between about 0.5 and 2. Metal hydride particles (or other hydrogen storage medium) may be placed within the cells, which help prevent excessive particle settling. The container is provided with a hydrogen transfer port through which hydrogen gas passes upon either discharging from or charging of the metal hydride particles. A filter may be placed within the port to allow hydrogen to flow but prevent particles from escaping.

Abstract: Kayak comprising: a rigid base in several sections end to end joined to one another in a water-tight hinge-mounting so that they can be folded one on top of the other; a rigid keel in several sections spanning the hinge-mountings of the base sections and retained in brackets fixed to said base sections; two pneumatically inflatable sides joined at the base to the longitudinal edges of the rigid base; a covering canvas joined to the respective top longitudinal edges of the two inflatable sides and having at least one opening for a user; a seat located under this opening; and at least one rigid tensioning frame arranged to the rear of the opening and designed to brace the base, the inflatable sides and the covering canvas.

Abstract: Quick coupling for a hose (4), comprising a tubular end fitting (2) which has an axial tapering surface (3) that can be pushed at least partially into the end of the hose (4); a clamping ring (5) mounted to rotate on the end fitting (3) and having, at its end facing the tapering surface, an axial opening (9) with a diameter that is between the extreme diameters of the tapering surface (3); and guide means (6, 8; 13, 14) provided on the end fitting (3) and on the ring (5), arranged so that rotation of the ring is accompanied by an axial movement thereof; by virtue of which, when the ring is tightened onto the end fitting, its axial movement along the tapering surface tightens it onto the said tapering surface with the end of the hose being tightened and locked against the tapering surface. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to water purification compositions comprising silver and a second material, such as aluminum or zinc metal, to methods of treating or purifying water using this composition.

Abstract: A projection device which includes a plurality of deflectable mirror arrays arranged to spatially modulate incident light. A totally internal reflecting surface is arranged to direct light to and from the deformable mirror array. The device includes on or more dichroic layers arranged at an angle relative to the incident light dependent on the spread of angles on the incident beam relative to the optical axis. Additionally or alternatively, the totally internally reflecting surface may be arranged to direct non-spatially modulated light towards a beam dump.

Abstract: Brush card or holder assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies avoid any need for a separate plastic cap and utilize a lead wire (which could be or include a rod or other electrically-conductive device) both electrically to connect a brush to an external component and mechanically to fix the position of one end of a mechanism, such as a spring, for biasing the brush toward the surface of a commutator or other rotating machine element.

Abstract: A deformable mirror device having a two-dimensional array of mirror elements is driven in such a way to reduce the data rate and remove the need for buffer stores. The mirror elements are loaded row-by-row in response to an n bit video signal in 2n loading operations. Only n rows are loaded in each loading operation, the other rows remaining in their previous conditions, and the loading continues sequentially down the array. The timing of the loading is such that the duration from loading a given row with a first data bit to loading the same row with the next data bit is proportional to the significance of the first data bit.

Abstract: A dump-valve device for a craft, characterized in that it comprises: a plug valve (13) movable approximately rectilinearly relative to a fixed seat (17) supported by a craft transom plate (3), drive means (9, 10) mobile in rotation along a rotary stroke of limited angular amplitude and able to be activated from inside the craft, and coupling means (11, 19) interposed between the valve (13) and the drive means (9, 10) to convert the rotary stroke of limited angular amplitude of the drive means into a rectilinear stroke of limited linear amplitude of the valve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for personalizing printed media such as (but not limited to) catalogs, magazines, and books are disclosed. Personalized components are created before binding of the media occurs, reducing use of ink-jet printers on-line. At least the personalized components contain machine-readable indicia to permit identification and coordination of use of the components during the binding processes.

Abstract: Multi-function, adjustable seats and methods and systems for their manufacture and utilization are disclosed. Such seats are especially, although not exclusively, designed for use in commercial aircraft in response to consumer requests for enhanced comfort during long-haul flights. In addition to providing rocking motion, the seats have bottoms whose lengths are adjustable and provide stowable tables adapted not only to permit vertical adjustment, but also to tilt out of a horizontal plane and latch in an as-tilted position to function as a rest for a book, magazine, computer, or other object. Digital control technology, including a touch screen or similar device, may be employed to actuate features of the disclosed seats.

Abstract: Addressed herein are commutators and methods of manufacturing them. The methods permit the carbonaceous material and core of a commutator to be molded simultaneously, rather than in a two-step process, and can eliminate one of two curing procedures used in connection with other manufacturing techniques. The necessity of machining the inner surface of the commutator shell to remove undesired excess phenolic or other material additionally is avoided by use of the techniques detailed herein. Commutators formed according to these methods may have increased useful lives and provide better performance than others presently available.

Abstract: A telescopic piston assembly comprises a housing 1 containing an inner component 2, an intermediate component 3 and an outer component 6, all telescopingly interfitted together. The inner component 2 comprises a fluid outlet at one end, the intermediate component 3 making a sliding seal 5 with the inner component 2 and comprising a closed end surrounding the fluid outlet end. The outer component 6 makes a first sliding seal (12, FIG. 7) with the intermediate component 3 and a second sliding seal 13 with the inner component. A detent 4 operates to hold the outer component 6 in an extended position relative to the inner component 3.

Abstract: The lottery ticket is composed of base sheet (1), cover sheet (2) and ticket sheet (3) lying therebetween. Base sheet (1) and cover sheet (2) are adhered to each other in the edge region (6). The adhesive means is strip-shaped. In addition, base sheet (1) and cover sheet (2) are perforated to each other. Said perforation (9-12) is line-shaped and lies in said edge region (6) provided with glue. The distance of the perforation (9-12) from the edge (4, 5) of base and cover sheet (1, 2) is in the region of 2-4 mm. The ticket sheet (3) is thus completely surrounded by a border (6) of glue and by a border (9-12) of perforations lying therein. The six surfaces of base sheet (1), ticket sheet (3) and cover sheet (2) are provided with a plurality of imprints in base areas covering one another. Due to these imprints which cover one another and hence cross one another, the ticket sheet (3) cannot be deciphered by means of examining against the light when the lottery ticket is unopened.

Abstract: Padlocks adapted for one-handed operation are disclosed. Typically having a laterally asymmetric shackle, the lock includes an arm connected thereto so as to pivot when the locking mechanism is disengaged. A spring or other component facilitates latching of the device by biasing the arm toward an exposed end of the shackle.

Abstract: Bumpers and assemblies for swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. Such assemblies may include contoured frames to which flexible fins are attached to facilitate deflection of cleaners when obstacles are encountered. Side wings connecting the frame to the body of a cleaner may additionally be employed as part of the assemblies, as may a weight moveable about two axes. In use, the side wings both promote cleaner deflection and reduce body wear that otherwise would occur. The non-stationary weight permits continuous rebalancing of the cleaner depending on its location and orientation within a pool. An optional lower bumper facilitates operation of the cleaner by reducing the likelihood of its becoming trapped against objects such as steps located within swimming pools.

Abstract: A method of harvesting sod using a sod harvester involves the formation of a series of defined slabs of sod that are positioned end-to-end, and conveyed up a conveyor that is driven at ground speed so that the slabs stay together. The slabs may be defined by respective series of spaced perforations so that the slabs remain connected by portions of the sod between the perforations. Where the slabs are completely separate, netting is introduced continuously below the series of slabs as they enter a roll-forming enclosure of the harvester. The netting keeps the slabs together and allows them to be formed into a roll in essentially the same fashion as a continuous strip of sod. Roll formation is continued until a large diameter roll has been formed comprising multiple layers of sod slabs. The large roll forms a unitary structure that can be manipulated and transported to a laying site in the same manner as a large single strip roll.

Abstract: A water catchment device floating at the surface (19) of a basin comprising: a floating support (1) having a support base (3); and a skimmer (4) retained on the base (3) and comprising a skimmer body (5) which can be vertically displaced above the base (3), the skimmer body (5) having a base (7) which has at least one auxiliary passage (11) designed to be closed off by the base (3) when the skimmer body (5) is resting thereon, and a floating dish (13) which sits at the top of the skimmer body (5) during abnormal operation due to excessive buoyancy caused by inadequate filling with water, in which case the skimmer body becomes buoyant and rises above the base releasing the auxiliary passage (11) by which the water enters the skimmer body, from where it is pumped.

Abstract: Inflatable objects such as (but not necessarily) chairs are disclosed. The objects may have enhanced stability for use in bodies of calm water such as swimming pools, including either or both of outrigger-style floats or pontoons and roll-up mattresses. Fittings, when present, may allow attachment and detachment of the pontoons and roll-up mattresses and connection of one inflatable object to one or more others.

Abstract: A tape measure is provided in which orientation of the primary indicia are varied to allow reading of measurements from either side. A centering strip is provided which gives fractional values corresponding to the primary indicia, thus allowing easy calculation of certain fractions of a given measurement. Other visual aids for improving ease of use are provided, such as stud centering marks, distinct colors and variations in numeral and hatch mark sizing.