Abstract: A sway dampener is provided for reducing sway motion of a gantry crane spreader that is suspended from hanger chains. The sway dampener is configured to resist motion of the hanger chain relative to the spreader, thereby retarding sway. The dampener includes first and second portions that are movable relative to each other in a resistive fashion, for example a piston-cylinder structure. The first portion is mounted to the spreader and the second portion is mounted to the hanger chain at an attachment point located a vertical distance above a point at which the hanger chain is pivotally mounted to the spreader so that horizontal sway motion of the attachment point relative to the spreader displaces the first and second portions.

Abstract: An incentives points-based on-line auction method is presented that is based upon an on-line system including a catalog of potential auction items and a database of participants that are eligible to take part in the auction and the participants' associated eligible points. The method includes designating a set of auction items from the catalog of potential auction items. Thereafter, participants submit bids via on-line access for the set of auction items. The auction facilities initially prompt a participant to logon to gain access to the auction. Authorized, logged on participants are then provided access to a database describing the auction items and current bid information. A participant may bid upon an auction item. In response, to receiving a bid from a participant, the auction facilities determine whether the participant has sufficient points in a point bank to submit the bid. Proper new high bids are registered by the auction facilities.

Abstract: A power supply having a stable reset function a mobile electronic unit is provided that simultaneously resets the digital signal processing unit and the controller in a mobile electronic unit. The stable reset function occurs during the period of time when the power source of the mobile electronic unit is changed by removing an AC adapter from the mobile electronic unit and applying the power source of the battery which was previously installed in the mobile electronic unit.

Abstract: Provided is a zoom lens barrel including a plurality of lens groups, each having at least one lens arranged in an optical axis direction, an actuating mechanism capable of moving the lens groups in an optical axis direction, and a shutter unit including an opening portion for exposure, a blade capable of adjusting the degree of opening of the opening portion, and an electronic actuating apparatus capable of actuating the blade to adjust the degree of opening of the opening portion according to the distance between the shutter unit and one of the lens groups adjacent to the shutter unit when the distance is shorter than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the placement of a rod member into a remote surface, comprising: an elongated hollow tube member having a first end and a second end; the first end of the elongated hollow tube member adapted to receive and removably secure a drill bit with the drill bit projecting from the end of the tube member; the first end of the elongated hollow tube member further adapted to receive and removably secure an anchor with the rod member projecting therefrom, the rod member being of a length less than the elongated tube member and having a greatest outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the elongated tube member; and the second end of the elongated hollow tube member adapted to be mounted in a driving apparatus.

Abstract: A container including a receptacle with a closed bottom, an interior space, and an open top encircled by a top receptacle edge, a lid for closing the top of the receptacle where the lid is pivotably attached at a portion of the top receptacle edge and includes a portion extending beyond the edge, and a pillow portion attached to the lid and dimensioned to rest within the interior space of the receptacle when the lid is closed.

Abstract: A ratchet useful for wrenches is provided having a pawl and a main gear that reside in a case, wherein the pawl is biased to engage teeth of the main gear to permit rotation in a selected direction. According to an aspect of the invention, a biasing mechanism is housed within the pawl and acts outwardly from the pawl against one or more ramped surfaces formed in the case, thereby biasing the pawl rotationally. For example, the biasing mechanism may be a coil spring housed within a bore extending through the pawl, aligned parallel to an axis of rotation of the pawl. The spring is compressed between two ball bearings, urging the ball bearings axially outwardly against the ramped surfaces. The ramped surfaces are shaped so that a component of the force of the ball bearings creates a rotational moment on the pawl.

Abstract: A leg-rest assembly for use with a chair, in particular, a reclining chair is disclosed. The leg-rest assembly is comprised of a leg-rest pivotally connected to a seat, and a foot-rest portion attached in a telescopic relationship with the leg-rest portion.

Abstract: A method for controlling an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system using network protocols, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, or FTP. Control of a plurality of functions, including in-seat and broadcast audio and video, overhead reading light control, and flight attendant call, are implemented using a network client, a network server, and a network server program, each communicating with network protocols. The network client may be visible or invisible to a user of the in-flight entertainment system, depending on whether a web browser or a virtual web browser is used as a network client. The software for each line replaceable unit (LRU) may be designed, redesigned, or tested independently from other components within the IFE system. Particular functions of the IFE system can be made available only to particular parts of the IFE system, allowing different levels of access to the IFE system for different passenger classes.

Abstract: A moveable seat comprising a seat frame assembly and a tapered swivel assembly, the tapered swivel assembly having components that are laterally immobile with respect to each other, despite forces from the seat frame assembly upon the tapered swivel assembly. A cable tracking wheel capable of controlling all movement of the moveable seat is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for drying and conditioning sports equipment and apparel. A base contains an airflow generator, such as a motorized fan. Ambient temperature air is conveyed through a plurality of tubular members. Apertures in the tubular members allow for airflow to be conveyed to the surface of sports equipment or apparel. The sports equipment and apparel is maintained a distance from the apertures by pegs, pins or other support members. The base may contain a pad for conveying airflow with a fragrance or an antifungal agent.

Abstract: The invention related to a device for examining filled containers for foreign bodies. In an embodiment, the device for examining filled containers for foreign bodies has a transport apparatus for transporting the containers individually in succession in a row on a plane of transport, at least one X-ray source which emits X-rays in a predetermined direction, and an apparatus for recording the X-rays after they have passed through the containers. In an embodiment, the direction in which the X-rays are emitted from the X-ray source is inclined by between 10° and 60° to the plane of transport. In an embodiment, two X-ray sources are provided, namely one arranged above and one below the plane of transport. In an embodiment, the X-ray source is positioned such that the ray course is approximately tangential to the maximum slope of the bulge of the container bottom.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a zoom lens which includes, in order from an object side: a first lens group having a negative refractive power; a second lens group having a positive refractive power; and a third lens group having a positive refractive power. While zooming from a wide-angle position to a telephoto position, the distance between the third lens group and an image side is greater at the wide-angle position than at the telephoto position. The zoom lens satisfies the following conditional expression: 1.0 ? L II f W ? f T ? 1.5 where fW denotes the total focal length at the wide-angle position; fT denotes the total focal length at the telephoto position; and LII denotes the moving distance of the second lens group from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electric-discharge machining a turbine blade are provided. The method includes the steps of: a) preparing a disc material divided into an first portion and a second portion on a basis of a symmetrical line, b) fixing the disc material, with the first portion facing upward, c) forming an initial profile of at least one of the plurality of blades at the first portion of the disc material using at least two roughing tool electrodes to concurrently form a roughing space at the first portion, d) leading at least two finishing tool electrodes into the roughing space to concurrently perform precise machining of the blade, e) turning over the disc material, fixing the disc material and repeating steps c) and d) on the second portion.