Abstract: A device for retaining an object to a support and then separating it therefrom in a controlled sequence embodying a receptacle to be fixed to the support, a chimney fixed to the receptacle and a retaining sleeve adapted to couple a bearing surface of the object to a bearing surface of the receptacle or to release it. A piston slides along the chimney and has a locking configuration in which it holds the retaining sleeve in place and a release configuration. An ejector piston slides in the chimney to eject the object. Drive pressure operates first on the piston until it can operate on the ejector piston at the end of the movement of the piston.

Abstract: A support frame essentially provided for goods in the form of a container having corner pieces, for the attachment of which the support frame includes on a vertical portion, two locking devices for cooperation with the upper front corner pieces; and on a horizontal portion two locking devices for cooperation with the lower rear corner pieces, whereby the container attached to the support frame rigidifies the vertical portion and the horizontal portion with respect to each other.

Abstract: A sport facility and equipment for playing a game with a ball, in which the overall physical conditions of the game are similar to basketball. The facility is configured to use a basketball or a ball of similar size, in which the object of the game is to throw the ball through a hoop and thereby score a goal. The facility and equipment further include a system for penalizing the performance of a player or team in a manner which encourages the competitiveness of the game and the enjoyment by spectators. Specifically, a system is used to keep track of scores made by one or more participants playing in one or more playing areas. Using preselected criteria, the losing team is doused with a spray of water at the completion of a game.

Abstract: Hydraulic actuators are fed by a single flow-rate generator, each being connected to it through a proportional directional valve, the unit including at least one auxiliary valve fed by the flow-rate generator and producing a pressure which is normally equal to a regulation pressure increased by a constant, and in each proportional directional valve an actuating device causes the compensating spool to respond to the pressure produced by the auxiliary valve.

Abstract: A variable power telescope with an automatic adjustment feature which enables the user of a firearm to automatically and quickly adjust the magnification power of the telescope while maintaining a secure grasp on the firearm with both hands and without losing the target viewed through the telescope. The magnification of the telescope is controlled through a battery-powered motor which can be operated by a switch near the trigger hand, allowing control with one finger on the user's trigger hand. The telescope also prevents operation of the motor beyond the adjustment range of the telescope by providing a shut-off switch that serves as a limit switch at the operational extremes of the telescope.

Abstract: An articulated device for space vehicles, for example, for temporarily sealing the aperture of a space optical instrument. The device includes a fixed support element for mounting on the vehicle and an auxiliary element such as a temporary sealing flap mounted to pivot with respect to the fixed support element around a hinge axis between a first configuration (e.g. wherein the aperture is sealed) and a second configuration. The auxiliary element is attached, by a frangible controlled-break component for making temporary connections, to a hinge shaft whose rotation between the first and second configuration is controlled by an actuator. A torsional resilient return device is secured to the auxiliary element and to the shaft while resiliently biasing the auxiliary element to rotate it around the shaft in a predetermined direction. The shaft is substantially loosely engaged in journal bearings which are rigidly fastened to the auxiliary element.