Abstract: A portable barrier retraction device and system for retracting and deploying barriers, such as theatrical curtains. The portable barrier retraction device for retracting and deploying barriers, such as theatrical curtains. The device includes a rotatable shaft in rotational communication with a first drum. The device further includes a detachable rotatable second drum rotational communication with the first drum. The second drum further including at least one spool configured to retract or deploy at least one line in response to rotation of the second drum.

Abstract: A system and humidity control method is provided for a multi-stage cooling system having two or more refrigerant circuits that balances humidity control and cooling demand. Each refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a vessel and an evaporator. A hot gas reheat circuit having a heat exchange coil is connected to one of the refrigerant circuits and is placed in fluid communication with the output airflow from the evaporator of that refrigerant circuit to provide additional dehumidification to the air when humidity control is requested. The hot gas reheat circuit bypasses the vessel of the refrigerant circuit during humidity control. Humidity control is performed during cooling operations and ventilation operations. During a first stage cooling operation using only one refrigerant circuit and having a low cooling demand, the request for humidity control activates the hot gas reheat circuit for dehumidification and activates a second refrigerant circuit to provide cooling capacity.

Abstract: A coating composition is disclosed that includes a binder, a tri-valent chromium solid, and a stabilized oxidizing agent. The coating composition is used in a method to protect a surface of a metallic article, such as an aluminum article. The tri-valent chromium solid forms a soluble hexavalent chromium compound as a result of reaction with the oxidizing agent when activated in the presence of a corrosive environment. The released water soluble hexavalent chromium migrates to coating defects to protect the metallic article.

Abstract: A dental handpiece includes a body having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions disposed at an ergonomic angle to each other. A drive gear extends from the second portion toward the first portion. The drive gear has a first axis of rotation and rotatably drives at least one driven gear having a second axis of rotation. The at least one driven gear is operatively connected to a bur disposed in the first portion to rotatably drive the bur about a third axis of rotation. The drive gear and the at least one driven gear do not include a taper gear or a face gear.

Abstract: An aging compensation method for an oscillator circuit device, in which the oscillator circuit device receives a control voltage from an application end, and outputs a clock signal with a predetermined frequency in response to the control voltage, includes the steps of: a) inspecting the control voltage from the application end to obtain a first value thereof; b) after a predetermined time period has elapsed, inspecting the control voltage from the application end to obtain a second value thereof; c) determining whether there is a difference between the first and second values of the control voltage; d) if it is determined that there is a difference, performing compensation on the value of the control voltage based on the difference; and e) repeating steps b) through d).

Abstract: A method and cleaning composition for removing engine deposits from turbine components, in particular turbine disks and turbine shafts. This method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a turbine component having a surface with engine deposits thereon, wherein the turbine component comprises a nickel and/or cobalt-containing base metal; and (b) treating the surface of the turbine component with a cleaning composition to convert the engine deposits thereon to a removable smut without substantially etching the base metal of the turbine component. The cleaning composition comprises an aqueous solution that is substantially free of acetic acid and comprising: a nitrate ion source in an amount, by weight of the nitrate ion, of from about 470 to about 710 grams/liter; and a bifluoride ion source in an amount, by weight of the bifluoride ion, of from about 0.5 to about 15 grams/liter.

Abstract: The lubricant coalescing filter element is provided that includes a cylindrical outer screen member, at least one filter element disposed inside the cylindrical outer screen member and being coaxial with the outer screen member, and a drainage arrangement disposed between the cylindrical outer screen member and the at least one filter element to drain accumulated lubricant out of the at least one filter element.

Abstract: An overlay for repairing spline and seal teeth of a mated component is disclosed. The overlay is a tube constructed of a weld repair material, the tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is dimensioned to define an aperture sized to receive a plurality of radially spaced splines of the component, the splines of the component arranged to matingly engage a complementary component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a diaphragm valve includes a valve body having a chamber in fluid communication with a first channel and a second channel. A diaphragm is disposed in the chamber, and a tapered seat member is at least partially disposed in the first channel. A sleeve is compressively disposed in the seat member between the seat member and the first channel to maintain a fluid tight seal between the seat member and the first channel. A valve member is movable to controllably urge the diaphragm into and out of engagement with the seat member to control flow of fluid between the first the first and second channel.

Abstract: A rolling knee support comprises a base with a detachable knee pad. The base includes a knee pad receiving portion and roller attachment portions. Each of the roller attachment portions has a caster mounted thereto. The knee pad is detachably mounted to the knee pad receiving portion. A strap extends from the rolling knee support for attachment of the rolling knee support to a wearer's knee area. An outer cover may be placed on the knee pad when the knee pad is detached from the rolling knee support.

Abstract: A fencing connector and fencing system utilizing fencing connectors. The fencing connectors include a swivel mount having a cavity configured to receive a first swivel assembly. The first swivel assembly is rotatable about a first axis within the swivel mount. A second swivel assembly is rotatably attached to the first swivel assembly. The second swivel assembly is rotatable about a second axis. The second swivel assembly further having a pocket configured to receive a structural member.

Abstract: A thermally-enhanced, insulated component for use with an HVAC system includes a component having an outer surface usable with an HVAC system, the component being substantially filled with an insulating material. A thin, dimensionally stable layer of thermal barrier material having opposed surfaces is disposed inside the component at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the component. The thermal barrier layer is in contact with the insulating material on at least one surface of the opposed surfaces. When the outer surface of the component is subjected to an elevated temperature, the thermal barrier layer maintains a sufficient temperature differential between the surface of the opposed surfaces of the thermal barrier layer facing opposite the outer surface and the surface of the opposed surfaces of the thermal barrier layer facing the outer surface so that the insulating material produces a reduced rate of smoke.

Abstract: An appliqué for forming a surface coating to a substrate is disclosed. The appliqué contains a sectioned metal foil that provides a large area electrical circuit for connecting electrical devices. The appliqué may provide additional functions including lightning strike protection. The substrate may be an aircraft surface.

Abstract: A x-ray diagnostic apparatus and methods perform Real-Time Digital Radiography with particular application in dental x-ray imaging modalities, such as Orthopantomography, Scannography, Linear Tomography and Cephalography, by using a versatile and robotized mechanical structure, featuring projection movements in the required a real range and automatic adaptation of the same mechanical structure to serve the various x-ray imaging modalities foreseen.

Abstract: A cargo management device and vehicle including a cargo management device having a base portion having a surface. The device also includes a support portion pivotably mounted to the base portion and being configured to receive cargo. A locking member is pivotably mounted to the support member and in sliding contact with the surface of the base portion. The support member is capable of detachable engagement with a portion of the surface. A bridge portion is associated with the support portion and is capable of being secured at a first position with respect to the support portion. The device is capable of loading and unloading cargo from a cargo compartment by an incline formed by the support portion. A method for unloading cargo is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making cylinder liners and cast engine blocks having cylinder liners having a strong mechanical bond with the engine block. The method includes providing a cast metallic cylinder liner having an outer surface of the cylinder liner. The surface of the cylinder liner is preferably machined to remove surface effects or defects present from the casting process. Grit particles are directed at the outer surface of the cylinder liner with a grit blasting device at a predetermined angle of contact at a sufficient velocity to form cavities on the outer surface. The cavities that are formed have a geometry capable of forming a mechanical bond with the casting material of the engine block.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an engine core extending along a core axis, a cooling-air delivery duct on the engine core, and a removable nacelle cowl overlying the engine core. A cooling-air nacelle-cowl duct delivers cooling air to the cooling-air delivery duct. At least a portion of the length of the cooling-air nacelle-cowl duct is integral with the nacelle cowl and not directly supported on the engine core.

Abstract: A structural mechanism for an aircraft includes a support, a hinged surface, and a hinge assembly joining the hinged surface to the support. An actuation system includes an actuator shaft engaged to the hinges and lying coincident with a hinged-surface hinge axis and extending through the aligned center passageways of the hinges of the hinge assembly. A lock is selectively operable to lock the hinged surface to the support when the actuator shaft engages the lock. An actuator structure is controllably operable to move the actuator shaft longitudinally along the hinge-surface hinge axis between a first shaft axial position wherein the actuator shaft engages the lock and the hinges, and a second shaft axial position wherein the actuator shaft does not engage the lock but does engage the hinges, and is controllably operable to rotate the actuator shaft about the hinged-surface hinge axis.

Abstract: A capacity control algorithm for a multiple compressor liquid chiller system is provided wherein the speed and number of compressors in operation are controlled in order to obtain a leaving liquid temperature setpoint. In response to an increase in the load in the chiller system, the algorithm determines if a compressor should be started and adjusts the operating speed of all operating compressors when an additional compressor is started. In response to a decrease in the load in the chiller system with multiple compressors operating, the algorithm determines if a compressor should be de-energized and adjusts the operating speed of all remaining operating compressors when a compressor is de-energized.

Abstract: A solar cell array has at least one solar cell including a photovoltaic structure having a sun-facing front face and a back face, and having an active region, and an isotype heterojunction diode connected in electrical parallel with the active region of the photovoltaic structure.