Abstract: A radiation damage resistant linear X-ray detector array system based on a unique focusing principle reduces or eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the detector system. The system includes a layer of scintillating material, a rod lens array, and an array of image sensors. The layer of scintillating material, such as Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS or GADOX), CsI(TI), or CdWO4, is placed on an image plane and used to convert the impinging X-ray energies into visible light which can be detected efficiently by the image sensor array. The rod lens array is used to focus the visible light after the X-ray flux has been converted. The photon energy of the visible light is collected with a scanning image sensor array that converts the photon energy proportionally into electrical video signals and enables the signals to be processed using standard signal and image processing software and equipment.

Abstract: A radiation damage resistant linear X-ray detector array system based on a unique focusing principle reduces or eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the detector system. The system includes a layer of scintillating material, a rod lens array, and an array of image sensors. The layer of scintillating material, such as Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS or GADOX), CsI(TI), or CdWO4, is placed on an image plane and used to convert the impinging X-ray energies into visible light which can be detected efficiently by the image sensor array. The rod lens array is used to focus the visible light after the X-ray flux has been converted. The photon energy of the visible light is collected with a scanning image sensor array that converts the photon energy proportionally into electrical video signals and enables the signals to be processed using standard signal and image processing software and equipment.

Abstract: An airbrush spraying device particularly adapted for the application of beauty products includes a tubular main body that is attached to a pressurized air supply. A control switch is situated on a top side of the airbrush. The control switch is connected to a mechanism that controls an air valve and a position of a makeup flow control mechanism. The air valve is an on/off mechanism, but the makeup flow control mechanism includes adjusting means so that the flow rate of makeup through the airbrush can be controlled by the user. The makeup is supplied to the airbrush from one of a plurality of makeup collars that are affixed to the main body of the airbrush. In order to enable the user to accurately apply the makeup, a mirror and a standoff marker are affixed to a forward end of the airbrush.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector release mechanism that is used to release a transceiver module from a cage assembly includes a pivoting bail that operates a slide plate on the transceiver module. The locking mechanism comprises a locking projection on an underside of the module housing which mates with an aperture in a flexible locking tab on an underside of the cage. When the release mechanism is actuated, a flexible lifting tab on the slide plate is urged upward by a trailing edge of the locking projection on an underside of the module housing, which in turn moves the locking tab on the cage upward, thereby disengaging the locking tab from the locking projection.

Abstract: A clamping device to hang lighting fixtures includes a hinge mechanism that enables the device to be folded out of the way for storage or for floor or ground use. The clamping device may include foot pads to add stability to the support of the lighting fixture. A curved portion of the main body of the device allows the clamp to secure lighting fixtures to an overhead pipe or rail.

Abstract: The gas manifold assembly (1) is adapted to a cooking appliance for supplying the burners (21) thereof, and is equipped with various taps (C1-C4) of the rotary type, installed on a elongated tubular-shaped manifold conduit (2), which is disposed parallel to the front wall (FP) of the appliance and supported on it. The taps (C1-C4) have a respective installation seat (7) with a built-in gas intake connected to the elongated conduit (2), and mounting is carried out by means of a one-piece mounting device (12), which in turn has an integral means (12b) for supporting and fastening the manifold assembly (1) to the front wall (FP), for which purpose the aligned tap drive shafts (16) stand proud of the front wall (FP) and the tap outlet conduits (8) face and adjoin their respective burner (21).

Abstract: A hydraulic distributor for a washing machine which comprises a rotating axle (7), water being directed from the mains to a plurality of compartments of the washing machine by means of the rotation of said rotating axle (7); a hydraulic body (2) which comprises an emptying pipe (10), a draining pipe (11) and an exit pipe (15) for re-circulation; and a valve body (6) housed inside said hydraulic body (2). By means of the rotation of the rotating axle (7) the valve body (6) can have a first position, in which the flow from the emptying pipe (10) is directed to the draining pipe (11), and a second position, in which the flow from the emptying pipe (10) is directed to the exit pipe (15) for re-circulation.

Abstract: An elevator device that is installed on one or more ladders to lift loads from the ground to a desired position on a roof. A base securing device can be added to each of the ladders to insure stability. An outrigger mounted on a user's truck can be employed to further stabilize the ladders. The elevator device includes a ladder attachment assembly to affix the device to a ladder or ladders, a lateral travel section, and a roof top mounting device. A ladder stabilization bracket that affixes the ladder to a parapet or balcony can be employed for additional stability of the device. Several winch mechanisms are utilized to position the device and raise loads. The device can be easily adapted for use on flat roofs with a parapet through the addition of a ladder stabilization bracket. The elevator device can also readily be used on flat roofs without parapets, pitched roofs, and even to load trucks.

Abstract: The gas flow regulating valve (1) is adapted to one cooking burner amongst the several on a cooking hob. The regulating valve member (7) is cylindrical-shaped and coupled to a step motor “M”, which controls the axial displacement “X” thereof through a fixed closure member (8), over successive positions (P0–P6) effecting the regulation of an outlet gas flow “Q” between the OFF and a minimum flow Qmin. The regulating member (7) is provided with at least one elongated superficial recess (9,9?) communicating the inlet side (3a) with the outlet side (3b) of the gas chamber, a regulating surface opening (9,11) provided with a surface groove (11) adjacent to said superficial recess (9) towards the outlet side (3b), in the form of a variable passage area (A,H) for the regulation of a intermediate flow Qgra, and at least one gas through-flow conduit (12) in permanent communication with the outlet side (3b) for a calibrated flow Qmin.

Abstract: An automated machine and process to form a food product consisting of a batter shell and a food filling. The process is started with a cooking matrix that includes a plurality of cooking openings to receive the batter. The batter is cooked to form shells. The automated process then inserts the food filling into the shells, and packages the filled shells as end products.

Abstract: Failsafe control circuit for electrical appliances whereby at least one electrical load (10) is activated, the control circuit comprising logic control means (1), operation switching means (8) between said electrical load (10) and a supply voltage (V), and a first drive circuit (6) which receives a first command signal (4) from the logic control means (1), said first drive circuit (6) acting on said operation switching means (8). It also comprises security switching means (9) between the electrical load (10) and the supply voltage (V), and a second drive circuit (7) which receives a second command signal (5) from the logic control means (1), said second drive circuit (7) acting on the security switching means (9) so that it closes said security switching means (9) only if said second command signal (5) is a pulse signal.

Abstract: A mechanical grasping device for retrieving dropped objects includes a pair of opposing claws and an extension element. The extension element may be either rigid or flexible, and is typically a rope or cord. A trigger plate is positioned between the two claws, and is spring loaded to transmit tension to the claws when the device is in the open position. A pair of protruding tabs at the end of the arms of the trigger plate are received in locking holes in the claws in an open position. When the triggering mechanism is released, the spring tension urges the claws together so that interlocking fingers on the ends of the claws mesh together in a closed position. The object to be retrieved is secured in the grasping device, and the user pulls the object to him using the extension element.

Abstract: An automated system of preparing food designed with the preparation of Chinese food in mind, the system can be adapted to whatever type of food is desired by the user. The system uses one or more robots as the “chefs”. A heating element heats a cooking pan to a desired temperature. The cooking pan includes a temperature sensing element to monitor heating of the pan and cooking of the food. When the pan is fully heated, a delivery arm empties the contents of the bowl into the cooking pan to being the actual cooking. When the contents of the pan have reached the correct temperature to be “done”, the robot empties the contents into a serving dish, and the food is ready to be eaten.

Abstract: The manual gas tap for a cooking appliance is of the type with a conical plug (3) for regulating the outlet gas flow (G), accommodated in a central housing (2a) in the tap body, and has a rotary actuating shaft (4) coupled to the conical regulating plug (3), and a tap cover (5) covering said central housing (2a). The rotary shaft (4) is provided with a transverse pin (6) for rotation thereof from an initial rotation locking position (7) corresponding to the gas supply “OFF”, to two other spaced positions corresponding to the maximum and minimum gas flows. The tap cover (5) is a tubular bushing shaped and comprises a sealing base (5c) with a sliding surface (11) in the form of a circular arc segment (A) provided with a series of indentations (12), which are in friction contact with the transverse pin (6) and produce a tactile and/or acoustic indication of shaft (4) rotation and tap (1) opening.

Abstract: A notching, shearing, and hemming tool constructed with a table which receives the roofing panel, at least two notching devices (notchers), a pan shear pivotally mounted on the table, and a hemming tool pivotally mounted on the table. To prepare a finished end piece of roofing panel, the roofing panel is placed in a panel alignment section at a first end of the tool. Each of the notching devices is movable, so that the relative position of the two notchers is variable. After notching, the roofing panel is moved to the pan shear, which is set at the proper angle by movement of a lever mechanism connected to the notchers. The roofing panel is sheared along a center line of the notched area. This cut leaves a tongue of the flat pan of the roofing panel exposed on each cut piece. Following the shearing operation, the user is left with two cut panels, each having an exposed tongue section an inch-and-a-half long extending from the pan section.

Abstract: The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulator organ (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16–19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions (A2, A3) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, through one of two successive holes (18, 19) calibrated each one for a different type of gas NG or LPG, one or the other hole being superimposed to a valve inlet duct (4) at a different angular position A2, A3. An integral lug (14) on the control knob (9) running into a slide groove (20) in the control panel (2), establishes a first rotation stop A2.