Abstract: The multichannel fiber optic connector, adapter, and contact retention method is disclosed. The connector includes a load carousel which enables handling, locating, retention, and, where needed, spring-loading of the plurality of single-fiber fiber optic ferrules supported within the connector, and the connector itself provides for independent axial and radial alignment of the fiber optic contacts. The adapter includes a plurality of optical alignment sleeves, and mating interfaces for two different connector types on differing sides of the adapter, wherein the fiber count of one connector type is an integral multiple of the fiber count of the other connector type, and wherein the contact pattern of the first connector type is repeated the same integral number of times within the contact pattern of the second connector type.

Abstract: An elastic ring, defining an inner opening, an outer contour and an annular bearing surface between the inner opening and the outer contour. The ring is deformable between a rest position and an insertion position in which the inner opening has a diameter greater than its diameter in the rest position. The ring is also elastically biased towards the rest position. The ring includes at least three strands passing through the ring, each strand having a first end and a second end positioned on the outer contour, the inner contour of the opening being defined by a portion of each strand and having a pseudo-polygonal shape.

Abstract: The multichannel fiber optic connector, adapter, and contact retention method is disclosed. The connector includes a load carousel which enables handling, locating, retention, and, where needed, spring-loading of the plurality of single-fiber fiber optic ferrules supported within the connector, and the connector itself provides for independent axial and radial alignment of the fiber optic contacts. The adapter includes a plurality of optical alignment sleeves, and mating interfaces for two different connector types on differing sides of the adapter, wherein the fiber count of one connector type is an integral multiple of the fiber count of the other connector type, and wherein the contact pattern of the first connector type is repeated the same integral number of times within the contact pattern of the second connector type.

Abstract: A portable hammock stand includes first and second identical collapsible pod assemblies. Each pod assembly incorporates a plurality of elongated rigid legs having respective top and bottom ends. A top fastening hub holds the legs together proximate their top ends, and the bottom ends of the legs diverging to a ground surface. A flexible suspension strap extends downwardly from the top fastening hub, and has a free end adapted for hanging a first end of a flexible hammock. An elongated ridge pole extends substantially horizontally between the first and second pod assemblies, and has first and second opposite ends. The first end of the ridge pole attaches to the first suspension strap between its free end and the first top fastening hub, and the second end of the ridge pole attaches to the second suspension strap between its free end and second top fastening hub.

Abstract: A multi-purpose camera stand includes a lower tube, an upper tube sheathed on the lower tube, a multi-stage telescopic rod installed into the lower tube, and a mounting stand fixed to the multi-stage telescopic rod. A camera equipment is installed onto the mounting stand, and three legs are hinged to the bottom of the lower tube. After the three legs are folded, a first accommodating space for accommodating the multi-stage telescopic rod is formed, and a second accommodating space for accommodating the stand is formed in the upper tube. When the camera stand is folded, the telescopic rod is accommodated into the first accommodating space, and the mounting stand is accommodated into the second accommodating space to reduce the storage volume of the camera stand and facilitate storage and carry. In addition, the mounting stand can be rotated in different directions to fit the use of different occasions.

Abstract: The multichannel fiber optic connector, adapter, and contact retention method is disclosed. The connector includes a load carousel which enables handling, locating, retention, and, where needed, spring-loading of the plurality of single-fiber fiber optic ferrules supported within the connector, and the connector itself provides for independent axial and radial alignment of the fiber optic contacts. The adapter includes a plurality of optical alignment sleeves, and mating interfaces for two different connector types on differing sides of the adapter, wherein the fiber count of one connector type is an integral multiple of the fiber count of the other connector type, and wherein the contact pattern of the first connector type is repeated the same integral number of times within the contact pattern of the second connector type.

Abstract: An illuminating hammock includes a flexible hammock bed, an electrical light assembly, and an elastic light suspension system. The electrical light assembly includes first and second flexible inelastic light strands extending along opposing sides of the hammock bed, and having respective proximal and distal ends. A wire junction is formed at the proximal ends of the light strands. The wire junction resides proximate the first end of the hammock bed with the distal ends of the light strands extending towards the opposite end of the hammock bed. The elastic light suspension system is operatively connected to the light assembly, and is adapted for elastically tensioning the first and second light strands when a user is positioned on the hammock bed.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermal energy storage and heat exchange unit, comprising a solid state thermal storage material, a heat transfer fluid and means for energy input and output, distinctive in that: the storage comprises at least one heat transfer container, solid state thermal storage material is arranged around the heat transfer container, and the heat transfer container contains the heat transfer fluid and the means for energy input and output, so that all heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the respective heat transfer container. Method of building the thermal energy storage, plant comprising the storage, method using the plant and use of the storage or plant.

Abstract: A multiple-look support strap is adapted for hanging one end of a hammock from a fixed structure. The support strap cooperates with a like strap to hang an opposite end of the hammock from a second fixed structure spaced apart from the first. The support strap comprises an elongated length of flexible strap folded upon itself to form first and second overlying strap sections. The strap sections are integrally joined together at a first end of the support strap, and a least one of the first and second strap sections terminates at an opposite second end of the support strap. A plurality of strap loops are formed with the first and second strap sections between opposite ends of the support strap.

Abstract: A multiple-look support strap is adapted for hanging one end of a hammock from a fixed structure. The support strap cooperates with a like strap to hang an opposite end of the hammock from a second fixed structure spaced apart from the first. The support strap comprises an elongated length of flexible strap folded upon itself to form first and second overlying strap sections. The strap sections are integrally joined together at a first end of the support strap, and a least one of the first and second strap sections terminates at an opposite second end of the support strap. A plurality of strap loops are formed with the first and second strap sections between opposite ends of the support strap.

Abstract: A self-standing hammock frame has three spaced apart hammock suspension points. The hammock frame comprises first, second, and third leg assemblies. The first leg assembly has raised ends located at respective first and second hammock suspension points. The second leg assembly is joined to the first leg assembly, and has raised ends located at respective second and third hammock suspension points. The third leg assembly is joined to the first and second leg assemblies, and has raised ends located at respective first and third hammock suspension points. The first, second, and third leg assemblies cooperate to form a closed-end hammock support structure.

Abstract: A thermostat may include a housing, a user interface, temperature sensors providing temperature sensor measurements, and a processing system configured to control an HVAC system based on a comparison of a determined ambient temperature and a setpoint temperature. The thermostat may (i) determine time intervals in which direct sunlight is incident on the thermostat; (ii) during time intervals in which direct sunlight is not incident on the thermostat, process the temperature sensor measurements according to a first ambient temperature determination algorithm to compute the determined ambient temperature; and (iii) during time intervals in which it is determined that direct sunlight is incident on the thermostat, process the temperature sensor measurements according to a second ambient temperature determination algorithm to compute the determined ambient temperature that compensates for a heating of the thermostat caused by the direct sunlight.

Abstract: A multiple-look support strap is adapted for hanging one end of a hammock from a fixed structure. The support strap cooperates with a like strap to hang an opposite end of the hammock from a second fixed structure spaced apart from the first. The support strap comprises an elongated length of flexible strap folded upon itself to form first and second overlying strap sections. The strap sections are integrally joined together at a first end of the support strap, and a least one of the first and second strap sections terminates at an opposite second end of the support strap. A plurality of strap loops are formed with the first and second strap sections between opposite ends of the support strap.

Abstract: The invention provides a plant for production of energy, comprising any type of heat or energy source including but not limited to solar power sources, nuclear reactors, fossil fuel plants, wind power plants, tidal power plants, waste heat power plants and geothermal sources, operatively arranged at an input side of the plant, and heat delivery or energy production means such as turbine-electric generator sets, operatively arranged at a delivery side of the plant.