Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a two-axis tracking mechanism for a concentrated photovoltaic system. Two or more components forming the support structure of the two-axis tracker mechanism, which are assembled in the field and manufactured to allow one or more lasers to align the support structure of the two-axis tracker mechanism in three dimensions, vertical (X) dimension, horizontal (Y) dimension, and diagonal (Z) dimension, at a site where the concentrated photovoltaic system is to be installed. Adjustable leveling mechanisms are built into the two or more components forming the support structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a two axis tracking mechanism for a concentrated photovoltaic system. Two or more paddle structures containing multiple CPV modules are installed onto each tilt axle on the common roll axle as part of the two-axis tracking mechanism's solar array. The two or more paddle structures couple across the common roll axle on that tilt axle. The common roll axle and each paddle assembly are manufactured in simple modular sections that assemble easily in the field while maintaining the alignment of the tracker assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a two axis tracking mechanism for a concentrated photovoltaic system. Two or more paddle structures containing multiple CPV modules are installed onto each tilt axle on the common roll axle as part of the two-axis tracking mechanism's solar array. The two or more paddle structures couple across the common roll axle on that tilt axle. The common roll axle and each paddle assembly are manufactured in simple modular sections that assemble easily in the field while maintaining the alignment of the tracker assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a two axis tracking mechanism for a concentrated photovoltaic system. A solar array of the two axis tracking mechanism is structurally broken up to have multiple independently movable sets of concentrated photovoltaic solar (CPV) cells. Further, the remainder of the two-axis tracker is manufactured in simple sections that assemble easily in the field while maintaining the alignment of the tracker assembly. The CPV cells are located in two or more paddle assemblies, and the paddle assemblies couple to a common roll axle. Each of the multiple paddle assemblies contains its own set of the CPV solar cells that is independently movable on its own tilt axle from other sets of CPV cells on that two axis tracking mechanism. Each paddle assembly has its own drive mechanism for that tilt axle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a two axis tracking mechanism for a concentrated photovoltaic system. Two or more components forming the support structure of the two-axis tracker mechanism, which are assembled in the field and are manufactured to allow one or more lasers to align the support structure of the two-axis tracker mechanism in three dimensions vertical (X) dimension, horizontal (Y) dimension, and diagonal (Z) dimension at a site where the concentrated photovoltaic system is to be installed. Adjustable leveling mechanisms are built into the two or more components forming the support structure.

Abstract: A writing instrument, which has an inner and outer writing element with separate writing medium reservoirs. The writing elements are coaxially mounted in an outer barrel and axially moveable with respect to one another. A driving mechanism may be actuated to allow a user to selectively extend one writing element. The inner and outer writing elements may have an inner sleeve therebetween to improve, for instance, rigidity of the outer writing element and to prevent contamination of the writing medium reservoirs. An outer sleeve may also be provided over the outer writing element. The outer sleeve can function to hold various components of the outer writing element together, and to allow for clean and easy refill of the outer writing element, especially when the outer writing element is a nib-type writing element with a filler-type reservoir. The writing instrument is designed so that a user can replace the inner and/or outer writing elements when their respective writing medium have been expended.

Abstract: A writing instrument, which has an inner and outer writing element with separate writing medium reservoirs. The writing elements are coaxially mounted in an outer barrel and axially moveable with respect to one another. A driving mechanism may be actuated to allow a user to selectively extend one writing element. The inner and outer writing elements may have an inner sleeve therebetween to improve, for instance, rigidity of the outer writing element and to prevent contamination of the writing medium reservoirs. An outer sleeve may also be provided over the outer writing element. The outer sleeve can function to hold various components of the outer writing element together, and to allow for clean and easy refill of the outer writing element, especially when the outer writing element is a nib-type writing element with a filler-type reservoir. The writing instrument is designed so that a user can replace the inner and/or outer writing elements when their respective writing medium have been expended.

Abstract: A mechanism for writing instruments that includes a first element, which includes a guide extending between substantially parallel first and second edges and a second element, which includes a pin extending into the guide and is movable along the guide, where the pin has a given width along the transverse direction of the guide; and at least one locking device for the pin. The locking device includes a recess extending in the first edge between a first and a second end and an elastic member which extends opposite the recess from at least one first base integral with the first end of the recess.

Abstract: A writing implement that includes a body having an opening through which a writing tip passes along a longitudinal direction, and a slot extending approximately along the longitudinal direction; a support on which the writing tip is mounted. the support being placed inside the body; a strip that includes a first portion fixed to the support, a central portion and an end portion guided along a curved path, the strip being flexible and capable of being moved between two positions, namely a writing position in which said strip gives access to the opening and a stowing position in which the strip closes off the opening; and a button connected to the support, the button being capable of being moved along the slot between a distal position relative to the opening, for which the support and the strip are in the stowing position, and a proximal position relative to the opening, for which the support and the strip are in the writing position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a capless pop-up sprinkler, comprising a housing having an inlet at a lower end thereof, the inlet being connectable to a source of pressurized water; a riser mounted inside the housing for vertical reciprocation through an opening at an upper end of the housing, wherein the upper end of the housing comprises an opening for the riser and provision to accommodate a riser seal without the benefit of a cap; and a nozzle mounted in an upper end of the riser for ejecting a stream of water. Further, the base of the sprinkler can be permanently attached to the housing and comprise an integral quick connection.

Abstract: A writing instrument, which has an inner and outer writing element with separate writing medium reservoirs. The writing elements are coaxially mounted in an outer barrel and axially moveable with respect to one another. A driving mechanism may be actuated to allow a user to selectively extend one writing element. The inner and outer writing elements may have an inner sleeve therebetween to improve, for instance, rigidity of the outer writing element and to prevent contamination of the writing medium reservoirs. An outer sleeve may also be provided over the outer writing element. The outer sleeve can function to hold various components of the outer writing element together, and to allow for clean and easy refill of the outer writing element, especially when the outer writing element is a porous nib with a filler-type writing medium reservoir. The writing instrument is designed so that a user can replace the inner and/or outer writing elements when their respective writing medium have been expended.

Abstract: A writing instrument, which has an inner and outer writing element with separate writing medium reservoirs. The writing elements are coaxially mounted in an outer barrel and axially moveable with respect to one another. A driving mechanism may be actuated to allow a user to selectively extend one writing element. The inner and outer writing elements may have an inner sleeve therebetween to improve, for instance, rigidity of the outer writing element and to prevent contamination of the writing medium reservoirs. An outer sleeve may also be provided over the outer writing element. The outer sleeve can function to hold various components of the outer writing element together, and to allow for clean and easy refill of the outer writing element, especially when the outer writing element is a porous nib with a filler-type writing medium reservoir. The writing instrument is designed so that a user can replace the inner and/or outer writing elements when their respective writing medium have been expended.