Abstract: An airbag cover can include a sidewall to couple the airbag cover with a housing of an airbag assembly. The airbag cover can further include a panel adjoined to the sidewall at a hinge, and the panel can cover at least a portion of an opening defined by the housing through which an airbag positioned in the housing is deployable when the airbag cover is coupled to the housing. The airbag cover can include one or more tear seams that are breakable by the airbag as the airbag is deployed to form at least a portion of the panel into a door that rotates about the hinge to permit egress of the airbag. The airbag cover can further include a stress-relief region in the sidewall that is laterally adjacent to the hinge, and the stress-relief region can flex as the door rotates about the hinge to inhibit the door from separating from the sidewall during deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: A system and method provide for the effective, real, testing of a wind turbine, especially a vertical axis wind turbine, in a simple, versatile, durable, and relatively cost effective manner. The shaft of a wind turbine (e.g. a VAWT such as a Savonius) is connected to a disc, as is a proportionally controlled disc brake. A torque transducer is connected to the shaft, and an rpm sensor, and a device which collects torque and rpm data from the torque transducer and sensor, are provided. The torque transducer and rpm sensor may be a rotary torque transducer, or the torque transducer may be a load cell operatively positioned a known distant X from the turbine shaft, which known distance X is input into the device which collects torque and rpm data. By effectively applying loads to the proportional disc brake at determined wind speeds, a power curve for the wind turbine can be generated.

Abstract: An analog pressure indicator assembly, particularly useful as a barometer, accurately indicates pressure or pressure changes using the fewest number of and/or least expensive components possible. The assembly is typically gearless, and includes a pressure sensitive element [e.g. aneroid chamber] having a first portion that moves in a path in response to pressure. A cam has a first curved surface and a second surface, and is mounted for rotation about a first axis, and the curved first surface operatively engages the pressure sensitive element. A force transmitting element, and a shaft mounted for rotation about a second axis spaced from the first axis, and a pointer operatively connected to the shaft, are also provided.

Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor, that is effective yet relatively easy to manufacture, includes a number of spokes, vanes, and fasteners. Each spoke has a hub having a central opening, three at least partially arcuate ribs extending radially outwardly from the hub with inner (concave) and outer (convex) surfaces, and a number of channels defined in at least one of the inner and outer surfaces. The vanes are of sheet material generally conforming to an inner or outer surface of a rib and have openings aligned with the channels. First fasteners pass through the openings and cooperate with second fasteners provided in the channels. Each spoke is desirably in three substantially identical pieces, each piece comprising a hub segment and a generally radial rib. Two of the spoke pieces may be joined by a bridging piece, and two of the pieces joined by a clamping mechanism which draws the pieces toward each other to reduce the size of the central opening to clamp onto a shaft in the central opening.

Abstract: A storage system having one or more storage modules each comprising a substantially cylindrical housing having a curved sidewall portion extending between a top wall portion and a bottom wall portion, with the housing being disposed about a central axis. A carousel is mounted within the housing for controlled rotation about the central axis. The carousel has a plurality of storage locations disposed in vertical arrays about the axis to receive articles to be stored. A first door opening is formed in the sidewall portion to provide for access from the exterior of the housing to at least one of the vertical arrays adjacent to the first door opening. A means for controlling the temperature within the housing is also provided.

Abstract: A three-dimensional archery target device (1) comprised of an animal-like target having a body section (2) and preferably two head sections (3). The body section (2) has at least two vital target areas (5) on each side of the body section (2) representing the chest area of an animal. To use the present invention, a person positions the target device (1) in a predetermined location as desired. Because the target has at least two vital areas (5) on each body section (2) side, a hunter/archer is able to have multiple angels of insertion (10A, 10B) into a vital area (5). In addition, because the target includes two head sections (3), a hunter/archer is better able to pinpoint a vital target area (5). The target device (1) may have the shape of a deer, bear, elk, moose, duck, goose, rabbit, antelope and the like.

Abstract: A method of processing objects using a bilateral architecture. The method comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of instruments around a bi-directional conveyance device, the instruments spaced at fixed pitch intervals along the conveyance device; assigning dedicated movers to each of the instruments, the dedicated movers for loading and unloading of the objects to and from the instruments and the conveyance device; and controlling the operation of the conveyance device to have an interrupted motion, the interrupted motion for coordinating the loading and unloading of the objects; wherein the dedicated movers are positioned such that adjacent movers operate independently of one another. The method can be operated on an automated robotic system having a modular architecture.

Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor is versatile, simple and easy to construct and assemble, and efficient. The rotor includes at least three spokes, at least two vanes, and fasteners. Each spoke (which may be laser cut from aluminum plate) includes a hub having a substantially central opening, typically two or three at least partially arcuate ribs substantially integral with the hub and extending substantially radially outwardly from the hub with inner and outer surfaces, and a plurality of channels defined in at least one surface (preferably the outer surface) of each rib. The vanes are of sheet material (e. g. aluminum or polycarbonate) generally conforming to an inner or outer surface of a rib ahd have openings operatively aligned with the channels. First fasteners pass through the openings into the channels and cooperate with second fasteners provided within the channels to securely hold the vanes to the ribs; the fasteners are preferably removable.

Abstract: A photography lightbank is extendable axially and radially to a larger size by an extension ring, which is removably attachable to the distal (front) end of the lightbank shroud. Extension rod connectors are configured for attachment of extension rods, which support the extension ring in outstretched configuration, to the distal ends of the primary support rods that support the lightbank shroud, while releasable fasteners attach the proximal end of the extension ring to the distal end of the shroud.

Abstract: An anchor assembly is described and which includes a plurality of individual article engaging portions, each having opposite first and second ends, and wherein the individual portions are pivotally mounted at the opposite ends thereof to the adjacent portion, and wherein the individual portions are moveable along a course of travel between a first non-deployed position where the plurality of individual portions cause the anchor assembly to have a first dimension, and a second deployed position where the individual portions cause the anchor assembly to have a second dimension which is greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: A photography lightbank is extendable axially and radially to a larger size by an extension ring, which is removably attachable to the distal (front) end of the lightbank shroud. Extension rod connectors are configured for attachment of extension rods, which support the extension ring in outstretched configuration, to the distal ends of the primary support rods that support the lightbank shroud, while releasable fasteners attach the proximal end of the extension ring to the distal end of the shroud.

Abstract: A method of processing objects using a bilateral architecture. The method comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of instruments around a bi-directional conveyance device, the instruments spaced at fixed pitch intervals along the conveyor device; assigning dedicated movers to each of the instruments, the dedicated movers for loading and unloading of the objects to and from the instruments and the conveyance device; and controlling the operation of the conveyance device to have an interrupted motion, the interrupted motion for co-ordinating the loading and unloading of the objects; wherein the dedicated movers are positioned such that adjacent movers operate independently of one another. The method can be operated on an automated robotic system having a modular architecture.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identifying a feature of a railway and deploying equipment for servicing same by image processing range data pertaining to the railway feature. The method includes identifying a feature of a railway, wherein the identifying involves processing an image corresponding to ranges to the feature. The apparatus includes a vision system for determining a range to a feature of the railway and means for positioning equipment relative to, for servicing, the feature, based on the range.

Abstract: A sanding glove for treating an area of an object. The sanding glove includes a glove portion, a sanding portion releasably secured to the glove portion and a device for releasably securing the sanding portion to the glove portion. The user is able to treat a surface of an object by rubbing the sanding portion against the object. The device for releasably securing includes a plurality of recesses extending through the palm area of the glove portion and a plurality of protrusions extending from a first side of the sanding portion, the plurality of protrusions being received by respective recesses securing the sanding portion to the glove portion. Alternatively, the device for releasably securing may include a hook and loop fastener on both the glove portion and sanding portion which engage with one another. The glove portion is fabricated from a flexible material for protecting and bending with the user's hand.

Abstract: A sanding glove for treating an area of an object. The sanding glove includes a glove portion, a sanding portion releasably secured to the glove portion and a device for releasably securing the sanding portion to the glove portion. The user is able to treat a surface of an object by rubbing the sanding portion against the object. The device for releasably securing includes a plurality of recesses extending through the palm area of the glove portion and a plurality of protrusions extending from a first side of the sanding portion, the plurality of protrusions being received by respective recesses securing the sanding portion to the glove portion. Alternatively, the device for releasably securing may include a hook and loop fastener on both the glove portion and sanding portion which engage with one another. The glove portion is fabricated from a flexible material for protecting and bending with the user's hand.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identifying a feature of a railway and deploying equipment for servicing same by image processing range data pertaining to the railway feature. The method includes identifying a feature of a railway, wherein the identifying involves processing an image corresponding to ranges to the feature. The apparatus includes a vision system for determining a range to a feature of the railway and means for positioning equipment relative to, for servicing, the feature, based on the range.

Abstract: An inflator for a vehicle inflatable safety system comprising a housing configured to contain a gas generating material, an igniting assembly, and an activating assembly. The igniting assembly includes an actuator plate that is configured to ignite the gas generating material contained in the housing and backer plate. The backer plate is attached to the housing such that a seal is formed therebetween that is capable of substantially stopping the flow of the gas generated by the gas generating material in any direction other than the predetermined directions. The igniting assembly also comprises a booster cup, an ignition charge, and a percussion primer. The booster cup with a conical-shaped end surface with the percussion primer disposed therein proximate to the actuator plate for igniting the gas generating material. The actuator plate and the end surface of the booster cup are in contact only along the peripheral edges thereof.

Abstract: A device for sealing a gas fill port of an inflator of a vehicle restraint system, for providing pressure release of gases during bonfire of the inflator. During normal functioning of the inflator, the device can be examined to indicate the amount of compressed gas present in the inflator at the time of deployment. In one embodiment, a seal seals the fill port of the inflator. The seal is made of a material which melts at or just below auto-ignition temperature of the inflator during bonfire to allow the gases to vent from the inflator chamber, thereby preventing the inflator from experiencing extremely high internal pressures. Another embodiment of the device seals the fill port of the inflator and also acts as a tell-tale device, whereupon examination of the device after deployment, the amount of gas present in the inflator at the time of functioning can be determined.