Abstract: A hand-held cable reel (1) is provided comprising a central cable receiving core (2) mounted between a pair of disc-like end flanges (3) having through holes (4) for receiving cable which can then be anchored on the flange (3) by, for example, wrapping it round one of the handles (6) which are offset from the core (2) and each other to facilitate the winding and unwinding of cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for winding conditioned material onto a spool so as to maintain its desirable properties. In one embodiment, decorative ribbon is conditioned using a curling device and wound onto an elongated spool having a predetermined radius in an alternating, helical lay pattern so as to maintain the curl of the ribbon, and permit easy removal and storage thereof. In a second embodiment, two or more different types or colors of ribbon are wound either concentrically or in juxtaposed orientation onto the same spool. An apparatus for winding one or more of the aforementioned spools is also disclosed. A multi-spool dispenser for the curled ribbon is further described.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to either a tractor or truck to safely dispense net wire or barbwire over a long distance. The apparatus has two divisible portions. The first portion is a vertical spindle for a reel of fencing wire. The second portion attaches to the first portion and supports three reels of barbwire and the like on a horizontal spindle.

Abstract: An apparatus attachable to either a tractor or a truck to safely dispense net wire or barbwire over a long distance. The apparatus has two divisible portions. The first portion is a vertical spindle for a reel of fencing wire. The second portion attaches to the first portion and supports four reels of barbwire and the like on vertical spindles with separating walls between barbwire rolls.

Abstract: A machine for deploying and retrieving traffic barricades, with an anchor, line or wire connecting the barricade units, a reel, and a retrieval devise.

Abstract: A tool developed to clip on the vertical-building members (ie: studs) to facilitate dispensing of electrical wire and plastic water lines as well as provide scaffold and workbench capabilities for those trades working in building construction prior to the wallboard installation stage.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a new aircraft tire or wheel which employs specially shaped vanes protruding from the tire or wheel. These vanes capture the slipstream, and cause the tire and wheel to rotate in the direction of aircraft travel. Another embodiment of the invention employs a ring with cast or molded vanes, which may be mounted to the wheel of existing landing gear without changing to the new type of tire. The desired rotational speed of the tire will determine the number, size, and shape of the vanes, as well as how far they are mounted from the rotational axis of the tire/wheel combination.

Abstract: Method and apparatus embodiments of the present invention are disclosed wherein wing-rotor configurations provide aerodynamically high lift-low drag capabilities and improvements over the prior art including increasing effective stall angles. In addition, wing-rotor-propeller configurations provide aerodynamically high lift-low drag and forward thrust capabilities and improvements over the prior art for all vehicles moving through gaseous fluids and particular including application for air vehicles and watercraft. Also, wing leading edge air blowing systems augment the example configurations for enhanced performance including substantially vertical take-off and landing of air vehicles.

Abstract: A method and system to make a cyclone. Delivery of almost vertical sun energy to a water target area is accomplished using floating mirrors. One or more Floating Mirrors are suspended from balloons or alternatively place in orbit around the earth, and are parked and maintained at a given position above the earth using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Pluralities of Floating Mirrors can be utilized to extend the sun exposure time over a given target area. By heating a column of air using the present invention water evaporates causing a cyclone to form. The cyclone in combination with the evaporated water causes rain to fall in the area of the cyclone thus creating localized weather patterns. The cyclone forming mechanism produces fresh water from seawater and in effect can transport water to desired locations depending on meteorological conditions.

Abstract: An aircraft capable of supersonic flight comprises a body portion including a fuselage, a wing, and an engine nacelle mounted below the wing. The aircraft may also include a high-mounted aft, tail. The area/lift distribution of the body portion is tailored to reduce sonic boom disturbance. The body portion further includes a blunt nose and a gull dihedral wing configuration that further reduces sonic boom disturbance and eases constraints on area/lift distribution tailoring. The gull dihedral wing or tail is configured to carry lifting force to its trailing edge to create an expansion at the aft end of the aircraft that reduces aft sonic boom ground shock strength. The volume of the mid-portion of the fuselage can be reduced above the wing to create a sloped surface that generates an expansion fan over the wings.

Abstract: Tooling for molding with keys for the production of air intakes without clips of substantially tubular shape, comprises a self-supporting mandrel with keys comprising at least three sectors in the form of panels, namely at least two articulated sectors (3) retractable toward the center of the mandrel and a key sector independent from the other sectors and insertable between these latter, thereby, by abutment, to define, by their external surfaces, a continuous surface corresponding to the internal surface of the air intake, elements to lock in abutted position the sectors, and a control device, disconnectable from the mandrel, of the relative displacement of the movable sectors to place them either in a molding position by abutment of the sectors, or in an unmolding position by retraction of the sectors toward the interior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and means are provided for extending the life of carbon brakes on aircraft. The method comprises measuring the speed of the aircraft and the intensity of braking and comparing these to predetermined maximum values for each. If the values are both lower than the maximum values, one or more of the brakes are selectively disabled.

Abstract: A readily attachable window assembly for efficient installation and maintenance of aircraft windows is provided. The aircraft has a sidewall having an inner perimeter that defines an opening. The window assembly includes an outer window frame. A center window frame is attached to the outer window frame, and an inner window frame is attached to the center window frame. The inner window frame is readily attachable to the sidewall adjacent to the opening of the inner perimeter. The inner window frame includes a releasable coupling mechanism that includes first and second engaging mechanisms that positionally lock the first mechanism to the second mechanism via a torsion spring assembly and engageable teeth of each mechanism. The first engaging mechanism is locked onto the sidewall when torque is applied through at least one pinhole. The window assembly is disengaged by disengaging the first and second engaging mechanisms via a disengagement tab.

Abstract: A modular, on-board, inert gas generating system for aircraft is disclosed in which main components such as a heat exchanger, filter, air separation module, and turbocharger are provided in a modular unit sized to provide a variable flow of nitrogen-enriched air to the aircraft spaces to be inerted. For different inert gas requirements, for example in larger aircraft, multiple modular units may be provided without redesigning the basic system. A method for inerting fuel tanks, cargo holds and other void spaces using the modular approach and turbocharged engine bleed air is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the aerospace engineering and can be used for jettisoning boost rockets from an aircraft. The inventive device comprises a landing container (3) with an open end (4) provided with a high-pressure source (5). The freight to be jettisoned (2) is arranged in two sections inside the container (3) on mounting elements (10), one of which is embodied in the form of a calibrated support (9). The values of maximum efforts and acceptable lateral movements (13) of the supports (9) are chosen in such a way that a minimum positive allowance (12) between the container (3) and the freight (2) is provided. The supports (9) are provided with dampers. The aim of the invention is to reduce a transverse load affecting the freight to be jettisoned landing.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for controlling a power kite. The systems may include a variable-line kite controller with a rotatable spool bar carrying plural spools, or a fixed-line controller. The systems also may include deployment mechanisms, sheeting mechanisms, cleating mechanisms for the sheeting mechanisms, safety releases, line protectors, and kite boards, among others, for use with variable and/or fixed-line controllers.

Abstract: A satellite system and method is disclosed. The satellite system comprises a satellite constellation including a plurality of satellites orbiting a planet to provide a coverage pattern of the planet. The plurality of satellites includes one or more satellites in circular orbits and at least one satellite of the plurality of satellites in an elliptical orbit. Each of the plurality of satellites has substantially the same nodal regression rate. An exemplary constellation uses an inclination of substantially 63.43°. The elliptical orbit can be implemented by a refuelable satellite used to make low perigee passes over a location of interest.

Abstract: A parachute has a canopy and rigging lines with skirt assist lines connected between a point on each rigging line adjacent a lower edge of the canopy and a point on the interior of the canopy spaced from the lower edge. The arrangement is such that a portion of the canopy between the point and the lower edge is relieved of tension as the canopy is deployed to assist the opening of the canopy. The skirt assist lines are frangible. This prevents rapid deployment of the canopy to lower g-forces on the load in high speed opening.

Abstract: An aircraft mechanism including a flap positioning mechanism comprising a carriage and track system suitable for use with variable radius or multiple curvature tracks.

Abstract: A railway frog has a pair of wing rails with converging and diverging portions. A point member is located between forward portions of the wing rails. The forward portion of at least one of the rails has a section adjacent the point that has the rail head removed. A replaceable wear component having a head is located on an upper surface of the web of the wing rail. The wear component has a skirt that bolts to the flange of the wing rail. The wear component is formed of manganese steel.

Abstract: A clamp includes a fitting portion to be fixed to an object to be attached; a clamp portion having a substantially U-character shape connected to the fitting portion; a first receiving portion for receiving a rod-shaped member through an insertion port; and a second receiving portion for receiving a rod-shaped member through an insertion port of the clamp portion and passing through the first receiving portion. An elastic piece extends from an inner wall of the clamp portion to hold the first rod-shaped member together with the first receiving portion. A stopper extends from the inner wall of the clamp portion to hold the second rod-shaped member together with the second receiving portion and to prevent the first rod-shaped member from entering the second receiving portion.

Abstract: A system for holding a portion of the flexible exhaust hose from a dryer within a wall, thereby allowing the dryer to be placed in close proximity to a wall. The system provides a means for smoothly guiding the flexible exhaust hose to minimize bending and kinking. An integral segment of duct is provided to allow for convenient and aesthetic installation, where the connection of the system to the duct in the wall is hidden within the wall. Additionally, for gas dryers, an opening structured and arranged to snugly fit a gas line is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting at least one electrical cable is provided. The at least one electrical cable may be secured to a movable electronic device disposed within a chassis. A harness is provided that is securable to at least one electrical cable. A flexible support member is provided to support the harness and the at least one electrical cable. The flexible support member may move with the electrical device as the electrical device is moved. The flexible support member may comprise wire. A wire reel may be provided to extend and retract the wire. The wire of the wire reel may be unwound as the electrical device is moved from a normal position to a withdrawn position. The wire of the wire reel may be wound as the electronic device is moved from the withdrawn position to the normal position.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler mount including a base, a bracket and a screw mounting the bracket to the base. The base includes a support attachable to a beam with two arms extending therefrom. Support holes extend through the arms. The bracket includes two parallel plates spaced to receive a standard sprinkler fitting. A cradle is provided at one of the plates while a retaining hole is provided on the other. The screw is able to rotate within the support holes and is threaded to a mounting hole in the bracket for vertical adjustment of the bracket retaining the sprinkler fitting.

Abstract: A portable shopping bag retainer used to stabilize one or more filled plastic shopping bags (20) in an upright position during transport in an automobile and prevent spillage of the bag contents. The device comprises a thin flat plate body (10) which attaches vertically to an automobile seat back rest (22) or trim panel by means of elastic or other type of attachment straps (18). The thin flat plate body (10) includes a plurality of inverted horseshoe shaped apertures (12), each of which provide an upwardly vertical stalk (14) that is used to secure shopping bag handle loops (21) while the weight of the bag contents is supported on the horizontal surface of an automobile seat cushion (24) or floor. The surface of the thin flat plate body (10) also includes an unobstructed space for an imprinted logo or advertising decal (28) which remains visible while the device is configured for use.

Abstract: A kitchen helping hand is provided to assist the user in holding and tilting pots, pans or bowls for easier transfer of the contents. More specifically, a container holding stand comprising: two support sides each having a horizontal base leg attached to a side arm extending upwardly from the horizontal base leg, said side arm forming an acute angle with the base leg; and a container-holding ring pivotably attached to the side arm is provided. The container holding stand may be collapsible and different sized pots, pans or bowls may be accommodated using different sized rings, or rings that change size.

Abstract: An apparatus that is adapted to reduce wobble in a tripod that is used to hold an optical instrument, includes a triangular shaped base plate that includes an attachment to each leg of the tripod. The base plate includes slots at each corner or apex thereof that provides for an adjustment range sufficient for most types of tripods. A member that is attached to each leg of the tripod is attached to each corner of the base plate. A lighted carousel that includes a battery operated light and is adapted to hold a plurality of lenses is disposed above the base plate. According to a modification, the slots are eliminated from the base plate and an adjustment bar having a slot therein is attached at one end to a modified base plate and, at a remaining end, to a member that is attached to each of the legs of the tripod.

Abstract: A universal mounting system for a device that employs a directional element in the operation of that device (e.g., scanning, tracking, aiming, or firing) is disclosed. The system is designed to perform pan and tilt operations associated with an attached device in a single movement without the need for operator adjustments. The design allows for mounting the system via a specific method or a commonly utilized method. Additional components may include an elevation adjustment to the system and a friction adjustment to the means used for the pan and tilt operations.

Abstract: The kinematic mount preferably includes a first plate, a second plate, and a three connectors. The first plate has three indentations therein, where the indentations are each located at respective apexes of an equilateral triangle. The second plate has three grooves therein, where the grooves are spaced 120 degrees apart from one another. Each connector comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface forms an annular contact line between the first surface and one of the indentations. The second surface is coupled to the first surface and defines two substantially parallel contact lines between the second surface and one of the grooves. In a preferred embodiment, the first surface defines a spherical surface and the second surface defines a cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A support foot for a modular safety rail system comprises a base plate having upper and lower surfaces and an outer periphery, a plurality of sockets positioned inwards of the periphery and extending from the upper surface for location of a vertical post, a plurality of webs provided at the upper surface and each extending from a socket towards the periphery, each web extending from the base plate to an upper edge surface of the web, the lower surface of the base plate having at least one recess whereby when one support foot is stacked on top of another at least one of a distal end of a socket and an upper edge of a web engages the recess to prevent lateral movement of the feet, and the upper edge surface of each web being able to support the lower surface of a superimposed support foot to resist toppling.

Abstract: An anchoring device which includes a shaft having a head and tip at opposing ends of the shaft. A flexible cord is attached to the shaft with the free or opposite end of the chord used to attach to objects which are desired to be suspended. The shaft of the anchoring device is inserted tip end first either directly into a structural member such as a hollow wall or ceiling or through a hole which has been pre-drilled through such structural member. When the supporting rod exits the structural member it immediately rotates into an anchoring position due to the flexible nature of the attached cord.

Abstract: A hook clamp has surfaces allowing the clamp to be placed on a support and clamped thereto. The surfaces are such that the clamp can be placed on the support and its weight held by the support prior to tightening. The clamp has a built-in connector for supplying power to the lamp. The clamp has one or more fail-safe holes for securing the clamp to the support with a safety cable. The clamp also has one or more flanges that can be received by a separate mounting bracket, for mounting the clamp and any attached element during storage, staging, or when otherwise not being used.

Abstract: A combination spring tension rod and mounting bracket assembly easily mounts within a window opening. A pair of mounting bracket devices are mounted to opposite ends of the spring tension rod. The spring tension rod is compressed and positioned such that bearing surface portions of the bracket devices extend into the window opening. The spring tension rod is then released and forces the bearing surfaces to bear against opposed and facing surfaces of the window opening when installed. The spring force of the spring tension rod retains the rod and brackets in the installed position.

Abstract: A system for releasably coupling an article to a support structure includes a plurality of adapters having a desired geometry that cooperates with the coupling and the article to (a) securely but releasably support the article, (b) provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and (c) structurally support the article. Each of the adapters varies from at least one other adapter in at least one aspect, such as size, shape, dimension, etc., for use with different articles to be mounted thereon. Specifically, for a light fixture, for example, a fixed base can be mounted to a ceiling over an electrical “splice box.” A mount is releasably couplable to the base using an installation and removal tool, and the adapter provides an interface between the mount and the light fixture. The adapter has a sidewall with one or more openings or passages therethrough to provide access for an installation and removal tool to engage the mount.

Abstract: A mounting system mitigates or eliminates sags or gaps between an installed curtain and an abutting surface such as a wall or ceiling. The system accomplishes this in a manner that avoids permanent damage to the wall or ceiling surface. A head is provided having an elongated body and a compressible curtain interface. A spring-loaded adjustable pole is configured to urge the head against the curtain and abutting surface. In this manner, the curtain is made to conform to the abutting surface, and gaps are thereby mitigated or eliminated between mounting jacks.

Abstract: A display device for displaying a memorial presentation, such as, for example, at a memorial service, viewing, or gravesite, wherein the device includes one or more sleeves allowing for a multi-element presentation; provides a passive illumination feature to enhance safety, emphasis, and navigation; and includes one or more of a variety of attachment or other support mechanisms, including a hook, a magnet, hook-and-loop material, and one or more legs. A hinge mechanism connects the sleeves. Holes may be provided for receiving ribbon material. The legs may be provided with removable weighted feet for added stability.

Abstract: A free-standing computer document holder, having a rectangular viewing surface with a front top flange, and supported by right and left quadrilateral side structures having longer rear side edges and shorter front side edges. Due to the unequal length of the front and rear side edges, documents are supported and presented to a computer user at an angle to a work surface, such that the top of a document is above the bottom of the document. The computer document holder is situated above a computer keyboard, and is in front of, and/or over, and/or to the rear of, the keyboard. The computer user can operate the keyboard and/or a mouse while the computer document holder is situated as described. An optional monitor riser may be used to position the monitor such that the computer document holder does not obstruct a full view of the screen.

Abstract: This is a sunshade umbrella stand comprised of a hollow pole, a steel spike, and an umbrella holder. The stand itself is hollow with a foot pedal protruding out from the bottom portion of the stand and the foot pedal is attached to a hammer which slides up and down within the hollow pole comprising the stand. The steel spike is attached to the bottom of the stand and the foot pedal hammer makes contact with the spike forcing the spike into the ground; thus, allowing the stand to be firmly anchored to the surface of the earth. The umbrella holder fits upon the top of the stand into which an umbrella with its post can be placed, so that the umbrella is held firmly in place. The idea of this invention is to have a sunshade umbrella stand which will not allow an umbrella to tilt or fall due to wind or some other natural occurrence.

Abstract: In a solid-state image-sensing device, an electric signal output from a photoelectric conversion circuit 100 is accumulated in a capacitor C1, and then a MOS transistor T5 is turned on so that the voltage integrated by the capacitor C1 is sampled in a MOS transistor T10. Thereafter, the electric charge obtained through amplification performed by the MOS transistor T10 flows into a capacitor C2, which performs integration so that a voltage commensurate with the integral of the amount of incident light appears at the capacitor C2.

Abstract: In order to provide a solid state image pickup device in which an offset voltage in an image signal from which a noise signal is removed is made to be low, when an image pickup operation is performed while the MOS transistor T1 is ON, after a signal &phgr;VD with a value Vh is integrated by a capacitor C, the signal &phgr;VD is Vm (Vm<Vh) and a pulse signal &phgr;V is given so that an image signal is output. When dispersion of sensitivity is detected while the MOS transistor T1 is OFF, after the signal &phgr;VD with the value Vh is integrated by the capacitor C, the signal &phgr;VD is V1 (V1<Vm) and the pulse signal &phgr;V is given so that a noise signal is output.

Abstract: A prism for reflecting rays of light 17L and 17R incident from left and right image pick-up directions on the rear side of the direction of travel A is disposed in parallel to the vertical direction of a vehicle. The image pick-up optical axis of an image pick-up unit 15 is set to tilt vertically and obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane C, whereby the images in the respective image pick-up directions which are obliquely above or below the horizontal plane are picked up by the image pick-up unit 15.

Abstract: A microfabricated detection system, comprising: a substrate chip; a chamber defined by the substrate chip to which a fluid sample is in use delivered; and at least one detector comprising at least one light-emitting diode including an organic semi-conductor element for emitting light into the chamber and at least one photocell including an organic semiconductor element for receiving light from the chamber.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device capable of improving an open-circuit voltage is obtained. In this photoelectric conversion device, many of crystal grains contained in a third non-single-crystalline semiconductor layer have major axes substantially perpendicular to a main surface of a substrate on an interfacial portion between at least either a first non-single-crystalline semiconductor layer or a second non-single-crystalline semiconductor layer and the third non-single-crystalline semiconductor layer, and many of crystal grains contained in either semiconductor layer have major axes substantially parallel to the main surface of the substrate on the aforementioned interfacial portion.

Abstract: In a photoelectric conversion device having a plurality of pixel cells each of which includes a photoelectric conversion element, a field effect transistor having the gate area for storing signal charge generated by the photoelectric conversion element and the source-drain path for outputting a signal corresponding to the signal charge stored in the gate, a first power supply line for supplying electric power to the field effect transistor, and a first switch connected between the field effect transistor and the first power supply line, when a reset voltage for resetting the gate of the field effect transistor is Vsig0, a threshold voltage of the field effect transistor is Vth, current flowing through the field effect transistor is Ia, a voltage applied via the first power supply line is Vc1, and a series resistance of the first switch is Ron, each pixel cell is configured to satisfy a condition determined by Vc1−Ron×Ia>Vsig0−Vth.

Abstract: According to the invention, systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for optically enabling a circuit component in a large scale integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the invention is a circuit comprising a light sensing device for producing a signal in response to sensing light, an optic function subcircuit, and a switch connected to the light sensing device and to the optic function subcircuit for activating the optic function subcircuit when light is sensed. The light sensing device is preferably a phototransistor and a light sensing circuit is preferably placed between the light sensing device and the switch for amplifying and conditioning the light sensing signal. The optic function subcircuit can be an optical modulator, an optical receiver or any other device that is to be operated and powered only when incident light is present.

Abstract: An optical system having a wide field of regard and a low profile comprises a first section with optically passive components stationarily fixed within the optical system for focusing optical energy associated with a field of regard received by the first section, and second section. The second section includes at least one gimbal drive assembly for establishing the field of regard by actively driving an additional optical component used to guide optical energy to or from the first section. The second section can include both an azimuthal gimbal drive assembly and an elevation gimbal drive assembly. The first section can be mounted to an interface structure, which pivotally mounted to the airframe of the vehicle. The second section can be rotatably mounted to the first section, so the first section remains stationary while the gimbals of the second section rotate.

Abstract: A shutter holder has a frame-like base portion and a tie plate inwardly projecting from a side portion of the base portion in a cantilever fashion, and the tie plate has a rectangular cross section smaller in thickness and/or width, i.e., second moment of inertia than the cross section of the base plate at the boundary; even if a staple is deeply driven into a moving object such as a wooden key, the tie plate is widely deflected so as to absorb the deformation of the wooden key, and permits a shutter plate to keep itself perpendicular to the lower surface of the wooden key.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an amusement system that can be used and enjoyed by different persons without using the brain continuously and with little feeling of fatigue and which permits setting a probe at any spot on the head of the subject.

Abstract: A sensor causes a string of lights, for example, those sold under the trademark LIGHT ROPE® for assisting persons to walk in a darkened room to avoid accidents. The system incorporates a motion detector (with or without time delay to keep lights ON) and a string of lights, for example, those sold under the trademark LIGHT ROPE®. The lights are laid out along a path in the home.

Abstract: An object detecting device has components which emit electromagnetic waves by scanning a scan range in horizontal and vertical directions, receive reflected waves, obtain signal level of the received reflected waves, calculate a correction value based on vertical position of the zone in the scan range where the level of the received waves is the highest and the center position of the scan range in the vertical direction, and correct the center position in the vertical direction of the scan range based on the calculated correction value.