Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler with two viscous brakes. The viscous brakes work in conjunction with each other to maintain a low RPM and also to rotate a water stream diffuser. The water stream is first directed toward a deflector that offsets the stream and angles it toward the area to be watered. The offset stream applies a torsional force on the deflector causing it to rotate. The stream is then interrupted intermittently by the diffuser that is rotating at a different RPM. The end result is a sprinkler that rotates slowly and breaks up the stream of water intermittently to create an even pattern of water on the area being sprinkled without using mechanical parts, such as ratchets or gearing. This is desirable for smooth operation and less chance of the operation being interrupted from contamination by dirt, insects, debris, etc. Also, a more random diffusion of the water is obtained.

Abstract: A converter threaded to the sprout of a classical faucet made of metal to compromise the classical style of the faucet allows water be delivered either in gush or divergence; a separation cover being provided to separate the heat generated from hot water flowing through the converter to avoid burning the user; and a reducing design for the rotation point of the rotation connector to avoid hurting the user.

Abstract: A spray gun used for manufacturing fiberglass components includes a valve body and a manifold that each contain two channels to initially separate a resin and a catalyst from each other. The channels inside the manifold converge to a vertex to allow the catalyst and resin to impinge each other. The impinged catalyst and resin are then mixed together more thoroughly in a static mixer before being sprayed out of the gun. The spray gun can be used to mix and apply any material made of two or more fluids mixed together.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer according to the first embodiment of the invention comprises a casing (1) having a flow-through channel composed of sequentially joined inlet portion (2) formed as a converging tube, a cylindrical portion (3) and an outlet portion (4) formed as a conical diffuser. A length of cylindrical portion (3) is not less than a radius thereof. A cone angle of the diffuser forming the outlet portion (4) of the flow-through channel is greater than a cone angle of the converging tube forming the inlet portion (2) of the same channel. According to the second embodiment of the invention, the converging tube forming the inlet portion of the flow-through channel is made conoid-shaped. Implementation of the invention allows steady-state fine-dispersed liquid flow to be generated at the minimal energy consumption.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for atomising liquid media comprising an ultrasonic gas atomisation nozzle (11) having a gas flow path (12) from a plenum chamber (17) which flow path is straight and is provided with a plurality of resonance cavities (31).

Abstract: A contamination control apparatus has a sprayer including at least one nozzle for spraying water, at least one eliminator having a passageway in which air is sprayed with the water to remove potential contaminants from the air, and a circulator for providing the sprayer with the water. The circulator includes a pH control device for adjusting the pH of the water fed to the sprayer, and an organic matter removing device for removing organic matter from the water. The contamination control apparatus can be advantageously employed in an air-conditioning system of a substrate processing facility.

Abstract: The present invention broadly applies to any fluid valve made up of a plurality of body components that create sealing lands where the body components are clamped together. The invention is further applicable to any such valves in which pressure differentials within the valve can cause fluid leakage in the region of these sealing lands. Fluid leakage is reduced by locating at least some of these sealing lands within a hollow clamp that holds the valve body components together. This clamping strategy that locates the clamping load where it is needed most is applicable to a wide variety of valves, but is particularly applicable to pressure control valves used in fuel injection systems that experience extremely high pressure differentials during their usage.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle assembly for delivering fuel to a combustor of a gas turbine engine. The assembly includes a fuel nozzle including a body having a fuel inlet, an air inlet, an outlet for discharging fuel to the combustor, and a mounting flange for mounting the nozzle in the engine. A portion of the body corresponding to the fuel inlet and/or the air inlet includes a recess for receiving a supply fitting having an annular sealing surface and a rotatable nut. The recess includes an annular seat sized and shaped for sealingly engaging the sealing surface of the supply tube fitting and female threads positioned adjacent the seat for threadably receiving the rotatable nut of the supply.

Abstract: A fuel injector (1) for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine encompasses a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator (3), a valve needle (10) actuable by the actuator (3), the valve needle (10) cooperating with a valve-closure member (17) to form a sealing seat (25) together with a valve-seat member (18), and a restoring spring (20) by which the valve needle (10) is acted on in a closing direction. The valve needle (10) is pressure-equalized in that the force exerted by the fuel pressure on the valve needle (10) in the opening direction is approximately equal to the force exerted by the fuel pressure on the valve needle (10) in the closing direction.

Abstract: A fuel injection system having a housing (2), in which a pump piston (16) is disposed longitudinally movably, which piston positively displaces fuel from a pump work chamber (18) and delivers it to a pressure chamber (14). In a bore (42), an outer valve needle (44) is disposed longitudinally displaceably and cooperates with a valve seat, embodied on the end toward the combustion chamber of the bore (42), to control the opening of an outer row (70) of injection openings. The outer valve needle (44) experiences an opening force oriented away from the valve seat (48), as a result of the pressure in the pressure chamber (41), and a closing force, as a result of the force of an outer closing spring (52) disposed in an outer spring chamber (54). In the outer valve needle (44), an inner valve needle (46) is guided longitudinally displaceably, which likewise cooperates with the valve seat (48) to control an inner row (72) of injection openings.

Abstract: A fuel injector (1) for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber (18) of a mixture-compressing, spark-ignition internal combustion engine includes a nozzle body (2) and a sealing ring (15) which seals off the fuel injector (1) from a cylinder head (11) of the internal combustion engine. An adhesion-reducing coating (17) is provided in an annular gap (14) formed between a wall (13) of the cylinder head (11) and the nozzle body (2) of the fuel injector (1).

Abstract: A nozzle needle of a fuel injector is driven in a controlled manner by changing back pressure applied thereto. The back pressure is controlled by a pressure control valve driven by stacked piezoelectric elements. A valve body of the pressure control valve is disposed in a valve chamber having a drain port and a high pressure port which are selectively closed. A diameter D1 of a drain seat, a diameter D2 of a high pressure seat, and a diameter D3 of a piston portion connected to the valve body are set to satisfy a relation: D1≧D2≧D3. In this manner, operation of the pressure control valve is stabilized, and thereby the fuel injector is smoothly and stably operated.

Abstract: A fuel injector (1), especially for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine has an actuator (10) which is in operative connection with a valve needle (3), the valve needle (3) having a valve-closure member (4) at its spray-off end, which cooperates to form a sealing seat together with a valve seat surface (6) which is formed on a valve seat element (5). Valve-closure member (4) reaches through a swirl element (32) which is positioned on a flow-supply side end face (35) of valve seat element (5), swirl channels (33) being formed in swirl element (32). The valve seat element (5) has a ring-shaped elevation (36) on the flow-supply side end face (35) facing the swirl element (32).

Abstract: A fuel injector has a chamber between a valve body and a plate in which a plurality of through holes are formed. The chamber has a diameter larger than that of an opening of the valve body. The through holes are opened at an outer chamber area shaded by the valve body are distanced from an outer wall of the chamber more than a diameter of the through hole. Fuel flowing along an inner inclined surface of the valve body turns to the through holes and flows into the through hole from all directions and collides with each other at inlets of the through hole. Therefore, injected fuel has a lot of turbulences and is finely atomized.

Abstract: An anti-corrosion shower head used in a dry etching tool comprises an aluminum base and a ceramic plate embedded in the aluminum base, wherein the ceramic plate has a number of gas holes to spray the etching gas. An oxalic acid is used for electroplating the shower head, and also the aluminum part on the rear side of the ceramic plate or engineering polymer plate is hollowed.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly has a tubular shaped spray head and a longitudinal axis. The tubular shaped spray head has several apertures located along the longitudinal axis. The tubular shaped spray head is connected to a water source for introducing water in the tubular shaped spray head. The showerhead assembly also has a housing for supporting the tubular shaped spray head on a surface. Water traverses through the tubular shaped spray head for spraying beams of water through the apertures.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine includes a bulkhead having adjacent angled wall segments, each of which includes an injector opening. Fuel injectors are supported by the bulkhead on adjacent wall segments. Each fuel injector includes an inlet fitting including ports for receiving fuel, a feed stem extending through the opening, and a manifold supported at the downstream end of the feed stem and including a plurality of manifold segments. Each manifold segment includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in a linear, planar array; with each nozzle including a fuel distribution assembly and an air swirler assembly. The manifold segments are supported at angles to one another, such that that the sprays from one array of nozzles in one segment are provided in a different direction than the sprays from another array of nozzles in an adjacent manifold segment.

Abstract: A branching unit for fluid conveyance pipes, particularly for agricultural treatments or the like, comprising a duct provided with an inlet that is associable with a bleed hole formed in a pipe for conveying a fluid, and with an outlet that is associable with at least one nozzle for dispensing the bled fluid, and a tubular body provided with a first end that is detachably associable with the inlet and with a second end that can be inserted detachably so as to fit substantially snugly in the bleed hole.

Abstract: A fluid spray apparatus with a controlled supply of pressurized fluid delivered through a network of tubes to a spray head having a plurality of stop flow valves and nozzles that will automatically shut off the flow of fluid out of the nozzles when the pressure of the fluid drops below a threshold level. The spray head preferably has a central chamber that is open to the stop flow valves and dampens any fluctuations in pressure and volume of fluid from the source of pressurized fluid. The nozzle is preferably mounted to the stop flow valve. The stop flow valve has a biased valve head that engages a seat until the pressure exerted on the valve head by the fluid exceeds a threshold level and the valve opens. One embodiment has a quick connect coupling with a base, seal and collar that will allow spray heads of various numbers of nozzles to be quickly exchanged. Another embodiment is adapted to couple with a conventional paint spray compressor and gun.

Abstract: A fluid application device stores seam paste in a reservoir tank 18 and feeds the seam paste to a pressure tank 20 through a feed pump 22. Inside of the pressure tank 20 is maintained under a given air pressure by a pneumatic unit 26, and the seam paste is supplied from the pressure tank 20 to an application nozzle 16 through a supply pipe 24. A level sensor 28 detects fluid level of stored seam paste in the pressure tank 20, and a detection signal is input to a controller 30. The controller 30 controls operation of the feed pump 22 based on the detection signal that is transmitted from the level sensor 28 and also controls a supply amount of the seam paste to the pressure tank 20 to maintain the fluid level in the pressure tank 20 at a fixed level.

Abstract: A device for supplying fuel at high pressure to an internal combustion engine, having a pistonlike element (5) which is disposed longitudinally displaceably in a bore (3) of a component (1). The pistonlike element (5) is guided with a sealing portion (105) in a guide portion (103) of the bore (3), and the guide portion (103) discharges at one end into a pressure chamber (19) that can be filled with fuel at high pressure and at the other end into a leak fuel chamber (15). At least one recess (30) is embodied on the sealing portion (105) of the pistonlike element (5), and this recess communicates hydraulically with the pressure chamber (19) and is sealed off from the leak fuel chamber (15), except for the annular gap (17) formed between the pistonlike element (5) and the inner wall of the guide portion (103), and as a result the pistonlike element (5) is hydraulically centered in the bore (3) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A flexible pressure-washer hose and pressure washing apparatus are disclosed. The hose is of concentric laminar construction and comprises an inner core, an intermediate metallic sheath covering the core, and a jacket covering the intermediate sheath. The disclosed hose has a burst pressure of at least 12,000 psi, yet is highly flexible. The disclosed pressure washer comprises a hose made in accordance with the invention and fluidically connecting a source of pressurized fluid to an operator wand.

Abstract: A nozzle for distributor devices of granule's growth liquid substance in fluid bed granulators, is distinguished by the fact that it comprises a first duct (2), with substantially rectilinear axis (A) and with a predetermined diameter, which duct has an end portion (3) including a supply opening (4) and made of at least two subsequent segments, a first cone-shaped segment (5) converging on the axis (A) and a further cone-shaped segment (7) diverging from the axis (A) and ending in the supply opening (4), a second duct (8) extending co-axially inside the first duct (2), with which it forms an annular space (9), the second duct (8) having a supply end (10) extended inside the first cone-shaped segment (5) of the first duct (2).

Abstract: A nozzle cap is disclosed which is threadedly engaged with a distal end of a nozzle through which a compressed fluid is passed. The nozzle cap includes a terminal wall opposed to a distal end face of the nozzle axially with respect to the nozzle, a sealing member placed on the terminal wall so as to adhere closely to the distal end of the nozzle thereby to seal an opening of the nozzle, and a holding wall pressing and holding an edge of the sealing member in co-operation with the terminal wall between the walls.

Abstract: A spray nozzle for directing a wide lateral spray curtain with substantially uniform liquid distribution throughout the length of the spray curtain is provided. The nozzle includes a nozzle body defining an elongated internal flow passage. The nozzle body includes an inlet end for connection to a pressurized liquid supply, a downstream end wall and a side wall. A discharge orifice is provided in the side wall of the nozzle body between the inlet end and the downstream end wall. The discharge orifice communicates with the internal flow passage of the nozzle body. The discharge orifice has a generally inverted teardrop configuration comprising a relatively larger area upper portion and a relatively smaller area lower portion arranged below the upper portion.

Abstract: A road machine for preventing slippery roads and comprising a means for discharging and spreading material for preventing slippery roads as well as a device for verifying the discharge function. The verifying device comprises a microwave transmitter/receiver (10) and a signal processing circuit (20), which in response to the received signal can detect the presence of discharged material for preventing slippery roads. In this manner it is possible to carry out a contact-free verification of the discharge function of particles moving at a specific speed and in a specific direction.

Abstract: The atomizer (Z) of an electrostatic coating unit contains a dosing pump (DP) connected between the atomization device (4) and a scrapeable coiled pipe (10) which serves as a space-saving paint supply vessel and which is also situated in the atomizer. The scraper (12) is activated by compressed air on one side in order to force the paint material fed to its other side to the dosing pump (DP), which conveys it to the atomization device (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus (1) for comminuting particles (2). The apparatus (1) comprises at least one tube (8,8′) for collecting a given amount of particles (2), the particles (2) forming a plug (12) inside the tube (8,8′). The apparatus (1) further comprises at least one pressure pulse unit (13, 13′) for generating pressure pulses, in which context the plug (12), subjected to a pressure pulse, is propelled from an exit aperture of the tube (8,8′) to hit a baffle (6) located downstream of the tube (8, 8′) and comprising apertures (7). Finally, the apparatus (1) comprises a collection chamber (4) following on to the baffle (6), in which the particles (2), comminuted by the impact against the baffle (6) and passing through the apertures (7), are collected.

Abstract: A pepper grinder (10) comprising a pepper seed bottle (100) having upper and lower openings (110 & 120), through which upper opening (110) the bottle (100) may be refilled. A pepper grinding mechanism (300) is provided in the lower bottle opening (120), through which ground pepper may be dispensed. The mechanism (300) comprises a female grinding member (370) and a male grinding member (380) supported co-axially therein for relative rotation to grind pepper, the two members (370 & 380) being spaced apart by an annual gap in which pepper is to be ground. The mechanism (300) includes a positioning ring (350) in engagement with the male grinding member (380), which may be turned to adjust the axial position of the male grinding member (380) relative to the female grinding member (370) and hence the width of the gap and in turn the pepper grinding size.

Abstract: A jaw crusher capable of stable angle detection is provided. For this purpose, the jaw crusher includes a fixed jaw (35), a swing jaw (36) provided to oppose the fixed jaw, a frame (34) for supporting the fixed jaw and the swing jaw, and an outlet clearance adjusting mechanism (62) for adjusting an outlet clearance between the fixed jaw and the swing jaw, and the outlet clearance adjusting mechanism includes a connecting member (61) of which one end is made abut to or connected to the swing jaw, a rotatable rotary member (64) which is made abut to or connected to the other end of the connecting member, a driving mechanism (65) for rotating the rotary member, and angle detecting equipment (69) which is mounted to the frame and detects a rotation angle of the rotary member.

Abstract: A wet grinding and dispersion apparatus includes a grinding chamber, a shaft, and a grinding wheel unit. The shaft is disposed rotatably in the grinding chamber. The grinding wheel unit is disposed in the grinding chamber, is mounted to rotate with the shaft, and includes a plurality of grinding wheels, each of which has opposite wheel surfaces. Each of the wheel surfaces is formed with stirring protrusions.

Abstract: A fishing indicator device is disclosed which includes a magnet (32, 507) and a reed switch (30, 430) for detecting the magnet and providing an output signal. A display (40, 412) is provided which includes a processor for receiving the output signal and for calculating a particular parameter indicative of movement of fishing line retrieval speed, distance of line movement and bite indication for display on the display (40, 412) or for causing an alarm to sound. The reed switch (30, 430) may be coupled to the processor and display (40) by hard wiring or by wireless transmission. The magnet (32, 507) may be provided on a rotatable wheel (402) which receives the line so that when the line moves, the wheel is rotated to cause the magnet to pass the reed switch (30, 430) so that the reed switch outputs the signal. The wheel (402, 442) may be housed within a housing (400) and the wheel and housing (400) may form one of the line guides which is coupled to the fishing rod for guiding the line.

Abstract: A spinning reel having a line roller mechanism provided between a bail arm lever and a line slider connected thereto. The line roller mechanism includes a generally cylindrical fishing line guide surface portion along which the fishing line is guided, a first annular guide section positioned in association with the bail arm lever and near the fishing line guide surface, and a second annular guide section positioned in association with the line slider and near the fishing line guide surface. A fishing line nipping surfaces are defined at confronting ends of the first and second annular guide sections. The second annular guide section is slidably movable in the axial direction relative to the first annular guide section. A coil spring is provided for biasing the second annular guide section toward the first annular guide section.

Abstract: The invention is to offer a fishing reel having a power transmission mechanism enabling to remove backlash in a gear row with a simple structure. The fishing reel according to the invention has a power transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force so as to drive a rotor supported to a reel main body owing to rotating operation of a handle rotatably supported to the reel main body, and is characterized in that a driving force transmitting part of the power transmission mechanism is provided with a rotation power transmitting instrument to be effected by friction of an elastic member.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge is formed from a substantially rectangular case. The case is formed from an upper case, at which a first peripheral wall stands erect at a ceiling plate, and a lower case, at which a second peripheral wall stands erect at a floor plate. The case rotatably accommodates a reel on which a recording tape is wound. At least one screw boss, which is for joining the upper case and the lower case together, is disposed at a position of the upper case and the lower case. The screw boss has a structure in which a convex portion and a concave portion are fit together. A thickness of a border between the first peripheral wall and the ceiling plate and a border between the first peripheral wall and the floor plate is formed to be thinner than a thickness of the second peripheral wall.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge enabling proper assembly of a brake member which blocks rotation of a reel during non-use. A magnetic tape is wound on a reel accommodated in a case. The brake member is non-rotatably supported in the case and moves toward/away from a base portion inside a reel hub. Rotation of the reel is disabled when a brake gear provided at a disc portion meshes with gear teeth, and rotation is enabled when this meshing is released. Tapering walls stand along a circular periphery larger in diameter than an outer diameter of the brake member and coaxial with the hub. When the brake member is being inserted into the hub, the brake member is guided, at the disc portion and at a rim portion extending out from the disc portion, by the tapering walls to a position at which the brake gear meshes with the gear teeth.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge in which melting, abrasion or the like does not occur at a portion of abutting of a brake member with a release member, or with a release portion of a drive device, during rotation of a reel. In this recording tape cartridge, a magnetic tape is wound onto the reel at a reel hub inside a case. A brake member is non-rotatably provided inside the case. The reel is rotation-locked when the brake member is disposed at a rotation-locking position, at which the brake member engages with an engaging protrusion of a bottom portion. A release pad is disposed between the bottom portion and the brake member and abuts against both thereof. When the release pad holds the brake member at a rotation-enabling position, the reel is rotatable.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge has: a single reel with a magnetic tape wound thereon; a cartridge case rotatably storing the single reel therein; a tape pull-out leader pin fixed to the leading end portion of the magnetic tape and releasably held within the cartridge case; a tension absorbing unit for absorbing the tension of the magnetic tape disposed inside a holding portion for holding the leader pin.

Abstract: A rotation mechanism is provided for use with dispensers for rolled products. The rotation mechanism can be utilized with dispensers configured for a number of different paper, plastic, foil or other products supplied as rolled sheets on tubes or rolls. The rotation mechanism provides mild resistance to the rotation of a roll of product such that a desired quantity can be removed from the roll without excess material unraveling from the roll.

Abstract: A tape dispenser comprises a main body, a cutter mounted on the main body, a tape roll mount disposed on the main body to mount a tape roll thereon for rotation and six friction devices around the tape roll mount device. Each of the friction devices has a flexible arm and a block. The arm is disposed on the main body closing to the tape roll mount and the block is disposed on the arm to be in contact with the tape roll. The arm has a proximal end, which connects to the main body, and a distal end, which is suspended, and an orientation of the arm from the proximal end to the distal end is along a rotating orientation of the tape roll while user draws a tape of the tape roll out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thrust vectoring a flight vehicle during homing are disclosed. The flight vehicle includes a body; a plurality of attitude control mechanisms on the body; a multi-pulse motor housed at least partially in the body; and a control unit housed in the body. The control unit generates signals controlling an actuation of the attitude control mechanisms and the multi-pulse motor to initiate a follow-on burn of the multi-pulse motor to effect a maneuver directed by the actuation of the attitude control mechanisms. The method includes conserving a second burn of a dual pulse motor until target acquisition; acquiring a target; actuating a attitude control mechanism for the flight vehicle to alter the flight vehicle's heading; and initiating the second burn.

Abstract: A wireless landing gear monitoring system for an aircraft. The monitoring system includes a wireless, e.g. radio frequency (RF), hubcap transceiver powered by a rechargeable battery combined with a super-capacitor, all mounted to an inside surface of a wheel hubcap of the aircraft. Additionally, the system includes a permanent magnet generator (PMG) mounted to the inside surface of the hubcap that charges the battery when the wheel is rotating. The hubcap transceiver communicates with at least one distant, or remote, transceiver inside the aircraft, a tire pressure sensor mounted to a wheel rim, and a Hall-effect wheel speed transducer mounted to the hubcap. The tire pressure sensor uses an extremely low power wireless transmitter to communicate with the hubcap transceiver, which then sends wheel speed and tire pressure data to the distant transceiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the efficiency and energy output of a power unit are disclosed. The power unit employs a fuel cell configured to chemically convert combustible fuel into electrical energy. A waste fuel burner is configured to receive uncombusted fuel emitted by the fuel cell, and the waste burner combusts the uncombusted fuel to generate heated gas. A turbine is configured to receive and be driven by the heated gas. The turbine is further configured to drive a drive shaft which is coupled to a compressor. The compressor is configured to compress a pressurized source of oxidizing gas for supplying compressed oxidizing gas to the fuel cell such that efficiency of the fuel cell is improved. A generator also may be coupled to the drive shaft, and the generator is configured to generate electrical power from the drive shaft being turned by the turbine.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a mooring device adapted particularly for an aircraft, comprising at least one line (18) or the like ensuring connection between an anchoring point (20) on the aircraft and the ground, characterized in that it comprises means (26) for dynamically controlling the tension of the line (18) as a function of variations of the distance separating the anchoring point (20) on the aircraft to the ground.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a blade member for an airplane which is simple in structure, and moreover is excellent with respects to weight, aerodynamic performance, cost, strength and durability. A vane of a double-slotted flap includes: an outer skin area surrounded by a first outer skin, a second outer skin, a leading edge and a trailing edge each having a predetermined wall thickness. Front and rear reinforcing areas are provided that extend in a span direction within the outer skin area and are connected to the first outer skin and the second outer skin. The outer skin area and the reinforcing areas are integrally formed by wire electrical discharge-machining. The first outer skin and the second outer skin respectively have thickened portions thicker than the other portions, and the trailing edge is formed to have a thickness which is approximately zero. This blade member can be simplified in structure, leading to reductions in the number of parts, number of assembling steps and weight.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for attaching a fairing to a body or aircraft wing are disclosed. A plurality of attach anchors is disposed on the body or aircraft wing to which the fairing is to be attached. Disposed in the fairing is a plurality of core pockets that are alignable with the plurality of attach anchors, and each of the core pockets defines a channel. The fairing is placed over the body or the aircraft wing such that the heads of the attach anchors are received in the core pockets. The fairing is then slid across the body or the aircraft wing with the channels sliding along the heads of the attach anchors such that the fairing is prevented from being lifted away from the body or aircraft wing.

Abstract: An experiment system with six different re-entry experiment locations for testing high temperature re-entry materials, creating new thermal protection systems, proving innovative new concepts for spacecraft exterior surfaces and the incremental development of next generation aerospace materials. A commercial transportation system to and from orbit provides a 24-hour return cycle for the experiments on a surface actually re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Now using existing doors, hatches and other points on the reusable launch vehicle's exterior, the actual re-entry environment is experienced by test specimens with quick turn around for a wide variety of different re-entry temperatures ranges for broad testing and development purposes. The reusable launch vehicle launches, remains in orbit for 24 hours and returns to provide an actual test environment for the exterior experiment system.

Abstract: An instrument package for carrying on board observation instruments is for launching from space. The instrument includes a housing, a power supply, a communication system and an internal instrument volume. The housing includes a protective skin and adapted to be launched from space. The power supply is secured in the inside of the housing. The communication system is operably connected to the power supply for transmitting data to a location remote from the instrument package. The internal instrument volume is inside the housing and is adapted to receive scientific instrument connectable to the communication system. The instrument package may include an on board control system operably connected to the power supply.

Abstract: A momentum control system and method is provided that provides attitude control for a vehicle while minimizing the negative effects of the momentum control system. The momentum control system and method include at least one more reaction wheel than the degrees of freedom under control. For example, in a vehicle designed to rotate in all three directions, at least four reaction wheels would be provided. The additional reaction wheel provides an additional control parameter that can be used to minimize the cost of the momentum control system's performance. The cost of the momentum control system that can be minimized includes the effects of vibration, power consumption, and undesirable changes in rotational direction, among others.

Abstract: An automated fault reporting system for a train includes a controller that gathers information concerning malfunctioning wayside status devices and automatically reports the information to an appropriate party. In one embodiment, the control module uses a positioning system and a database including device locations in order to determine when the train is near a device. If no status information is received from the device as the train approaches, or the status information indicates a problem, the train is allowed to continue at a reduced speed to allow the operator to visually confirm that it is safe to proceed. If an area monitored by the device has been passed, or if the operator indicates that there is no problem, or the device fails to respond, the controller records and reports the malfunction.