Abstract: An adjustable dispenser tip including a nozzle forming a passage along a length of the nozzle. A plurality of independently movable, flexible fingers define an orifice at a dispensing end portion of the nozzle. A coupler is positioned about at least a portion of the nozzle and movable with respect to the nozzle to contact and urge the fingers to adjust an area of the orifice. An elastomeric web is positioned with respect to the nozzle and connects adjacent fingers. The elastomeric web can be positioned on an outer surface of the nozzle, an inside surface of the nozzle, or between adjacent fingers, for example.

Abstract: A faucet has a spout and a pullout spray head connected to a flexible water supply tube and releasably connectable to the spout. The spout has a docking collar mounted thereon for receiving a connecting shaft of the spray head. The docking collar has an annular wall with a plurality of U-shaped slots which define a plurality of cantilevered snap fingers. Each snap finger includes a projection that fits into a groove in the connecting shaft when the spray head is docked. An elastomeric O-ring surrounds the annular wall at a point where the O-ring engages the snap fingers to bias them toward the groove. Ridges on the exterior surface of the wall retain the O-ring in place. The spout and docked spray head have parallel shoulders that define a mating plane. The projections and groove define a retaining plane. The mating plane is not parallel to the retaining plane such that rotation of the spray head about an axis normal to the mating plane will cause the projections to release from the groove.

Abstract: A faucet has a spout and a pullout spray head connected to a flexible water supply tube and releasably connectable to the spout. The spout has a docking collar mounted thereon for receiving a connecting shaft of the spray head. The docking collar has an annular wall with a plurality of U-shaped slots which define a plurality of cantilevered snap fingers. Each snap finger includes a projection that fits into a groove in the connecting shaft when the spray head is docked. An elastomeric O-ring surrounds the annular wall at a point where the O-ring engages the snap fingers to bias them toward the groove. Ridges on the exterior surface of the wall retain the O-ring in place. The spout and docked spray head have parallel shoulders that define a mating plane. The projections and groove define a retaining plane. The mating plane is not parallel to the retaining plane such that rotation of the spray head about an axis normal to the mating plane will cause the projections to release from the groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical sprayer that includes a sprayer head assembly and a container. The container defines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed. The sprayer head assembly includes a chemical passage, a carrier fluid passage, a vent passage, a valve chamber and a valve. The chemical passage is communication with the cavity. The carrier fluid passage is in communication with a carrier fluid source. Both the carrier fluid and chemical passages are in communication with the valve chamber. The valve is moveably positioned within the valve chamber and defines at least partially a first passage and a second passage. The first passage is configured so as to be in communication with the chemical passage when the valve is in an open position. The second passage is configured so as to be in communication with the carrier fluid passage when the valve is in the open position.

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 one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A press-machined fuel induction pipe 40, a hollow tubular type of fixed core 1 with a flange at its upper end, and a nozzle holder 18 that was press-machined into a slender tubular shape and has an orifice plate equipped with a valve seat at the lower end of the nozzle holder, are connected by welding. The upper inner surface of nozzle holder 18 and the outer surface of fixed core 1 are welded after being press-fit. A movable core 14 and a valve body 16 are connected to the welded assembly via a point 15 having a spring function. On the outer surface of nozzle holder 18 is provided an electromagnetic coil 2, the outside of which is provided with a tubular yoke 4 whose upper end is connected by welding to the flange 1a of fixed core 1 and whose lower end is press-fit on the outer surface of nozzle holder 18.

Abstract: A method of providing a droplet spray, includes supplying a liquid polymer formulation within which substantially inert particulate material is suspended to an outlet and subjecting liquid issuing from the outlet to an electric field that causes the liquid to break up into droplets.

Abstract: For grounding or electrically charging the shaft of an electrostatic rotary atomizer working with external or direct charging, there are opposing, annular or spiral-shaped sharp edges in the outer surface of a part of the shaft and in the inner surface of a stationary bearing part at the desired potential, which have different, preferably opposite, thread directions, so that the edges intersect each other at points.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and/or crushing substances into fine particles is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a fluid flow path that is formed by a first structural member having a plurality of cells thereon, each having its front side open, and a second structural member having a plurality of cells thereon, each having its front side open; the first structural member and the second structural member are arranged adjacently to each other such that the open front sides of the cells on one structural member face opposite the open front sides of the corresponding cells on the other structural member, with the cells on one structural member being placed in alternate positions with regard to the corresponding cells on the other structural member, and with each of the cells on one structural member communicating with at least one or more of the cells on the other structural member, wherein when a right-angled isosceles triangle is given and when a line segment connecting between any arbitrary point on the two

Abstract: An improved configuration of hammermill is provided in which the feed roller assembly of a horizontal hammermill has an improved safety feature. The feed roller assembly is lifted up to an open position so that the hammermill can be accessed for maintenance. In the open position, the center of gravity of the feed roller assembly is past a pivot point so that the feed roller assembly will fall away from and not toward the hammermill even if hydraulics or safety latches fail.

Abstract: The present invention is a linkage mechanism of cut-paper and anti-block of double-duty shredders, main comprising: stripe-cutter wheel group, latitude cutter, drive shaft, paper-expeller, crank coupler link group and intermittent cluster gear, is that crank coupler link drive latitude-cutter to cut horizontally the paper to be cut, then intermittent cluster gear control the stripe-cutter wheel group to pull down the paper to be cut to act longitudinal cut, and by the circle cross movement, the paper to be cut will be cut into chips.

Abstract: A tape cassette wherein, on one of the central upper portion of a reel and a pressure mechanism, there is disposed a center pin, on the other, there is formed a contacting flat plate portion with which the center pin can be contacted, one of the center pin and contacting flat plate portion is molded mainly of polyacetal-system synthetic resin, the other is molded mainly of polybutylene-system or polyethylene-system synthetic resin, and inorganic powder is added to at least one of these two kinds of synthetic resin.

Abstract: In order to provide a case in which, when an upper case and a lower case are joined by fixing together by screws, joining accuracy of the upper case and the lower case can be improved, a case comprising an upper case and a lower case, the case being provided with screw bosses, disposed at predetermined positions at the upper case and the lower case, for joining the upper case and the lower case, wherein the screw bosses have socket and spigot joint structure in which a convex portion of one of the screw bosses and a concave portion of the other of the screw bosses are fitted, and an outer peripheral surface of the convex portion and an inner peripheral surface of the concave portion are inclined surfaces, are provided.

Abstract: A winding mechanism retains a sheet material in a state in which the sheet material can be pulled out. The winding mechanism includes a flexible sheet material, a winding shaft attached to one end of the sheet material, a force application device that always applies a force to the winding shaft in a normal direction in which the sheet material is wound around the winding shaft, and a braking device that applies a braking force to the winding shaft only in the normal direction. In other words, the winding mechanism applies an appropriate braking force to the winding shaft when the sheet material is wound, but does not apply a braking force to the winding shaft when the sheet material is pulled out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for winding a continuously delivered film web onto successively delivered winding tubes with a rotatably drivable contact roller, a winding station, associated with the contact roller, for the winding tube for winding the coil, a winding preparation station for receiving a new winding tube and beginning to wind the film web, and a transverse-cutting device for cutting the film web crosswise between the winding station and the winding preparation station. Associated with the winding preparation station for the new winding tube are a charger for generating an electrostatic charge of the new winding tube and a blower device for subjecting the film web to a blown air stream aimed counter to the feeding direction of the film web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a winder, in which method the stopping of the winder is controlled such that winding is stopped when a desired length of a web has been wound on a roll being formed/unwound from a roll being formed or when the size of the diameter of the roll is desired. In the method, an estimated stopping length is calculated based on speed, acceleration and a desired end speed.

Abstract: The apparatus for winding at lest one web (1), on a winding roll (2), comprises at least a first roll (3), a second roll (4) and a third roll (5) parallel to one another and to said winding roll (2), said apparatus having a nominal winding position in which: a driving torque is applied to at least one of rolls (39, (4) and (5) as to rotate in the direction of said web (1) in order to compensate for the rolling resistance of said apparatus.

Abstract: A rotating transfer tape dispensing device mounts to a table top surface to allow application of transfer tape to a sheet of “weeded” vinyl for use in the sign industry. The device is a rotating assembly of four spaced rods that each accept any combination of different-width transfer tape rolls up to 120″ in total width. Each rod is rotatable to, and lockable in, a left- or right-hand dispensing position. The rods are mounted for quick insertion and removal to enable rapid change of tape rolls.

Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser is provided which utilizes an active sensing system, preferably an infra-red system, for detecting when a dispense of toweling should occur. The control for the dispenser is designed for low power use, thereby allowing the dispenser to be battery powered. The dispenser can also be powered by a solar panel, either in addition to or in place of, the batteries. Thus, the dispenser can be used in all lighting conditions. In addition, the dispenser is microprocessor controlled, thereby reducing costs and adding flexibility and functionality.

Abstract: A low cost roll dispenser includes a housing with an interior and a feeding mechanism. The housing has an interior with a shape, which may be a ramp or series of ramps, that biases a roll of sheet material forward so that it is in constant contact with the shape and the feeding mechanism while the roll is stationary and while the roll is being unwound. The low cost roll dispenser may have a cover and an integrated handle that drives the feeding mechanism that attach to the housing without the use of any tools.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing, load-limiting connection device includes a first connection structure, a second connection structure, a guiding mechanism, and at least one impact-absorbing, load-limiting sacrificial element disposed between the first and second connection structure. At least one of the first and second connection structures is moveable with respect to the other in a predetermined direction of movement corresponding to an anticipated main impact direction. The guiding mechanism is configured to guide at least one of the first and second connection structures along the direction of movement and includes at least one transverse force-absorbing guide element configured to absorb a force in a direction transverse to the direction of movement.

Abstract: A method of opening and closing a bin defining a partially enclosed volume configured to store baggage relative to a support structure. The method includes moving the bin linearly along a first portion of a path, and moving the bin rotationally along a second portion of the path.

Abstract: A modular automated air transport system comprising an unmanned autonomous aircraft having a selectively detachable control systems portion and a structural air frame portion, wherein the structural air frame portion contains an interior cargo hold, aerodynamic members having control surfaces and at least one propulsion device attached to the structural air frame portion; and wherein the control system portion includes a control computer for autonomously controlling the flight of said air transport system from one known location to a second known location.

Abstract: A method for forming a trailing edge wedge for a wing wherein the size and configuration of a trailing edge wedge at various points along the span of the trailing edge wedge are adjusted and analyzed in an iterative manner to form an improved trailing edge wedge. An improved wing assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A parachute structure is introduced, including a supporting tube that contains a second inner tube having a first inner tube contained in its hollow tube body, wherein the supporting tube further includes a pushing bar to push up the first inner tube; and a plurality of parachute canopy folded and superposed on the supporting tube, such that the canopy is held and lifted up with the semi-circular holding part above the first and second inner tubes in a half-extended state. Each canopy of the parachute is pushed up by adjusting positions to lift up the first and second inner tubes of the supporting tube, for allowing the user to easily maneuver the extension of the canopy, making it an efficient escape tool that is not only very mobile and easy to maneuver, but is also bandy in terms of packing up for storage.

Abstract: A prognostic health and fault management system and method that accurately determines the health and rate of degradation of one or more flywheel systems, by comparing actual and simulated responses of flywheel systems to supplied command signals. Based on the determined health status and degradation rate of the flywheel systems, one or more unhealthy, active flywheel systems are deactivated, and one or more healthy, deactivated flywheel systems are activated. The system can be used in terrestrial applications, or in vehicles such as satellites, spacecraft, or ships.

Abstract: A spacecraft system including a spacecraft assembly or “stack” having an upper stage of a rocket-powered launch vehicle providing a final boost phase during launch. The stack also includes a payload structure rotatably interconnected with the upper stage. The upper stage and the payload structure together define a central axis that is generally coincident with the thrust axis during launch. The stack has an axis of maximum moment of inertia that is not parallel to the central axis. The stack has internal damping such that unstable nutation occurs if the upper stage and the payload structure rotate together about the central axis at the same rotational rate and in the same direction. The system includes a controller that rotates the payload structure relative to the upper stage during the final boost phase to alleviate coning motion of the stack.

Abstract: A method for installing railway switches in tracks is characterized in that the switch completely preassembled in functional units (1, 2, 7, 18) is transferred onto a transport vehicle, and that the tongue region, the rail interspace region and the core region including preassembled sleepers (6, 18), the movable switch parts such as, e.g., the tongue device and the safety devices are lowered on the installation site in the preassembled state and connected with the adjoining rails, whereupon the switch is ballasted and the track ballast is packed, the connection ducts for the switch mechanism and the switch safety devices are connected and the switch is put into operation. In the railway switch capable of being transported in the preassembled state, the actuating drives are designed as hydraulic actuators (3, 4, 5). The hydraulic lines (6) for the connection of the actuating drives are elastically fixed to the sleepers (18). The actuating drives (3, 4, 5) are connected to the movable switch parts such as, e.g.

Abstract: A ladder support bracket (11) for receiving a rung of a ladder intended to be placed against the gutter (19) of a building and thus restraining it, and hence the ladder, from sideways or downwards movement, is disclosed. The bracket comprises a first region (12) for affixing to a rigid portion of the building, a second region (13) which spans the gutter, and a third region (14) in the form of a cradle for receiving the rung of the ladder. The ladder support bracket preferably has the first region for fixing the bracket to a rigid portion of the building in the form of a relatively planar sheet like portion which may be attached by suitable means such as screws (22, 23) or the like to the rafters (18) or other timber members of the roof support structure of the building such as battens (21), this portion then being covered by the roofing material whether tiles or metal roofing.

Abstract: A mounting assembly (10) includes an elongate member (12) in the form of a loop to support articles such as pipes. The loop extends around the pipe and into a bracket (24) which forms a tiltable joint through end (16) of the loop (14) held in slots (34) of the bracket (24). The bracket can be secured on a threaded drop rod (44) in order to adjust the position of the elongate member and bracket (26) as required for installation of the pipe.

Abstract: An organizing set of holders used to manage one or more elongated members such as a plurality of intravenous fluid lines. The holders preferably assume the form of rectangular strips or blocks composed of semi-flexible resilient material such as molded plastic. The holders include holes running through the body perpendicular to the center axis of the rectangle enabling elongated tubes to be captured within the holes. The holders preferably further include an opening at the top of each hole that allows elongated tubes to be slid into the hole or slot in the rectangle at any point along the elongated tube. The holders may be flexed in the opposing direction of the openings so as to spread the openings further apart increasing ease of elongated tube entry into the perpendicular holes. In one configuration, the holder has a closable cover component permanently attached to the body of the holder so as to capture and control elongated tubes placed in the perpendicular holes.

Abstract: Apparatus for and associated methods of controlling movement of a microphone that may be held in some manner by a microphone support boom are disclosed. More specifically, the invention focuses upon novel techniques for isolating yaw of a microphone support boom from the microphone stand that may provide a majority of the height required for a desired microphone spatial positioning. The invention also focuses on apparatus that may be used achieve preferential isolation of microphone support boom yaw with respect to motion in any other microphone support boom degree of freedom. A specific type of apparatus that may be used to achieve this preferential isolation—the double conical clutch—is also an aspect of the inventive technology.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having at least two strut assemblies joined together to form a free standing support that is both portable and collapsible. Components may be joined to one another by a flexible cord, and a flexible load bearing web to limit the maximum open position. Used in pairs the support device is advantageous for holding articles for work or storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand for mounting bar-shaped parts (1) that comprises a stand element (2), which holds the bar-shaped part (1) upright, and a holding element (3) that can be tensioned via a tensioning device (4) for holding the bar-shaped part (1). Said stand also comprises and abutment (6) against which, for the purpose of mounting, the bar-shaped part (1) can be squeezed by the holding element (3). To this end, the abutment (6) has at least two bearing points (9, 10), which are interspaced in a vertical direction and against which the bar-shaped part (1) is placed. By placing, for example, against a U-profile (7), the abutment (6), which is provided in the form of a tubular segment, can be turned at least about an essentially horizontal axis. The tensioning device is connected to the stand element (2) via a base part (5).

Abstract: A reducible support system for supporting various items is presented in various embodiments. A reducible support structure, may comprise an operation element which may be attached to an orthogonal element. Limbs, preferably a tripod may be attached to the operation element and a plug element may provide a slide so that the limbs or tripod may open and collapse easily.

Abstract: A supporting framework has at least one roller which is carried by a carrying frame. The roller has an axis positioned generally along the horizontal direction in the use position. An axial extension projects out of each opposite end of the roller. The carrying frame has a pair of opposite, generally vertically extending bearing limbs, each bearing limb having a bearing opening. Each axial extension of the roller extends into one of the bearing openings of the bearing limbs. Lateral guide elements are provided at the two opposite ends of the roller. Each lateral guide element has a radially projecting lug which can be moved between an active position and an inactive position. The lugs can prevent a workpiece from moving past the ends of the roller when the lugs are in the active positions.

Abstract: A height adjustable pedestal having two or more height adjustable telescoping columns can be raised or lowered freely without binding. The telescoping columns engage a furniture component through at least two pivots and at least one slider. Pivotal and sliding engagement of the furniture component with the telescoping columns allows the furniture component to slide and pivot freely over the column precluding axial misalignment of the telescoping members of the columns due to non-parallelity between columns, or misalignment caused by columns moving at disparate speeds. Engagement of the furniture component in this manner also allows the telescoping columns to be adjusted independently of one another providing, for example, a tiltable table top or chair seat. Further, the table top or chair seat can slide in relationship to the height adjustable telescoping columns.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension mounting structure capable of sufficiently improving the strength and rigidity of a strut fixing part, while minimizing adverse effects such as increased vehicle weight. Side members of a sectional shape having an upper opening are curved inward in the vehicle width direction so as not to interfere with strut mounting faces. Notched portions are formed to extend from the strut mounting faces to outer side faces of the side members, and brackets made of a thick plate to which upper portions of struts are fixed are disposed in the notched portion and spot welded thereto.

Abstract: An assembly and method for connecting a anti-rotation arm of an antenna structure to a support structure such as an antenna tower member accommodates angular differences between the anti rotation rod and the tower member, and accommodates attachment to various types of anti rotation rods, and/or various cross sectional types of tower members.

Abstract: A holder for a hand held appliance has first and second hook members for supporting the handle and head of the appliance, respectively, and at least one cross bar for connecting the two hook members together such that the hook members project outwardly from a flat surface to which the holder is secured. The hook members and cross bar are formed separately and are releasably secured to one another prior to attachment to a flat surface.

Abstract: A beverage bottle holder is adapted to hold a cylindrical beverage bottle and comprises a bottom seating member adapted to accept the bottom surface of the beverage bottle; a top grasping member adapted to exert compressive forces against the outside surface of the beverage bottle to firmly holding the bottle in a stable configuration within the bottle holder; and, a handle member. The beverage holder is adapted for easy grasping and manipulation of beverage bottles by persons have weakened hands and lessened motor skills.

Abstract: A display supporting apparatus includes an upper engaging part mounted on a ceiling, a swivel adjusting part rotatably combined with bottom of the upper engaging part, a flange member combined with the upper engaging part to support the swivel adjusting part, a first engaging pipe extended downward from the swivel adjusting part, and a display mounting part combined with a bottom of the first engaging pipe to mount a display thereon. Accordingly, the present invention includes a display supporting apparatus to support a large-sized display in a stable manner without a separate casing for the display, and further provides swiveling, tilting and height adjustment of a display with the use of engaging pipes.

Abstract: A book page holder device for holding open the pages of a book, the book page holder device having a substantially flat and rigid support member that is sized wider than either a standard sized hard cover book in an open state or a standard sized paperback book in an open state. The support member is formed with two passages spaced apart across its width at a distance that is approximately a width of the open hard cover or paperback book. The book page holder also has an elongated resilient elastic retainer having first and second anchors provided adjacent to respective first and second opposite ends thereof. The elastic retainer is structured to pass through the two spaced-apart passages in the support member, while the anchors are structured to be unable to pass through the same two passages.

Abstract: The Pyramid Easel is a display holder for primarily flat objects, which rests on a surface support area on eight “feet” in a rectangular configuration, and on the contact areas of two easel base options. The easel is composed of ten main contiguous, triangular and polygonal (modified triangular) planes with additional contiguous triangular and trapezoid planes as part of optional base(s). On each of two display sides, objects are supported by a modified triangular center face, a triangular wing on each side of the center face, with two base options which brace the bottom of display objects, and aid in expansion control through friction with the surface support area. Front and mirrored back, and mirrored side wings, are connected by modified triangular swing arms, which are essentially the dynamic planar backsides of the front and back center pyramids, meeting at the crown of the embedded pyramids and “swinging” inside the center of the easel structure.

Abstract: The Portable Case Easel with Presentation Components is unique in that the easel is formed from the case and the presentation components are secured inside the case. The case is in two sections which can form a table top easel by standing on end and separating at the base, secured by arms and stabilized by folded down cut away support members. A shelf and clamp are available for securing display items. To form a floor easel, the inner portions and head portions of the two sections are telescoped out of the outer portions. This exposes the compartments containing a foldable, corrugated backboard to support displays or writing, a paper cartridge to expel paper across backboard, and a screen assembly for projected images. Storage of writing materials, video and audio equipment is available in head portions. Collapsed back into case form provides an ease of conveyance and secures the presentation components.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises an user adjustable variable axial length vehicle attachment stem. The vehicle attachment stem includes a pair of extension elements which connect to a vehicle, such as a motorcyle, on one end and a mirror or other vehicle accessory on the other. The user can adjust the axial length of the stem by screwing in or out a threaded connection between the extension elements, and once the desired length is selected, the connection is secured by a connector, such as a hand adjustable threaded lock or a detent.

Abstract: A mobile patio umbrella support which has an upper module comprising a pair of wheels that roll over the railing much as wheels of a train roll over a railroad track and, to keep the support upright and balanced, a lower module, comprising an arrangement of casters, to block sideway motion by special fitting across the lower horizontal part of the railing. A pole, similar in size and type to the pole of a typical umbrella, and on top of which an umbrella is planted, joins the two modules of the mobile umbrella support together.

Abstract: An earthquake shock damper includes two positioning plates, two fixing plates and multiple energy absorbing plates securely sandwiched between the two positioning plates and having the two fixing plates extending out in different directions. Each energy absorbing plate has a mediate portion with a width smaller than that of two distal ends of the energy absorbing plate so that deformation of the energy absorbing plate is able to smoothly absorb energy from the earthquake.

Abstract: A machine shoe and a method for the support of objects, such as apparatuses and machines, characterized by being tolerant to irregularities in the surface on which the object to be supported is placed.