Abstract: A fuel injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, having a pressure booster in which the piston divides a work chamber, acted upon permanently by fuel via a pressure source, from a pressure-relievable differential pressure chamber. A pressure change in the differential pressure chamber is effected via an actuation of a servo valve. The control chamber of the servo valve can be pressure-relieved via a relief valve and which opens or closes a hydraulic connection of the differential pressure chamber with a return. For closing the servo valve piston, the control chamber can be acted upon by a fuel volume diverted from the differential pressure chamber. The action of fuel on the control chamber is effected via lines that contain throttle restrictions. A pressure relief of the control chamber is effected via a relief valve into a return on the low-pressure side.

Abstract: The fuel injection valve, for an internal combustion motor, has a valve body with injection openings (20) at its point. A valve needle has an axial movement within the valve body, with a conical needle point to give a selective blocking and release of the fuel flow through the injection openings. The point of the valve needle has recessed grooves matching each of the injection openings. The width of each groove matches the diameter of an injection opening, with a stepped contour and a curved cross section.

Abstract: An injector has two interconnected main sections, a body section and an injector section. The injector section is connected to the body section by way of a form lock, and the connection is produced by a partial material connection. The injector is preferably suitable for use in a fuel-injection device for an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a housing, a valve seat, a metering orifice disc, and a needle. The housing has an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The valve seat is disposed proximate the outlet and includes a passage having a sealing surface and an orifice. The metering orifice disc is located at the outlet and has a plurality of metering openings extending therethrough. The needle is reciprocally located within the housing along the longitudinal axis between a first position wherein the needle is displaced from the valve seat, allowing fuel flow past the needle, and a second position wherein the needle is biased against the valve seat, precluding fuel flow past the needle. A generally annular channel is formed between the valve seat and the metering orifice disc. The channel tapers outwardly from a large height to a smaller height toward the orifice openings.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants includes at least two polymeric material layers, an inlet for delivery of fluid, and at least one outlet for dispensing fluid into an area covered by at least one layer. There is an opening in the layers through which the plant extends along with an installation seam with overlapping ends. The mat includes perforations, aligned or off-set, for fluid outlets and may be used in a container, such that a polymeric material layer covers the surface thereof. Flexible extension flaps adjust for container size and shape. The mat is removably affixed to a container and/or can be fed by a water-filled container with a polymeric material layer integral with the container. The mat may be used for woody plants in a row, such as orchard applications. Extension flaps provide continuous cover around and between plants, and perforations provide anchors for fixable positioning.

Abstract: A nozzle unit for the spreading of foamed glue onto a flat surface in the production of wood-based sheets, wherein the nozzle unit has a feeder canal (1) for directing glue into the nozzle unit, a row of nozzles (5) for directing glue from the nozzle unit onto a flat surface and also a distribution canal network between the feeder canal and the nozzles for distributing glue evenly to the nozzles. According to the invention, the area of the distribution canal network has a compensation canal (9) closed to/from external, that forms a free flow channel between the branches of the distribution canal network leading to the nozzles (5).

Abstract: A removable nozzle for attachment to a conventional faucet of a beverage dispensing device to permit the dispensing of a pressurized beverages at a high flow rate without producing excessive foaming comprising a

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir; at least one dispensing orifice through which the fluid is dispensed; a fluid feed duct (12) connecting the reservoir to the dispensing orifice, said duct being provided with an inlet and with an outlet; a valve (31, 61) for selectively closing off the feed duct, said valve comprising a moving valve member (31) mounted to move between a passageway-closure position and a passageway-opening position, the moving valve member being mounted to be moved in translation along a valve axis; and actuating means (4) for moving the moving valve member (31) between the passageway-closure position and the passageway-opening position; said fluid dispenser being characterized in that the actuating means can be moved transversely to said valve axis, the actuating means comprising force-transmitting means suitable for transforming a force exerted on the actuating means into a transverse thrust force exerted on the moving valve member to move it towards its passageway-closure pos

Abstract: A method of forming and a spray nozzle for the application of liquids, powders and gasses, formed of a nozzle, an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, a lumen connecting the inlet and outlet orifices, a land surface adjacent to the inlet orifice, and a plating impregnated with a lubricious material. The plating is impregnated with a lubricious material to prevent corrosion, scratching and build up of solids within the nozzle as well as to prevent galling from occurring when the nozzle includes a threaded section.

Abstract: A gas diffusion arrangement (22) for a gas turbine engine (10) is disclosed. The gas diffusion arrangement (22) has an inlet (26) and an outlet (28) for the gas, and comprises diffusion means (32) having an upstream region (38) and a downstream region (40). Distribution means (41) is arranged between the downstream region (40) and the outlet (28) to distribute the gas into a desired flow pattern. The area ratio of the cross-sectional area of the downstream region (40) to the cross-sectional area of the upstream region (38) is greater than 1.5 to 1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for increasing entrainment and mixing in an air/fuel zone of a direct fuel injection system. The device comprises an ejector nozzle in the form of an inverted funnel whose central axis is aligned along the central axis of a fuel injector jet and whose narrow end is placed just above the jet outlet. It is found that effective ejector performance is achieved when the ejector geometry is adjusted such that it comprises a funnel whose interior surface diverges about 7° to about 9° away from the funnel central axis, wherein the funnel inlet diameter is about 2 to about 3 times the diameter of the injected fuel plume as the fuel plume reaches the ejector inlet, and wherein the funnel length equal to about 1 to about 4 times the ejector inlet diameter. Moreover, the ejector is most effectively disposed at a separation distance away from the fuel jet equal to about 1 to about 2 time the ejector inlet diameter.

Abstract: For achieving a fluidic device, being able to be made small in sizes, comprising a fluid inflow opening 1, a connector duct 2, and a fluid jet nozzle, wherein the connector duct 2 is constructed with curves, and is further constructed with two (2) pieces of flow passages, being symmetric on both sides. Constructing the connector duct with the curves reduces resistance of fluid within the duct, and further dividing the connector duct into two (2) parts in both side enhances the flows at confluent point in the duct (increase of the flow velocity).

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal flame gas burner comprising a gas injector (1), a vacuum tube (2), and an annular chamber (5) formed by a pot (3) covered by a cap (4), the chamber having an internal edge (51) perforated with flame exit ports (510), and the tube (2) having a convergent section open to the ambient air at an inlet end, and a divergent section succeeding the convergent section, ending at the outlet of the tube and opening out into the chamber, the injector being relatively closer to the inlet of the tube than to the outlet.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler includes a head having a first water outlet passage that communicates with a nozzle receiving socket. A nozzle is slidably mounted in the nozzle receiving socket. The nozzle includes a hollow support body defining a second water outlet passage that communicates with the first water outlet passage. The nozzle also includes a portion obstructing the second water passage and defining a nozzle orifice. The nozzle also includes a cantilevered pry flange that extends in a lateral direction from an outer end of the support body. The pry flange has a portion that terminates short of a wall of the nozzle receiving socket to create a gap sized for ready insertion of a tool to facilitate removal of the nozzle from the nozzle receiving socket. The sprinkler includes conventional structure for supplying the first water outlet passage of the head with pressurized water.

Abstract: A system and method for repeatably mounting a spray device in a desired spray position. The present technique provides the spray device with an atomizing spray section and a releasable mount. The releasable mount may be mounted releasably to a mounting member, such as a positioning system. In addition, the releasable mount may be mounted releasably to the spray device, such that the releasable mount may remain attached to the mounting member in a desired spray position. Accordingly, the spray device or its substitute may be remounted to the releasable mount in the desired spray position.

Abstract: A nozzle comprising a nozzle body having an inlet face, an outlet face, and an inlet flow axis passing through the inlet and outlet faces, and two or more slots extending through the nozzle body from the inlet face to the outlet face. Each slot has a slot axis and the slot axis of at least one of the slots is not parallel to the inlet flow axis of the nozzle body. In another embodiment, the nozzle comprises a nozzle body having an inlet face, an outlet face, and an inlet flow axis passing through the inlet and outlet faces, and two or more slots extending through the nozzle body from the inlet face to the outlet face, each slot having a slot axis, wherein none of the slots intersect other slots and all of the slots are in fluid flow communication with a common fluid supply conduit. The nozzles may be used to inject secondary fuel in a burner system having a central burner combusting a primary fuel surrounded by secondary fuel injection nozzles.

Abstract: An improved Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) nozzle particularly suitable for a handheld pulmonary aerosol inhaler increases the consistent and efficient dispensing of therapeutic liquids by reducing or eliminating wetting through shielding of discharge electrodes. Some versions further eliminate wetting while enhances neutralization of the aerosol through presentation of a corona wind of ions annularly surround the aerosol. Incorporation of improved liquid distribution with consistent pressure drops to each EHD nozzle tip allows horizontal dispensing, and by using dielectric nozzle tips with low surface energy to thereby avoid wicking between dispenses and to advantageously reduce achievable particle size when dispensing. Some versions feature enhanced snap-fit assembly and other manufacturability advantages. One of the unique features of the EHD nozzles is achieved high dose rate (microliters/minute) with low wetting and small particle size (1.0-5 microns), although these properties tend to be mutually exclusive.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun (10) having an air powered alternator-turbine (14) with a rotating impeller (24) therein mounted in bearings (18) is provided with bearings (18) which are coated with a solvent resistant material. This coating is provided on all surfaces of the bearing (18) except for the inner diameter (18A) which contains the impeller (24). This construction prevents leaching of the oil out of the bearing (18) and into the airstream and also is resistant to paint should the spray gun (10) become immersed in such.

Abstract: A display (K) on the back (14) of the spray gun (12) informs the electrostatic gun operator of the tip voltage and tip current This information is used to quickly verify system operation and paint resistivity. The painter can monitor the light bars (K) for proper operation while painting.

Abstract: In a rotary atomization coating apparatus having a center cone portion at a back side of an atomizer head inner part, the tip angle &thgr; of the center cone portion is in the range of 30°<&thgr;<90° with respect to a front side of the atomizer head inner part.

Abstract: A lawn irrigation system including a frame, a motor, a sprinkler arm, at least one drive wheel, and a cover. The motor is operably attached to the frame. The at least one drive wheel is operably connected to the motor. The sprinkler arm is operably connected to the motor for dispersing water in a selected pattern. The cover is attached to the frame so that the cover at least partially covers the frame, the motor, and the at least one drive wheel so that the lawn irrigation system resembles an object other than a sprinkler.

Abstract: The present invention provides support frame for a tire assembly for irrigation systems that prevents the formation of ruts caused by repeated travel along a path by tires of a mobile vehicle or structure. The support frame includes a force transfer member connected between the support frame and the irrigation tower structure for transferring forces generated by the tire assembly to the tower structure. The support frame includes plural adjustable mounting features to accommodate a retro fit to a variety of existing units. The support frame further includes an adjustable compensation spring to adjust to forces applied to the support frame caused by uneven terrain. The support frame is adapted for use with corner sweeping units.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibration isolation gasket for mounting a food waste disposer to a sink that is at least partially molded onto a portion of the housing of the disposer, and preferably to the disposer's container cover. The vibration isolation gasket preferably includes a rubberized and integrally-formed gasket portion, sleeve portion, and over-molded portion. The gasket portion couples to the drain opening and may contain pleats to prevent food ejection from the disposer. The sleeve portion connects the gasket and over-molded portions, bears the weight of the disposer as it hangs from the sink, and acts as the primary structure for reducing vibration-induced noise. The over-molded portion is preferably molded onto the top and bottom of the container cover, which is in turns crimped to the remainder of the disposer housing.

Abstract: In a waste pulping apparatus, an impeller assembly comprises a rotating blade for pulping solid waste to form a slurry, the rotating blade having an axis of rotation, a base and a plurality of ears that axially extend away from the base. The impeller assembly also includes a sieve ring having axially opposed first and second ends, an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface, where the sieve ring encircles the base of the rotating blade at the first end so that a portion of the ears are radially spaced inside the inner cylindrical surface so that the ears rotate within the sieve ring. A plurality of pumping vanes are also provided for pumping the slurry, where each pumping vane has a pumping surface that rotates radially outside the outer cylindrical surface of the sieve ring. Preferably, the pumping vanes can be easily changed to allow for various head condition while providing a predetermined pumping capacity.

Abstract: A system for recycling reusable resin mold products recovered from discarded apparatuses is disclosed. This recycling system includes a crushing system for crushing resin mold products one kind by one kind into crushed resinous pieces and packing the same in a bag, a classification system for irradiating a light beam to the resin in the bag and classifying the bags into respective kinds of resins based on a reflected beam therefrom, a cleaning system for separately cleaning the respective kind of crushed resinous pieces taken out of the bag to remove foreign matters adhered onto the surfaces of the crushed resinous pieces therefrom, and a recovery system for recovering the cleaned crushed resinous pieces.

Abstract: A grinder for pepper grains, spices, coffee beans or the like in the invention has a driving device, at least one grinding device capable of being placed with grain material to be ground therein and capable of being assembled together with the driving device to form a grinder for grinding, and at least one rack capable of being placed with the at least one grinding device thereon, whereby a user may place different kinds of grain materials to be ground respectively in different grinding devices according to his need, and then select the grinding devices that are filled with the required grain materials to be assembled respectively with the driving device for promptly grinding the grain materials into particulates or powder so that the particulates or powder are capable of keeping their individual inherent smells and are convenient for immediate use in cooking or seasoning.

Abstract: A system for milling at least one material, e.g., a drug. The system includes a milling apparatus and at least one milling medium. The milling apparatus includes a chamber having a rotary milling head located in it. The milling head is rotated within the chamber by a magnetic drive system.

Abstract: A door member for a tape cartridge capable of automating the operation of mounting a spring member thereon. A door body is in the form of a flat plate. A spring-mounting portion is in the form of a flat plate and extends from the door body and has one end face in which opens an insertion hole formed therein for having a foremost end of a spring member inserted therein. One surface-side wall and another surface-side wall define the insertion hole from an opening-side region of the insertion hole toward the end face to an innermost region of the insertion hole. Cutouts are alternately formed in the one surface-side wall and the other surface-side wall, such that the cutouts communicate with the insertion hole. A protuberance is formed on an inner surface of the one surface-side wall facing the innermost region, for engagement with the foremost end of the spring member.

Abstract: The present invention aim at providing a magnetic tape cartridge, which can be assembled using an automated products line by enabling the assembling operation of a spring member and a slide door with ease.

Abstract: The present invention aim at providing a magnetic tape cartridge, which can be assembled using an automated products line by enabling the assembling operation of a spring member and a slide door with ease.

Abstract: A tape cartridge improving an assembling property of a leader member, for leading out a tape-shaped recording medium, to which a leading edge of the tape is fixed. The tape cartridge accommodates a reel hub unit rotatably, for winding a magnetic recording medium on its periphery, and includes a leader member for holding and fixing a leading edge of the magnetic recording medium. The leader member has a pin member having a pair of collar portions between which the magnetic recording medium is positioned, and a clamp member fitted in between the collar portions from through an opening so formed in a longitudinal direction of a cylindrical body as to extend to end surfaces on both sides of the cylindrical body, and clamping the magnetic recording medium between the pin member and the clamp member itself. Chamfered portions are provided at edge portions of the opening of the clamp member.

Abstract: A tape cartridge enabling a leader member fixing a leading edge of a tape-shaped recording medium led outside to acquire sufficient clamping force acting on the leading edge of the tape. The tape cartridge accommodates a reel hub unit rotatably, for winding a tape on its periphery, and includes a leader member for holding and fixing a leading edge of the tape. The leader member has a pin member having a pair of collar portions between which the tape-shaped recording medium is positioned, and a clamp member fitted in between the collar portions from through a longitudinal opening formed in a cylindrical body, and clamping the leading edge of the recording medium between the pin member and the clamp member. A diameter of the pin member is about 1.2 to 1.8 mm, and an inside diameter of the clamp member is about 90 to 96.6% of the diameter.

Abstract: An opening-and-closing device opens and closes a sliding door by using a cable connected to the sliding door movably attached to a vehicle body. The opening-and-closing device has a base bracket, a motor, a transmission, a rotary drum, a first conduit fixed portion, a second conduit fixed portion, a first tension controller and a second tension controller. The base bracket is fixed to the vehicle body with bolts. The motor, the transmission, the rotary drum, the first and second conduit fixed portions and the first and second tension controllers are fixed to a disposition face of the base bracket. The first and second tension controllers are respectively disposed between the rotary drum and the first conduit fixed portion and between the rotary drum and the second conduit fixed portion, and applies tension to the cable fed from the rotary drum to take up the slack.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a seatbelt comprising a retractor pawl which blocks the seatbelt from being pulled out of the belt retractor in the event of an accident, and having a tightening device which tightens the seatbelt in a hazardous situation, the tightening device includes a tightening pawl which, in a blocking position, blocks the belt retractor in the belt uncoiling direction and, in a release position, leaves the belt retractor unaffected. The tightening pawl is assigned a sensor which monitors the position of the tightening pawl and transmits a signal indicating the position of the tightening pawl to a control device of the tightening device.

Abstract: A linear drive has a cylinder, a piston guided displaceably in said cylinder, and a pinion. The piston is provided with teeth which can engage into the pinion in order to rotate the pinion upon displacement of the piston. The drive further has at least one deformable element which prevents blocking when the teeth enter into engagement with the pinion.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a seat belt includes a belt reel, an eccentric disc connected to the belt reel, a cam disc driven by the eccentric disc, and a blocking pawl. The blocking pawl, in a blocking position, blocks a toothed ratchet wheel, and, in a release position, leaves the toothed ratchet wheel unaffected. The blocking pawl may be switched from the release position into the blocking position and conversely from the blocking position into the release position with the cam disc. For the belt retractor to be independent of tolerances, provision is made for the cam disc to have an engaging cam for engaging the blocking position of the blocking pawl and a disengaging cam for engaging the release position of the blocking pawl.

Abstract: A retractable lifting device for use by a hunter or nature photographer on an elevated observation platform. The device compresses a reel, spring loaded to wrap up a lifting rope or cord of about 30 feet in length. A clip attaches to an object to be lifted. The reel is spring loaded so that the reel winds up when an object is not fastened to the lifting cord. An operator can then leave an object on the ground while the operator ascends to the observation platform. The lifting cord remains conveniently taut until the operator pulls the lifting cord to elevate the object.

Abstract: Methods and systems of controlling transport of film are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of controlling a supply platter motor in a no-rewind film transport system, comprises receiving take-up platter control signal information from a take-up platter controller, processing the take-up platter control signal information, and controlling the supply platter motor based at least in part on the processed take-up platter control signal information.

Abstract: Yarn tensioning devices and arrays thereof which supply a multiplicity of yarns at the same tension to a weaving loom without the tendency to pull-back, roll-back or forward loop are provided for the manufacture of carpets.

Abstract: A method for unwinding tacky elastomeric yarn from one or multiple coiled yarn packages includes the steps of (a) removing tubular cores from each yarn package to expose the beginning end of the yarn strand at the inner diameter of the yarn package; (b) forming a terminal end of the yarn strand at a position along the length of the strand between the inner diameter and outer diameter of the yarn package; (c) when unwinding multiple coiled yarn packages, attaching the terminal end of the first yarn package to a beginning end of a next yarn package; and (d) unwinding by pulling the beginning end of the first yarn package in a generally axial direction to remove yarn from the inside of the package from the inner diameter toward the outer diameter. This method provides inside-out unwinding of a single package, or continuous unwinding of multiple packages of elastomeric yarn at a reduced overall yarn tension, and minimizes unwinding tension spikes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for winding material. The apparatus includes first and second roll carriages that are each configured to support a roll shaft. At least one of the first and second roll carriages is configured to be rotated by a drive member. The apparatus also includes an engagement roller displaceable from a first engagement roller position where the traveling roller is free of a web to a second, different engagement roller position where the traveling roller is configured to engage the periphery of a roll of web material that is at least partially wound about the roll, a traveling roller displaceable from a first traveling roller position to a second traveling roller position and a cutter where the cutter is configured to cut through the web after the first roll carriage moves from a first roll carriage position to a second roll carriage position.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical expansible shaft includes an outer profile, and a generally cylindrical inner body having a longitudinal axis and at least one first coupling element. At least two semi-circular leaf elements may be movably coupled to the first coupling element of the inner body by means of at least one second coupling element. The leaf elements may together substantially form the outer profile of the generally cylindrical expansible shaft. At least one thrusting element may be operatively disposed between the leaf elements and the inner body to move the leaf elements radially outwards relative to the longitudinal axis to increase an outer diameter of the shaft when in a first configuration, and allow the leaf elements to move radially inwards relative to the longitudinal axis to decrease the outer diameter of the shaft when in a second configuration.

Abstract: A paper towel holder apparatus includes a base, a first guide piece disposed on the base, and a second guide piece disposed radially inward from the first guide piece on the base. The first and second guide pieces extend substantially perpendicularly from the surface of the base. With this configuration, a paper towel sheet from a paper towel roll is receivable between the first and second guide pieces. The spacing of the inner and outer guide pieces on the top surface of the base allows for the ready position for the next paper towel to be more consistently achieved.

Abstract: A cavity is provided on the leading edge of an object that is subject to the flow of liquids or gasses, where said cavity preferably has a wall that follows the curvature of a diminishing sine wave, although other configurations are possible that do not follow a specific sine wave. The cavity accepts the flow of liquids or gasses that enter into the cavity, and where the dimensions of the cavity cause the flow of liquids or gases within it to form a pressure node that extends forward of the cavity. The pressure node provides a wedge means to cause oncoming gasses or liquids to divert around the object body ahead of the object body itself, decreasing turbulence around the periphery of the object. The cavity may be spherical, in the instance of a missile, plane, or underwater transportation means, or may be linear, in the instance of an automobile grill that is subject to wind, or a bridge support, where the bridge support has to maintain position against the flow of current.

Abstract: The main idea is using hydrogen inside a bard shell, to create a lighter than air ship. It would be very aero dynamic, and using the newest carbon-carbon fiber and resins that would make up the internal beams, rods and skin. The top of the ship will be covered with solar cells. The bottom with liquid nitrogen tubes running through out to cool during re-entry.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic thrust reverser lock actuation system includes a hydraulic fluid source and a lock actuator assembly that is configured to selectively pressurize the hydraulic fluid. The lock actuator assembly is adapted to receive a lock control signal and, in response, pressurize the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid source. One or more lock assemblies are in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid source and are configured, in response to the hydraulic fluid pressurization, to move to one of a locked or an unlocked position.

Abstract: The aircraft has a main body 1 and a pair of sub bodies 4 and 5 positioned substantially in parallel with the main body 1 and respectively in both of the left and right sides of the main body 1. A canard 3 and main wings 8 and 9 each have a central portion fixed to the main body 1 and portions fixed respectively to the sub bodies 4 and 5, near left and right ends of the wings. Engines 6 and 7 are respectively mounted on outer surfaces of the sub bodies 4 and 5. The sub bodies 4 and 5 are thinner than the main body 1. The canard 3, which is positioned closest to the fore end of the aircraft, has a shorter wing span than the other wings. The sub bodies 4 and 5 contain fuel. The fuel is supplied to the engines 6 and 7 assuring high safety. The main wings 8 and 9 are positioned, shifted respectively forth and back relative to the main body 1. Therefore, stability is not impaired even if cargos are loaded into the main body over a wide range from the bow to the tail.

Abstract: A thrust reverser having an engine cowl, a nacelle, a blocker door, a nacelle door and a cascade vane. The engine cowl has a hollow body that shrouds a jet engine and which includes a cowl opening. The nacelle surrounds the engine cowl and includes a nacelle opening that is positioned outwardly of the cowl opening. The blocker door is associated with the engine cowl and movable between a first position, wherein the blocker door closes the cowl opening, and a second position, wherein the blocker door is disposed in the propulsive air flow and substantially clears the cowl opening. The nacelle door is associated with the nacelle and movable between a forward position, which substantially closes the nacelle opening, and a rearward position, which substantially clears the nacelle opening. The cascade vane is disposed between the engine cowl and the nacelle and positioned between the cowl and nacelle openings.

Abstract: An aerodynamic wing formed by a flexible canopy with integrated inflatable, elastically deformable members integrated into the lifting surface. Preferably, the elastically deformable member extends and contracts the lifting surface depending on forces experienced by the wing. In one embodiment, the wing comprises an inflatable leading edge kite.

Abstract: A drive assembly for use with a mechanical flying or walking device comprises an articulated member (7) having first and second portions (7a, 7b) arranged such that the portions move relative to each other, and a drive mechanism (9) for imparting motion to the articulated member. The drive mechanism (9) comprises: a drive member for imparting a cyclic motion on the articulated member, and a control member for controlling, in a predetermined manner, the relative position of the first and second portions during each cycle of the cyclic motion of the articulated member. In the case of a mechanical flying device, two such drive assemblies may be provided, the articulated member of each assembly forming a wing.