Abstract: A feeding apparatus comprises a rotatably supported turret arm for supporting a new web roll and an old web roll, and a turret arm turning motor for rotating the turret arm, and splices a web of the new web roll to a web of the old web roll, thereby continuously supplying a web. The feeding apparatus further comprises a web roll diameter measuring distance meter, provided at a position opposed to the circumferential surface of the new web roll when the new web roll stops at a diameter measuring position, for measuring the distance to the new web roll; and a control device for determining the diameter of the new web roll in accordance with an output from the distance meter, and driving the turret arm turning motor in accordance with the determined diameter of the new web roll to move the new web roll to a splicing standby position.

Abstract: A system and method for splicing reeled media using operational feedback. According to certain embodiments, the method of operating a media production system involves sensing speed parameters of first and second reeled media, tracking an unwinding parameter of the first reeled media, and positionally tracking a leading end position of the second reeled media. The method also involves controlling splicing between the first and second reeled media based at least partially on the speed parameters, the unwinding parameter, and the leading end position.

Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser comprising a housing with a roll of towels inside an interior, a sensor for detecting the presence of an object and generating a signal, a motor driving a dispensing means for dispensing a desired length of towel, a control circuit for receiving the signal from the sensing means and controlling supply of power to the motor driving the dispensing mechanism, and a battery. The control circuit is adapted to sample back EMF generated by the motor while the dispensing means is dispensing the towel and to determine based on the sampled back EMF a calculated run time for the operation of the motor to dispense the desired length of towel. A method of dispensing a desired length of towel wherein a sensor generates a signal when the presence of an object is sensed. A control circuit receives the signal from the sensor and supplies power from a battery to a motor to drive a dispensing means to dispense a desired length of towel from the roll.

Abstract: A dispenser for hygiene paper is proposed which makes available dry toilet paper and dispenses moistened hygiene paper. For this purpose, the dispenser contains a housing, a roll holder for the hygiene paper, a unit for the moistening with a liquid container, a moistening roll and at least one liquid tank which communicate with one another and a unit for the dispensing with a transport roll for the hygiene paper which is in contact with the moistening roll with an intermediate layer of the hygiene paper. The dispenser can be divided into a base housing and an insertion part. The advantage of the dispenser consists of commercially available toilet paper being made available and of moistened hygiene paper being dispensed in a specific length or in any desired length and of the dispenser being made simply and being easy to handle.

Abstract: A yarn carrier is provided in the form of a yarn winding tube having a yarn catch insert. The yarn winding tube is a hollow cylindrical tube having a longitudinal axis extending lengthwise between its first and second opposite ends. The tube has a hole through its surface for receiving a yarn catch insert. The yarn catch insert includes a first member and a second member, each having an inside surface. When positioned within the hole, the inside surfaces of the first and second members face each other and form a string-up groove therebetween. After a yarn winding and unwinding process, the yarn catch insert may be removed from the hole in the tube, the first and second member may be separated, and the string-up groove may be cleaned. The yarn catch insert may then be re-inserted into the hole and the tube may be reused for winding.

Abstract: An adhesive tape or label roll dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser is preferable manufactured from a single piece and includes a front panel with connected adjacent side panels. Each side panel includes a protruding pin. The user centers the adhesive tape or label roll on one protruding pin and bends the front panel and the other side panel around the label, centering the other protruding pin through the roll. The distal end of each pin includes an engaging clip enabling the distal ends of each pin to fixedly engage and secure the roll within the dispenser. The dispenser also includes a hook on each side panel at the edge opposite the front panel, enabling the user to suspend the dispenser from a utility shelf or wall bracket.

Abstract: A flange is for use in a reel for supporting a wound flexible medium. The reel includes an elongated core defining a longitudinal core axis. The flange includes a first annular wall oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis and engaging the core. A second annular wall is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis and is offset in an axial direction from the first annular wall. At least one connecting wall interconnects the second annular wall and the first annular wall. A first annular rim is attached to the first annular wall or the second annular wall and is oriented substantially parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system. The system includes a first mechanism for tracking a vehicle based on time-of-arrival information associated with energy emanating from the vehicle and providing vehicle position information in response thereto. A second mechanism steers the vehicle based on the vehicle position information. In a specific embodiment, the system of further includes a third mechanism for locating the target based on time-of-arrival information associated with energy radiating from the target and providing target location information in response thereto. The second the second mechanism steers the vehicle based on the target location information and the vehicle position information.

Abstract: A thruster for propelling and directing a vehicle without interacting with its environment without using propellant and particularly adapted for use in space, comprising rotating means having a pair of a first and a second axes of rotation, connectable to the vehicle such that each of the first and second axes of rotation extends opposite to each other with respect to a center of mass of the vehicle. The thruster is also provided with actuator means for actuating a first and a second rotational movement of the rotating means respectively around each of the first and second axis of rotation. The first rotational movement is actuated in a clockwise direction thereby generating a first reacting torque in a counter-clockwise direction that causes a pivotal movement of the vehicle around the first axis of rotation in the counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: An emergency flotation device for crashed small airplanes which can be retrofited on most small airplanes as well as come preinstalled on new small airplanes, is self contained in a small container; has several independent triggering means; and has a visual as well as an RF beacon system integrated within to call for rescue.

Abstract: Lightweight structural component including at least one panel and at least one stiffening element oriented one of lengthwise and crosswise. The at least one stiffening element includes two side pieces. Each of the two side pieces is at least partially connected to the panel in a material-locking manner. The two side pieces are connected to the panel at two separate joint zones. A method of producing the lightweight structural component includes milling the at least one panel to form at least one thickened region and joining the two side pieces to the at least one panel at the two separate joint zones. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a push rod (3) that absorbs pressure forces of a pneumatic element that comprises a hollow body (3) filled with a pressurized gas. Said push rod comprises a groove (8) with a substantially circular widened section (10) and a neck (9). A pocket (6) which is fastened to the hollow body (2) across its entire length can be drawn into said groove (8) before the hollow body (2) is impinged upon with the pressurized gas. After drawing, a clamping element (11) with a substantially circular cross-section is drawn into the part of the pocket (6) lying in the groove (8). Once the hollow body (2) is impinged upon with pressurized gas, the circumferential tension of the hollow body (2) extends across the clamped part of the pocket (6).

Abstract: An aircraft occupancy, here a helicopter with a seat chassis mounted on a set of rails of any type, ideally as I have demonstrated on load bearing triple monorails with one hundred sixty-eight circumventing roller trucks attached to the inner rails, an outer track box movable along the inner tracks, and a monorail supporting track with eighty-four roller trucks. Shown here in a side view with partial delineation of the mesh end cover Any seat chassis attached to the outer track box is ejectable along a lateral trajectory, perpendicular to the horizontal longitudinal axis of an aircraft, and guided out of the path of a failed aircraft during ejection flight by two bottom positioned tail fins slotted within the ejection monorails launcher platform legs.

Abstract: A parachute is formed from a non-woven composite material. The non-woven composite material is formed by fusing a plurality of mono-filament fibers between thin layers of plastic. The fibers are positioned in directions within the material according to the stresses on the panels of the parachute. The panels of the parachute may be joined using fusing, adhesives or other non-sewing methods. The material may also be formed to have a three dimensional shape for each panel.

Abstract: A parachute is formed using a non-woven composite material. The non-woven composite material is formed by fusing a plurality of mono-filament fibers between thin layers of plastic. The non-woven material may be used as reinforcing tapes or as parachute lines in connection with a parachute of typical construction.

Abstract: A system dedicated to dissipating heat produced by amplifier tubes of a spacecraft comprises a radiating panel installed substantially parallel to the amplifier tubes and thermally coupled to them to radiate to the outside a portion of the heat that they produce, a radiating receptacle whose walls define a housing adapted to receive the collectors of the amplifier tubes, and preferably a heat distributor that is preferably interleaved between the collectors and one wall of the receptacle to distribute the heat that the collectors produce between the collectors and the wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that make use of electromagnetic energy to maneuver an object, such as stop, slow, and/or divert a vessel or projectile in low and zero-gravity environments. The apparatus comprises an element capable of generating a magnetic field in the zero or low-gravity environment, and an object capable of electromagnetically interacting with the magnetic field so that the object's speed and/or trajectory is altered when moving in proximity to the magnetic-field generating element. As such, the method entails maneuvering an object in a zero or low-gravity environment by generating a magnetic field in the zero or low-gravity environment, and then moving the object in proximity to the magnetic field such that the magnetic field alters the trajectory and/or speed of the object.

Abstract: An engine thrust management system comprising an engine control device, an aircraft flight manual, a flight management device and a cockpit instrument device. The engine control device is operable to calculate a percent maximum available thrust parameter and a percent indicated thrust parameter. The aircraft flight manual is operable to calculate a required thrust parameter. The flight management device is operable to calculate a percent thrust setting target parameter and a percent commanded thrust parameter. The percent commanded thrust is the amount of thrust requested by an aircraft operator. The percent commanded thrust is varied by the operator according to the value of the percent thrust setting target parameter and the value of the percent indicated thrust parameter in order to produce optimal thrust.

Abstract: The deformation characteristic of a profiled aerodynamic aircraft component is improved by forming ridges (6, 7) in the top and bottom skin (4, 5) of the component. Two ridges (6, 7) form a pair in which the bottom ridge (7) is at least partially nested in the top ridge (6) to the extent that the ridges are bonded to each other in a trailing edge area (9) of the component along a width (W) extending in the depth or y-direction of the component. The ridges taper from the trailing edge area (9) toward the leading edge (1) of the component and the forward ridge end (6A, 7A) merges into the respective skin at a point spaced form the leading edge. The ridges function as ribs and strengthen the component while making it flexible for minimizing the introduction of compulsion forces when the component is deflected.

Abstract: A device for organizing medical lines so as to facilitate identification and prevent entanglement and dislodgement of the lines includes a rigid elongated base panel and an upwardly directed securing panel. Mounting features located beneath the base panel enable the apparatus to be quickly and removably attached to virtually any type of rail. A series of slots in the securing panel extend toward the base panel and terminate in confining apertures having dimensions larger than the width of the associated slot. The device permits transverse insertion of a medical line into a slot and positioning in a confining aperture, thereby allowing longitudinal and limited lateral movement of the line while preventing entanglement with adjacent lines.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing and protecting wires, cables, ropes, hoses and/or other similar objects, materials, devices or structures on, over, or around exposed non-linear surfaces includes one rigid half slidably insertable into a second rigid receiving half over or around a non-linear exposed surface and having an interior space defined by the two structures that accommodates, stabilizes and protects one or more wires, cables, ropes, hoses and/or other similar objects, materials, devices or structures.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus having first and second legs pivotable with respect one another about a pivot axis. The first and second legs pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first and second legs are substantially aligned with respect to one another and can be stored. In the second position, the first and second legs are transverse with respect to one another and can receive a bag. The apparatus also includes first and second incurvate portions defined by each of the first and second legs. The first and second incurvate portions are spaced from the pivot axis and from each other. The apparatus also includes first and second excurvate portions defined by each of the first and second legs. The first and second excurvate portions are substantially coplanar with the first and second incurvate portions of the respective leg and are spaced from said pivot axis and from each other.

Abstract: A display device comprising a display encasement and a handle mechanism pivotally attached to the display encasement.

Abstract: An electronic device support having an elongate member and a support arm including a band and at least one cantilever arm extending from the band, the band positioned around the elongate member, the band being slidable and rotatable relative to the elongate member.

Abstract: A ground-mountable adjustable sign/target holder for a convenient, secure temporary above-ground display of lightweight, flexible sign panels; lightweight, rigid sign panels; or two-dimensional targets. Signs/targets of various sizes can be accommodate by this sign/target holder. The sign/target holder includes a durable, portable, collapsible frame which can be installed and removed without the use of additional tools.

Abstract: Disclosed is a utensil support apparatus constructed of paper and includes a main body and a utensil supporting section formed on the main body. The utensil supporting section is folded upwards along a lateral edge and a pair of outer sections formed on the utensil supporting sections is folded to prop the utensil supporting section. A detachable advertising section is formed on the main body for removal after use of the utensil support apparatus.

Abstract: A device designed to be screwed into a tree or other wooden object and used to mount sporting equipment including optical equipment—such as a spotting scope, telescope, binoculars, or other optical equipment—or to mount firearms.

Abstract: A tool-holding apparatus allowing a user to support a tool with the user's mouth is disclosed. The apparatus includes an attachment member that has an inner surface designed to frictionally engage the outer surface, or body of a tool. The apparatus also includes a grip that extends axially away from the attachment member. The apparatus is designed to slide axially along the outer surface, or body of a tool between a stowed position, facilitating storage and transport of the apparatus-tool combination, and a deployed position, facilitating hands-free use of the tool. The apparatus is substantially uniform in thickness and, while in the stowed position, conforms closely to the body of the tool.

Abstract: A plant basket hanger that allows hanging potted plants to be rotated. A hook with a snap or lock-in shaft that would mate to a hanger embodiment that has three or four long runners with clip or lock-in ends to attach to a plant basket while the upper ends of said runners form various top portions with a center hole for hook attachment.

Abstract: A mounting system (10) for supporting a ceiling fan assembly (11) of the type having a motor, motor housing (46), a plurality of blades (47) and a downrod (29) to a ceiling C. The mounting system includes a mounting plate (14) having a plurality of tab locks (21), a mounting bracket having a plurality of locking tabs (37) configured to mate with the tab locks (21). The mounting bracket also has an opening (40) therein configured to receive a ball joint (31) of the downrod (29).

Abstract: The invention is a coaster being for attaching to a stemmed vessel or other stemmed drinking glass, to support said stemmed vessel when resting on a supporting surface, absorb moisture, and prevent water damage and/or scratches on the supporting surface, as well as for remaining attached to the stemmed vessel should the stemmed vessel be lifted, moved, carried or put into motion in any way, enabling the stemmed vessel to be distinguished from other stemmed vessels, due to the unique color, pattern, size, shape, material or other visible differences or combinations thereof of said coaster. The coaster of this invention may be detachable, and/or reusable, and/or disposable.

Abstract: A laptop computer stand, for holding a laptop computer having a keyboard portion and a display portion that is pivotable relative to the keyboard portion. The stand has a base adapted to either sit on a surface or be coupled to a structure, and a support member coupled to the base, wherein the laptop keyboard portion sits on the support member. The support member has a retaining structure that overlies at least part of the laptop keyboard portion, to retain the keyboard portion on the support member. The stand also has a locking mechanism coupled to the base or the support member, and selectively fixable to the laptop computer.

Abstract: A pneumatic suspension apparatus for dampening the vibrations between a vehicle frame and a vehicle seat. The pneumatic suspension apparatus includes at least one pneumatic bag for being attached with a vehicle between the vehicle frame and the vehicle seat for dampening vibrations; a regulator pneumatically connected with the at least one pneumatic bag, where the regulator adjusts the pressure in the at least one pneumatic bag; and a reservoir pneumatically connected with the regulator. Optionally, a compressor may be included to pressurize the reservoir. The compressor may replace the reservoir in supplying pressure to the pneumatic bag.

Abstract: A pair of CMOS image sensors is provided. One of the pair of CMOS image sensors is assigned as a master CMOS image sensor and the other is assigned as a slave CMOS image sensor. The slave CMOS image sensor is synchronized to the master CMOS image sensor during image data acquisition. In one embodiment, the master CMOS image sensor and the slave CMOS image sensor are connected to receive a control signal, which assigns the master CMOS image sensor as master and the slave CMOS image sensor as slave. In another embodiment, the master CMOS image sensor and slave CMOS image sensor are hardwired to assign the master and slave. In yet another embodiment, the data signals from the master CMOS image sensor and slave CMOS image sensor are interleaved.

Abstract: An optical device includes a base and an optical element chip and translucent member attached to the base. A wiring is buried in the base. One end of the wiring is an internal terminal portion. The other end of the wiring is an external terminal portion. A semiconductor chip incorporating peripheral circuits, etc., and a metal wire for connecting a pad electrode of the semiconductor chip and the wiring are buried in the base. The semiconductor chip incorporating peripheral circuits, etc., and the metal wire are buried together with the wiring in the base by molding, whereby the optical device and the semiconductor chip incorporating peripheral circuits, etc., are integrated into a single package.

Abstract: A camera-based touch system (50) includes a passive touch surface (60) and at least two cameras (63) associated surface. The at least two cameras (63) have overlapping fields of view (FOV) encompassing the touch surface. The at least two cameras (63) acquire images of the touch surface from different locations and generate image data. A processor (54) receives and processes image data generated by the at least two cameras to determine the location of the pointer relative to the touch surface when the pointer is captured in images acquired by the at least two cameras. Actual pointer contact with the touch surface sand pointer hover above the touch surface can be determined.

Abstract: An optical transducer includes a multi-port light emitting unit for distributing sensing light to minor bundles of optical fibers connected to input ports thereof and a multi-port light detecting unit for converting the sensing light to photo-current; an optical fiber plug, a socket and light detecting elements received in the socket are assembled in the multi-port light detecting unit; the optical fiber plug is made of semi-transparent colored synthetic resin, which is transparent to short-wavelength light and non-transparent to long-wavelength light, so that the minor bundles are adhered to the optical fiber plug through adhesive compound cured in the radiation of the short-wavelength light; the long-wavelength light serves as the sensing light so that leakage light does not reach the adjacent input ports.

Abstract: A photodetection device for a rotary laser system for projecting at least two fan-shaped beams tilted at a known angle with respect to a horizontal plane and having a known spreading angle, comprising at least three photodetectors arranged in a known relationship.

Abstract: A fiber optic perimeter detection system includes a receiver to receive output light signals from sensors positioned at different regions, each sensor including a sensing fiber. Each sensor generates an output light signal having a specified wavelength, the output light signal having a property that varies when stress is induced in the sensing fiber. The perimeter detection system includes a memory to store information related to a mapping between the wavelengths of the output light signals and the regions where the sensors are positioned.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the absolute position of a linear or rotary actuator. A code plate having a series of digital words thereon is associated with the linear or rotary actuator. Each of the digital words consists of a plurality of bits, each bit consisting of a series of parallel encoder elements, each in the shape of a wedge. One or two optical sensor heads would be used in conjunction with a signal processor to determine the exact position of the code plate, and, in turn, the linear or rotary actuator. The exact position of each of the sensor heads with respect to the code plate is determined based upon the value of optical signals reflected off of the wedge-shaped elements and detected by each of the optical sensors.

Abstract: An optical position measuring system including a scale and a scanning unit. The scanning unit includes a light source that emits light beams and a periodic scanning graduation having scanning graduation marks arranged periodically at a scanning graduation period along a measuring direction. The scanning unit further including a detector arrangement. The scanning graduation or the scale graduation includes at least three partial tracks, which adjoin perpendicularly with respect to the measuring direction, and graduation marks associated with each of the at least three partial tracks have a defined and constant offset spacing from their nominal positions, wherein the offset spacings associated with adjoining ones of the at least three partial tracks differ, so that filtering of undesired harmonic waves out of the at least one periodic scanning signal results from said offset spacings.

Abstract: An integrally packaged imaging module includes an integrated circuit (IC), including an image sensing device formed on a semiconductor substrate, and wafer level packaging enclosing the IC. The wafer level packaging includes a transparent enclosure portion adapted to permit image acquisition of an image by the image sensing device over a desired range of wavelengths, and a first spacing structure providing a cavity between an inner surface of the transparent enclosure portion and the image sensing device. A depth of the cavity is configurable along an axis perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate to control a distance between an outer surface of the transparent enclosure portion and the image sensing device.

Abstract: A real, physical radiation phantom for simulating a portion of a human being includes a body portion providing an analytic outer shape of the phantom, the outer shape being similar to a shape of at least a portion of the human being, the body portion having a first physical characteristic of a first value similar to a second value of the first physical characteristic corresponding to human soft tissue, and at least one internal component disposed in the body, the internal component having an analytic shape approximating an internal portion of human anatomy and having a third value of the first physical characteristic different from the first value.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for examining and inspecting at least one sample in order to determine characteristics of the sample having the a support for receiving a compact disc, the compact disc having deposited on a surface thereof at least one sample, inspection means for effecting a physical change in at least one sample, the inspection means positioned for registration with the surface of the compact disc bearing at least one sample; and a traversal mechanism adapted for reciprocating movement, to move the sample in and out of the path of the inspection means.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes a flight control device for allowing ions from an ion source to repeatedly fly along an orbit in a flight space for predetermined times; a detecting device for detecting the ions after the ions repeatedly fly along the orbit for the predetermined times; and a data processing device for starting collection of ion strength data detected by the detecting device. The ion strength data is obtained during the flight of the ions along the orbit, or when the ions are headed toward the detecting device after departing from the orbit, or when one of the above situations is estimated.

Abstract: In an analysis using a mass spectrometer having a loop orbit along which ions are made to fly a plurality of times, the present invention provides a method of determining the mass-to-charge ratio of an ion without limiting the range of the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions to be brought into the loop orbit while allowing the lapping of the orbiting ions. The measurement is carried out two or more times under different conditions (Tg=500[?s], 400[?s]) under which the number of turns of the ion concerned is different. Flight times are determined from the flight time spectrums obtained by at least two measurements. Though the numbers of turns themselves are unknown, it is possible to calculate possible mass-to-charge ratios for each flight time by incrementally setting the number of turns at plural values.

Abstract: A particle mass spectrometer includes a supersonic flow expansion nozzle, and a source of a gas having particles entrained therein. The source is in gas-flow communication with an inlet of the expansion nozzle. The particle mass spectrometer further includes a vacuum chamber in gas-flow communication with an outlet of the expansion nozzle, wherein the vacuum chamber has a sufficient vacuum that a gas flow through the expansion nozzle is supersonic, and a microphone having an active element and an output signal responsive to a movement of the active element. The active element is disposed within the vacuum chamber and is positioned so that particles that flow from the outlet of the expansion nozzle impact upon the active element. The output signal of the active element of the microphone is a measure of the masses of the entrained particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer. The ion enhancement system of the present invention is used to direct a heated gas toward ions produced by a matrix based ion source and detected by a detector. The ion enhancement system is interposed between the ion source and the detector. The analyte ions that contact the heated gas are enhanced and an increased number of ions are more easily detected by a detector. The method of the invention comprises producing analyte ions from a matrix based ion source, enhancing the analyte ions with an ion enhancement system and detecting the enhanced analyte ions with a detector.

Abstract: A laser device includes a target position, an optical component separated a distance J from the target position, and a laser energy source separated a distance H from the optical component, distance H being greater than distance J. A laser source manipulation mechanism exhibits a mechanical resolution of positioning the laser source. The mechanical resolution is less than a spatial resolution of laser energy at the target position as directed through the optical component. A vertical and a lateral index that intersect at an origin can be defined for the optical component. The manipulation mechanism can auto align laser aim through the origin during laser source motion. The laser source manipulation mechanism can include a mechanical index. The mechanical index can include a pivot point for laser source lateral motion and a reference point for laser source vertical motion.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for generating a high frequency excitation signal for use in a mass spectrometer. Harmonics or aliases of a fundamental frequency contained in a signal from a digital-to-analog converter are used to excite ions in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. The signal from the digital to analog converter may be filtered to remove the fundamental frequency or to remove unwanted harmonics or aliases.