Abstract: Flaps, for example leading edge flaps and/or trailing edge flaps of an aircraft wing, are driven and adjusted by respective drive units. Drive shafts of neighboring flaps are coupled to each other by a differential gear. The differential gear is thus coupled to a main drive shaft which is driven by a main drive unit. Additionally, the differential gear is coupled to a secondary drive unit. The main drive power and the secondary drive power and thus the respective flap motions are super-imposable on each other, which permits operating the flaps independently of each other or in synchronism with each other.

Abstract: An aircraft comprising a fuselage, thin supersonic wings on the fuselage, there being trailing edge flaps carried by the wings, the flaps configured to provide flap deflection to simultaneously control wing twist and to reduce drag, when the aircraft is operated at subsonic flight conditions.

Abstract: A lifting surface with a rotary flap liable to turn about a longitudinal axis of rotation defined according to the first span of the flap, the flap having a profile extending along the chord and including a first leading edge, a first trailing edge, an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface and outer surface have non-concave shapes. The first leading edge has a rounded shape provided with a curve radius more or less constant or elliptical in shape whose first major axis to minor axis quotient is less than or equal to 1.5. The first trailing edge has a main angle that is included between 10° and 30°. The axis of rotation is situated at a first distance from the first leading edge, that is included between 15% and 35% of the chord.

Abstract: The invention provides a wing structure for an aircraft, including a top skin and a bottom skin defining a primary wing surface, the surface having a width, a length, a leading edge and a trailing edge; a flap having a width smaller than the width of the wing surface and a length extending over a major portion of the wing length, the flap being hingedly joined adjacent to the trailing edge of the wing, wherein the flap is capable of assuming two limit dispositions, a first disposition in which the flap extends substantially parallel to the bottom skin, and a second disposition extending towards the trailing edge of the wing, at an obtuse angle. A method for slowing down the speed of flight of an aircraft is also provided.

Abstract: An automotive gauge mounting bracket is provided that is engagable to an automotive vehicle interior. The bracket comprises at least one gauge receiving aperture formed in the bracket. The aperture is provided with a perimeter defining a plurality of displaceable gauge receiving segments. The segments are displaceable in response to insertion of a gauge into the aperture, for friction fit engagement of the gauge directly to the bracket.

Abstract: A stand for supporting an open-ended conical plastic bag, has an upper rim portion, over which a portion of the bag open end may be folded, in securing relation; a like lower rim portion supports the stand in stable, self-supporting relation. The stand consists of two identical segment portions, which clip together. Each segment has first and second longitudinal ribs joining the opposed rim portions. Almost half the length of each first rib is arcuately recessed to secure a corresponding length of the other first rib, when reversed, in entered relation within the recess. The arcuate recess has protruding ear portions which serve as clips for securing the entered other first rib, which ear portions also engage the sides of protrusions of the other first rib to stabilize it in the recess. Other local first rib protrusions enter into corresponding recesses located in the bottom of the opposed first rib arcuate recess.

Abstract: A plate is detachably mounted on a portable support capable of holding a beverage and other accessories, especially eating utensils.

Abstract: A geomatics pole support comprises a body and pole engaging members for connecting the support to a geomatics pole so that the body is retained by the pole engaging members projecting generally laterally outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the pole. The body further includes a terrain engagement surface adapted to engage a ground surface and to hold at least a portion of the pole in a stable position out of contact with the ground surface.

Abstract: A support for apparatus in general and, in particular, for optical or photographic apparatus and the like. The support comprises a pillar arranged to receive the apparatus at a first end and to be housed with its stem in a seat extending through a spider of a tripod. The support also comprises, at the first end, an orientable platform for the levelling of the apparatus independently of the positioning of the tripod, and the pillar is structurally independent of the spider and can be inserted removably in the seat.

Abstract: A self-stabilising support for a structure, e.g. a chair, is disclosed, which comprises: a first pair of legs (1), means connected to the first pair of legs for supporting the structure, e.g. the upper part of the chair (3); a second pair of legs (2); a bearing acting between the first pair of legs (1) and the second pair of legs (2) and allowing the second pair of legs to pivot with respect to the first pair of legs about an axis whereby the four legs of the first and second pair can, by suitably pivoting the second pair of legs with respect to the first pair, be firmly planted on an uneven surface to support the said structure. The bearing is damped so that it does resist sudden movement between the first and the second legs about the bearing but a sustained force causes pivoting movement of the second pair of legs about the bearing.

Abstract: A device for securing an article to a substrate includes an elongated resilient strap having a first end and a second end. The first end of the strap terminates in a strap passage. The second end of the strap is extendable through the strap passage to provide locking engagement between the strap and the strap passage. When the strap is drawn through the strap passage, a loop is formed for supporting the article. The device also includes a base positioned between the first end and the second end of the strap. The base includes a surface adapted for fastening the base to the substrate.

Abstract: A holder includes a base having a disk and a combination seat, an elastic plate mounted on the disk and having a protruding elastic portion, a sucker mounted on a bottom of the disk and having a shaft extended through the through hole of the disk and the slot of the elastic plate, and an actuating handle having an enlarged head pivotally mounted on the shaft and urged on the elastic portion of the elastic plate. Thus, the holder is assembled and disassembled easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user mounting the holder. In addition, the holder is assembled rigidly and stably, so that the holder will not become loosened during a long-term utilization, thereby facilitating the user using the holder.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment device includes a clamping member for securely clamping a tubular member, a sleeve securely mounted to the clamping member, a ball received in the sleeve, a connecting seat having a portion securely coupled to the ball to move therewith, and a resilient member. The sleeve includes a longitudinal through-hole. Further, the sleeve includes a cutout passing through an upper end of the longitudinal through-hole. The resilient member biases the ball to press against a spherical upper wall section of the sleeve, thereby retaining the connecting seat in place. The connecting seat is pressable to compress the resilient member and cause the ball to disengage from the spherical upper wall section of the sleeve, allowing the connecting seat to move along the cutout of the sleeve and allowing the connecting seat to turn to a desired orientation relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: An attachment member is coupled to a panel member at the peripheral outward surface of the panel member. A predetermined coupling mechanism serves to establish the connection. The attachment member receives an attached component behind the panel member. No urging forces are thus applied to the panel member in the direction perpendicular to the back surface of the panel member when the attachment member is coupled to the panel member. The panel member can reliably be prevented from suffering from damages or breakage.

Abstract: A camera mount supports a web camera thereon. The mount includes a bracket for supporting a light source thereon and a platform supported on the bracket for receiving the base of the web camera thereon. The light source may be operable in either flash or steady-on modes to provide optimum lighting for the web camera. The platform ensures various designs of web cameras and web camera bases can be accommodated and supported thereon. The bracket also readily permits the camera mount to be supported on an upright supporting surface to remove the clutter of cords from the workspace on a desk supporting a computer thereon.

Abstract: A display apparatus including a monitor displaying a picture and a stand supporting the monitor. The stand includes a supporting member, an inner slider, accommodated in the supporting member, to lift the monitor up and down in the supporting member, an outer slider, provided on an outer surface of the supporting member to be movable by a magnetic cooperation with the inner slider, to connect with the monitor, and an elastic member provided in at least one of lower parts of the inner slider and the outer slider, and supporting the monitor. The structure of the stand not only improves an assembling process and productivity, but also minimizes a possibility of a malfunction in operation. Accordingly, the structure is advantageous financially aspect because costs of production may be saved.

Abstract: A trivet (2) comprises a wire frame (4), and a plurality of supports (6) carried thereon, the supports being at least partly formed of a magnetic material, and being mounted on the frame (4) so as to be movable between an inner position and an outer position to accommodate different sizes of pots or pans.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for transmitting a rotational movement comprising a flexible shaft and a sheath inside which the flexible shaft is housed, said sheath being arranged in order to allow the rotation of said shaft inside said sheath. The outer surface of the flexible shaft is machined so as to have a substantially smooth surface finish. The invention also concerns an adjustment system for a motor vehicle seat comprising such a device.

Abstract: A weight measurement system is disclosed for measuring the weight of an occupant in a vehicle seat. In a preferred embodiment, a sensor is positioned at the rear portion of the vehicle seat and a load transfer link is used to transfer the weight from the front portion of the vehicle seat to the rear portion, to be measured by the sensor. The transfer link is a selectively compliant beam having a first rigid section and a second rigid section connected to each other via a flexible area. The first and second rigid sections preferably include wing portions for increasing the rigidity of the sections. The flexible area is more compliant than the rigid sections. The load transfer link is configured to transition a load placed on the front portion of the link to the rear portion. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the load transfer link is made of a high strength, low alloy steel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a security chain anchor which comprises: a base plate that is bolted or otherwise securely fastened, in use, to a fixed surface such as, for example, a floor or wall; and a loop-bearing member having a rigid loop mounted thereto to receive a tether, wherein the loop is pivotally mounted to the loop-bearing member and the loop-bearing member is rotatable relative to the base plate.

Abstract: An index table assembly includes a rotary table, a frame separated from the rotary table in the direction of a rotational axis of the rotary table, a clamping device for bringing the rotary table into contact with the frame by moving the rotary table along the rotational axis, a first bearing disposed between the rotary table and the frame, and an urging device disposed between the first bearing and one of the rotary table and the frame and pressing the first bearing against the other one of the rotary table and the frame at least when the rotary table rotates.

Abstract: An ice cube tray having a rigid support structure for easy handling and manipulation includes plural ice cube compartments, the ice cube compartments including deformable, flexible bottoms to enable ejection of ice cubes by application of a small force on each ice cube compartment's bottom. The tray may be used with a cover that can be utilized as a server. The tray when used with the cover is spill proof. To use as a server, the tray and cover are turned upside down, the ice cubes are ejected by applying force to the flexible bottoms of the ice cube compartments. Once ejected, the tray is removed to reveal the ejected ice cubes within the underside of the cover. Multiple ice cube trays can be stacked on top of the cover.

Abstract: An improved ice tray having a plurality of cavities to permit individual ice cubes to be removed on an individual basis, each of the cavities including a flexible bottom wall, such that when pressure is applied to the flexible bottom wall the ice cube therein is raised upwardly to expose a portion of the ice cube to enable a user to remove the desired individual cube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matrix suitable for use in the replication of a plastic element having a positive microstructure, comprising a first wear-resistant layer that is supported by a carrier element, wherein the matrix comprises a heating means for supplying electrical heat energy through the wear-resistant layer or carrier element. The invention further relates to a plastic element producing machine and a method for the manufacture of a plastic element having a surface with a positive microstructure.

Abstract: A radiation detector array for radial tracking error detection for a dual-wavelength optical scanning device. Three spot detectors (100, 102, 104) for conducting three spot radial tracking error detection at each of the two different wavelengths. Satellite spot detectors (102, 104) are divided into three detector elements and one switched depending on the wavelength currently being used for scanning.

Abstract: The present invention provides an object proximity sensor system and method to determine the distance between a vehicle occupant and the system. Once determined, the distance is used in determining whether to enable or disable an air bag in the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the object proximity sensor system includes a light transmitter capable of emitting light beams that illuminate a predefined area and are capable of reflecting off an object positioned in the predefined area, a light receiver capable of detecting the reflected light beams and including an imaging sensor capable of acquiring an image of the object in the illuminated predefined area and capable of distinguishing a plurality of imaged spots in the image, and a microcontroller coupled to the light receiver and operable to determine diameters of the imaged spots. The microcontroller then uses the diameters of the spots to determine the object's distance from the light transmitter.

Abstract: This invention provides for a simple method of fabricating miniature electron multipliers, in an in-plane configuration suitable for use with miniature analytic instruments such as mass filters. The materials involved are predominantly silicon and compatible oxides, allowing the possibility of integration with a mass filter formed in a similar materials system. The materials are selected simultaneously to withstand high voltages and to. enhance secondary electron emission. Fabrication is based on standard planar processing methods. These methods also allow the construction of an integrated set of bias resistors in a multi-electrode device, so that the device may be operated from a single high-voltage source.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a semi-conducting substrate having a photo-sensitive region and doping for forming a path to a charge-to-voltage mechanism; a dielectric spanning the substrate; and a semi-conducting layer, which is less than approximately 1 micrometer, spanning the dielectric which contains electrodes and circuit elements that control flow of charge.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate of the first conductivity type; a channel of the first conductivity type that spans at least a portion of the substrate; a well of the second conductivity type that is positioned between the channel and substrate for a predetermined portion and that is not between the substrate and the channel for a predetermined portion all of which well is substantially continuous; and a connection to the well; wherein a resistance of the well not between the substrate and the channel is substantially equal to or greater than twenty five percent of a total resistance of the well between the channel and the substrate.

Abstract: Method and systems related to obstructing a first predefined portion of at least one defined wavelength of light incident upon a first photo-detector array; and detecting the at least one defined wavelength of light with a photo-detector in a second photo-detector array.

Abstract: A method and associated architecture for dividing column readout circuitry in an active pixel sensor in a manner which reduces the parasitic capacitance on the readout line. In a preferred implementation, column readout circuits are grouped in blocks and provided with block signaling. Accordingly, only column output circuits in a selected block significantly impart a parasitic capacitance effect on shared column readout lines. Block signaling allows increasing pixel readout rate while maintaining a constant frame rate for utility in large format high-speed imaging applications.

Abstract: To provide an electro-optical device, such as a display or a printer head having a self-luminous element, in which a light-emitting state of a light-emitting element is detected. The electro-optical device comprises a plurality of pixel units arranged in a display region on a substrate in a predetermined pattern, each including a light-emitting element; a plate-like member disposed to overlap the display region and formed of a transparent medium for transmitting light emitted from the plurality of pixel units and internally reflecting a portion of the transmitted light; and light detection means for detecting light that is internally reflected and reaches at least one side of the display region through the inside of the plate-like member.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device has a photoelectric conversion part performing photoelectric conversion on incident light, a comparison part connected to an output terminal of the photoelectric conversion part to compare an output voltage of the photoelectric conversion part with a reference voltage, a capacitive element having one end connected to the output terminal of the photoelectric conversion part, and a control line connected to the other end of the capacitive element. In a signal storage period, a first control voltage is applied to the control line so as to make an electric potential at the output terminal of the photoelectric conversion part fall outside a transition region of the comparator. In a signal read period, a second control voltage is applied to the control line so as to make the electric potential at the output terminal of the photoelectric conversion part fall within the transition region of the comparator.

Abstract: Quantum wire is formed on the bottom of a V-shaped groove in a V-grooved substrate as a channel between source and drain electrodes or as at least part of the channel. A photocarrier accumulation region is provided within the quantum wire or at a position connected to or adjacent to the quantum wire for accumulating charges generated when light shines onto a photosensitive region that comprises at least a clad layer that covers the quantum wire. A recess is provided in the upper clad layer to localize the photocarrier accumulation region. As a result, it is possible to provide a photodetector that exhibits high sensitivity, high speed and low power consumption in an expanded wavelength region. It is also possible to provide a photodetector capable of constructing core portions thereof by one-time selective growth.

Abstract: The semiconductor device of the present invention comprises an optical transmission region, and a light receiving part for converting light propagating through the optical transmission region to an electrical signal, wherein the optical transmission region comprises a two-dimensional optical waveguide layer, and wherein at least a portion of the light receiving part is embedded in the optical transmission region, whereby the present invention can provide a semiconductor device having reduced direction dependency when light propagating through the optical transmission region is received.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally concerned with devices for determining photocurrent levels. One example of such a device is an optoelectronic transceiver that includes a laser and a photodetector. The photodetector is configured to receive an optical signal and generate a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal is received by a first stage circuit which then converts the received electrical signal to a differential output. Finally, a second stage circuit in communication with the first stage circuit is configured to derive an optical signal strength of the optical signal based upon the differential output received from the first stage circuit.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally concerned with devices for determining photocurrent levels. One example of such a device is an optoelectronic device that includes a photodetector. The photodetector is configured to receive an optical signal and generate a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal is received by a pre-amplifier circuit which then converts the received electrical signal to a differential output. Finally, a post-amplifier circuit in communication with the first stage circuit is configured to derive an optical signal strength of the optical signal based upon the differential output received from the pre-amplifier circuit.

Abstract: A photosensor is provided, which includes: a light receiver receiving an external light and generating a photovoltage corresponding to an amount of the received light; a voltage selector selectively outputting the photovoltage and a reference voltage; a current generator generating a sensor current depending on an output voltage of the voltage selector; and an output unit selectively outputting the sensor current from the current generator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device for garage door. It is mainly to install a light guiding mirror at each of the four corners on the inner side of a garage door. Besides, a transmitter and a receiver for laser beam and infrared beam are installed in the garage door control mechanism. Through the surrounding light guiding mirrors, the beam irradiated from the transmitter in the door control mechanism returns to the receiver as a continuous horizontal line crossing itself in a number of times. The path that the beam travels constructs an extensive sensing network. When a garage door is closing and subject to blockage, such a sensing network can respond immediately by commanding the garage door control mechanism to stop closing action and return to open state. The invention is a safety device that can improve the safety when people, cars or objects are moving in and out of a garage.

Abstract: A liner sheet lines at least a portion of an interior surface of a shipping container or box and defines an optical path extending across at least a portion of the sheet, such that a breach of the interior surface also alters an optical characteristic of the optical path. For example, an optical fiber can be woven into, or sandwiched between layers of, the liner sheet. The optical path is monitored for a change in an optical characteristic. If the container or box interior surface is breached, one or more portions of the optical fiber are severed or otherwise damaged, and the optical path is altered. The detected change in the optical path can be used to trigger an alarm, such as an annunciator, or to send a message that includes information concerning the container's contents or time or location of the container when the breach occurred to a central location, such as a ship's control room or a port notification system.

Abstract: A sheet includes an optical fiber extending across at least a portion of its surface to detect nuclear radiation. The sheet can line at least a portion of a shipping container or box. Radiation within or outside the container or box reduces optical transmissibility of the fiber. The fiber integrates the radiation over time and/or over the length of the fiber, making the fiber sensitive to even low-level radiation. Dopants, use of particular wavelengths of light or temperatures or other mechanisms can increase the sensitivity of the optical fiber to radiation. The optical fiber is monitored for a change in its transmissibility. A reduction in the transmissibility, such as to below a threshold, can trigger an alarm, such as an annunciator, or send a message that includes information about the time or the container's contents or location when the radiation is detected to a central location, such as a ship's control room or port notification system.

Abstract: A sheet includes an optical fiber extending across at least a portion of its surface to detect a breach or nuclear radiation. The sheet can line at least a portion of a container or a fence. A breach of the sheet or radiation within or near the sheet reduces optical transmissibility of the fiber. The fiber integrates the radiation over time and/or over the length and volumetric mass of the fiber, making the fiber sensitive to even low-level radiation. The optical fiber is monitored for a change in its transmissibility. A reduction in the transmissibility, such as to below a threshold, can trigger an alarm, such as an annunciator, or send a message that includes information about the time or the container's contents or location when the breach or radiation is detected to a central location, such as a ship's control room or port notification system.

Abstract: An optical rotation angle transmitter includes a code disc that has a digital coding and an analog coding. The digital coding has multiple tracks and is configured so as to be secure against error. A current angle interval can be determined from a plurality of possible angle intervals by means of the digital coding, and a precise angle position of the code disc can be determined within the current angle interval by means of the analog coding. Each of the tracks of the digital coding has a light sensor associated with it. Further provided is a method of scanning a code disc of a rotation angle transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method enabling quantification of dose delivery in radiotherapy treatment during patient-specific treatment of the patient utilising measurements in predefined time-intervals with information means positioned in the radiation beam, between the patient and the source and converting the readings to corresponding measures in a phantom. The invention additionally covers the method to obtain the said calibration factors for the detectors. The said calibration factors are obtained for each information means, field and said definable time-interval simultaneously irradiating the information means and said phantom including detectors to measure the absorbed dose using the said patient-specific treatment without patient.

Abstract: Provided is a side-to-side high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) including a generally cylindrically-shaped inner electrode having a length. Encircling the inner electrode is a generally cylindrically-shaped outer electrode assembly comprising at least first and second and third outer electrode segments. Each of the outer electrode segments has a channel extending therethrough and open at opposite ends thereof. In an assembled condition, the second a outer electrode segment is disposed intermediate the first and third outer electrode segments in an end-to-end arrangement, each one of the first and second and third electrode segments overlapping a different portion of the length of the inner electrode.

Abstract: Accurate mass measurement is carried out for product ions of a sample. A method for accurate mass determination of ions with Trap-TOF/?s includes steps of generating ions of an analyte sample and a standard material; introducing the ions of the analyte sample and the standard material together into an ion trap to trap them; selecting a precursor ion from the ions of the analyte sample to leave the precursor ion and a standard material ion in the ion trap and eliminate other ions; exciting and dissociating the precursor ion to generate product ions; ejecting the precursor ion, its product ions, and the standard material ion trapped in the ion trap to introduce these ions into the TOF mass spectrometer; and measuring a mass spectrum with the TOF mass spectrometer, where correction for accurate masses of the product ions is carried out based on the standard material ion measured.

Abstract: Ion transfer assemblies and methods for directing ions from an ionization source to a mass analyzer. A first partition element separates a viscous flow region from a transition flow region. A second partition element separates the transition flow region into a first transition flow chamber and a second transition flow chamber. A focusing element defines a cavity shaped to direct a portion of a gas flow including ions entrained in a background gas from a first aperture in the first partition element towards a second aperture in the second partition element based on gas dynamics. The cavity is shaped to direct the gas flow without requiring the application of external electrostatic fields. Vents or slits can be provided in or between the first partition element and the focusing element to provide for expansion of the gas flow in the transition flow region.

Abstract: A mass filter is disclosed comprising an orthogonal acceleration electrode 9. Ions entering the mass filter are orthogonally accelerated by the orthogonal acceleration electrode 9 in a primary acceleration region 2 and enter a flight region 3. The ions 6,7,8 are then reflected by a reflectron 4 and are directed towards an exit region of the mass filter. Ions having a desired mass to charge ratio are arranged to arrive in the primary acceleration region 2 at a time when a voltage pulse applied to the orthogonal acceleration electrode 9 falls from a maximum to zero. Ions having a desired mass to charge ratio are orthogonally decelerated such that they have a zero component of velocity in the orthogonal direction. Accordingly, ions having a desired mass to charge ratio exit the mass filter in an axial direction.

Abstract: In the mass spectrometer of the present invention, a flight space is provided before the mass analyzer, and the flight space includes a loop orbit on which ions fly repeatedly. While ions fly on the loop orbit repeatedly, ion selecting electrodes placed on the loop orbit selects object ions having a specific mass to charge ratio in such a manner that, for a limited time period when the object ions are flying through the ion selecting electrodes, an appropriate voltage is applied to the ion selecting electrodes to make them continue to fly on the loop orbit, but otherwise to make or let other ions deflect from the loop orbit. If ions having various mass to charge ratios are introduced in the loop orbit almost at the same time, the object ions having the same mass to charge ratio continue to fly on the loop orbit in a band, but ions having mass to charge ratios different from that are separated from the object ions while flying on the loop orbit repeatedly.

Abstract: In order to provide a scanning probe microscope capable of measuring with high throughput distribution information relating to local characteristics of a sample concurrently with accurate three-dimensional shape information of the sample without damaging the sample, the speed of approach to each measurement location is increased by controlling the approach of the sample and probe by the provision of a high-sensitivity proximity sensor of the optical type. Also, additional information relating to the distribution of material quality on the sample can be obtained without lowering the scanning speed by: applying a voltage to the probe, or measuring the response on vibrating the probe, or detecting the local optical intensity of the sample surface concurrently with obtaining sample height data and concurrently with the contact period with the sample, whilst ensuring that the probe is not dragged over the sample, by bringing the probe into contact with the sample intermittently.