Abstract: An apparatus and method of unrolling and stretching fence wire for use with a vehicle is disclosed. This device is designed to aid in the installation of fencing such as woven, barb or welded wire and other types of roll fencing. The device stretches fencing against the preset posts as it is spooling the fencing material by applying constant tension on the dispensed fencing. This device allows the installer to attach the fence to the posts without loosing tension and having to re-stretch the fence before permanently attaching it. The fencing material is guided through the tensioning rollers that apply pressure onto the fencing material. The tensioning rollers are adjustable and tension is applied to the wire by a brake mechanism. The device holds four rolls of fencing wire and allows for continuous fencing by splicing a new roll to the end of another before going through the tensioning rollers.

Abstract: A process for automatically removing packages in a winding station of a yarn winding machine, having elements (1) for holding and disengaging a full package (2), a winding guide (3) guiding the yarn to be wound during winding, a bar (7) for disengagement from the winding guide (3), a package drive (4), heads (5) for gripping and holding the spool (6) and a device (8) for supplying the station with spools (6). The process includes providing, during each removal cycle, a relaxation of the tension of the supply yarn, then restarting a new winding cycle after completing the removal cycle. The invention is more particularly applicable to the field of the textile industry, in particular machines for winding yarns.

Abstract: A tissue holder can be anchored to a wall or vertical surface by a block or anchoring device. A holding rod is adapted to be secured to the wall by the anchoring device. The anchoring device includes grooves on the rear side to clamp a first vertically oriented portion of the holding rod to the wall. A second portion of the holding rod curves from the first portion and extends outwardly from the wall, and a third portion of the holding rod curves from the second portion and extends upwardly. A tubular structure for insertion into a tissue roll has a pair of apertures that slide over the upwardly extending rods and rests on the horizontal portion of the rods to support the tissue roll.

Abstract: A paper holder with electronic entertainment system is disclosed wherein an electronic entertainment system is built into a paper holder that can be used safely and conveniently to entertain the user. The paper holder with electronic entertainment system does not detract from the decor in the restroom and does not need to be removed from the restroom after use. The electronic entertainment system may be an AM/FM radio, a compact disc (CD) player, a DVD player, a cassette player, or any other suitable electronic entertainment systems.

Abstract: A fin control assembly includes a housing, an arm configured to couple to a fin and to steer the fin relative to the housing, and a locking member disposed within the housing. The locking member is configured to (i) lock the arm in a substantially fixed state to inhibit movement of the arm relative to the housing when the locking member is in an engaged position, and (ii) unlock the arm from the substantially fixed state to allow the arm to steer the fin relative to the housing when the locking member moves from the engaged position to a disengaged position. The locking member has a cylindrical body portion and a cylindrical end portion, which is eccentric with the cylindrical body portion, to enable the locking member to lock the arm in the substantially fixed state while the arm holds the fin in a neutral location.

Abstract: A method and system for a helicopter blade emergency detachment system that has an activator in the cockpit to initiate the system, an ignition train to provide the detonation signal, a transfer system at the base of the main rotor shaft to move the signal from the stationary helicopter to the rotating blades, and explosive charges located at the root of each main bearing-less rotor blade to separate the composite blade from the main rotor. These four components interact in the way described to enable the blades of the helicopter to be detached during an emergency, thus increasing the stability of the aircraft during a hard landing and/or allowing for the use of an occupant ejection seat or parachute while the helicopter is still in flight.

Abstract: A flapping apparatus includes a first disk rotated by a driving source, and a second disk that rotates in contact with a main surface of the first disk. The second disk is provided with first and second stoppers that limit its angle of rotation. When the stopper is in contact with the first disk, rotation of a wing shaft is caused only by the rotation of the first disk, and when the stoppers are not in contact with the first disk, rotation of the wing shaft is caused only by the rotation of the second disk.

Abstract: An unmanned helicopter includes an altitude control device for giving a command of a collective pitch blade angle based on an altitude change rate command, etc., and performing altitude control of an airframe and takeoff device, upon reception of a takeoff start command from the ground, for causing the airframe to take off and climbing the airframe to a first altitude while increasing the collective pitch blade angle without performing the altitude control of the altitude control device and then causing the altitude control device to start the altitude control. The unmanned helicopter further includes descending device for causing the airframe to descend to a second altitude while changing descent rate command of the altitude control device and giving a descent rate command smaller than the descent rate command to the second altitude to the altitude control device for causing the airframe to descend from the second altitude to the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for situating and securing payloads to support structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a support structure, a floor assembly, and a payload assembly. The floor assembly includes a plurality of elongated engagement members coupled to the support structure, the engagement members being spaced apart and mostly parallel, each engagement member including an engagement surface. The payload assembly includes a payload component positioned proximate the floor assembly, and at least one payload support coupled to the payload component and engaged with at least some of the engagement members, the payload support being adapted to beam loads from the payload component to the floor assembly and being moveable with the payload component relative to the floor assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the thermal comfort in passenger planes by means of a heat-reflecting coating with a low thermal emission coefficient, and airplanes and airplane parts bearing this coating. According to the invention, the coating is applied to the existing interior surfaces of the airplane cabin wall such that a passenger of the airplane may be in direct radiation exchange with this coating.

Abstract: A simplified structure for a wing skin and wing box wherein the internal surface (2) of an aircraft wing skin panel (1) in the wing box includes a multiplicity of strips (3), each strip being associated with a stringer. The strips (3) have different gradients in the span-wise direction S, which is the direction in which the strips extend. The surface of each strip is, in the chord-wise direction C, parallel to the external surface (5). At a junction, at which a rib meets a stringer, the interior surface (2) has an area (4a) that is parallel to the exterior surface (5), such that the rib and stringer at that junction may be simply attached to the wing skin panel (1).

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a movable appendage on an aerospace vehicle independent from the position of the aerospace vehicle. First and second beacons containing actual position information for the movable appendage are tracked and acquired by first and second beacon tracking sites. The beacon tracking sites report the azimuth and elevation data relating to the position of the movable appendage to a processor where a correction command is determined based on an error calculated from the position data and a desired position. The correction command is communicated to the movable appendage so that appropriate correction to the desired position can be made.

Abstract: A parachute system has a canopy, suspension lines that extend from the canopy skirt to a confluence point, and a center line that is attached to and between the apex of the canopy and the confluence point. A single reefing line cutter is attached to the center line and is activated after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. A first reefing line extends through a first group of reefing rings wherein one end of the first reefing line is attached to the single reefing line cutter and the opposite end is attached to the canopy skirt at a first predetermined location. A second reefing line extends through a second group of reefing rings that is opposite the first group of reefing rings. The second reefing line has one end attached to the single reefing line cutter and an opposite end attached to the canopy skirt at a second predetermined location that is across from the first predetermined location.

Abstract: A small, substantially spherical, free-flying utility platform for use in space can be docked, inspected and serviced in an apparatus including a container with a chamber therein mounted on the outside of a space vehicle or space station. A motorized closing mechanism drives a door to selectively open or close an opening of the container into the chamber, and another mechanism automatically latches and locks the door. The door operations can be automatically triggered as the platform breaks the beams of light beam devices arranged in the container. The proper positioning of the platform in the container can be detected by a photoelectric switch. Capture and docking of the platform is facilitated by sloping funnel-shaped interior walls of the container, and properly shaped cushions and/or a docking cradle. When docked, the platform has its batteries recharged, its fuel tank refueled, and its electronics evaluated and diagnosed.

Abstract: A rocket-powered spacecraft having a wing which has hinged aft portions which can be elevated about a hinge line. Tail booms extend rearwardly from the outer ends of the aft wing portions, and rudders are mounted at the aft ends of the booms. Each tail boom supports a horizontal tail with an elevon at its trailing edge. In normal flight, the wing aft portions are not elevated, and the wing has a normal airfoil shape. During atmosphere reentry, the wing aft portions are steeply elevated to provide a stable high-drag altitude for the spaceship for speed reduction at low thermal and structural loading. After reentry, the aft wing is returned to an unelevated position which enables gliding flight to a horizontal-runway landing.

Abstract: Control system for radio-controlled aircraft. The control system includes a control master for simultaneously controlling a group of flight control means, for example, a group of ailerons. A control bar is slidably mounted in the control master and connected to a servo-controller. A plurality of controller cables or push rods, one for each flight control means in the group, are connected to the control bar. A sliding movement of the control bar effects a repositioning of the flight-control means.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aircraft high-lift system with a drive system, components for transmitting the drive energy over the entire wing span to drive stations of individual segments of landing flap/slat flap systems, and with overload protection. According to the invention, the overload protection consists of electrical load sensors positioned at the drive-energy in-take points of the individual power trains on the flaps.

Abstract: An airfoil member (14) includes a geometric morphing device (18). The geometric morphing device (18) has an inflatable member (30). The inflatable member (30) has an exterior wall (32) and multiple inflated states. The exterior wall (32) includes a layer with one or more fibers embedded therein. The exterior wall (32) controls size, shape, and expansion ability of the geometric morphing device (18).

Abstract: An electronically controlled grade crossing gate system and method. The system includes a gate arm, a gate arm moving assembly, a position sensor assembly and a controller. The gate arm moving assembly is configured to move the gate arm and the position sensor assembly is configured to sense a position of the gate arm. The position sensor assembly is a non-contact position sensor assembly. The controller is coupled to the gate arm moving assembly and the position sensor assembly and it is configured to receive an incoming command related to the gate arm. The controller activates the gate arm moving assembly in response to the incoming command and communicates with the position sensor assembly to monitor the position of the gate arm.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for use with a parameter measuring device includes a stem extending from an outer casing of the parameter measuring device, where the stem includes an internally threaded opening. A mounting plate having an integral barrel formed thereon cooperates with the measuring device wherein the mounting plate abuts the outer casing and the integral barrel surrounds the stem. A mounting bar is secured to a distal end of the integral barrel wherein the mounting bar serves to attach the measuring device to an external surface. Finally, a threaded fastener is threadedly received within the internally threaded opening of the stem for securing the mounting bar and the mounting plate to the measuring device.

Abstract: An adjustable stand is described. The adjustable stand includes a support, at least one upper bracket engaged with and adjustable along the support, at least one lower bracket engaged with and adjustable along the support, an upper clamp member operatively connected to the at least one upper bracket, and a lower clamp member operatively connected to the at least one lower bracket, the upper and lower clamp members being adjustable relative to the corresponding at least one upper and lower brackets and cooperating to hold an apparatus therebetween.

Abstract: A stand for a display having a base, a supporting case mounted on the base, a supporting member mounted inside the supporting case and having an end seated on the base to support the weight of the display, and a mounting bracket engaged with the the other end of the supporting member, to mount the display. This stand supports the weight of a large-sized display and allows a user to swivel the display around an axis of the supporting member, and change the distance between the base and the display.

Abstract: A suspension arm comprising a rising/descending device further consists of an inner sleeve; a retractable shaft and an elastic body inside, an outer sleeve connect to the inner sleeve, a clip ring on the top open of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: An adjustable trunk for an artificial Christmas tree has a base, a telescoping post and a reel assembly. The telescoping post has a stationary outer tube, at least two inner tubes and multiple gaps. The stationary outer tube is mounted on the base. The inner tubes are mounted slidably inside the stationary outer tube and each other. Each tube has a top end, at least one longitudinal slot, at least one bridge, a bottom end and a reeve hole. The gaps are defined between adjacent tubes. The reel assembly has a reel and at least one cable. The at least one cable extends over the top end of the outer tube, through the gap between the stationary outer tube and an adjacent inner tube, through the reeve hole, up the adjacent gap and continues until being attached to the reeve hole in the innermost inner tube.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for a car shaker vibrator that includes a vibrator mounting member that is pivotally connected by a pivot pin, in a hinged or clevis arrangement, to a wedge member. The wedge member includes the male portion of a Gardner type bracket that is adapted for engaging a mating female portion that is mounted on a railroad car. The vibrator mounting member may be selectively rotated between a first position and a second position. The vibrator mounting member is retained at the first position by a locating pin during the emptying of a railroad car during the selective operation of the car shaker vibrator. The vibrator mounting member is retained at the second position by the locating pin when the dislodgement of the male portion from the female portion is desired together with the selective and subsequent operation the car shaker vibrator. An intermediate position may be provided between the first position and the second position and used when needed.

Abstract: A rod hanger adapter selectively mounted to an associated cabinet includes a first wall comprising an opening for mounting the rod hanger adapter to a wall of the associated cabinet and a second wall connected to, spaced from and at least substantially parallel to the first wall. The second wall includes a slot for receiving an associated rod.

Abstract: A system for reconfigurably adapting a dental chair for use, including, e.g., use from the right side or left side, use by right-handed or left-handed practitioners and use in various dentistry practice styles, may include a link arm, a primary arm and a secondary arm. The link arm is pivotably connectible to a rear side of the dental chair. The primary arm is pivotably connectible to the link arm to swing in a generally horizontal plane about a generally vertical axis. The secondary arm is coupleable to the link arm, preferably along substantially the same axis. The secondary arm has multiple pivotably connected segments allowing its distal end to be positioned as desired.

Abstract: A support arm for stored devices, which is pivotably seated in a holder fastened to a fastening surface and can be horizontally adjusted into a pivoted-in position and a pivoted-out position. In the pivoted-in position the support arm extends approximately parallel with the fastening surface and in the pivoted-in position extends perpendicularly with respect to the fastening surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device with stabilization base and a video display apparatus. The stabilization base is movable between a use position and a storage position, and is locked in the use position so that it would not easily move. When no problem occurs even if the stabilization base is moved, the locking of the stabilization base in the use position can be canceled easily. The stabilization base (4) is movable between the use position where it is projected outwards in relation to an outer edge of a grounding portion of an apparatus main body (2) and the storage position where it is stored on the inner side in relation to an outer edge of the apparatus main body. The stabilization base in the use position is immovably locked by lock means (10), (10) provided in the apparatus main body, and the locking by the lock means is canceled by pressing from the lower side or a lateral side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flanged connector and base receptacle for receiving posts of the of the standard types used to support roadside signs. A female socket of the receptacle is provided with multiple cross sectional shapes and/or sizes to securely and removably receive one of two or more different shapes and/or sizes of standard support posts. The base is readily attachable to the end of a length of bare post using a simple mechanical attachment. The invention includes a system of providing a breakaway joint which is easily installed as a retrofit to existing solid posts with minimal modification of such a post the post. The invention also simplifies service of a post which has been damaged in use. It is particularly adaptable to use with breakaway sign post systems.

Abstract: A tool (10) having improved heat transfer characteristics and a method for cooling a tool (10) which is comprised of several selectively coupled sectional members (12–17) Each selected sectional members (16) include an outer contour (19), while each of the sectional members (12–17) includes at least one coolant passage (14). These coolant passages (14) cooperatively form a coolant manifold (18) which is a predetermined distance from contours (19). An amount of coolant 40 is passed through manifold (18) to cool tool (10).

Abstract: A blowout preventer having a main body, a ram system with ram apparatus, a movement system with movable shaft apparatus connected to the ram apparatus, the ram apparatus movable from a first open-ram position to a second closed-ram position, the movable shaft apparatus including a locking shaft portion having a tapered portion, a locking system for selectively locking the ram apparatus in the closed position and having locking member apparatus having a primary tapered surface in contact with the locking shaft portion which is movable with the so that the primary tapered surface contacts the tapered portion of the locking shaft portion to releasably lock the movable shaft apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to rotary valve assemblies and, more particularly, to a rotary valve assembly for use in an oil and gas production system. The valve assembly comprises a movable actuator sleeve movable in response to hydraulic pressure and at least one seat, the at least one seat having at least one fluid channel capable of providing fluid flow therethrough. The valve assembly also comprises a rotating disk disposed between the at least one seat and a support bushing, the rotating disk capable of rotating in response to movement of the movable actuator sleeve, the rotating disk having an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position permits fluid flow through the at least one fluid channel of the at least one seat and the closed position stops fluid flow through the at least one fluid channel of the at least one seat.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body, a flux tube, and a winding. The body defines first and second passageways, and a circular opening is defined in the second passageway providing fluid communication between the passageways. The flux tube has a closed end, an open end, and a hollow armature receiving section. The open end is in fluid communication with the first passageway. A spherical armature is disposed in the armature receiving section for reciprocating movement between a closed position sealing against the circular opening to prevent communication between the passageways and an open position spaced apart from the opening permitting communication between the passageways. The winding is disposed about the flux tube for electromagnetically positioning the armature. The flux tube forms a fluid tight pressure boundary between the winding and the passageways. A spring urges the armature toward one of the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A valve has a base body fitted in an opening and having a through passage formed at one end with a first valve surface. A valve element in the base body and has axial ends one of which forms second valve surface sealingly fittable with the first valve surface to close the through passage. A stem in the through passage is coupled to the valve element to move it between the closed and open positions. A plurality of abutment arms projecting inward from an inner peripheral wall of the through passage define with a shaft region of the valve element a clearance and define a radial gap between opposite arms which is greater than a radial dimension of the shaft region and smaller than a radial dimension of a shoulder of the valve element.

Abstract: A female element of a quick connection provided with a closure valve, wherein the opening of the valve is controlled by a reaction force exerted by an O-ring disposed in an inner housing of a body of a male connection element adapted to be fitted in the female element. The reaction force results from the abutment of the valve on the O-ring when the male and female elements are coupled together. Upon the failure of the O-ring, the valve is not displaced so that the risks of leakages are eliminated.

Abstract: In a direct injection type automatic sampler, a sampling needle having a liquid sample collected from a sample vessel by using suction force of a pump is inserted into an injection port. Then, a flow path-switching valve is rotated to switch a flow path to make a flow of mobile phase liquid pass through a loop to thereby introduce the collected sample into a column. The injection port is directly incorporated in the flow path-switching valve.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a procedure and a system for feeding optical fiber cables into a pipeline with the help of an installation device at adjustable speed. In order to prevent damage during the advancement of the optical fiber cable the engine (15) of the installation device has been supplied with a friction safety clutch (17) exerting pressure on a moving coil (18, 23).

Abstract: Disclosed is a security device to protect the spare tire on a vehicle from possible theft. The spare tire, especially in sport utility vehicles, is located on the rear underside of the vehicle and is secured by a cable and yoke. The security device comprises a plate or disk which is attached to the spare tire rim and prevents unauthorized access to cable and yoke, thereby minimizing the possibility of theft.

Abstract: A handrail and bracket assembly includes a pair of brackets having two off-set channels that permit the hand rail to be positioned in an expanded or in-use position or a collapsed or stowed position. At least one mounting opening is provided in each bracket for securing it to a wall or other surface. The channels and openings are positioned such that the brackets can be attached to the handrail prior to attaching the brackets to a wall or other surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerator consisting of a porous plastic moulded body with pores that are smaller on the air outflow side (A) than on the air inflow side (B) lying opposite. The inventive aerator is particularly suitable for use in sewage treatment plants.

Abstract: A gas spring suspension system that adjusts the spring rate as the travel is adjusted. The suspension system includes a frame, a pressure chamber, a compression piston assembly, an adjustment assembly, a piston tube, and a shaft. The piston tube is operatively connected to the adjustment assembly and the compression piston assembly, and the compression piston assembly is configured to slidably displace along the piston tube to change the pressure in the pressure chamber. The adjustment assembly is associated with the frame and is operable to axially position the piston tube and, in turn the compression piston assembly, relative to the frame to adjust the travel of the suspension system. The shaft is configured to be variably positionable within the pressure chamber in response to axial displacement of the piston tube and the compression piston assembly by the adjustment assembly, the variable positioning of the shaft within the pressure chamber changing the pressure therein.

Abstract: An adjustable disc spring system includes at least one beveled disc spring axially aligned with the adjustable spacer. The adjustable spacer is compressible in a substantially axial direction relative to the at least one beveled disc spring.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system for automated loading of a side-by-side stack of thin objects to a feeder is provided. The system can include, e.g.: a) a transporter having a transport surface upon which a side-by-side stack of thin objects can be conveyed; b) a carrier, configured to carry a side-by-side stack of thin objects, over the transport surface; c) a pusher over the transport surface; d) the pusher and the carrier being movable relative to one another between a first position in which the pusher is inside the carrier behind a side-by-side stack of thin objects on the carrier and a second position in which the pusher is laterally displaced from the carrier, such that the side-by-side stack of thin objects on the carrier is laterally slid off of the carrier by the pusher.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes at least one of sheet dispensing mechanisms (34, 36, 38, 40, 210). Each sheet dispensing mechanism includes a picking member (72, 212). The picking member rotates, and with each rotation generally causes an end note to be picked from a stack (42, 264) of sheets. The picking member (212) includes an arcuate projecting portion (258) that reduces the risk of damage to the leading edge areas of sheets due to opposed picking and stripping forces.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus for conveying a sheet using a sheet conveying unit arranged along a sheet conveying path has a skew detecting unit for detecting skew of the sheet conveyed along the sheet conveying path with respect to a sheet conveying direction, a skew correcting unit that moves in a direction for correcting the skew of the skewed sheet with the sheet nipped therein on the basis of a detection signal from the skew detecting unit, and a guide unit for supporting the skew correcting unit and guiding the sheet to the skew correcting unit, in which, when the skew correcting unit moves for correcting the skew of the sheet, the guide unit is moved together with the skew correcting unit to prevent a load from being applied to a trailing edge of the sheet.

Abstract: High accuracy is achieved in paper feed control without increasing the size of an encoder, which would result in an increase in cost. The velocity of a paper feeding mechanism is calculated from an edge signal that is generated by the encoder in response to the motion of the paper feeding mechanism. Based on the calculated velocity, a calculation is performed as to the time needed to reach a stop position since a detection of an encoder signal edge immediately before the stop position. Based on the calculated time, a control signal for stopping the paper feeding mechanism is generated.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprising a stack means for stacking sheets to be fed; a feeding path comprising guide members for feeding the sheets to the stack means, disposed facing with each other; a discharging means for discharging the sheets to the stack means; and a sheet processing means capable of moving in the sheet width direction for processing the sheets stacked on the stack means at a predetermined position. One of the guide members disposed facing with each other is divided into a plurality of parts in the sheet width direction such that the feeding path can be selectively opened per each part in a space for moving the sheet processing means in a space where the sheet processing means moves.

Abstract: A combination game device and candy dispenser has a game board defined by an enclosing transparent plastic blister adhered to a support card; a spring powered launcher for candy projectiles; a projectile trap defined by a portion of the blister for receiving launched projectiles; a store of candy pieces and a candy slide formed by a blister portion guiding individual pieces of candy to the launcher. Trapped candy can be accessed through a trap door in the support card. The blister has portions extending adjacent the card surface defining a gate for admitting only a single piece of candy at a time to the launcher and defining a candy store separated from the playing area. The configurations of the game board and trap can be matched to the configuration of an individual candy projectile.

Abstract: Card play is further enhanced by a method for playing a cards comprising; wagering whether a random card drawn will have particular, prechosen card features; indicating to the dealer which card down in the deck the card to be examined is; dealing down to that card; and paying the wager if the player has chosen the right particular, prechosen features of the card.