Abstract: Water is fed from a tank to a capillary carrier having an emitter end from which an ionized water particle is emitted by a voltage being applied across the emitter end and an opposed electrode. A cation exchanger is provided to remove minerals such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ from the water being fed through the capillary carrier or from the water to be fed to the carrier from the tank, thereby avoiding the ions from precipitating at the emitter end as CaCO3 or MgO in reaction with C02 in the surrounding air, and therefore assure reliable electrostatic atomization over a long period of time.

Abstract: A mobile slurry apparatus for creating a slurry from oil sand ore has a frame and a slurry box supported by the frame. Water is mixed with the ore to form a slurry that is retained in the slurry box. The frame base has a first set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a stationary mode, and a second set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a moving mode. The second set of spaced apart support points is closer together than the first set of support points and defines a lifting region disposed beneath a centre of gravity of the slurry apparatus in a moving mode when the slurry box is empty. Thus, a single moving device can be positioned beneath the second set of support points for lifting and moving the slurry apparatus.

Abstract: A grater for cutting, slicing and grating food. The grater including a housing having a peripheral wall structure and a base cooperating to define a receptacle. The housing including a skirt portion extending away from the receptacle and being engageable by a user's hand to hold the housing in place on an underlying support surface. The grater includes a blade carried by the housing. The skirt portion receives a user's hand in a grasping position to simultaneously engage the skirt portion and the underlying support surface.

Abstract: A cone crusher mantle armor for ore comminution, comprising: a. grooves laid out in the form of spires or helixes over the mantle, where such grooves are integral to said mantle thus forming the mantle armor, and b. such grooves and said mantle are manufactured in a single casting.

Abstract: A feed control assembly for feeding a cable on to a rotatable reel has a primary guide for controlling the location of the cable as it feeds on to the reel, and a drive assembly arranged to reciprocate the primary guide means as the cable feeds through the primary guide.

Abstract: A method and a device is provided to reduce a student's throwing of school classroom materials. A spring driven retractable reel is attached to a base which can be secured to a teacher chosen classroom location using velcro or other mechanical attachments. The end of the retractable reel cord is connected to materials such that thrown materials are slowed as they leave the student's hand in order to reduce throwing and train improved student behavior.

Abstract: A winding reel device with an additional winding unit has a winding box with two cavities and a partition arranged therebetween, first and second reel plates rotatably disposed inside the two cavities, respectively, first and second connection wires lapped about the first and second reel plates, respectively, and first and second vortex springs connected between the first reel plate, the second reel plate and the winding box.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor comprising: a first and a second energy absorption mechanism which are triggered into lock positions once a sensor for detecting a vehicle characteristic initiates. The second energy absorption mechanism can be placed in a locked position by the movement of the first energy absorption mechanism being locked into a position by a locking mechanism. The second energy absorption mechanism can also deactivated by a controller. The energy absorbing mechanisms can be a torsion bar and a pre-bent member.

Abstract: A load control device comprises a frame defining a first anchor slot configured to receive a first restraint member, and a second anchor slot configured to receive a second restraint member. At least a portion of the frame yields under a load between the first and second anchor slots that is in excess of a predetermined load.

Abstract: To obtain a webbing take-up device where a pretensioner mechanism and a lock mechanism may both be disposed on one end side of a spool and where the deformation load of an energy absorbing member may be set regardless of the take-up load of a webbing by the pretensioner mechanism. In a webbing take-up device, a pretensioner mechanism and a lock mechanism are both disposed on one axial-direction end side of a spool, and rotational force of a spool of the pretensioner mechanism is directly transmitted to the spool via a slide pin (i.e., is transmitted to the spool not via a torsion bar). Thus, the deformation load of the torsion bar may be set regardless of the take-up load of a webbing by the pretensioner mechanism.

Abstract: The caddy for spooled materials facilitates the removal and installation of spools of coiled materials (wire, cable, rope, cord, chain, etc.) within the device, while positively retaining the spools as material is withdrawn. The caddy includes a pair of opposed lateral frame members having a series of fixed crossmembers therebetween, which define a spool retaining cradle therein. A pivotally mounted arm extends from each frame member adjacent the first or rear fixed crossmember, with a spool retaining crossmember connecting the distal ends of the arms. When the movable crossmember is raised, sufficient room is provided between the first fixed crossmember and movable crossmember to allow a spool to be placed within or removed from the caddy. However, when the movable crossmember is lowered, the space between the first fixed crossmember and movable crossmember is reduced to less than the diameter of the spool, thereby securing the spool in place.

Abstract: An aerial power generation system includes a guide line supported by a support body. Wind driven elements are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. The guide lines add stability to the system and provide better control over angular orientation and direction of motion. Power transfer is through one or more tow lines connected from the driven elements to power generation devices on the ground. Another embodiment of the aerial power generation system includes a revolving apparatus and two or more wind powered driven elements connected by tow lines to the revolving apparatus. The method includes changing the driven elements between high and low force configurations for downwind and upwind operation, and flying the driven elements in a selected pattern perpendicular to the tow line.

Abstract: An aerial power generation system includes wind driven elements that are in the form of rectangular sails. The sails are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. Guide lines, support elements such as kites or blimps, and/or radio controlled airfoils add stability to the system and provide better control over angular orientation and direction of motion. Power transfer is through one or more cables connected from the wind driven elements to various electromechanical devices on the ground. Another embodiment of the aerial power generation system includes a revolving apparatus and two or more wind powered driven elements connected by tow lines to the revolving apparatus.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a pressure sensitive element for sensing a distributed fluid pressure and producing a signal in response. The pressure sensitive element is configured to be mountable on an airfoil or a hydrofoil, for example as a thin film piezoelectric element. The sensor finds applications, for example, in measuring lift or drag on the airfoil or hydrofoil.

Abstract: An aerodynamic vehicle is comprised of a pair of forward wing sections and a pair of rearward wing sections that are connected together by four pivot assemblies as a four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage surrounds an opening provided between the forward wing sections and rearward wing sections. Movement of the wing sections varies the cumulative area of the wing sections, and adjusts the shape of the opening between the forward wing sections and rearward wing sections. Movement of the wing sections improves the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle and allows the wing sections to assume optimum configurations for operation of the vehicle at high speed and low speed.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage intake duct seal dampens vibration in a compression seal member of an engine case inlet. The intake duct seal includes an inner leg that engages a stationary portion of the compression seal member and comprises a plurality of plenums for allowing inlet air to pass through the inner leg. The intake duct seal also includes an outer leg that engages a movable portion of the compression seal member and comprises a plurality of deflectors and a plurality of ligaments. The deflectors disengage the movable portion of the compression seal member at a threshold pressure such that inlet air bypasses entry into the engine case inlet. The ligaments remain in contact with and dampen vibration of the movable portion of the compression seal member at or above the threshold pressure.

Abstract: A ram air inlet includes a channel with an intake in a wing leading edge, front and rear flaps arranged in the channel for selectively closing or opening the channel, and an actuator connected to the flaps. A front end of the front flap is pivotably connected by a fixed bearing to an aircraft structure adjacent the intake. A rear end of the rear flap is moveably and pivotably mounted to the aircraft structure via a movable bearing arrangement, e.g. a pivot bearing linearly movable in guide tracks, or a flexible lever connected to a fixed pivot bearing, or a swinging bearing pivotably connected to a fixed bearing. The opposite ends of the flaps are pivotably connected to each other by a third bearing. The actuator drives the third bearing to pivot the front flap between opened and closed positions, while the rear flap pivots and moves in the wing chord and/or thickness directions.

Abstract: A truss structure well suited for use as an engine strut on a commercial aircraft. The truss structure is cast as a single piece integrally formed component from a titanium alloy or another suitably lightweight, structurally strong material. The truss structure includes a plurality of integrally formed attachment structures which enable the truss structure to be secured to an element of an aircraft such as a wing. A plurality of attachment areas for an element such as an engine is also formed that allows the element (e.g. jet engine) to be secured to the truss structure. The truss structure includes a plurality of elongated rails and truss elements that are arranged to provide redundant load paths to ensure that a failure of any one truss element or elongated rail will not result in a failure of the overall truss structure to support whatever load is required.

Abstract: Two similarly shaped, such as rectangular, shells are attached to one another such that they form a resulting thin airfoil-like structure. The resulting device has at least two stable equilibrium shapes. The device can be transformed from one shape to another with a snap-through action. One or more actuators can be used to effect the snap-through; i.e., transform the device from one stable shape to another. Power to the actuators is needed only to transform the device from one shape to another.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for use on watertight doors includes a mounting plate having a threaded shaft on one side and an eye element on the other side. A chain associated with the watertight door is securely attached to the eye element and is adapted to be padlocked to a lock on the watertight door to lock the door against unauthorized entry into the compartment associated with the door. A threaded nut is threadably attached to the threaded shaft. The threaded shaft extends through a bore defined through the bulkhead associated with the door into the interior of the compartment associated with the door. In the event of an emergency, the threaded nut is removed from the threaded shaft, and the locking mechanism can be removed from the bulkhead associated with the door thereby freeing the door from the bulkhead and permitting the door to be opened from inside the compartment even if the chain remains locked to the door.

Abstract: A creep forming tool modifies the shape of an aircraft component in the form of a wing skin portion. The tool includes a shaped surface defined by removable rib boards. The component is forced against the shaped surface, via a reusable intermediate plate. The shape of the shaped surface may be adjusted, if necessary, by replacing the rib boards with boards of a different shape.

Abstract: A method and a line system for the air-conditioning of a freight compartment or a cabin of an aircraft envisage that at sites (A, B, C, D) remote from passengers air that is at a temperature different from that at sites (E, F, G, H) closer to passengers is introduced into the freight compartment (12, 14) or into the cabin.

Abstract: Insulated electrical conductors for installation in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, are further protected by a guard hose or tubular conduit member. Two or more such guard hoses or tubular conduit members are interconnected with each other by at least one spacer preferably, but not necessarily, integrally formed with the guard hoses or tubular member, whereby the separation of different types of electrical conductors and their installation in an aircraft are facilitated.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a tube kite comprising two front lines which are combined into a tug line and adapted to be releasably secured to the surfer, and comprising two back lines which are adapted to be secured to a bar, wherein a supplementary line serving as an additional front line during the flight phase is provided.

Abstract: In an apparatus for facilitating aerial photography, a camera is secured to a three-dimensional geometric kite in a position that is substantially fixed relative to the kite. The camera is configured for taking aerial photographs while said kite is in flight.

Abstract: A kite comprising a plurality of natural bird feathers is disclosed. The kite includes a fuselage member shaped like a feather. In addition, the kite includes a fuselage support member which is secured to the fuselage member. The kite also includes a first and a second wing member, both of which are shaped like feathers. A first wing support member is secured to the first wing member and a second wing support member is secured to the second wing member. The first wing support member and the second wing support member are secured to or integral with each other and are secured to the fuselage support member.

Abstract: A hypersonic vehicle having in one or more embodiments a control surface that is movable to a deployed position. The control surface is movable in a pivotal manner that establishes a gap between the leading edge of the control surface and the outer surface of the vehicle to provide a flow path. The gap allows a boundary layer along the outer surface of the vehicle to pass through the flow path with out separation from the outer surface, to further improve the effectiveness of the control surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small unmanned payload delivery vehicle that can deploy one or more payloads into space and then bring the payloads back to earth. The delivery vehicle can be sent into space by an expendable launch vehicle, a space shuttle, or be launched from the space station. The delivery vehicle together with the payload contained therein can be left in space for a variable period of time, and the attitude of the delivery vehicle can be adjusted from time to time to maintain the vehicle in the desired orbit. When it is time to return the payload to earth, the delivery vehicle is de-orbited and re-enters the earth's atmosphere. The descent of the delivery vehicle is controlled by a parachute system packed within the vehicle. The delivery vehicle together with the payload contained therein can finally be retrieved based on signals emitted from a beacon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hanging clamp for different size rods, which comprises a L-shaped base having a body, a rotatory piece capable of rotating at a predetermined angle, as well as a clamping member also capable of rotating at a predetermined angle; wherein a retaining portion projects out of one end of body, the rotatory piece is pivoted at a proper position of body by means of a first pivotal axis, while the clamping member is pivoted at one end of rotatory piece by using a second pivotal axis; furthermore, the clamping member in response to the retaining portion is provided with an arc-shaped clamping surface having a concentric circle, whereby enabling the rotatory piece pivotally rotate the clamping member to clamp different size rods, by using the changeable distance between the clamping surface and the retaining portion; prefectably, the clamping member can also pivotally rotate to increase or decrease said changeable distance between the clamping surface and the retaining portion, so as

Abstract: A bar clamp assembly configured to be secured to a structure through a fastener includes a bar clamp, a securing base, and a fastener retention member. The securing base may be integrally formed with the bar clamp, and is configured to receive and retain the fastener. The fastener retention member is within or on the securing base, and is configured to secure the fastener in the securing base. The bar clamp assembly may also include a plurality of braces, clips and other support structures between the bar clamp and the securing base in order to provide a more robust assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic hose retention device for a work vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes an elastomeric body having slotted apertures that support a plurality of hydraulic hoses and a securing assembly that secures the hydraulic hoses in place.

Abstract: A cabinet mount arm including an arm having an elongate ring and a housing extending therefrom. The elongate ring includes a first edge, a second edge, an interior wall and an exterior wall. The interior wall and the exterior wall extend between the first edge and the second edge. The elongate ring further includes an aperture extending from the first edge to the second edge and defined by the interior wall of the elongate ring. The cabinet mount arm further includes a pivoting and locking mechanism enabling the arm to move relative to a swivel coupler.

Abstract: A structural clamp has a cast body with an open back portion or slot for receiving, in a hollow in the body, a threaded rod or bar to which the clamp is to be coupled. The body has one or more protrusions on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the body, to engage a first threaded fastener, which is threaded on the threaded rod. The protrusions operate to keep the first threaded fastener in place while a second threaded fastener is tightened against the opposite side of the body. In an alternative configuration, the structural clamp with the open slot or back end may have a threaded fastener secured in a recess or hollow in the clamp body by a clip that is snapped onto the clamp body. The clip may also aid in securing the threaded rod within a hollow in the clamp body.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a communication device includes a conical base having an axle, a disk movably connected to the conical base, a disk lifting assembly mounted at a joint between the conical base and the hollow axle to lift the center of the disk so as to create vacuum inside the disk to enable the disk to securely adhere a surface, a rod movably engaged with the hollow axle and composed of two halves, each half having first annular teeth formed on an inner face of a top portion of the half and a pivoting head pivotally sandwiched between the two halves of the rod for holding thereon the communication device.

Abstract: A suction cup includes a resilient plate including a concave bottom and a threaded middle projecting post; a bell including a support pivotably secured in an upper receptacle, an annular flange on a lower end, an internal space open to both lateral sides, a nut in the space threadedly engaged with the middle projecting post; and a pressing member disposed inside bell bottom being in contact with the flange, the pressing member including bottom pressing elements. Placing the suction cup onto a surface and continuously turning the nut will draw both the plate and the bell toward the surface and draw the pressing member onto the plate until a vacuum in a cavity between the plate and the surface is created to adhere the plate to the surface. The pressing elements are ribs or teeth having arcuate or straight shape.

Abstract: The article holder for a ladder is formed of a flexible sheet of material (e.g., coated fabric, flexible plastic, etc.) and includes two opposed ladder attachment edges with a generally central fold line therebetween and parallel thereto. At least one pocket opening is provided through the sheet, with the pocket depending from the sheet rather than being coplanar therewith. The opening(s) may be provided with closures or left open. Preferably, at least one magnet is secured to the sheet, opposite the depending pocket(s), in order to hold hand tools, nails, screws, and other articles formed of ferrous metal. Various attachments may be used to secure the device to the ladder, e.g., wire hooks, tie strings or cords, mating fabric hook and loop fastener material (e.g., Velcro®), buttons and/or snaps, etc., but plastic locking ties (e.g., Ty-Raps®) are preferred for ease of use, economy, security, and ease of removal when desired.

Abstract: The configurable wall mount presented herein has particular applicability to supporting electronic devices mounted in walls and ceilings. The configurability stems from modular components configured to be coupled together. Thus, the wall mount is configurable for mounting devices ranging from small communications connectors to large electronic control panels.

Abstract: A flat panel display mounting apparatus that enables quick and easy mounting and dismounting of the flat panel display. The system includes a first bracket having a periphery defining a plurality of spaced apart notches and a second bracket selectively removably receivable on the first bracket that includes a plurality of fastening buttons, each fastening button defining a slot. The fastening buttons are spaced apart and positioned correspondingly with the notches of the first bracket so that the slot of each fastening button receives the periphery of the first bracket at a separate one of the notches when the second bracket is received on the first bracket.

Abstract: Mounting brackets (1) that have to be fitted in an aligned state, e.g. to carry a roller blind in order that it is parallel to the edges of a niche, are provided with oblong holes according to prior art, in order that the placement may be adjusted in connection with tightening of the screws use. According to the invention a larger capacity for adjustment may be obtained, in that washers (5, 9) with an oblong hole (3) are used, and in that the washes are rotatably fitted in holes (7) in the brackets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting flat panel video displays are disclosed herein. Several aspects of the invention are directed to a mounting assembly for adjustably mounting a flat panel video display. The mounting assembly can be carried by a mounting device attached to a support medium (e.g., a wall or other support structure). The mounting assembly includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The mounting assembly also includes a first link and a second link spaced apart from the first link to operably couple the first body portion to the second body portion. The first and second links are positioned to cooperatively move relative to each other to pivotably move the first body portion relative to the second body portion. The mounting assembly also includes a slot in the first and/or second body portions and a locking mechanism received within the slot to releasably hold the first and second body portions in position relative to each other.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism suitable for a keyboard is provided, and the keyboard is placed on a flat surface and has a casing. The height adjusting mechanism includes a fixing piece, a cylinder, a first gear and a second gear. The fixing piece is disposed on the casing and has a container and at least a supporting part that extends into the container. The cylinder has at least a spiral guide on its sidewall and the supporting part slides along the spiral guide when the cylinder rotates. In addition, the first gear is assembled to the cylinder so that the first gear and the cylinder can rotate simultaneously. The second gear and the first gear are meshed with each other so that the second gear can drive and rotate the first gear to adjust the relative distance between the casing and the bottom of the cylinder.

Abstract: A system and method for using a book/laptop stand is disclosed. The book/laptop stand comprises a short or tall stand, and a mounting deck. The mounting deck comprises a mounting platform, mounting platform coupler, slide clamps, and slide clamp slots. The mounting platform can both rotate and swivel 360°, and is attached to either of the stands by the mounting coupler. Both the height and width of either stand can be adjusted, with optional detents to fix at predetermined locations. The mounting coupler rotationally frictionally couples the mounting platform to the stands. The mounting platform includes slide clamps that are adjustable in location within slide clamp slots. Detents can also be provided for the mounting coupler. The slide clamps include a locking lever, attached to which are a rolling ball that allows users of the book/laptop stand to substantially easily turn pages of a book.

Abstract: An in-ground anchor structure for supporting posts for signs and the like includes a ground anchor assembly with an elongate ground penetrating spike and a mounting plate connected to the upper end of the spike in perpendicular relation thereto, and a post mounting assembly with a base plate to be received on and removably connected to the mounting plate of the ground anchor assembly and a post receiver formed as a hollow sleeve with an open upper end connected to the base plate and extending upwardly therefrom. The ground anchor assembly is driven into the ground until the mounting plate is flush with or slightly below the surface, the post mounting assembly is connected to the ground anchor assembly, and a post is secured to the sleeve. In an alternative embodiment the ground anchor assembly includes a screw shaft and screw plate in place of the spike.

Abstract: A rooftop equipment support includes a polymer material block and a metal fastener support attached to an upper portion of the block. The fastener support has a fastener portion that is configured to receive one or more fasteners for securing piping or other equipment. According to one embodiment, folded-down lips of the metal fastener portion form a channel configured to accept one or more fasteners, such as pipe clamps. In another embodiment, the metal fastener portion is a plate having one or more threaded inserts. The threaded inserts may be located between a sheet metal part of the fastener portion and a top surface of the polymer material block. The polymer material block may be made of a polyurethane foam material. The metal fastener portion may cover at least part of the edges of a top surface of the polymer material block.

Abstract: Support system for auxiliary power unit which sustains an auxiliary power unit (1) of an aircraft to a fixed structure (2) belonging to a compartment of the auxiliary power unit (6) of said aircraft, made in a high mechanical strength material, and with high resistance to ignition, which comprises at least three fittings (3, 4, 5) of a substantially cylindrical shape, said fittings (3, 4, 5) being able to be hollow, and each one of them presenting a first end (7) comprising means of attachment of the support system (8) to the fixed structure (2) and a second end (9) comprising means of securing of the support system (8) which are joined to the auxiliary power unit (1) in the periphery of the extension of said auxiliary power unit (1), with at least a first forward fitting (4) and a second forward fitting (5) being located in the forward part of the auxiliary power unit (1), and at least one rear fitting (3) being located in the rear part of the auxiliary power unit (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a travel video disk player includes placing the video disk player behind the seat back in a soft bag, and the screen of the video disk player is located in the display window of the soft bag. A main body of the mounting apparatus is an open-topped soft bag corresponding to the shape of the video disk player, a center of a front top edge of the soft bag extends upwardly to form a tongue-shape pressing strip, the front of this tongue-shape pressing strip is attached to a top of the back of the soft bag. A front of the soft bag has an open display window corresponding to the video disk player display screen, and sides of the soft bag are provided with longitudinal adjustable strips.

Abstract: The baking tin comprises a hollow part (1a) made of a flexible material having a side wall (3) whose upper end defines an opening (5), and a rigid reinforcement (7). Another annular or disk-shaped reinforcement (11?) is linked to the bottom (2), close to the join with the side wall (3).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bracing a form laid out for the construction of a tilt-up wall includes a device which is configured to engage with a structural frame member. The device has a tab depending from its bottom side, which is configured to be inserted within a control joint of a slab floor on which the tilt-up wall form is laid out. One end of the structural frame member is secured to a side of an outside perimeter of the form and the structural member is attached to the device.

Abstract: A package includes one or more optoelectronic components and a cap with an embedded glass window attached to a substrate. The optoelectronic component(s) is supported by the substrate and is capable of detecting or emitting light through the glass window. The glass window may serve as an optical filter. Techniques are disclosed for fabricating a relatively thin package with an embedded glass window in the cap.

Abstract: A collinear system optical information recording-reproduction apparatus is provided which gives sufficiently high interference modulation degree even with inexpensive semiconductor laser as the recording-reproduction light source. Specifically in this apparatus, recording is conducted by introducing a light flux from a light source to a spatial light modulator having an information pattern area and a reference pattern area, introducing the produced information light and reference light to object lens to record the information to a recording medium by the object lens by holography; and reproduction is conducted by projecting the reference light only from the spatial light modulator to the recording medium, and introducing the light reflected by the recording medium to a light-receiving element. In this apparatus the average information light intensity and the average reference light intensity introduced into the object lens are made equal.