Abstract: A hand-held system for sanitizing contaminated articles that come into intimate contact with the human body such as scuba diving equipment including aqua lungs, wet-suits, fins, caps and masks comprises structures for exposing confined parts of the gear such as hoses, pressure regulators and mouthpieces to a pressurized flow of fluid using a fluid-conditioning spray gun adapted to mix a germicidal solution into a jet of water or other fluid carrier. The spray gun has a conical nozzle provided with a set of graduated, flexible, feather-edged disks or barbs that can hermetically mate with a number of component apertures of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A watering nozzle assembly includes an adjustment member received in the barrel and an outlet device is connected to the adjustment member. The outlet device includes a rotatable member, a collar mounted to the rotatable member and a nozzle member connected to the rotatable member. An intermediate member is located between the rotatable member and the nozzle member. One side of the intermediate member has a plurality of rods and passages. Multiple apertures are defined in an outer periphery of the nozzle member. Multiple cone-shaped recesses are defined in an inner periphery of the nozzle member and enclose the apertures respectively. Multiple spiral grooves are defined in each of the cone-shaped recesses. When the cone-shaped recesses are sealed by the rods and a part of each of the spiral grooves are exposed beyond the rods so that mist-like water goes out from the apertures via the spiral grooves.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for injecting fluid, such as an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust stream in order to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from diesel engine exhaust The present invention uses mechanical spill return atomization techniques to produce droplets approximately 50 ?m SMD (Sauter mean diameter) or smaller. This size range is appropriate to allow urea to react into ammonia within the residence time associated with an on-road diesel engine. This effect is achieved through the use of a whirl plate having a plurality of whirl slots surrounding an exit orifice of the injector, which produce a high velocity rotating flow in the whirl chamber. When the rotating flow of fluid is passed through the exit orifice into an exhaust stream, atomization occurs from a combination of centrifugal force and shearing of the fluid by air as it jets into the exhaust stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drip irrigation hose including: a plurality of unit pressure-reducing channels each secured to the inner wall of the hose at longitudinally-spaced locations along a length of the hose in such a manner as to form an integrated type pressure-reducing channel; and a plurality of outlets for discharging water at longitudinally-spaced locations along the length of the hose, each of the plurality of unit pressure-reducing channels comprising an inlet part having a plurality of inlets formed at the left and right sides thereof, an inducing groove part connected to the inlet part and having a plurality of flow passageways formed in such a manner as to be reduced and enlarged in turn in the width thereof and a plurality of crescent-shaped protrusions formed in the flow passageways enlarged in the width thereof for reducing water pressure while the water flowing thereinto collides therewith, and a staying groove part connected to the inducing groove part and having a large space forme

Abstract: A solenoid actuator for a fuel injector may include a force transfer element defining a longitudinal axis, an armature operatively coupled to the force transfer element, and a stator configured to selectively move the armature substantially along the axis. The solenoid actuator may also include a fastening assembly to operatively connect the armature and the force transfer element, the fastening assembly being configured to allow the armature to pivot in at least one dimension relative to the axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spraying and atomization device of a saline mixture consisting of a minimum number of pieces integrated in a main head or base of those that are arranged underground in automatic centralized installations of electronic activity and control, comprising a prismatic body laterally reinforced by a group of ribs and a front fitting in the lower part thereof communicating through a vertical duct with an inner chamber where there is housed a support body and a spraying and diffuser nozzle, and in the latter there is a feed nozzle ending in a stepped neck where a fixing washer is assembled housed on the upper opening of said head-base and fixed by pressure on the upper neck of the support body and spraying and diffuser nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing fragrance into the air in the vicinity of the user comprises a liquid reservoir and a solid-state microfluidic controller actuated by a solid-state switching device. The microfluidic device is designed to vaporize or pump the fragrant material into the air and thereby release a scent under the manipulation of an electrical circuit, which is preferably battery powered. The entire device consisting of fluid reservoir, pump or valve, power supply, and electronic controls, is preferably small enough to be conveniently attached to clothing or worn by the user. The device may further be contained in a substantially decorative housing and worn like jewelry. The device may be pre-programmed to dispense automatically according to a preset cycle, or it may be adjustable or programmable to some degree by the user.

Abstract: A waste line connector assembly for a food waste disposer includes a tailpipe member having a first inlet connectable to an outlet of a food waste disposer, a second inlet connectable to a waste water outlet of a dishwasher, and an outlet connectable to a waste or drain line. A one-way valve, such as a duck-bill valve, is in fluid communication with the second inlet. A flexible coupler, may be provided to be connected to the outlet, with one or both ends of the coupler being angled and rotatably connected to the outlet and/or the waste line so that the angular position of the waste line is variable relative to the tailpipe member.

Abstract: A machine for grinding forage material includes a support frame that supports an enclosure for retaining a bale of forage material. A rotary shredder is positioned within the enclosure where the rotary shredder grinds the bale of forage material and discharges a forage material from the enclosure. The machine includes at least two deflectors attached to the enclosure that deflect the shredded forage material onto a surface where the at least two deflectors are positionable independent from each other.

Abstract: A wire winding device includes a case, a reel received in the case for winding a wire thereon, a restricting member for restricting/releasing the reel, and a resilient member for interconnecting the case and the reel and rotating the reel and being movable with reel in an axis direction of the reel when the reel starts to rotate.

Abstract: A spool for gathering and bundling a wire and/or a cable, such as a computer cable, is provided. The spool includes a central portion having a generally cylindrical shape, and could include conical top and bottom portions. Locking slots are provided on the top and bottom portions of the spool and releasably lock a wire and/or a cable on the spool. Retention prongs could be provided on the central portion of the spool for retaining the wire on the spool.

Abstract: A system and method for tension control in a thread feeding system that provides a fast and reliable method for feeding elastomeric thread or fiber from a package to a thread processing system. The system includes a driven elastomeric thread package holder. The thread feeding system also includes a variable-speed motor configured to drive the driven elastomeric thread package holder.

Abstract: A yarn-changing method in a warping machine having yarn-changing units is disclosed. The yarn-changing method includes steps of (a) stopping a rotary creel having a plurality of working yarn packages and preparing one of the yarn packages for color changing; (b) sucking a yarn of the original yarn package; (c) clipping the yarn of the original yarn package and delivering it to a connecting unit; (d) taking a new color-changing yarn package from a storing creel by a swing arm for changing and then delivering a yarn of the new yarn package to the connecting unit; (e) connecting the yarns of step (c) and step (d); and (f) starting the rotary creel for wrapping, thereby changing one of working yarn packages with one of new color-changing yarn packages efficiently.

Abstract: The invention specifies a metal spool for receiving metallic winding material (5) in the form of a wire, which spool comprises two flanges (1, 2) in the form of circular disks, arranged parallel to one another and having the same diameter and an elongate core (3) connecting the flanges and having a circular cross section and smaller radial dimensions in comparison with the flanges (1, 2), the mid-axis of which core corresponds to the mid-axes of the flanges (1, 2). A winding space (4) for receiving the winding material (5), is delimited by the core (3) and the two flanges (1, 2). The dimensions of the winding space (4) in the direction of the mid-axis of the spool can be enlarged at an increased temperature. In addition, means are provided to bring the dimensions of the winding space (4) back to the initial position when the temperature returns to room temperature.

Abstract: A water box for a wire-rolling mill has a lower support and a lower plate carried on the lower support, extending horizontally below a path of a wire moving in a travel direction, and formed with an upwardly open groove extending parallel to and open toward the path. An upper support carries an upper plate formed with a straight groove. Respective upper and lower guide bars seated in the grooves of the upper and lower plates are formed with respective straight channels open away from the respective plates. A hinge connected between the supports permits movement of the upper plate between a closed position closely juxtaposed with the lower plate and with the channels confronting each other and forming a passage surrounding the path and an open position spaced upward away from the lower plate. In the closed position the wire is transversely enclosed by the channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for a deployable surface or fin of a projectile characterized in that it incorporates at least one flexible tongue, one end of which protrudes in the groove, a recess to the side of the groove enabling the tongue to bend in a first direction to enable the fin to enter the groove.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air aircraft includes a gas envelope for containing a buoyant gas, and a propulsion system is carried by the gas envelope. A solar panel is carried by the gas envelope for powering the propulsion system when generating sufficient power. A closed loop combustion generating system is also carried by the gas envelope for powering the propulsion system when the solar panel is not generating sufficient power. The fuel for the closed loop combustion generator is regenerated by the solar panel from its exhaust when the solar panel is generating sufficient power.

Abstract: A rear suspension (10) for an aircraft engine assembly comprises a structure comprising two three-point shackles (12, 12?) and one two-point shackle (14). One of the hinge pins in waiting on the two-point shackle (14), preferably the hinge pin (26) fixed to the engine yoke joint, is mounted with clearance and with a damping ring acting as a spring to prevent vibrations of the engines as long as the hinge pin (26) is not engaged. Each of the suspension connecting pins (10) is a ball joint connection, the beam (16) of the suspension (10) being provided with five aligned orifices (24, 24a, 28, 24?, 24a?).

Abstract: An engine mount structure is provided with active vibration mechanisms which are attached in the vicinity of the engine mount to prevent engine vibrations from propagating into the engine mounting structure, for example, the wing or fuselage structure of an aircraft. Additionally, sensors are provided on the engine and/or wing/fuselage structure to provide control signals to the active vibration mechanisms so that the active vibration mechanism react to the sensed data to minimize the vibration transmissibility from the engine into the wing/fuselage.

Abstract: A apparatus for assisting in flying, walking or swimming having wings, legs or fins attached to a drive mechanism in which the end of the wings, legs or fins are simultaneously oscillated and moved linearly generating lift or walk and swim movement.

Abstract: A protective skin (143a, 143b) for an aircraft is disclosed. The protective skin (143a, 143b) forms the leading edges of wing members, horizontal stabilizers, and vertical fins. A portion of the skin material (143a, 143b) is removed in a selected pattern (155a, 157a, 159a, 161a, 155b, 157b, 159b, 161b) from the interior surface of the skin (143a, 143b). In the preferred embodiment, the interior surface of the skin is chemically etched and/or mechanically milled in oval and rectangular patterns so as to create crumple zones (155a, 157a, 159a, 161a, 155b, 157b, 159b, 161b) and generate progressive failure of the metal. This allows the leading edge to absorb the impact energy from a collision with a bird or other object, and prevent the bird or other object from penetrating through the leading edge into the substructure.

Abstract: A transformable skin. The transformable skin includes a first mechanism for enabling a first type of deformation of the skin. A second mechanism resists a second type of deformation that is different than the first type of deformation in direction or form. In a more specific embodiment, the first mechanism and the second mechanism are interconnected. The first type of deformation is strain deformation along a first path that is inline with a first axis of the skin. In the specific embodiment, the second type of deformation includes shear deformation and strain deformation that is inline with a second axis that is approximately perpendicular to the first axis. The first mechanism includes a plural partially planar spring structures arranged parallel to each other. The plural partially planar spring structures are resistant to bending and are interconnected via rigid connecting structures. The spring structures are partially planar, and the connecting structures are covered with an elastomeric material.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises a fuselage, a cargo door and a conveying device. The cargo door is set into one side of the fuselage. The conveyor, for example a belt and roller arrangement, may be integrated with the cargo door, and the cargo door may be moveable, about a hinge located on the lower edge of the door, between a deployed position and a closed position. Whilst the cargo door is in the deployed position; the conveyor may be arranged to convey bulk cargo to the aircraft and part of the conveyor may be located outside the aircraft and below the hinge. A plurality of conveyors may be provided.

Abstract: A cargo power drive unit includes a motor and at least one drive roller element coupled to the motor. The power drive unit further includes a light transmitter for emitting light and a light receiver for measuring light. The power drive unit measures an amount of ambient light and then measures an amount of total light after the light transmitter emits light. The power drive unit then determines whether a cargo container is present based on a calculation of reflected light and the measurement of ambient light.

Abstract: This invention is a method and supporting apparatus for autonomously capturing, servicing and de-orbiting a free-flying spacecraft, such as a satellite, using robotics. The capture of the spacecraft includes the steps of optically seeking and ranging the satellite using LIDAR; and matching tumble rates, rendezvousing and berthing with the satellite. Servicing of the spacecraft may be done using supervised autonomy, which is allowing a robot to execute a sequence of instructions without intervention from a remote human-occupied location. These instructions may be packaged at the remote station in a script and uplinked to the robot for execution upon remote command giving authority to proceed. Alternately, the instructions may be generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) logic onboard the robot. In either case, the remote operator maintains the ability to abort an instruction or script at any time, as well as the ability to intervene using manual override to teleoperate the robot.

Abstract: A system operates to guide an aircraft to or along a route designed to maintain the aircraft within a safe glide distance of an acceptable emergency landing area. The system uses a database of emergency landing areas with glide characteristics of an aircraft to determine a route that minimizes travel time or other specified parameter, while keeping the aircraft within a safe glide distance of a landing area in the database meeting the landing requirements for the aircraft.

Abstract: A cloth comprising a woven wire cloth covering an extended cloth area wherein said wire cloth has a uniform, low-reflective surface in that it consists of oxidized filaments, and a method for manufacturing a cloth.

Abstract: An information system and method provides information to an operator of a motor vehicle. A destination location and a current position of the motor vehicle are established. A planned route is established as a function of the destination location and the current position, and at least one required parameter of the vehicle.

Abstract: A casing for a hotbox detector scanner that has a detection device disposed within the casing, the casing including a top cover having a flat top horizontal surface with an opening therethrough to allow the detection device to detect a hot spot on a train, a baffle proximate the flat top horizontal surface to divert water blown across the top horizontal surface away from the opening, a vertical plate proximate the flat top horizontal surface extending downward into a cavity within the hotbox detector having a second opening therethrough to allow the detection device to detect the hot spot on the train, a base beneath the detection device, a drain hole formed therethrough the base, and an elevated-shaped drain cover with a leg to position the drain cover above the hole.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for at least partially enclosing a desired length of cable. The device includes at least one member for operatively connecting to a substrate. A conduit located between the member and the substrate provides a passage for one or more cables. Fasteners may be used to secure the device to the substrate and one or more clasps may be located within the conduit for securing the cable in a desired position. Portals may be utilized for the passage of cables into or out of the conduit and adjoining lengths of device may be connected such that their conduits are continuous. The device may be used in place of traditional moldings and provides a safer and more aesthetically appealing alternative for the routing of cables, hoses, tubes, and similar objects. The device may also be configured to form a picture frame, light bar, art niche, or other structures, and may provide light to objects disposed therein.

Abstract: A support is provided for conduit held on a channel member having a C-shaped cross section with lips extending toward the back wall of the channel. The support has a base with one surface adapted to fasten to the conduit. The second surface has a twist-lock fastener that includes a first and second plate, each having a width sized to fit through the space between the lips and having a length about the same as the distance between the sides of the channel. Two V-shaped deformable members join these plates adjacent the ends on the longest side of the plates. Each V-shaped member is joined to a different plate and the bends at the juncture of the two legs of the V-shaped member abut the side walls of the channel. The bends are adjacent the ends and extend beyond the plates to wedge against the channel sides as a screw draws the plates together and moves the legs of the V shaped member toward each other.

Abstract: A pipe clip includes upper and lower clip members that are pivoted at one end and form upper and lower slots with a locking bar fixed in the lower slot. The upper and lower clip members form upper and lower grooves for receiving and thus engaging flanges of pipe sections to be jointed therein. A U-shaped pull tab has two limbs fit over and pivoted to the upper slot. An abutting block is fixed while rotating between the limbs and defines a through hole through which a stem of a hook-on member extends by sliding. The hook-on member has a hooked end engaged with the locking bar. A helical spring is fit over the stem and retained between the abutting block and a nut engaging a threaded end of the stem. The clip is efficiently installed by engaging the hooked end of the hook-on member with the locking bar and can be secured and released by pushing/pulling the pull tab. The pull tab is configured to causes deformation of the spring to induce a torque against release of the pull tab from the secured position.

Abstract: A securement member is provided for mounting a cable tie to a mounting panel. The cable tie is an elongate member having a head and a tail extending from the head and having a self-bias to a planar condition. The securement member comprises a rigid elongate body defining an aperture extending therethrough, the aperture being adapted to receive the tail and being dimensioned to frictionally engage the received tail, attaching the tail to the securement member. The frictional force is derived from a widthwise or heightwise component of the tail's self-bias to a planar condition. Force derived from the lengthwise component of the tail's self-bias to a planar condition may supplement the widthwise component in both attaching the tail to the securement member and in mounting the tie on a mounting panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder module for affixing lines of various thicknesses in an aircraft, as well as to a holder system comprising two of the above-mentioned holder modules. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method that makes it possible to lead lines reliably and in an ordered manner through an aperture in a structural component of an aircraft. Finally, the invention relates to an aircraft that is equipped with a plurality of the above-mentioned holder modules, as well as to the use of a plurality of the holder modules according to the invention in an aircraft. The holder module comprises a basic body as well as at least one cross arm. The basic body comprises at least one bearing face to accommodate or support a line. Corresponding to the basic body, the cross arm, too, comprises at least one counter-bearing face that interacts with the bearing face of the basic body.

Abstract: An equipment support includes an equipment supporting portion to support patient care equipment, a downwardly extending coupler coupled to the equipment supporting portion, an upper lock and a lower lock. The coupler has upper and lower portions configured for receipt in upper and lower sockets, respectively. The upper lock moves to a locking position to lock the upper portion to the upper socket as the lower lock moves to an unlocking position to unlock the lower portion from the lower socket. The upper lock moves to an unlocking position to unlock the upper portion from the upper socket as the lower lock moves to a locking position to lock the lower portion to the lower socket.

Abstract: An elevating and lowering device for supporting and accessing a Purple Martin birdhouse. This device permits the ease of supporting the birdhouse and alleviates extra effort and time in elevating and lowering the purple martin house. The device may be easily used to vertically and securely support the house, then when necessary return the house to a ground location, by means of the pivotal features, for access to survey or re-feed the birds. The preferred embodiment is comprised of several structural members, namely a secured martin house support which pivots for use, an extended pole, a support channel with pivoting and counterbalance features, and a foundation means for securing the device to various options such as to the ground, to a fence, or to a balcony.

Abstract: A display stand for displays (11), comprising a pole (12) supporting the displays (11). A base plate (13) is arranged to support the pole (12), and the displays (11) are connected to a strip (45) being displaceable inside the pole in the longitudinal direction thereof, so that the displays are arranged in a row one above the other.

Abstract: A kit is provided for making a mounting device for attachment to a dry wall surface to hang an article which does not require the installer to locate or use a sub-structure base such as a wall stud or ceiling joist. The kit comprises a hook having a threaded portion on one end, a plurality of screws, a plurality of self-drilling toggle bolts for installation into the dry wall structure, and a stabilizing device. The stabilizing device has a plurality of holes formed therein. The hook is installed in one of the holes in the stabilizing device. The remaining holes are used in attaching the stabilizing device to the dry wall structure. That attachment is made by inserting the screws through the remaining holes to engage the toggle bolts which are installed in the dry wall structure. Two such mounting devices are especially useful in hanging a bicycle from a dry wall ceiling structure.

Abstract: A fastening mechanism is mounted on a suction cup including a pivotal ball in a receptacle and having surface recesses, a leg secured to the ball, and a channel open to both the external and the receptacle, the channel having an intermediate enlargement. The mechanism includes a shank in the channel and having an exposed end, a rod extended from the other end of the shank and inserted in the recess, a shoulder proximate the rod, and a resilient member compressed between the shoulder and an internal wall of the channel. Pulling the shank to clear the recess and compress the resilient member, pivoting the ball by rotating the leg until a predetermined angle thereof relative to the suction cup is obtained, and releasing the shank to cause the compressed resilient member to expand to push the shoulder will insert the rod in the adjusted recess and fasten the ball.

Abstract: A compact and easily transportable apparatus for hoisting objects capable of using only a tree as support.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, there is provided a system including a display, a mounting groove disposed along a portion of the first display, and a mount position along the mounting groove. In these embodiments, the mount position includes an alignment structure disposed in the mounting groove and a fastener disposed in the mounting groove.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a beam to a first end of a column is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a clamping member and a leg projecting downwardly from the clamping member. The clamping member is composed of a central portion located between first and second opposing hook portions. At least one hole is defined in the clamping member. At least one fastener is received in the hole for clamping the clamping member to the beam. The leg, preferably in the shape of a collar, is adapted to be received within the first end of the column such that the central portion of the clamping member rests on the first end of the column.

Abstract: An adjustable shelf system comprises a plurality of shelf supporting brackets and a generally planar shelf having an upright back wall. Each bracket includes a lower vertical portion for attachment to a wall, and an outwardly extending horizontal portion for supporting the shelf. Each bracket further includes an upper vertical portion terminating in a down-turned shelf retaining tab arranged to receive the upright back wall of the shelf to thereby releasably secure the shelf to the brackets.

Abstract: A portable computer with a rotary positioning structure is disclosed, which includes a first body, a second body, a shaft including a first part disposed on the first body and a second part disposed on the second body, a seat disposed to the first body, and a button. The second body is rotatable with the second part relative to the first part in a rotary path. The button is movable on the seat between a first position where the button is engaged into the rotary path to prohibit the second body from rotation, and a second position where the button is out of the rotary path for allowing rotation of the second body.

Abstract: A mounting device is provided for extending at least part of a line article along at least part of a structure. The mounting device includes a mounting platform having a base and two resilient legs extending from the base, where each of the two resilient legs has a free end such that a first distance between the two resilient legs is shorter than a second distance between the two resilient legs parallel to the first distance, and where the two resilient legs together form mutually opposing points of contact capable of securing the mounting device onto a structure. The mounting device further includes at least two retaining mechanisms extending from the mounting platform, where the first and second retaining mechanisms are mutually positioned to be together capable of extending at least part of a line article in any direction along at least part of such a structure, regardless of the direction in which the mounting device is secured by the two resilient legs on the structure.

Abstract: An beverage container holder includes a retaining member configured to retain a beverage container in an upright position, and an stabilizing member configured to support the retaining member off of a surface, such that the beverage container does not contact debris on the surface and is less likely to tip over.

Abstract: A portable support structure including a platform member having a primary platform connector and a secondary platform connector. The primary platform connector is configured to receive a primary support connector. The secondary platform connector is configured to receive a secondary support connector. The support structure also includes a primary support member including the primary support connector and a hook member. In addition, the support structure includes a secondary support member having a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably engaged with the secondary platform connector and the second end is in locking engagement with the hook member. The primary support connector includes structures that engage the primary platform connector and rotationally position the primary support member. The hook member includes a hook portion that engages and prevents the secondary support member disengaging upon a rotation of the secondary support member.

Abstract: A device is provided for securing a writing tablet to a frame member. The tablet defines first and second opposing lateral edges. The device comprises an elongate bar, a clamp member, and first and second support elements. The elongate bar defines a distal end. The clamp member is attached to the distal end of the bar and is fastenable to the frame member. The first and second support elements are attached to the bar and are positionable along a length of the bar. The support elements each include an engagement surface configured to engage the first and second lateral edges of the tablet.

Abstract: An improved A-frame sign stand is disclosed. The sign stand includes front and rear panels hingedly attached. A support rod is removably attachable to the panels and prevents both separation and buckling of the panels. The support rod can be placed into various storage positions. In one such position, the rod may be used as a handle. In another embodiment, the rod can be pivoted upward and stored on an inner surface of the panel.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a base portion, a rotation shaft and a bracket portion. The base portion is attached to a device. The bracket portion is coupled to the base portion by inserting the rotation shaft through the bracket portion and the base portion, and the rotation shaft is perpendicular to the base portion. The bracket portion is rotatable using the rotation shaft as a pivot. The bracket portion includes a hinge, a rotation shaft and a stand. The hinge is secured to the base portion by the rotation shaft. The rotation shaft is inserted into the hinge and the rotation shaft is perpendicular to the rotation shaft. The stand is coupled with the two ends of the rotation shaft. The stand supports the device with a predetermined angle between them. The stand can be rotatable so that the device stands relying upon either one of the four sides and the stand.