Abstract: The invention relates to a rotorcraft (21) comprising a fuselage (22) and an undercarriage (20) having skids (24, 25) interconnected by at least one cross-member (26, 27), together with connection means for connecting the cross-member to the fuselage and presenting angular stiffness that varies with varying sinking (E) of the undercarriage as a result of contact with the ground (23).

Abstract: In the case of an aircraft comprising a cargo compartment (2) with a cargo-compartment floor (3), supporting elements, in particular floor beams (16) to support the cargo-compartment floor (3) and to be connected to a body (1) or a skin (1) of the aircraft, and with functional units, in particular water tanks, waste-water tanks, EE racks (56) or similar electronic components, it is proposed that the functional units be disposed on pallets (70) or similar supporting structures in order to transport the functional units into the cargo compartment (2), said pallets (70) comprising fixation devices (71) for fixed attachment to the cargo-compartment floor (3). By this means the assembly of an aircraft, as well as its reconstruction, is considerably facilitated.

Abstract: A window assembly for an aircraft fuselage comprises an exterior transparent panel and an interior transparent panel positioned in an opening of the fuselage. At least one of the transparent panels may be relatively lightweight and the exterior transparent panel may be spaced apart from and in overlying relationship with the interior transparent panel. To ameliorate pressure build up in the spaced apart area, a pressure modulator, such as a vent, may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for applying to a substrate, in the form of a seal, a polysiloxane-containing coating, preferably a polysiloxane(amide-ureide) coating capable of inhibiting corrosion as well as the accumulation of ice. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a polysiloxane(amide-ureide) that forms a durable, long lasting, anti-corrosive and anti-ice coating when applied to a substrate as a seal.

Abstract: Apparatus for aerial refuelling comprises a frame 2 for attaching around an aperture in an aircraft floor 3, and a movable hose drum housing 4 pivotally mounted on the frame. The hose drum 12 may be stowed within the aircraft, and moved into the aperture, for example using screw jacks 20, for deployment of the drogue 40. Since the hose is deployed from a position nearer the outside of the aircraft, the hose does not scrape the edge of the aperture even when lying at a shallow angle to the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for launching a payload has a rotating flywheel that accelerates a traditionally designed rocket to a significant speed. Rotational energy from the flywheel is transferred in the form of kinetic energy through a spiral surface and a cable to the rocket. The system comprises a smaller rocket carrying less fuel, provided with a smaller first stage engine. All other components of the system are re-used. This leads to a simpler and more efficient design of the rocket and to a considerable reduction in launch costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assisting the piloting of an aircraft in the vicinity of a landing or takeoff point, by: determining the locus of entry and/or exit points for a given approach and/or departure altitude that are not safe for reaching the landing and/or takeoff point; and presenting a diagram including said locus on a display device.

Abstract: A patient line management device to manage one or more patient care lines. The line management device includes a line manager coupled to a support. The support is adapted to be coupled to a patient support.

Abstract: Cable Support Systems for supporting an object at a desired distance below an overhead beam or other overhead structure are provided. Novel clamps for clamping to the overhead structure are fitted to support cables that encircle objects to be supported by the cable support systems. The novel clamps have internal methods to support the cables. The cables are then encircled around the objects and fixed relative to the clamp. The distances between the object and the clamps may be precisely controlled.

Abstract: A trash bag holder is described for suspending a plastic trash bag, especially drawstring-type trash bags, and holding open the top for filling, without utilizing a rigid container.

Abstract: An apparatus to retain an infant's beverage container, such as a bottle or sippy cup, is designed to be removably fitted on the baby in the manner of a harness. The apparatus securely retains the container and allows snugging of the harness at such a location on the infant that the container is positioned so that it may be easily drunk from and manipulated by the infant. The apparatus further permits the infant to move about freely. Embodiments permit easy adjustment of the apparatus to fit both baby and container. Embodiments also permit easy cleaning of the apparatus. Embodiments are adaptable to retain other items used by the infant, such as toys or pacifiers. By employing this invention, the bottle, sippy cup or other retained item avoids contact with the ground and its consequent contamination, and yet the item is accessible to the infant at all times.

Abstract: A stand system tilts a monitor up or down. The stand system can move the monitor manually or through one or more motors. The stand system has a base and a neck. The an arc configuration that slides on one or more rollers. The base may be engaged with a mechanism that slides the base along the rollers following the arc configuration of the base. The gear mechanism may be coupled to a motor to slide the base on the roller through a motorized action.

Abstract: A structure for mounting lightweight articles to planar surfaces such as walls, corkboards, display boards and the like. The structure includes a strip fabricated from transparent material. A respective pin is embedded or attached at each end of the strip and extends from the undersurface thereof. The strip can be manufactured at various lengths to accommodate different sized articles and can be made in different colors to accommodate aesthetic tastes. The strip can be relatively stiff or highly flexible depending on intended use.

Abstract: A backrest for a motorcycle includes a base plate including an upper portion, and a lower portion including first and second opposing ends. A frame and/or pad are attached to the support portion. The lower portion includes a first vertical recess in the first end, and a second horizontal recess in the second end. A bracket is slidably mounted to the base portion, the bracket being slidable along a transverse axis between open and closed positions. In the closed position, a third recess in the bracket at least partially encloses the second recess for securing a pin within the second and third recesses. A locking arm is pivotally mounted to the bracket member for releasably securing the bracket member in the closed position. The bracket member and locking arm allow the backrest to be quickly attached to and released from a motorcycle.

Abstract: A clip particularly adapted for releasably attaching a component such as an AV screen to a surface, wherein the component defines a channel having a base wall and a pair of opposed side walls each of which has a recess extending therealong and facing the opposed side wall. The clip has a base member adapted for attachment to the surface with a rear plane in contact therewith, and an arm projecting forwardly at an acute angle to the rear plane so as to be engageable into one of the component side wall recesses A latch member is slidably supported on the base member and is spring urged away from the arm. The latch member has a leading portion configured for engagement in the recess of the opposed side wall of the component.

Abstract: A shelving system and method for mounting a shelf are provided. The shelving system includes a plurality of support brackets configured to be secured to a support structure and a plurality of support arms configured to engage at least some of the plurality of support brackets. The shelving system further includes a plurality of mounting components configured to be secured to a shelf, with the plurality of mounting components further configured to engage at least some of the plurality of support brackets and the plurality of support arms.

Abstract: A self-assembly shelf support apparatus that can be easily assembled, the apparatus consisting of at least a support bracket, a leg, and a wedge. The support bracket consists of at least a sleeve which is fit over the leg and the wedge. The wedge is located between the tapered surface of the sleeve and a front region of the leg. The leg contains openings spaced vertically along the front region of the leg which receive a tab from the back surface of the wedge. Both the tapered region of the sleeve and the front of the wedge are tapered similarly and both decrease upwardly.

Abstract: A work platform for a ladder includes a support assembly that removably attaches to the ladder. The platform includes a tray which attaches to the assembly. The tray has a plane having a front and a rear. The plane has at least a first bin for holding small parts, a tool lasso slot, at least one screwdriver hole, and at least one drill holster slot. A method for using a work platform for a ladder includes the steps of obtaining small parts from a first bin in a plane of a tray held to a ladder with a support assembly of the platform. There is the step of placing at least one screwdriver in a screwdriver hole in the plane for holding the screwdriver. There is the step of placing a drill in a drill holster slot in the plane. There is the step of placing a quart can of paint in a quart recess in the plane. There is the step of placing a paint scraper in a paint scraper slot in the plane.

Abstract: A self-balanced adjustable mounting system for a flat panel display. When a flat panel display is attached to the mounting system, the display is adapted to revolve about a substantially horizontal axis extending proximate a center of gravity of the display. The system may be self-balancing at a plurality of locations about the axis.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for an automotive console of an automotive vehicle having at least one sidewall which extends upwardly from the floor of a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes a base adapted for connection to the floor of the vehicle. A central leg extends upwardly from the base and has a top attached to its upper end. The top includes a portion which lies in a substantially horizontal plane and is adapted for connection to the console. In addition, a side flange is attached to and extends outwardly from the top and abuts against the console sidewall to provide additional lateral support. The mounting bracket is of a one-piece construction.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is adapted for mounting a field device, as well as to a field device that for the purpose of attachment to a mounting surface comprises such a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket comprises (a) a first bracket strap which includes a first rotary bearing, (b) a second bracket strap, spaced apart from the first bracket strap by a space, including a second rotary bearing and (c) at least one movable lock on one of the two bracket straps. The rotary bearings are designed to articulate on two opposing sides a field device that may be arranged in the space so that the field device may be rotated, on an imaginary axis that extends through the space, from a first angle position to a second angle position. The lock is designed to engage the field device in order to in this way resist a torque of the field device in that said lock converts the torque to a pair of forces which is removable by way of one of the rotary bearings and by way of the lock itself.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a cup holder assembly includes a support frame, a cup holder and a dampener. The support frame has spaced apart walls. The cup holder is slidably engaged with the walls of the support frame for movement between a stowed position disposed between the walls of the support frame and a use position extending outwardly from the support frame. The dampener is coupled to the walls of the support frame. The dampener has an arcuate spring member formed integrally therewith to provide an interference fit with the cup holder for dampening the sliding movement of the cup holder relative to the sleeve between the stowed and use positions.

Abstract: A beverage container holder includes a supporting member configured to laterally and axially support a beverage container in an upright position within the beverage container holder, and a stabilizing member configured to stabilize the beverage container holder with respect to a surface on which the holder rests, the stabilizing member having an outer dimension that is greater at a lower end of the stabilizing member than at an upper end of the stabilizing member.

Abstract: A foundation for a wind power installation including prefabricated elements which are important for the statics of the foundation of the wind power installation, namely the load-bearing and laterally stabilizing elements of the foundation. In an embodiment the foundation prefabricated elements include a foundation base element and at least two foundation foot modules, adapted to be fixed to the foundation base element.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a motor having a swivel hinge preventing the damage of the deceleration gear and the rotor of the motor, and the rotation apparatus of a display having the same. In one aspect, the invention features a rotation apparatus of a display, which comprises a stand, a swivel hinge having one end fixed to the stand and configured to rotate relatively when a predetermined amount of torque is applied, a motor joined to the other end of the swivel hinge by a shaft and having a deceleration gear, and a guide configured to rotates as a single body with the motor and joined to a display, wherein the restrictive torque of the swivel hinge is smaller than the constraint force of the deceleration gear and greater than the weigh of the display.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seat rail for vehicles. The seat rail of this invention eliminates gaps between a lower track and an upper track in horizontal and vertical directions, and distributes a load transmitted through the upper track, thus improving overall durability. The invention reduces the number of parts required, thus reducing the cost of a product and the working hours, realizing a light product, reducing fuel consumption, improving operational performance, reducing operational noise, and improving operating sensation. Further, the invention secures strength sufficient to support bending moment of the upper track, which is a concern during a head-on collision or a rear-end collision, thus maximizing the safety of passengers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reading aid which is able to hold a book, of varying size and thickness, open in a natural reading position without the need for hands or other devices and comprises a non-linear, book supporting member each end of which is angled between 160 degrees and 60 degrees from the centre of said member with resilient asymmetric flexible left and right hand page retaining portions at opposite ends of said member which narrow along their length to less than a 12 point font size to fit between the text. Different book sizes are accommodated by different sized devices and a telescopic version. When not being used to read books the device wraps around the spine acting as a page mark.

Abstract: A digital display insert for a photo frame comprising a central block housing a processing unit and an edge. The central block having a front surface with a display screen capable of displaying digital images, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces. The edge extending at the front surface around a periphery of the central block and capable of removably engaging with the engaging section of the photo frame, such that, the display screen is visible through a viewing window of the photo frame.

Abstract: A low profile security mounting apparatus for mounting a flat panel screen to a support surface. The apparatus generally comprises a mounting plate, a back cover, and a platform. The mounting plate comprises an array of apertures for mounting a flat panel screen, a base for attachment to the platform, and a receptacle for engagement with the back cover. The back cover further comprises a panel that conceals the appliance mounting hardware, and a lower securing element that attaches to the platform. The platform in the present invention comprises a lower housing that is used as a locking mechanism for rotationally securing the apparatus. The platform also comprises an upper housing that uses a plurality of fasteners to secure the mounting plate and back cover.

Abstract: A sealing structure of a rotation unit has a first member defining a first axis, a second member defining a second axis and an O-ring disposed between them. The first member and the second member are substantially coaxial, and at least one of the first member and the second member rotates about its respective axis. The first member and the second member have a first surface and a second surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the first and second axes, respectively. The O-ring is disposed between and in contact with the first surface and the second surface. The sealing structure further has a movable range regulating part that maintains the first and second axes in substantially alignment by reducing relative displacement of at least one of the first and second members away from alignment.

Abstract: At least a wing slab are used to increase contact area and friction with RC (Reinforced Concrete) in order to link up un-stripping waffle slab mold with RC tightly. A cannular pillar and a horizontal-precision adjusting device are utilized to increase the height of the waffle slab and hold the waffle slab horizontal, and further can replace raised flooring installations.

Abstract: Mold components comprising soluble cores, metal matrix composite articles, and methods of making metal matrix composite articles.

Abstract: An optical receiving device includes an optical receiving element and a light collecting portion having an output surface close to or in contact with the optical receiving surface of the optical receiving element. The dispersion plane at an arbitrary point on the line connecting an arbitrary point on an input surface of the light collecting portion to the optical receiving point where light inputted on the arbitrary point on the input surface is received on the optical receiving surface of the optical receiving element is flat, and the normal to the dispersion plane is parallel to the line.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system includes an electro-optic reflective element, an ambient light sensor that is operable to sense ambient light, a glare light sensor that is operable to sense glare light and a circuit that is responsive to the ambient glare light sensors which establishes a reflectance level of the reflective element. The circuit includes a sensor-responsive device and a controller. The sensor-responsive device produces an output that is a function of light sensed by glare and ambient light sensors. The controller connects one of the glare and ambient light sensors at a time with the sensor-responsive device to establish glare and ambient light levels and thereby the reflectance level of the reflective element. The mirror system may include a display operable to project light through the reflective element and may control the intensity of the display as a function of the glare light and ambient light.

Abstract: The optical device 10 includes a light source 13, a mirror element 12 including a mirror 36 for reflecting light emitted from the light source 13 in a predetermined direction, and a mirror element housing body 11 that accommodates the mirror element 12 as well as seals a space D where the mirror element 12 is accommodated, characterized in that the light source 13 is provided inside the mirror element housing body 11.

Abstract: The apparatus and method provide a readout technique and circuit for increasing or maintaining dynamic range of an image sensor. The readout technique and circuit process each pixel individually based on the magnitude of the readout signal. The circuit includes a gain amplifier amplifying the readout analog signal, a level detection circuit for determining the signal's magnitude, a second gain amplifier applying a gain based on the signal magnitude and an analog-to-digital converter digitizing the signal and a circuit for multiplying or dividing the signal. The method and circuit allow for a lower signal-to-noise ratio while increasing the dynamic range of the imager.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo-detecting apparatus having a structure which can accurately detect light by restraining noises from occurring. The photo-detecting apparatus comprises a first substrate having a surface provided with M×N photodiodes and switches; a second substrate having a surface provided with signal processing parts for processing output signals of the photodiodes; and a third substrate arranged between the first and second substrates. The third substrate has a first surface opposing the first substrate and a second surface opposing the second substrate. In the third substrate, M common wires for connecting the photodiodes to the signal processing parts are arranged on the first surface, whereas bonding pads connected to the respective common wires are arranged on the second surface.

Abstract: An optical transceiver includes at least one light source and at least one detector mounted on the same surface of the same substrate. The detector is to receive light from other than a light source on the surface. At least one of the light source and the detector is mounted on the surface. An optics block having optical elements for each light source and detectors is attached via a vertical spacer to the substrate. Electrical interconnections for the light source and the detector are accessible from the same surface of the substrate with the optics block attached thereto. One of the light source and the detector may be monolithically integrated into the substrate.

Abstract: A CMOS light sensor and the operation method thereof are disclosed. The CMOS light sensor has a plurality of light sensing lines and a plurality of capacitor lines. Each light sensing line has a plurality of light sensors such that the number of capacitors in each capacitor line is smaller than the number of light sensing cells in each light sensing line. The capacitors are used for holding a portion of the potentials produced by the light sensing cells due to illumination. The method of operating the CMOS light sensor includes transferring the data captured by the light sensing line to the capacitor line and reading out the data according to a pre-defined order so that the leakage of charges from the capacitor is reduced.

Abstract: A semiconductor color sensor implemented without the use of color filters. Fabricating photodiodes using different semiconductor materials provide photodiodes with different sensitivities vs. wavelengths. A first embodiment uses photodiodes with different junction depths. A shallow junction depth produces a photodiode with its sensitivity peak in shorter wavelengths, while a deeper junction depth produces a photodiode with its sensitivity peak in longer wavelengths. Amorphous as well as crystalline structures may be used. A second embodiment uses photodiodes with different materials, such as Silicon-Germanium (SiGe) which has a longer wavelength peak sensitivity, and Silicon (Si) which has a shorter wavelength peak sensitivity in comparison. More than two photodiodes having different wavelength sensitivities may be used. Sensing current ratios between pairs of diodes allows color balance to be maintained.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a proximity of an object are provided. The method includes receiving a first beam of radiation from a first field of view directed onto a first detector and a second beam of radiation from a second field of view directed onto a second detector wherein the second beam is angularly displaced from the first beam by a predetermined amount, generating a first output signal from the first detector correlative to the energy received from the first beam and a second output signal from the second detector correlative to the energy received from the second beam, and outputting a proximity signal indicative of the proximity of an object when a differential between the first and second output signals exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An optical motion sensing module includes a microlens array comprising a plurality of lenslets, each lenslet forming a corresponding image of a surface; a light sensor comprising a plurality of pixels corresponding to the plurality of lenslets to detect the formed images of the surface; and a controller to use the detected images to determine a motion of the surface relative to the optical navigation module. The optical navigation module is usable in optical mice or in other applications in which relative motion is detected optically.

Abstract: A monitoring device for spatial areas comprises a receiver, to which an anamorphotic optical system, is assigned. The monitoring device also has a transmitter which scans a field of view assigned to the receiver using radiation pulse beams. A distance image of an object in the field of view can be produced by way of a radiation transit time determination with short-term integration carried out in an evaluation unit.

Abstract: In an automatic analyzer which includes a reaction container which contains reaction solution therein, a light source which emit light to be transmitted through the reaction solution, a spectral detector which measures the light transmitted through the reaction solution, a memory which stores light measurement data measured by the spectral detector and a CPU which calculates the light measurement data stored in the memory to obtain a light intensity, wherein the spectral detector measures the light over an entirety of an area from one end to the other end of the reaction container at a portion where the reaction solution reserves, the memory stores the light measurement data measured by the spectral detector, and light measurement data in an area where the reaction solution exists is obtained from the memory to calculate a light intensity.

Abstract: Optical transducers are provided for detecting forces such as, rotation and transversal forces acting on them, wherein, for the purpose of detecting the forces, optical signals are transmitted through an optical path, for instance defined by an optical fiber. Moreover, polarization scrambling means are provided together with polarizing means, with the polarization scrambling means being adapted to render the polarization of the optical signals entering the optical path either parallel or perpendicular to the axis of polarization of the polarizing means. The polarization of optical signals transmitted through the transducer is further modified as a result of forces acting on the transducer so that the optical signals exiting the transducer can be used for the purpose of detecting the forces.

Abstract: Optical transducers are provided for detecting forces such as, for example rotational and transversal forces acting on them, wherein, for the purpose of detecting said forces, optical signals are transmitted through an optical path defined by optical fibers. Moreover, optical means are provided, adapted to modify the transmission of the optical signals through the optical path, as a result of forces acting on them. The resulting optical signals exiting the transducer are then used for the purpose of detecting the forces acting on the transducer.

Abstract: An encoder having a code scale and an emitter detector module is disclosed. The code scale includes alternating reflective and opaque stripes. The emitter-detector module includes a light source that generates light and directs a portion of the generated light to the imaging element and a photodetector that generates a signal representing an intensity of light having a linear polarization in a predetermined direction received by the photodetector, the light source and the photodetector are encapsulated in a transparent medium, wherein there is a gap between the transparent medium and the code scale. The predetermined direction is chosen to reduce the intensity of light received by the photodetector that is reflected from an interface between the transparent medium and the gap. A polarization filter can also be included in the light source to further improve the rejection of the light reflected from the interface of the transparent medium and the gap.

Abstract: In an optical encoder, a plurality of light sources is controlled on and off so as to use light rays to irradiate an optical grating of a scale from a plurality of different directions. The light rays are received by a plurality of photoreceptor elements. Operations are performed using signals output from the photoreceptor elements. Accordingly, the relative position between the photoreceptor elements and the scale is detected precisely.

Abstract: A semiconductor device, includes a semiconductor substrate having a main surface where a light receiving element area is formed; a projection part provided in the periphery of the light receiving element area on the main surface of the semiconductor substrate; an adhesive material layer provided in the external periphery of the projection part on the main surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a transparent plate supported by the projection part and fixed above the light receiving element area by the adhesive material layer.

Abstract: A calibration technique is provided that utilizes a standard sample that allows for calibration in the wavelengths of interest even when the standard sample may exhibit significant reflectance variations at those wavelengths for subtle variations in the properties of the standard sample. A second sample, a reference sample may have a relatively featureless reflectance spectrum over the same spectral region and is used in combination with the calibration sample to achieve the calibration. In one embodiment the spectral region may include the VUV spectral region.