Abstract: A flow control valve favorably employable for sprinkler is composed of a cylindrical housing and control means comprising an upper spring, a floating cover disc, a lower spring, a floating hollow cylinder valve, and a valve seat arranged within the cylindrical housing, in which the cover disc is composed of a disc body and plural legs attached to a side face of the disc body and extending downwardly; the cylindrical housing is composed of a bottom fluid inlet, a top fluid outlet and a fluid passage and has plural guides for vertical movement of the legs of the cover disc on its inner surface; the cylinder valve is detachably placed on the valve seat and has an upper opening, a bottom cap, a flange formed in a lower portion of the valve and a side opening formed in a portion lower than the flange; the upper spring is in contact with the top outlet of the housing at its upper end and with an upper surface of the disc body of the cover disc at its lower end; the lower spring is arranged around the cylinder valve

Abstract: A sprinkler includes a fixed unit, a rotary unit, an impeller, a connector, and a spray head. The fixed unit has a water inlet. The rotary unit is mounted rotatably on and is fluidly communicated with the fixed unit. The impeller rotates the rotary unit and is adapted to be driven by water from the water inlet. The connector is mounted on and is fluidly communicated with the rotary unit. The spray head is mounted on and is fluidly communicated with the connector. The spray head is rotatable relative to the rotary unit so as to change an inclined position of the spray head.

Abstract: A tee valve includes a primary conduit configured to be connected to a water flow conduit. It includes an outflow tube that collects a portion of the water flow and directs it toward a fertilizer feeder along a secondary water flow path. An inflow tube connects to the primary conduit downstream from the outflow pipe to return the secondary water flow to the primary water flow path, with the secondary water flow return water now including a concentration of fertilizer or other water additive. In this fashion, any irrigation system can be used as a combination fertilizer delivery system.

Abstract: A water-shutoff and discharge control apparatus for use of sprinkling comprises a valve body and a rotary sleeve. The valve body has a water-enclosed surface disposed therein to divide a water-intake chamber and a water-outlet chamber, and a curved-extending positioning groove indented at the periphery thereon for the accommodation of a watertight hoop. Outlet and inlet orifices are provided to fluidly connect to the water-intake chamber and the water-outlet chamber respectively. The rotary sleeve, mounted to the valve body and sealed watertight thereto at both ends, has a water-sealing area and water-outlet ducts disposed therein to match to the curved line of the watertight hoop, permitting the water-sealing area to completely abut against the watertight hoop. Therefore, the rotary sleeve is simply rotated to shift the positions of the water-sealing area and the water-outlet ducts gradually switching from the watertight hoop for easy control of water shutoff and discharge thereby.

Abstract: A specialized nozzle assembly that dispenses spray patterns of varying textures, e.g., coarse or fine particles; for use in an aerosol system for applying a spray texture material to a wall or like supporting structure. The nozzle assembly includes an elongated passageway and a generally cone-shaped member attached thereon.

Abstract: A spray nozzle (300) which employs a locking and an alignment feature (330) to facilitate the replacement of internal nozzle components. The spray nozzle includes a nozzle body (310), a swirl element (314) and an orifice disc (312). The nozzle body defines a central bore which extends between a fluid receiving section and a fluid discharge section and delineates a central axis and delimits an interior locating surface for swirl element and the orifice disc. The orifice disc includes a protuberance (374) associated with the downstream surface thereof which protrudes into the spray opening of the nozzle body.

Abstract: An adjustable spray nozzle with adjustable arc of coverage as well as spray elevation angle and flow rate. A very simple adjustable arc of coverage spray nozzle configuration is also disclosed which may be easily assembled for a particular precipitation rate and/or range of coverage at a selected nominal pressure. Also disclosed is a simple fixed arc of coverage spray nozzle with selectable ranges for a particular precipitation rate.

Abstract: Treated port fuel injectors are disclosed. The treated port fuel injectors have a surface coated with a film which resists or limits deposit formation on the injector surface. The film may be formed by contacting the port fuel injector with: (i) a succinimide compound comprising the reaction product of polyisobutylene-substituted succinic anhydride and a polyamine; (ii) a Mannich base detergent; and (iii) a spark ignition fuel. The treated port fuel injectors may also include a film formed by contacting the port fuel injector with: (i) a Mannich condensation reaction product of a polyamine having a sterically-hindered primary amino group, a hydrocarbyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic compound, and an aldehyde; and (ii) a spark ignition fuel. Methods of forming films on port fuel injector surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: A calibrating system for measuring amounts of sprayed material has an array of nozzles for dispensing a sprayed material and a capture apparatus positioned to receive the dispensed sprayed material from the array of nozzles. The capture apparatus has aligned channels configured for receiving the dispensed sprayed material.

Abstract: A water shutoff and discharge control apparatus for sprinklers comprises a water intake apparatus mounted to a support seat and swung back-and-forth by a sprinkling control assembly. The water intake apparatus has a tube with a platform and multiple outlets thereon, and both end sections of the tube have multiple control channels each connecting to the interior of the tube for the extension of a control rod there-through. Each control rod has a flat surface with a water-sealing member and a water-sealing area disposed thereon to match to the outlet, permitting the water-sealing member to abut watertight against an internal plane surface of the platform and slide along with the movement of the control rod to correspond to the outlet for water shutoff/discharge control thereby. Besides, the contact area between the control rod and the platform can be reduced, facilitating easier and more efforts-saving operation of the control rod thereby.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a common coil that both actuates a pole-piece and provides inductive heating to a fuel flow path. In one example, a first magnetic field is generated to move the pole-piece in response to a DC signal. A structure within the fuel injector near the fuel flow path is excited and heated in response to a AC signal to the coil that generates a second magnetic field.

Abstract: An spray head includes a spray engine and a metal shell retained on the spray engine. The spray head is assembled by fitting the shell onto the spray engine and seating the shell against a cushioning ring. A retaining device is attached to the spray engine to secure the shell is position. A surface finish is applied to the outer surface of the shell to achieve a desired appearance.

Abstract: An electrostatically aided coating atomizing and dispensing apparatus includes an atomizer, a voltage block, a source of electrically non-insulative coating material to be dispensed from the atomizer, an indirect charging apparatus, and at least one source of high magnitude electrical potential. The source of electrically non-insulative coating material is coupled to an input port of the voltage block. An output port of the voltage block is coupled to the atomizer. The indirect charging apparatus is operatively mounted with respect to the atomizer. The at least one source of high magnitude electrical potential is coupled to an input port of the atomizer and to an input port of the indirect charging apparatus.

Abstract: A rock crusher liner movement detector is provided, wherein the detector is coupled to a crushing component and a liner such that the detector may detect a relative movement between the crushing component and the line.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing materials for disposal having a frame for supporting a material reduction station, a holding station and a disposal station. The reduction station has a first and second reduction zone and a hopper with a first passage arranged to convey materials reduced or shredded by cutting elements to second cutting elements, and a second passage arranged to convey materials directly to the second cutting elements. The second passage has a retardation arrangement for retarding materials downstream from flowing past and out through the second passage. A perforated screen cooperates with the second cutting elements to reduce the materials to a size determined by the size of the perforations. The holding station includes a tray having a holding space for temporarily holding reduced materials from the second reduction zone, and an outlet port in communication with a container in the disposal station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for comminuting and sorting polycrystalline silicon, comprising an instrument for feeding a coarse polysilicon fraction into a crushing system, the crushing system associated with a sorting system for classifying the polysilicon fraction, wherein the device is provided with a controller which allows variable adjustment of at least one crushing parameter in the crushing system and/or at least one sorting parameter in the sorting system.

Abstract: A roll mill for comminuting and homogenizing viscous masses, in particular for dispersing and uniformly distributing solid particles suspended in a binding agent. The roll mill has at least two rolls pivoted around their longitudinal axes, wherein the rotational axis of the first roll is fixed in place, and the rotational axis of a second roll is movably mounted, as well as at least one pressing device for pressing at least one roll against the other roll. Roll pressing takes place by way of the pressing device. A first plane defined by the rotational axis of the front roll or feeder roll and by the rotational axis of the middle roll, and a second plane defined by the rotational axis of the middle roll and the rotational axis of the back roll or transfer roll, are inclined relative to each other by an angle of between 10° and 90°. The roll surfaces or process surfaces are made out of a metal-free ceramic material.

Abstract: A driving mechanism, which drives a pull-out assembly up to an interior of a reel hub of a take-up reel, has a shaft which is inserted in a through hole bored in a grabber with a clearance. A shutter fixes the pull-out assembly in a receiving portion at a predetermined position on receiving the pull-out assembly in the receiving portion. A positioning member positions the shaft with a center of the shaft substantially coincided with a central axis of the take-up reel and with the clearance held between the shaft and an inner wall of the through hole when the pull-out assembly is received in the receiving portion.

Abstract: A reel for a brake line system includes a central metal keyed hub with a plurality of metal spokes extending from the hub to C-shaped members. The C-shaped members are, in turn, welded to first and second rims. The C-shaped members and the rims combine to form an annular channel that will support and hold rope or line for use by electrical utilities. The spokes, C-shaped members and rims are all formed from metal rod, which allows the structure to be repaired if damaged.

Abstract: A winding machine has a pay-off unit for unwinding a single- or multiple-end type wire material, a feed bobbin, and an optional take-up unit for rewinding the wire material onto one or more bobbins. The pay-off unit is associated with a wire guide device having a motorized carriage, which can slide along the axis of motion, and has an arm that rotates with respect to the carriage and is equipped with an idler wheel onto which material unwound from the feed bobbin is wound. An angular position sensor detects the inclination of the arm with respect to the carriage and a control unit governs the carriage movements as a function of the signals provided by the sensor. The optional winding unit features at least one take-up device with a gripper to grasp an end of the wire material and actuators to reduce the gripping force of the gripper during winding.

Abstract: A take-up reel includes a reel hub having an outer circumferential surface which is used as a magnetic tape winding surface. The reel hub has an opening for passing a pull-out assembly through an interior thereof. The take-up reel has a receiving portion for receiving the pull-out assembly in the interior of the reel hub. The take-up reel includes a shutter having an open/close door for automatically opening/closing the opening in cooperation with the pull-out assembly. When the open/close door close the opening, the open/close door has an outer circumferential surface which forms a part of the magnetic tape winding surface.

Abstract: A yarn carrier is provided in the form of a yarn winding tube having a yarn catch insert. The yarn winding tube is a hollow cylindrical tube having a longitudinal axis extending lengthwise between its first and second opposite ends. The tube has a hole through its surface for receiving a yarn catch insert. The yarn catch insert includes a first member and a second member, each having an inside surface. When positioned within the hole, the inside surfaces of the first and second members face each other and form a string-up groove therebetween. After a yarn winding and unwinding process, the yarn catch insert may be removed from the hole in the tube, the first and second member may be separated, and the string-up groove may be cleaned. The yarn catch insert may then be re-inserted into the hole and the tube may be reused for winding.

Abstract: A self locking device for holding a roll of material comprising a moveable arm adapted to pivot about a support member which extends through the roll. The moveable arm prevents the roll of material from sliding off the support member when it pivots away from the support member. The moveable arm comprises an arcuate slot which abuts against a bar on the support member and limits the pivot about the fulcrum of the support member. The moveable arm allows loading and unloading the roll of material when it is stored within the support member.

Abstract: A high-speed vertical take-off and land aircraft includes a body with an engine supported by the body. A fan assembly is also carried by the body. The fan assembly includes a hub and a plurality of blades to provide vertical lift for the aircraft. A plurality of frictionless air bearings vertically support the fan assembly while a plurality of idler wheels horizontally center the fan assembly. In addition the aircraft includes an active system for sensing vibration and balancing the fan assembly.

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 method of coordinating communications between a plurality of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) operating in connection with differing communication languages. A common language is provided which includes common language commands and common language data objects. Common language commands are communicated from a user to a plurality of UAVs through a UAV Interoperability Agent (UIA), which converts the common language commands to UAV-specific commands which can be understood by the specific UAV. Additionally, UAVs send data in a native platform format to the UIA, which converts the native platform data to common language format for collection and interpretation by the user.

Abstract: A system for use in monitoring, measuring, computing and displaying the Kinetic Energy generated and experienced while aircraft are executing either normal, overweight or hard landing events. Pressure sensors and motion sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record the impact loads and aircraft touch-down vertical velocities experienced by landing gear struts, as the aircraft landing gear initially comes into contact with the ground. Velocity adjustments are made to correct for errors caused by landing gear per-charge pressure and landing gear strut seal friction. The system also measures the landing loads experienced by each landing gear strut during the landing event and determines if aircraft limitations have been exceeded.

Abstract: An aircraft emergency landing assist vehicle for assisting an aircraft during an emergency landing where one or more of the retractable wheels of the aircraft landing gear is damaged, has failed to extend, or is only partially extended from the aircraft wing or fuselage. During an emergency aircraft landing, the landing assist vehicle supports one of the wings or the fuselage of the aircraft proximate to the malfunctioning landing gear wheel.

Abstract: In order to not risk producing an overpressure of air in the cabin of an airplane on the ground during servicing operation on the airplane, it is appropriate to deliver the air into the cabin of the airplane only when the inlets of the air-conditioning system are open. A device for feeding electricity and air to an airplane on the ground includes means of electric production capable of being connected to at least one electric circuit of the airplane and includes means of producing a flow of air. It has, in addition, a means of determining whether the airplane is actually switched on electrically or is not actually switched on electrically and means for inhibiting the flow of air delivered toward the airplane when the airplane is not actually switched on electrically, that is, as long as it is uncertain whether the inlets of the air-conditioning system are opened.

Abstract: A deceleration device adapted for gradual dissipation of kinetic energy comprises a spool reel carrying a belt being wound up on the spool reel; an elevating spindle being driven by the spool reel when the belt is being retracted from the spool reel; at least one collet screwed to the elevating spindle; and at least one spring assembly being installed between the collet and a fixed bearing portion of the deceleration device. The at least one collet is screwed towards the fixed bearing portion by retraction of the belt from the spool reel thereby compressing the spring assembly, whereby a reaction load is generated by the spring assembly counteracting the retraction of the belt.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing air resistance pressure to an object moving through the atmosphere. Basically, the device consists of pairs of electrodes that discharges a string of pre-charged capacitors at a high voltage level, thereby ionizing the air and producing a vacuum. Since capacitors are made up of multiple thin layers of sheet materials, the external surface of a rocket may be used to fabricate a number of capacitors that may be released during the flight, after use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vortex generator that in one embodiment includes an apex having a first width; a rear face having a second width being greater than the first width; a first and second sidewall each extending from the first width of the apex to the second width of the rear face, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second sidewall have a peak including a convex surface; and a concave work surface positioned between the peak of the first and the second sidewall, wherein the concave work surface has an intake at the apex and an outlet at the rear face. In another embodiment, the exterior faces of the sidewalls include a planar surface.

Abstract: A cabin for a passenger bridge for the enplaning and deplaning of passengers. The passenger bridge has the form of a tunnel and the cabin is at its outer free end. The bridge can be maneuvered relative to the ground and to the airplane such that the cabin can be docked to an airplane at a door. The cabin includes a roof, side walls, a floor, and an opening at its free end. The floor of the cabin can be displaced relative to the other parts of the cabin to a limited extent in an outward direction from a rest position within the cabin. The floor can be tilted upwards and downwards around a pivot joint along the rear edge of the floor located in the cabin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first spacecraft from a rotating second spacecraft within a separation corridor having a trailing boundary surface is disclosed. The method and apparatus use a non-stationkeeping trajectory that uses a greater portion of the separation corridor to reduce thrust requirements and reduce the time necessary for separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotorcraft cockpit having a left seat and a right seat placed side-by-side, a console extending between the seats, two side sticks, one situated to the right of the right seat and the other situated to the left of the left seat, enabling the pilot to control roll and pitch; a flight control system comprising sensors associated with the side sticks and a computer connected to the sensors serves to convert the orders applied by the pilot to the side sticks into signals for controlling actuators in order to vary roll and pitch; a piloting relationship integrated in the computer stabilizes the response of the rotorcraft in roll and in pitch when a side stick is actuated, and maintains the attitudes in roll and pitch at reference values when neither side stick is actuated.

Abstract: A pilot flight control stick haptic feedback mechanism provides variable force feedback to the pilot flight control stick based on actual aircraft conditions. The flight control stick is movable to a control position in a displacement direction. A control unit receives one or more signals representative of aircraft conditions and, in response thereto, selectively supplies a variable force feedback signal. A magnetic bearing is disposed adjacent at least a portion of the flight control stick, and is responsive to the variable force feedback signal to supply a variable magnetic feedback force to the flight control stick in a direction that opposes the displacement direction.

Abstract: A woven fabric in which warp elements are provided out of metal. The fabric further comprising at least a first set of substantially parallel binding elements present in warp direction of the fabric. This first set of binding elements bind the warp elements to the weft elements by means of a leno weave at at least a part of the intersection points of warp and weft elements. The fabric as subject of the invention is characterized in that each binding element of the first set of binding elements crosses more than one warp element between consecutive intersection points bound by this binding element.

Abstract: A conduit-positioning device maintains conduit in fixed relation relative to an anchor member. The device comprises a member-attachment interface and a conduit spacer portion. The attachment interface comprises a fastener-receiving bore and the conduit spacer portion comprises at least one conduit-receiving clamp. The fastener-receiving bore extends from an anterior attachment portion to a member-engaging portion. The conduit-receiving clamp positions at least one conduit unit by clamping the conduit unit as the device is anchored to an anchor member by way of the attachment interface.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device which may be mounted to a vertical substrate, and which is useful as a rack for storing flexible conduits, such as wires, cables, hoses and the like in an orderly fashion during their non-use. A device according to the invention comprises a main backbone portion, to which a plurality of fingers are attached. The backbone portion is substantially-linear in a preferred embodiment, and is mounted with its longest length dimension in a vertical orientation. Successive loops of a flexible conduit are looped around successive fingers of the device to provide neat and orderly stowage of otherwise cumbersome conduits. A device according to the invention is especially well-suited for storing garden hoses in garages or residential backyard environments.

Abstract: A device for use with a flexible trash bag which maintains the entrance of said bag in a fully open position which incorporates a “dust pan” like ramp to facilitate the filling of said bag and the methods of use and features included is herein disclosed. The device is inserted into the opening of said bag. The base ramp has two opposing legs attached which are angled slightly outward from vertical to provide a force pushing against the bags sides maintaining the opening. The legs and base flange employ a number of pegs that project into the material of the bag keeping the bag on the frame. The base ramp extends a sufficient length to allow for free standing stability. The base ramp has two enclosed foot “stirrups” attached to opposite ends of said ramp which when utilized, provide stability to the device. This method of operation frees both hands to operate the sweeping tool by pulling the debris between the legs into the opened bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension and marking device for vessels, having at least two foil layers, at least an adhesive coating and at least a suspension opening, wherein the device at its one end has at least two foil layers separated from each other which, on their sides facing each other, are each coated with adhesive and that through the weakening of at least a foil layer at least a defined folding-over zone is formed.

Abstract: A utility stand comprising a substantially U-shaped item support member, a base member, and a vertical support that extends between the base member and the item support member. In particular embodiments, the item support member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which the item support member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which the item support member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position. In various embodiments, the base member is adapted to be rotated between: (A) a first position, in which the base member is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position, and (B) a second position, in which the base member is in a substantially vertical orientation when the utility stand is in an upright position.

Abstract: A height-adjustable support includes a stand unit, a friction-providing assembly including a stationary member disposed stationarily on the stand unit and a movable member movable relative to and in frictional contact with the stationary member, a link assembly coupled to the movable member such that pivoting movement of the link assembly results in movement of the movable member relative to the stationary member, a mounting seat disposed on a distal end portion of the link assembly and adapted to support a load, and a biasing assembly coupled to the movable member and to the stand unit. A biasing force exerted by the biasing assembly on the movable member and a frictional force generated between the stationary member and the movable member cooperate to balance the weight of the load and position the link assembly to sustain the load at an arbitrary height.

Abstract: A ground stake for securing ropes or other fastening elements comprises a head portion with an elevated, textured surface and two or more extending flanges above a neck portion comprising recesses and a passageway. A plurality of elongated fins, at least a portion of which are tapered, depend from the base of the head portion and terminate in a truncated blunt end, providing a stronger tip while allowing clean penetration of the ground. One or more of the fins may comprise a stiffening rib to increase the rigidity of the fin. The elevated, textured surface provides increased impact resistance and prevents slippage of a pounding implement when the stake is being driven into the ground.

Abstract: A stand or tripod for receiving and holding objects, particularly speakers and/or accessories includes a hydraulic mechanism allowing the user to safely lower and raise the stand.

Abstract: A tripod for electronic apparatus, in particular of the video/photographic type, including support elements, on which photovoltaic cells and relevant connection devices are arranged, for converting solar energy into electrical energy so as to supply electrical energy to the apparatus supported.

Abstract: A securement device for securing an instrument holding stand, such as a tripod, on a bandstand, that includes a generally planar, yieldably deformable member that has an elongated segment having an upper surface for engagement by the extremity of one the legs of tripod; a first outwardly extending segment foldably connected to the elongated segment for circumscribing of one of the legs of the instrument holding tripod; and a second outwardly extending segment foldably connected to the elongated segment for circumscribing a portion of one of the legs of the tripod and for overlying and releasably gripping a portion of the first outwardly extending segment in a manner to hold it in position about the tripod leg.

Abstract: A device for hanging objects from a ladder having an elongated member that fits within and extends through the hollow rung of a ladder. Slidably mounted to the elongated member are a pair of retainers that engage the support legs of the ladder. Protruding from the ends of the member are a pair of threaded stems. Threadably mounted on the stems are a pair of knobs.

Abstract: A clamp in one embodiment includes a flexible base; a bifurcation pivotal about one end of the base; a fastening member pivotal about the other end of the base and including pawls, an opposite projection, and a toothed section formed above; a universal member meshed with the toothed section; a seat rotatably secured to the universal member and adapted to releasably secure to a light; and a flexible ratchet pivotal about the other end of the base. Wrapping the ratchet around a seat post of bicycle by inserting it through the bifurcation and a space between the pawls and one end of the ratchet, pivoting the fastening member toward the seat until one pawl engages the ratchet and the fastening member presses on the base to urge against the seat post, and pivoting the bifurcation to press the bar onto the projection will fasten the seat post.

Abstract: The clamping device provides an attachment mechanism for a source of illumination (flashlight) to be fixed to a mobility support apparatus such as a walking cane, walker, crutches, trekking poles, hiking or ski poles. The illumination source is secured by the clamping device, which attaches the light source to the mobility apparatus. The illumination device can be a standard mini-flashlight with a filament bulb, light emitting diode or halogen bulb ad the light source.