Abstract: There is provided a tape reel in which any of an upper flange and a lower flange is formed on both ends of a cylindrical hub having a magnetic tape wound therearound. A ring-shaped groove is formed on at least one of upper and lower ends of the outer circumference surface of the hub. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a tape edge of the magnetic tape from shifting onto any of the flanges and contain the tape edge of the magnetic tape in the groove when the magnetic tape is shifted onto the flanges.

Abstract: An aircraft capable of supersonic flight comprises a body portion including a fuselage, a wing, and an engine nacelle mounted below the wing. The aircraft may also include a high-mounted aft, tail. The area/lift distribution of the body portion is tailored to reduce sonic boom disturbance. The body portion further includes a blunt nose and a gull dihedral wing configuration that further reduces sonic boom disturbance and eases constraints on area/lift distribution tailoring. The gull dihedral wing or tail is configured to carry lifting force to its trailing edge to create an expansion at the aft end of the aircraft that reduces aft sonic boom ground shock strength. The volume of the mid-portion of the fuselage can be reduced above the wing to create a sloped surface that generates an expansion fan over the wings.

Abstract: A new generation of simplified vehicle electronic systems can be operated by either an onboard (manned) or off-board (remote controlled) operator, or automatically from an on-board system without any human operator. In the latter case, preferred embodiments can provide security against operation by unauthorized personnel and/or operation in an unauthorized travel path, without a need for a flight crew operated panic button or for a remote guidance facility. In another aspect, the operating controls of an aircraft or other highly complex vehicle are sufficiently simplified that the vehicle can be operated by a flight controller interface that is located outside the flight crew station. In yet another aspect, the communications system of a vehicle is sufficiently simplified such that the vehicle can be operated using substantially only a single long-range frequency band, and a second, short-range frequency band.

Abstract: A multimodal vehicle includes a ground based vehicle with an attached high-capacity airfoil parachute for deployment. The ground based vehicle includes a drive system for use on either land, water or both. Furthermore, the ground based vehicle is sized and dimensioned for transport of multiple vehicles in a cargo plane. The high-capacity airfoil parachute allows high-altitude deployment of the multimodal vehicle. The risers to the parachute may be adjusted for powered parachute flight rather than free fall flight. The ground based vehicle may include a propeller for powered flight.

Abstract: A tip device to act as an outboard continuation of an aircraft wing or other aerodynamic lifting surface has a downward cant angle, a leading edge swept back in relation to the leading edge of the inboard lifting surface, and a chord reducing in the outboard direction of the device. A favourable balance between induced drag reduction and increased wing root bending moment can thereby be achieved. Preferably the device also has an upwardly canted portion at its root end so that the downward cant commences from a relatively elevated spanwise location, thereby alleviating any ground clearance problems.

Abstract: A method of generating lift for a vehicle including a gas turbine engine having a combustor, a core flow heated by the combustor, and a bypass flow which bypasses the combustor. The method includes segregating at least a portion of the core flow from the bypass flow, directing the segregated portion of the core flow in a first direction to generate lift for the vehicle, segregating at least a portion of the bypass flow from the core flow, and directing the segregated a portion of the bypass flow in a second direction to generate lift for the vehicle.

Abstract: A flying discoidal rotorcraft is equipped with a double counter rotated pulsed DC electric linear-toroidal electric motor-generator combined with a magnetically levitated suspension of the rotorcraft body over the propulsion assembly. The inner and outer rims are made up of electro-active-magnetic levitation and guidance pilot solenoids as the fixed portion of the stator's assembly and electrokinetic motor-generator and also the attached part of the craft's body. The mobile portion is double independent counter rotated ferromagnetic cores, wherein rotors of the electrokinetic motor-generator have three main components: electromagnets or solenoids including in their functions external and internal electromagnetic and guidance solenoids and energy collector and inductor; electric motor-generator solenoid coils; and a ring propeller.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch guide. The carriage can accelerate when portions of the carriage and/or the launch guide move relative to each other. A gripper carried by the launch carriage can have at least one grip portion in contact with the aircraft while the launch carriage accelerates along the launch axis. The at least one grip portion can move out of contact with the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff. A brake can arrest the motion of the gripper after launch.

Abstract: A UAV or watercraft includes a navigation system that is configured to identify and make use of convective energy in a fluid medium through which it travels. The energy is used to provide movement through the medium and extend vehicle endurance or range without the need for additional fuel. In particular, the vehicle includes one or more sensors that are adapted to detecting such energy sources, and a controller that allows the vehicle to autonomously exploit them for energy gain while conducting a useful mission. In particular implementations, the vehicle may also include sensors and a feedback loop for adjusting lift profile of airfoils or hydrofoils to improve lift efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for braking aircraft are disclosed. These systems and methods can be employed on multi-main gear aircraft to reduce the radius with which the aircraft makes low speed, pivot turns. Further systems and methods can be used to correct the braking behavior of the aircraft during a turn when the actual or measured braking behavior of the aircraft deviates from the commanded turning behavior. For example, one system includes a controller operatively coupleable amongst a leftmost landing gear, a rightmost landing gear, and an intermediate landing gear of an aircraft. The controller can be configured to direct the application of brakes on wheels of the leftmost landing gear during a left turn, and direct the release of brakes on all wheels of the intermediate landing gear during the left turn.

Abstract: An air-taxi stand includes a boarding bridge with an aircraft-proximal end and an aircraft-distal end. The aircraft-distal end includes an aircraft interface. The air-taxi stand is configured to allow for simultaneous ground movement of an aircraft, adjacent a concourse, including forward power-in pushing and forward power-out pushing. A method includes the forward power-in pushing of an aircraft, docking the aircraft, and forward power-out pushing out of the air-taxi docking bay.

Abstract: A security system for monitoring and securing an aircraft carrying passengers comprising an electronically remotely controlled lock to selectively lock an overhead storage compartment during the duration of a flight. A video/audio surveillance system is also provided along with a remote transmission and reception system. Access control to the pilot's cabin is also provided by the security system.

Abstract: A thermal management system comprises a first heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, a second heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, a fluid loop, a first heat pump, and a second heat pump. The fluid loop circulates a fluid, and forms a continuous path between the first and second heat exchangers. The first heat pump is connected to the fluid loop and is disposed between the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the first heat exchanger. The second heat pump is connected to the fluid loop and is disposed between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: Aerodynamic seals for use with control surfaces on aircraft are described herein. In one embodiment, a seal assembly for use with an aircraft includes a first seal member and a second seal member. The first seal member has a first proximal portion configured to be attached to a fixed airfoil portion of the aircraft, and a first distal portion configured to extend outwardly from the fixed airfoil portion toward a movable control surface. The second seal member has a second proximal portion configured to be attached to the movable control surface, and a second distal portion configured to extend outwardly from the control surface toward the fixed airfoil portion. In this embodiment, the second distal portion is further configured to movably contact the first distal portion to at least partially seal the gap between the fixed airfoil portion and the movable control surface as the control surface moves relative to the fixed airfoil portion.

Abstract: An attachment system for coupling together two airplane sections includes an attachment section securing one of the airplane sections and a mount section affixed to the other section. The attachment section includes a top, a bottom, a first end, and a second end. Coupled to the top are a two clamp sections, whereby at least one of the clamp sections is moveable. Coupled to the bottom is a pair of buttons. The mount section includes a top and a bottom, such that the mount bottom couples to the second airplane section. The mount section further includes a track coupled to the mount top, wherein the track includes an open end having outwardly tapered edges and a closed end. The one of the buttons slides into the track for coupling the attachment section to the mount section.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the drag area growth of a parachute canopy during airborne descent with sensors attached to the payload for facilitating modification of the schedule of release of a parachute canopy reefing mechanism. A control processor is included that can receive and/or calculate a schedule for disengaging the reefing on the parachute. One or more wireless transmitters at the payload transmit the releasing signal from the payload to the reefing mechanism normally located adjacent the parachute canopy. The control processor can also be configured to receive input information from multiple sensors attached to the payload that monitor parameters such as altitude, position, load force, dynamic pressure, time and others to facilitate instantaneous recalculation of the disreefing schedule responsive to such conditions.

Abstract: A promotional item (10) includes a central member (12) having one or more receiving features (14, 16) adapted to removable secure one or more substantially rectangular card-like objects (18), such as business cards, credit cards, baseball cards, and the like. In an embodiment, the flying promotional item (10) comprises an aircraft (10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) in which the central member (12) forms a fuselage and the cards or card-like objects (18) form aerodynamic surfaces for providing aerodynamic capability to the promotional item (10). Thus, the one or more card-like objects (18) provide a plurality of independent functional uses. An instrument (22), such as a pen, pencil or stylus, made be disposed within the aircraft such that the tip (24) of the instrument (22) may be accessible by removing a nose section (20) or tail section (26) of the aircraft from the fuselage (12).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for active motion damping of a spacecraft whose attitude control system (SACS) has experienced a partial failure. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises, an attitude control processor (ACP), a motion damping controller (MDC) coupled to the ACP, a control moment gyro (CMG) comprising a gimbal loop controller (GLC) coupled to the MDC and a gimbal motor with input coupled to the GLC and gyroscopic torque output coupled to the satellite. Normally, a gimbal rate command (GRC) from the ACP passes to the GLC for execution to rotate the CMG gimbal and the coupled satellite. If the ACP output becomes invalid, the MDC assumes control and can modify CMG operation in several ways to safely decelerate a moving satellite without hazardous mechanical stress. Following such active motion damping, the CMG remains quiescent until a RESET is received whereby further valid GRCs are then executable.

Abstract: A self-transpiring hot skin for a hypersonic or reusable space vehicle that can provide protection to the vehicle during short periods of abnormally high heat flux (either planned in the flight profile or an off-nominal event). The hot skin includes a ceramic composite structure having an internal cavity that is coupled either to the insulating layer or directly to the support structure of the hypersonic vehicle. The internal cavity includes a material system that vaporizes, sublimes or decomposes into a gas when the temperature exceeds the upper temperature capability of the composite material. The gas transpires through the outer layer of the composite material to provide cooling to the outer layer below the upper temperature capability. Cooling may occur both by conduction of heat from the composite material to the transpiring gas and by the interaction of the transpiring gas with the boundary layer of hypersonic flow over the outer surface, leading to a reduction of the heat flux entering the surface.

Abstract: A bias correcting phase compensating rate limiter to control movement of a device may include a switching arrangement adapted to reverse a polarity of an error signal in response to a set of predetermined conditions that may include a commanded rate of movement of the device exceeding a rate limit capability of the device; a time rate of change of an input signal to the rate limiter being opposite in polarity to a difference between the input signal to the rate limiter and an output signal from the rate limiter; and a time rate of change of the input signal to the rate limiter being opposite in polarity to a difference between the output signal from the rate limiter and a signal corresponding to a pre-specified neutral or trim position of the device.

Abstract: Air pressure distribution for airfoil lower and upper surfaces is utilized to divert airflow using ducts formed in space-curve shapes placed inside the airfoil volume, through span-wise located inlets from high pressure areas on the airfoil lower surface near the leading edge and through chord-wise spaced inlets on the side face of the airfoil wing tip correspondingly to the side face of the airfoil wing tip through chord-wise spaced outlets on the side face of the airfoil wing tip and to span-wise located outlets to the low pressure areas on the airfoil upper surface. Triboelectric materials on the wing surfaces are employed to static charge the air in drag. Inside the ducts, the employment of either triboelectric linings and materials, or HV-supplied electrodes, or both, help to static charge the diverted air flow to and from the airfoil wing tip side face to diffuse wing tip vortex core early.

Abstract: An object retaining device includes an expandable loop having elastic material attached to and disposed within a fabric sleeve substantially encasing the elastic material. A gripping material is affixed to an inwardly facing surface of the loop. A tether, which is expandable in length, has a first end attached to the loop. A first fastener is attached adjacent to a second end of the tether generally opposite the loop. A second fastener is attached to the tether in spaced relation to the first fastener, wherein engaging the first and second fasteners forms a second loop at a second end of the tether. A baby bottle, drinking cup, or the like is removably inserted into the expandable loop, and tethered to an object, such as a child's wrist, stroller, etc.

Abstract: A forearm support is provided for use within electrostatic sensitive areas. The forearm support has a bottom and one or more sides. Preferably, the top, bottom and sides are made of a flexible electrically conductive fabric which forms an interior filled with a resilient foam. As measured from the support's top surface to its bottom surface, the support has an electrical resistance value of less than 1×109 ohms.

Abstract: A device to be associated with a computer mouse, the device comprising a body which, when the device is in use, circumscribes and moves with the mouse when the mouse moves on a surface, the body provided with a support surface, the support surface being configured and adjustably positionable longitudinally so that when the device is in position with respect to the mouse, the support surface supports only a central portion of a heel of a user's hand at a height so that the user's hand and wrist are in an ergonomically correct, aligned position relative to each other during use of the mouse.

Abstract: A bucket holder is disclosed including a base plate (102) with apertures (104), a first frame structure (106) and a second frame structure (116) that are both adapted to receive standard-sized buckets (90). The bucket holder is intended to stabilize the buckets during mixing and similar activities. The first and second frame structures comprise upright supports (108) that attach at one end to the base plate, and a circular member (110) that attaches to the opposite end of the upright supports. The frame structures are joined with a transverse member (112), and a centrally located handle (120) is sized and positioned to locking engage the bucket pivotable handle (93). By placing buckets in both of the frame structures, the bucket being mixed is stabilized by the weight of the bucket holder and second bucket, and also by the edges of the base plate around the apertures engaging the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates a structure improvement chair's legs. Basically, it opens several holes which have uniform distances and angles at appropriate locations on the outer bushing, holes with coordinated angles in the chair leg-supporting framework, insert the ends of the chair leg-supporting framework into the holes and fasten. Then weld the inner ring surface of the outer bushing and insert an inner bushing into an outer bushing. This achieves ease of the product's operation, durability, quality, efficiency, as well as high aesthetic value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-stabilizing support assembly (14) for an item of furniture, such as a table, stool or chair. The assembly includes a support structure (16) for connection at an upper end thereof to an upper portion of an item of furniture. The support structure has a first pair of feet (50) at a lower end (22) thereof. An elongated guides pin (38) projects from a lower end of the support structure. A displaceable support member (30), which has a second pair of feet (32), is provided with a housing (36) defining a guide passage, in which guide passage the guide pin is longitudinally slidably received.

Abstract: A support post and safety fence assembly in which the post has a telescoping inner and outer tube and is supported on a threaded internal shaft coupled to a floor engaging end and ceiling engaging end preferably formed with claws that have a number of sharp penetrating points for firm engagement with a support surface. In one embodiment, a gravity lock assembly is provided for fixing the relative position of the inner and outer tubes. Dynamic adjustability of the support post is provided by internal compression springs.

Abstract: A support post and safety fence assembly in which the post has a telescoping inner and outer tube and is supported on a threaded internal shaft coupled to a floor engaging end and ceiling engaging end preferably formed with claws that have a number of sharp penetrating points for firm engagement with a support surface. In one embodiment, a gravity lock assembly is provided for fixing the relative position of the inner and outer tubes. Dynamic adjustability of the support post is provided by internal compression springs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a display mounting apparatus for mounting a flat screen television monitor or the like to a wall. The mounting apparatus provides four degrees of freedom for the flat screen display in lateral translation, tilt, swivel and pan directions. The combination of two two-link arms, counterbalancing torsion springs and friction mechanisms provides for ±20 degrees in the tilt and swivel directions.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is provided for holding a medical device adjacent a medical apparatus. The mounting bracket includes spring arms that allow the bracket to be spring loaded and inserted between a medical apparatus and a pole. The bracket includes fingers for flexibly receiving a medical device thereon, so that the device may be securely mounted adjacent the medical apparatus. The bracket includes a base having the first spring arm and second spring arm extending therefrom.

Abstract: A fastener for a transport container includes two portions to be connected and wherein the fastener includes a fastener flange arranged in a first cup and a displaceable fastener hook tiltably arranged in a second cup, the hook engaging behind the fastener flange in a closed position, it is provided in that at least one spring is disposed such that the fastener hook is pushed toward the bottom of the second cup into a rest position.

Abstract: The display monitor of a rear projection system is pivotally connected to the projector body and provided with a resilient member that permits opening of the monitor in a vertical direction by the application of a small force during maintenance of the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for mounting a display, including flat panel television (FPD) or similar display devices. A base object is mounted to a base member with at least two joints for rotatable coupling, each joint near an opposite end of the base member. A FPD is mounted to a mounting member with at least two joints for rotatable coupling, each joint near an opposite end of the mounting member. At least two arms, a first arm member with a first end coupled to the first joint of the base member and a second end coupled to the first joint of the mounting member, and a second arm with a first end coupled to the second joint of the base member and a second end coupled to the second end of the mounting member. Other embodiments of the invention are further described herein.

Abstract: A load carrying apparatus. The apparatus has a rod section with a cross-section which extends along a rod section length. The rod section has a series of bends which define the following: a load carrying portion, cantilevered arm portion, an anchor portion. The anchor portion attaches to a pole which is arranged along a vertical axis perpendicular to a longitudinal and transverse axis. The cantilevered arm portion extends from the vertical pole and the anchor portion. The load carrying portion extends from the cantilevered arm portion and maintains a payload at an offset location from the longitudinal axis. The offset location of the payload results in a torque about the cantilevered arm portion. The cantilevered arm portion transfers to the anchor portion a first moment and a second moment. The first and second moments couple about the vertical pole to maintain the load carrying apparatus on the vertical pole while supporting the payload.

Abstract: An mounting assembly for a wall or ceiling panel comprises a wire hook configured to be received in an opening extending through the panel from the front side to the back side thereof so that only a relatively short hook portion extends from the front side, while a relatively longer segment of the wire hook extends from the opening at the back side of the panel to engage the back side of the panel at a location spaced from the opening. The assembly also comprises an object holder for holding the object. The object holder has a mounting portion defining a bore for receiving the hook portion of the wire hook. The object holder has an arm extending from the mounting portion and defining a support surface for supporting the object. In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly is installed on a wall or ceiling panel.

Abstract: Food and beverage trays including at least a collapsed configuration and an un-collapsed configuration. The un-collapsed configuration includes at least a hole sized for holding a plate and an area sized for holding a beverage. Preferably, the collapsed configuration is flat and includes layers of material with cut-outs, slits, scorings, perforations, or some combination thereof. Preferably, the layers are attached together and are part of a single piece of folded over material. The material preferably includes corrugated cardboard, corrugated plastic, paperboard, or some combination thereof, and adhesive. Also, methods of using the tray.

Abstract: A swivel device for a display apparatus includes: a swivel mechanism to which a lead wire is connected; a swivel member that is capable of being turned by the swivel mechanism; a swivel mechanism housing portion that houses the swivel mechanism that is disposed so as to overlap the swivel member; a fixing member that fixes the swivel mechanism housing portion; and an attachment member that is attached to the swivel mechanism housing portion, and the swivel mechanism housing portion is provided with a first engaging portion for positioning the attachment member, and the attachment member is provided with a second engaging portion that engages the first engaging portion and has a draw out portion for drawing out the lead wire from the swivel mechanism housing portion.

Abstract: A vehicle stabilization device for use in stabilizing a vehicle to enable safe and rapid victim extrication operations by first responder and other personnel. The device includes a base plate for enabling its emplacement on an underlying support surface beneath the vehicle to be stabilized. First and second extender members, each having a base end and a distal end, are hingedly connected to each other at their distal ends. The base ends are rotably mounted to the base plate and are moveable toward each other from an initial spaced position. This reduction of spacing between the base ends acts in conjunction with the hinged attachment between the distal ends to increasingly incline the extender members with respect to the base plate and thereby increasingly elevate the distal ends above the base plate. A vehicle contact and support member is secured to the distal hinged ends, and elevates with the distal ends of the extender members until contact is made with the overlying portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display portion, a stand for the display portion to stand, a hinge portion that supports the display portion and the stand in a tiltable manner, and a lock mechanism for locking the stand in a usable state and in a folded state.

Abstract: A locking latch used with a telescoping support stand having one or more telescoping sections. Each section includes an inner tubular member with a plurality of positioning holes along its length and an outer tubular member with a latch hole positioned typically near the upper end of the outer member so as to line up in registration with the positioning holes as the inner tubular member is extended out of the outer tubular member. The outer member carries a latch mechanism comprising a latching arm that that has a locking disposition in which the arm extends through the outer member latch hole and one of the inner member positioning holes in registration with the outer member latch hole to hold the inner and outer tubular members in substantially fixed extension with respect to one another.

Abstract: A mounting structure for an imaging device includes foot pads and is used on a subject of interest supported on a platform. The mounting structure includes a clamp configured to couple to the platform, a horizontal member coupled to the clamp, a vertical member coupled to the horizontal member, and a plate member coupled to the vertical member. The plate member defines orifices configured to receive the foot pads of the imaging device to constrain the imaging device from moving on the plate member in an X- and Y-direction.

Abstract: A torque limiter includes: a rotation shaft, a location of which is fixed; two rotating members, rotatable around an axis of the rotation shaft; two torsion coil springs which are wound on the rotating members, respectively; and a rotation inducing member, adapted to hold one end of each of the two torsion coil springs.

Abstract: My design and invention of the Base for Decorative Art Glass Torchiere was born by my desire to provide safe and decorative indoor or outdoor lighting using the handkerchief style vases I create. The handkerchief style vases used in my Art Glass Torchieres have been around since at least the 1960's. The durable and decorative Base created from copper and solder is functional indoors and out. Wired for electric lighting, the vase may easily be removed to change the light bulb. The holes drilled in the vase holder are to release heat radiated from the light bulb and the union washer's purpose is to be a cushion for the vase and weather proofing for the interior of the holder base.

Abstract: A flagpole holder for vehicles comprises a plurality of appropriate-depth insert grooves vertically cut at one side, and a pair of first and second clip sections symmetrically extending at the other side wherein the adjacent side surfaces of the first and second clip sections are kept apart without contact to each other to preset an appropriate-length flexible space there-between, and the internal lateral sides of the first and second clip sections are respectively defined by an appropriate-width abutment surface to fit to a flexible anti-slippery collar thereby. Besides, the first and second clip sections are respectively equipped with a fitting bore relative to the flexible space for the assembly of a locking element and a locked element therewith. Therefore, the flagpole holder can be easily secured onto a handle of various-type vehicles for stable location of pole bodies with flags or pinwheels attached thereto, achieving convenient and versatile application thereby.

Abstract: An adjustable concrete pipe form comprises a metal form and an anchor assembly coupled to the metal form. The metal form preferably consists of sheet metal formed into a substantially cylindrical shape that overlaps onto itself. The anchor assembly assists in holding the metal form in position, and may raise and/or lower the metal form as needed. A plurality of eyelets may be coupled to the interior of the metal form to allow for the insertion of threaded rods along the length of the metal form. The threaded rods may be used for attaching multiple metal forms together and/or for structure and support. A cross brace may be attached to the eyelets. The cross brace may consist of opposing threaded rods coupled by a sleeve. Turning of the sleeve in a first direction draws the threaded rods inward, causing the metal form to retract; turning of the sleeve in a second direction pushes the threaded rods outward, causing the metal form to expand.

Abstract: A new photogate pixel structure for high performance CMOS Image Sensors is proposed. A new photogate structure is incorporated into the photodiode active-pixel structure. The proposed pixel structure exhibits the dynamic integration capacitance characteristics, which can be controlled by varying the control-voltage at the photogate node. Since the sensitivity is inversely proportional to the integration capacitance, the dynamic integration capacitance characteristics can provide the new functionality and controllability for high sensitivity and high dynamic range. At a low voltage level of the photogate, the pixel sensitivity of the new photogate pixel structure is maximized due to the minimum value of the integration capacitance. At a high voltage of the photogate, the dynamic range of the new structure can be maximized due to the increased well capacity. In addition, at an optimum bias voltage of the photogate, both the dynamic-range and the sensitivity can be simultaneously improved.

Abstract: Image data is processed to facilitate focusing and/or optical correction. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, an imaging arrangement collects light data corresponding to light passing through a particular focal plane. The light data is collected using an approach that facilitates the determination of the direction from which various portions of the light incident upon a portion of the focal plane emanate from. Using this directional information in connection with value of the light as detected by photosensors, an image represented by the light is selectively focused and/or corrected.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object in a motor vehicle environment uses a detection means which scans the environment at predetermined angular increments ?i+1??i (i=1, 2, . . . , N). When sensing a reflection signal of the object at an angle ?i, the angular increments are refined in the angular range between the adjacent angles ?i?1 and ?i+1 as a function of signal propagation times ti?1, ti and ti+1 of the reflection signals sensed at the angles ?i?1, ?i and ?i+1.

Abstract: A projector includes: a light source that emit light; an illumination optical system that includes a superimposing optical element capable of performing superimposition illumination and uniformizes the light emitted from the light source to form illumination light; a color separating optical system that includes a dichroic mirror which reflects a predetermined color light component of the illumination light and transmits other light components, thereby separating the light components into a first optical path and a second optical path, a first mirror which bends the first optical path, and a second mirror which bends the second optical path, and adjusts the reflection angle of the predetermined color light component by the dichroic mirror and the bent angles of the optical paths by the first and second mirrors to provide a predetermined difference between the length of the first optical path and the length of the second optical path, the predetermined difference corresponding to a difference between the focal