Abstract: Systems and methods to regulate the amount of outdoor air that is introduced into a building. These systems and methods determine the mechanical load requirements based on adaptive control functionality. These systems and methods utilize extremum seeking control logic to vary the flow of outdoor air into the building in response to these load determinations.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple air conditioners. The system includes a demand control unit configured to calculate an estimated power amount to be used by the multiple air conditioners based on an amount of power consumed by the multiple air conditioners during a predetermined time period, and to forcibly control an operation rate of one or more air conditioners based on a priority level assigned to the one or more air conditioners.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple air conditioners. The system includes a demand control unit configured to calculate an estimated power amount used by the multiple air conditioners based on an amount of power consumed by the multiple air conditioners during a predetermined time period, and to forcibly control an operation of one or more air conditioners based on a size of the estimated power amount. Further, the demand control unit is connected to the multiple air conditioners and communicates with the multiple air conditioners using a serial data communication protocol.

Abstract: A thermostat is provided with a closure member that encloses at least one battery received within the thermostat housing. The thermostat includes a thermostat housing having at least one compartment in the housing adapted to receive at least one battery therein, and a retaining portion. The thermostat further includes a closure member pivotally secured to the thermostat housing, which is slidable relative to the thermostat housing between an open position in which the closure member freely pivots relative to the housing to permit access to the at least one compartment for replacement of a battery therein, and a latched position in which a latching portion on the closure member slidably engages the retaining portion on the thermostat housing to secure the closure member in a latched position.

Abstract: A self-contained climate control system for simultaneous temperature and humidity control in a wine cellar includes a refrigeration system having a conventional vapor-compression system including a condensate drip tray with over-flow passages. A programmable controller with a temperature sensor turns the compressor on and off by responding to the temperature sensor to regulate the air temperature in the wine cellar. The programmable controller keeps the system fans running after the compressor stops to cause evaporation of the water in the drip tray, restoring the moisture to the wine cellar.

Abstract: A heating device for heating a storage device (2) for a complex salt in a motor vehicle includes the storage device (2) for the complex salt and at least one mass-ducting hollow pipe (4). A mass flows through the mass-ducting hollow pipe (4) while the motor vehicle is operating and heats up while the motor vehicle is operating, and is thermally coupled to the storage device (2) for the complex salt in such a way that the heated mass in the mass-ducting hollow pipe (4) will heat the storage device (2) for the complex salt.

Abstract: A hydronic heating system for a building includes condensing and non-condensing boilers in a hybrid arrangement. A control apparatus receives information from one or more condition sensors, such as air temperature or water flow, and calculates heating load requirements. The control apparatus then independently selects and operates the various boilers of the system to optimize boiler efficiency and operating characteristics.

Abstract: A hydronic heating system for a building includes condensing and non-condensing boilers in a hybrid arrangement. A control apparatus receives information from one or more condition sensors, such as air temperature or water flow, and calculates heating load requirements. The control apparatus then independently selects and operates the various boilers of the system to optimize boiler efficiency and operating characteristics. The independent operation of said first and second boilers is modulated as a function a comparison of a heat load assignment for the and second boilers to a heat output of the first and second boilers.

Abstract: A process is provided for making thermoplastic-composites from recycled thermoplastics (polyolefins) together with phosphogypsum waste by-product from the phosphate fertilizer wet process or, in an equally preferred embodiment with fluorogypsum waste by-product from fluorine production wet process to produce lumber profiles. The process involves (a) admixing phosphogypsum (calcium sulfate) and/or fluorogypsum (calcium fluoride) waste byproduct and/or Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and/or crude gypsum and/or calcined gypsum with thermoplastics and a functionalized compound with or without coupling agents to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite composition, and (b) melt processing the composition to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite article.

Abstract: A composite load bearing member is provided comprising an elongated inner structural member and a thick polymeric composite outer member. An apparatus for producing the composite load bearing member is provided including devices for suspending the inner structural member within a mold cavity prior to and during injection of the polymeric composite outer member. A method of using the apparatus to produce the composite load bearing member is provided.

Abstract: Support plate for flexible fastenings of railway rails applicable in the scope of the railway industry, destined to allow an elastic and flexible fastening for the absorption of deformations produced on the rail, which basically comprises a single-piece structure with means of guiding and supporting a rail (21) on a bearing area (18), a plurality of contact slits (5) and rail shoes (9) to house and fasten a fastening rail splice (6) of said rail (21), an upper part with a flat central span (12) configured to support a rail (21) flange (22), a plurality of securing holes (11) in each outer area (20) configured to secure the support plate on a bearing area (18) and a plurality of ridges (16) on its underside (15).

Abstract: A dispenser for mixing and dispensing a liquid chemical concentrate with a dilutent from a container. The dispenser includes two slideable eductors one of which is also rotatable. Both a high and low flow rate can be obtained with simultaneous adjustment of concentration of the chemical concentrate. The dispenser has a high degree of accuracy of the amount of dilution of the chemical concentrate as well as positive positioning of the high and low flow rate.

Abstract: An adjustable sprinkler including: a sprinkler head having a bearing mounted on a support, the sprinkler head rotatable on the bearing about a vertical axis; an arc adjustment plate mounted on the support for rotation about the axis relative to the support and to the bearing; first and second stops supported on the plate for arcuate movement about the axis, at least one of the stops movable relative to the plate, wherein the first and second stops define limits of rotational movement of the sprinkler head about the axis; and a fluid actuator for moving one of the stops relative to the other of the stops for varying the limits of rotational movement of the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials. In one embodiment, the fountain includes a heating element encased in an enclosure. A basin containing a medium, such as chocolate, is removably mounted to the enclosure so that the basin is heated by contact with the enclosure. Additionally, an auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of a cylinder that houses the auger. One or more tiers may be mounted, using various locking mechanisms, onto the cylinder to divert flow of the medium. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a straw having built-in amusement units, which can provide a user with pleasure and be used for advertisement or indoor decoration of a product since the amusement units mounted inside a through hole of the straw are rotated by the flow of a liquid inside the straw so as to stimulate the user's eyes.

Abstract: A disposable air freshener configured to be connected to a USB port of a computer or computer peripheral device. In one embodiment, the disposable air freshener comprises a casing fabricated from a plurality of sections that have generally the same shape. At least one of these sections is configured as scented cardboard. The disposable air freshener has a printed circuit board and a heating element electrically connected to the printed circuit board. A portion of the printed circuit board extends from the casing and is configured to be inserted into a USB port so that electrical power can be applied to the printed circuit board. The heating element generates heat when it receives electrical power from the printed circuit board. Thus, when electrical power is applied to the printed circuit board, the heating element generates heat which causes the scented cardboard to emit a pleasant scent or aroma. The casing of the air freshener can be configured to have almost any geometric shape, e.g.

Abstract: The device for spraying a reagent onto a support (81) adapted to retain microorganisms on a predetermined surface (82), comprises a spraying bell (3) as well as a nozzle (71) for emitting a jet of droplets of said reagent into a spraying chamber (34) comprised by said bell (3), said device also comprising an absorbent pad (5) mounted against said bell (3) transversely to said jet and closing said chamber (34) from the opposite side to said nozzle (71) with the exception of a circular central opening (51) provided in said pad (5), the diameter of said central opening (51) being adapted to enable a portion of said jet, when said device faces said support (81) and is at a predetermined distance therefrom, to pass through said central opening (51) over its entire area and be deposited on the whole of said predetermined surface (82) of said support (81).

Abstract: The Rainmaker is a personal umbrella combined with a pressurized misting system. Misting nozzles attach directly to the ribs of the canopy, using the ribs as an avenue for pressurized liquid. These objects do not hinder the ability to operate the opening and closing of the umbrella. The shaft of the umbrella acts as a reservoir and contains the water for misting. The handle doubles as a hand pump, creating the necessary pressure needed to create a proper mist. This self-contained unit promises a mobile, self-reliant, ecology minded, personal cooling, and humidified surroundings.

Abstract: The components of a hand-held shower assembly, namely the hose and spray head, are each made of a polymeric material that has an antimicrobial additive embedded therein or coated on the water passages of each.

Abstract: The invention concerns a spray nozzle comprising a swirling chamber fed with pressurized liquid by a network of channels emerging outside via an ejection conduit. The invention is characterized in that said ejection conduit has an intake section whereof the area and/or the geometry is different from that of the output section.

Abstract: A nozzle and bracket assembly having a minimal number of parts and particularly useful for mounting on a planter row unit includes a slotted bracket connected by a single bolt to the unit frame. A molded plastic nozzle body includes mounting tabs received by the bracket slots. The body snap fits into the bracket slots and is guided into position past locking offsets by the slots. A nozzle cap threaded onto the body constrains the body against upward movement in the slots and transfers harmful impact forces away from the nozzle body.

Abstract: A coating for fuel injector components adapted for use with low lubricity fuels is disclosed. The invention consists of a metal carbon material coating or a metal nitride coating to the fuel pump plunger or other fuel injection system components. The invention utilizes a coating on the fuel injector plunger that minimizes scuffing or seizure associated with the plunger and barrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle suitable for jetting high pressure and high temperature steam, and a method and an apparatus for producing an entangled nonwoven fabric using the nozzle. According to the apparatus, a steam inlet side main conduit and a steam outlet side conduit are connected with both end parts of a tubular nozzle holder in a longitudinal direction provided integrally with nozzle members having a plurality of nozzle holes. A steam outlet side conduit is provided with an opening/closing valve and a trap conduit is branched from a conduit at an upstream side from the opening/closing valve. By opening the opening/closing valve, a rapid temperature rise of the nozzle holder can be enabled at a time of starting a production of a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides spreader covers and methods of using the spreader covers. Specifically, the present invention provides spreader covers that are generally rigid that are configured for enclosing the hopper of a spreader device (e.g., to protect from rain and/or spillage). In certain embodiments, the generally rigid spreader covers enclosing the top of a hopper may be slid back, along the hopper opening ridge, to allow material to be added to the hopper without removing the spreader cover.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing fluidization of nanoparticle and/or nanoagglomerates are provided. A fluidization chamber is provided with a fluidizing medium (e.g., a fluidizing gas) directed in a first fluidizing direction, e.g., upward into and through a bed containing a volume of nanoparticles and/or nanopowders. A second source of air/gas flow is provided with respect to the fluidization chamber, the secondary air/gas flow generally being oppositely (or substantially oppositely) directed relative to the fluidizing medium. Turbulence created by the secondary gas flow, e.g., a jet from a micro-jet nozzle, is advantageously effective to aerate the agglomerates and the shear generated by the jet is advantageously effective to break apart nanoagglomerates and/or reduce the tendency for nanoagglomerates to form or reform. A downwardly directed source of secondary gas flow located near the main gas distributor leads to full fluidization of the entire amount of powder in the column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating materials or material mixtures in a treatment apparatus operating on the principle of the double-action impact mill, which includes a discharge conveyor (34), such as a discharge screw. A material layer (40) is maintained between the discharge opening and the discharge conveyor, using the material exiting the outermost ring (16?) of the treatment apparatus through the discharge opening (30), which layer prevents free discharge of the material to be treated from the treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A process of mechanical separation of embryos from seeds for genetic transplantation employs counter-rotating cylinders together with one or more culling, hydration, separation, and viability testing steps to provide high-throughput of viable, transplantable tissue.

Abstract: A document shredder is provided with a transport system that holds and transports paper, and a shredding system that shreds the paper while rotating at a circumferential speed higher than a transporting speed of the transport system, wherein, a part of elements constituting the transport system is in common with a part of elements constituting the shredding system and a point of action of the transport system is placed substantially at the same position as a point of action of the shredding system, with respect to a paper transporting direction, and alternatively, the shredding system is arranged successively from the transport system. Since this shredder is assembled in such a manner that a part of elements constituting the transport system to hold and transport the paper is in common with a part of elements constituting the shredding system, it is possible to be downsized.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge includes a leader member that is attached to an end portion of recording tape and on both ends of which flange portions are formed, and holding portions that are formed in an upper case and a lower case and hold the leader member in the vicinity of an opening. Projecting portions are formed on the holding portions and overlap the flange portions on inner surface sides of the flange portions. Through holes are formed in the upper case and the lower case, whereby undercut portions are not present in the projecting portions. The case of the recording tape cartridge can be molded without complicating the configuration of the mold.

Abstract: A leader member, comprising: an axis portion, formed into a bar shape that is longer than a width of a recording tape, a center portion in a longitudinal direction thereof being a tape-connecting portion for connecting the recording tape; a pair of first rim portions, overhanging from both outer sides of the tape-connecting portion on the axis portion in directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the axis portion; and second rim portions, overhanging in the directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the axis portion from between at least one of the pair of first rim portions on the axis portion and the tape-connecting portion, a dimension of the second rim portions along a specific direction among the orthogonal directions being equal to a dimension along the specific direction of the first rim portions, is provided.

Abstract: An information medium capable of preventing tape reels from being inclined during driving and improving the manufacturing efficiency. The information medium includes a pair of tape reels having a magnetic tape wound around, a casing body rotatably accommodating the tape reels, and a pair of sheets having a pair of insertion holes formed, respectively. A pair of plate-shaped spring members each formed with an insertion hole are arranged between one sheet and one main board, for urging respective ends of hubs of the tape reels via the sheet, with the associated end of the hub inserted into the insertion hole. Each spring member is fixed to the main board, by being fitted on an outer periphery of an associated annular protrusion formed on the one main board.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge, comprising: a leader pin at which flange portions are formed at both ends, holding portions formed at a case and holding the flange portions of the leader pin in a vicinity of an opening, overhanging portions formed at the holding portions and overlapping the flange portions at inner surface sides thereof, and wall surfaces which are formed at the holding portions and which peripheral surfaces of the flange portions oppose, wherein a clearance between the inner surface of the flange portion and the overhanging portion, and a clearance between the peripheral surface of the flange portion and the wall surface, are defined such that, when the leader pin tilts, the peripheral surface of the flange portion contacts the wall surface before the inner surface of the flange portion contacts the overhanging portion, is provided.

Abstract: To provide a recording tape cartridge that can prevent removal of a leader pin from holding portions when the recording tape cartridge is out of use and in which manufacturing cost can be reduced, the recording tape cartridge includes a case; a leader pin including flange portions; an opening from which the leader pin is pulled out; a holding portions formed at an upper case and a lower case respectively, and holding respectively the flange portions of the leader pin in the vicinity of the opening; an overhang portion formed at at least one of the holding portions, and overlapping with the flange portion at an inner surface side thereof when the leader pin is held at the holding portions; and a claw portion formed at the overhang portion, the leader pin being able to enter in or exit from the overhang portion by being elasticity deformed.

Abstract: A winding reel for a band-shaped material that makes it possible to remove the wound band-shaped material by a simple operation, without adjusting the winding speed of the band-shaped material. A winding reel for a band-shaped material is configured by attaching an outer circumferential member to a member with a reducing outer diameter of an inner circumferential member. The outer diameter of the member with a reducing outer diameter and the inner diameter of mating members that constitute the outer circumferential member decrease from the base end side toward the distal end side. In the outer circumferential member attached to the member with a reducing outer diameter, the inner surfaces of the mating members are brought into contact with the outer surface of the member with a reducing outer diameter and supported by the outer surface of the member with a reducing outer diameter.

Abstract: A tape dispenser includes a main member, a cutter and a tape roll mount device. The main member includes a base member, on which a first tape roll mount is provided and a shield member pivoted on the base member. The tape roll mount device includes a second tape roll mount. The first tape roll mount includes a gap. The tape roll mount device is fixed to the base member with the second tape roll mount within the first tape roll mount and a space is formed between the first tape roll mount and the second tape roll mount. A big tape roll may be mounted on the first tape roll mount or a small tape roll may be mounted on the second tape roll mount and received in the space with a tape of the small tape roll being drawn out through the gap.

Abstract: In a continuous sheet processing apparatus including a processing portion (3) above and on a lateral side (right side in the drawing) of a roll body accommodating portion (2), when a cover (8) is in an open state, a guide plate (11) is in an outside of a frame (17). When the cover (8) starts to be closed, protruding portions (14a) abut on cams (17a) and link arms (14) start pivoting about a shaft (16), thereby allowing arms (12) connected to the link arms (14) to pivot about a shaft (13). As a result, the guide plate (11) and the arms (12) move before the cover (8) to enter a space between a roll body (1a) and a continuous sheet (1). When the cover (8) is closed, an engagement portion (11a) of the guide plate (11) engages with the continuous sheet (1), and is positioned while being biased to an opposite side (left side in the drawing) of the processing portion (3) with respect to a position directly above a central axis of the roll body (1a).

Abstract: A coil component has a first coil part and a second coil part, a middle member, and a shield member. Each of the first and second coil parts includes a drum core and a winding. The middle member is located between the first and second coil parts arranged in a state in which axes of winding drums in the respective first and second coil parts are parallel to each other. The shield member is formed at least in part of an outside surface of the winding in each of the first and second coil parts and is a resin containing a magnetic material powder. The magnetic permeability of the middle member is lower than that of the core and the shield member.

Abstract: A film supply apparatus supplying film in a foam-in-bag system having a film feeding device for feeding film from a film source to a location for bag formation, a bag forming apparatus, a foam material dispenser positioned for feeding foam material for reception in a bag of the bag forming apparatus, and a web tensioning system with a web tensioning driver in driving communication with the film source and which is in communication with a controller for monitoring the film feed and web tension states and directing adjustments in the web tension system. The web tensioning driver is arranged to move film backwards or in a direction opposite to a direction of film feed induced by the film feeding means and with the film source including a roll of film and the web tensioning system including a drive transmission in communication with the roll of film for rotational driving of the roll of film and also in communication with web tensioning driver.

Abstract: To wind a rubber strip material around a forming drum, a rubber strip material S extruded from a die 2 of an extruder 1 is spirally wound by an applicator 6 and formed around the forming drum 5 which is being rotated. In the forming operation, the peripheral speed Vd of the forming drum 5 is set lower than the extrusion speed Ve of the rubber strip material S from the die 2 of the extruder 1, that is, to a peripheral speed of 0.6 to 0.95 times the extrusion speed Ve and preferably to a peripheral speed about 0.9 times the extrusion speed Ve. With this arrangement, the rubber strip material stretched by die swelling can be contracted, a tire structural member can be formed around the forming drum with high accuracy at all times independently of the kind of the rubber strip material, and workability as well as shape stability after the rubber strip material is formed can be enhanced.

Abstract: An engine nacelle inlet lip includes both acoustic treatment and electric heating for ice protection. The inlet lip has a composite outer skin and a composite inner skin, with the composite outer skin having at least one integrated heater element embedded in the composite material. An acoustic cellular core positioned between the outer and inner skin acts to attenuate fan noise from the engine. Covering the outer skin and overlying the acoustic core is a perforated erosion shield having a first set of openings that pass entirely thorough its thickness. The composite outer skin includes a second set of openings such that sound waves can pass from an inner barrel portion of the inlet lip through the erosion shield, outer skin, and heater element to the underlying acoustic cellular core.

Abstract: A retractable thrust vector control system (10) for a rocket motor (26) that can generate an exhaust plume comprises at least one control vane (12) connectable to an attitude control assembly (20) that rotates the vane (12) about a control axis (44). The system also includes a retraction mechanism (14) for withdrawing the control vane (12) along the control axis (44) from an extended position at least partially within a path of a rocket exhaust plume and a retracted position substantially out of a path of a rocket exhaust plume.

Abstract: There is declared an aircraft with a lifting fuselage, comprising a wing, on outboard wing panels of which there are mounted engines, the fuselage width is considerably more than its height, but a front portion of the fuselage in plane smoothly transforms from a narrower nose portion into a wide base portion, therewith, the tail assembly has two stabilizers with control surfaces, the stabilizers are spaced from one another along the fuselage width aside from the longitudinal vertical plane of the aircraft and are installed at angle with respect to it, on each of the stabilizers it is installed an all-movable arrow-type yaw rudder with forming a T-shaped tail assembly, the axis of turn of said yaw rudder is positioned on the stabilizer in the plane of the yaw rudder, but construction planes of the stabilizers intersect with one another in the plane of the aircraft symmetry plane on the base longitudinal axis of the aircraft or below it.

Abstract: A method/system for controlling helicopter vibrations is provided that includes a vibration canceling force generator for actively generating a vibration canceling force. The system includes a resonant actuator having a natural resonant frequency and a resonant actuator electronic control system. The resonant actuator electronic control system provides an electrical drive current to the resonant actuator to drive the resonant actuator about the resonant frequency when commanded by a received command signal. The resonant actuator has a feedback output with the feedback output fed back into the resonant actuator electronic control system wherein the resonant actuator electronic control system adjusts the electrical drive current based on the resonant actuator feedback output to generate the vibration canceling force.

Abstract: A gimbaled truss assembly is disclosed including a frame rotatably mounted in a gimbal mount, and a truss rotatably mounted within the frame. The truss is configured to retain a propulsion system. The frame and the truss rotate independently of one another. A fastening system for mounting the propulsion system to the truss includes vibration isolators. A plurality of braces are coupled to the gimbal mount. The braces conform to the external surface of an air vehicle on which the assembly is to be attached.

Abstract: A modular airship system capable of assembling and disassembling two or more modular airships while in flight. The assembled modular airships providing improved lift and loft characteristics, while the disassembled modular airships provide for improved ground handling, storage, and transport. The modular airship comprises a coupling device to couple two or more modular airships together while in flight. The coupling device may include an electromagnetic attachment, a shaft and socket, Velcro, a latch, a draw cord, or a combination thereof. The modular airship may also have a propulsion system and the capability to carry a payload. The modular airship further comprises an electrical communication system which allows the two or more modular airships, when coupled together, to permit navigation, monitoring, and/or power systems to be shared and/or synchronized.

Abstract: An airship may include a hull substantially shaped as an oblate spheroid, one or more frame members defining a support structure, wherein the support structure forms at least a partial support for the hull, at least one horizontal stabilizing member operably coupled to a lower surface of the airship, and at least one horizontal stabilizing member having a first end and a second end. The at least one horizontal stabilizing member may define an anhedral configuration. The airship may also include a vertical stabilizing member having a first end pivotally coupled to the airship and a second end oriented to remain below an upper surface of the airship. The vertical stabilizing member may be configured to pivot within a vertical plane, and the first end of the vertical stabilizing member and the first end of the at least one horizontal stabilizing member may be operably coupled to one another.

Abstract: A turboprop having at least one propeller formed by a set of variable pitch blades. In the invention, each blade is swivel-mounted on a rotary support and carries a gearwheel meshing with an actuator annulus rotating on said rotary support and coupled to a control annulus via an epicyclic mechanism.

Abstract: A flexible cable connection for connecting the monuments to an on-board supply device, which cable connection ensures that displacement of the monument in longitudinal direction of the aircraft becomes possible without disconnecting the connection cable, and the required distance between the connection routes is maintained even during displacement. To this effect, the cable connection comprises a chain device for guiding the connection cable.

Abstract: The invention has as its purpose an aircraft for transport of passengers having a fuselage (1) comprising a pressurized level (2) in which there are laid out the passenger cabin (20) and a lower level forming a hold (3). According to the invention, the cockpit (40) is positioned in an additional pressurized space (4) laid out below the main deck (10), at the level of the hold (3) and separated from the latter by a structure (41) withstanding possible impacts.

Abstract: Modular configuration for an aircraft interior floor plan design is provided by an fuselage having starboard and port side attachment rails disposed longitudinally parallel to one another. Each of the starboard and port side attachment rails are comprised of outboard and inboard rails and a center rail positioned therebetween. A plurality of interior fixtures are provided with fixed attachment posts asymmetrically oriented relative to a longitudinal centerline plane of the fixture. Such fixtures can therefore be attached to predetermined pairs of the starboard and port side attachment rails to provide for a desired configuration of the fixtures within the fuselage.