Abstract: A fishing lure includes a rattle that is adjustable between a rattling mode and a muted mode. The fishing lure includes a body having an outer surface and an inner surface. Inside the body is a rattle chamber and a muted chamber, with a channel connecting the rattle chamber with the muted chamber. The rattle is moveable between the muted chamber and the rattle chamber to determine when rattling is available and when the rattle is muted.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a reusable and interchangeable lure body is generally disclosed. The lure body can be changed without having to cut and retie the fishing line to the fishing lure. The fishing lure has two separate components that can be interchanged: the weighted hook and the lure body. A fishing line can be tied to the weighted hook. Different lure bodies can be affixed to the weighted hook to be fished.

Abstract: A fish catcher having a handle connected to a base wherein the base is tubular in shape having two ends. On a first end is a large opening less than the diameter of the tube. On the second or distal end is an opening smaller than the large opening. The body is made of an opaque rigid material.

Abstract: A kit for a mobile gardening cart that includes the following: a base structure, storage areas, and a plurality of wheels to allow it to pivot in any directions, an upright frame structure with reasonable braced support, linage/connection to a main vertical frame, and multiple stackable container forms to be placed parallel to each other in an ascending upward fashion on the upright frame structure.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a main outer support frame supporting at least one movable rectangular sash frame enclosing an insulated glass panel. The sash frame is supported for vertical or horizontal movement between open and closed positions, and an interlocking system is effective to lock adjacent overlapping sash frame members. The interlocking system includes an angular metal clip member mounted on one sash frame member and having a flange projecting into a slot within the adjacent sash frame member. A pair of clip members are located under the tilt latches on single and double hung window assemblies and are secured to a vertical sash frame member on a horizontal sliding window assembly. The interlocking system responds to a substantial positive or negative wind load or such a wind load after an impact which breaks a glass panel, to limit deflection and prevent permanent deformation or release of the movable sash frame.

Abstract: A liftgate assembly for an automotive vehicle includes an outer panel having an external periphery and a skeletonized, trussform inner panel joined to the outer panel at their mutual external peripheries. A latch assembly is mounted within a latch cavity defined by a section of the trussform inner panel and a facing portion of the outer panel. At least one standoff structure is interposed between the outer panel and the inner panel at a location adjacent to the latch cavity so as to resist deformation of the outer panel and consequent reduction in size of the latch cavity in the event that an impact is imposed upon the outer panel at a location near the latch cavity.

Abstract: A door handle device for a vehicle includes a frame member mounted to a door of the vehicle, a handle main body fitted with the frame member, an engaging arm formed at the handle main body and engaging with the frame member, a handle axial portion formed at the engaging arm and serving as a pivotal center of the handle main body, a bearing member pivotally supported by the frame member, and a holding portion formed at the bearing member for holding the handle axial portion, wherein the holding portion is shifted between a released position where the handle axial portion is engageable with or disengageable from the holding portion and a supported position where the handle axial portion is pivotally supported with a pivoting of the bearing member.

Abstract: A plaster collar assembly having a first ring, a second ring secured to the first ring, and a mechanism arranged at an outer periphery of at least one of the rings for axially displacing the first and second rings during rotation of the secured rings relative to each other.

Abstract: Construction systems for erecting building structures comprise a plurality of prefabricated interconnectable modular building units, each unit not meeting at least one of the ISO certification criteria for transport of cargo, but each unit comprising a frame shaped as a rectangular parallelopiped and comprised of framing members and a plurality of nodes, each node situated at a corner of said frame for selective interconnection with other units, the nodes and the exterior dimensions of the frame conforming to ISO shipping standards such that each unit is transportable using the ISO intermodal transportation system, and such that when the units are aggregated horizontally and vertically and adjacent units are interconnected, a building structure comprising at least one habitable space is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides wind flow bodies for use with a structure for decreasing the carrier wing effect on the structure by the formation of turbulence or reducing the dynamic pressure by deflecting the wind flow. The invention further provides a method for securing the composition of a structure against the onslaught of heavy winds, whereby zones, which are suitable for the formation of a critical carrier wing effect during heavy wind flow are identified on the structure, and the position of a wind flow body for generating turbulence for dampening the carrier wing effect, is then determined. Further zones are identified which are suitable for the formation of the dynamic pressure, and the operating position of a wind flow body is then determined for deflecting the corresponding wind flow for reducing the dynamic pressure.

Abstract: An aerodynamic system attached to the outer side of the roof perimeter edge to mitigate wind generated vortices and uplift loads on the roof perimeter area of a building, applicable for both new constructions and retrofits of existing buildings. A roof edge guard is generally installed alongside a roof edge, and mounted onto an existing fascia or bargeboard. As an option most appropriate for new constructions, it can also be mounted directly onto a roof frame member in place of fascias or bargeboard. The configuration modifies the cross-sectional shape of otherwise abrupt roof edges that tend to generate strong vortex during high winds.

Abstract: A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region.

Abstract: A removable covering for surfaces includes, in principle, tiles consisting of bases made of a plastic material and top plaques joined to the bases, the bases incorporating male and female anchoring elements along their edges which fit together for attaching one tile to another. The anchoring elements are located in the joints between tiles and the anchoring elements are arranged alternatingly along the entire outer edge of the bases, at least by pairs of anchoring elements, one male and the other female, on each side of the edge of the plastic base. The anchoring elements are separated by a distance which is twice the distance between each end anchoring element and the nearest adjacent vertex of the corresponding base. It will thus be possible to place and anchor one tile assembly in relation to another in as many positions as the number of sides of the tiles.

Abstract: An energy conserving active thermal insulation arrangement installed upon the ambient surface of an insulated structure employing alternately spaced insulated air channels and insulated conductive ply channels. A thin conductive ply conveys the energy by conduction from the airflow into the adjacent conductive ply channels, that contain an additional layer of foam which improves the conservation of energy. The conductive ply is placed above and below structural openings which would otherwise restrict airflow. The airflow is drawn from beneath the frost line, exhaust ventilation or sunspace. A math model solution determines the energy necessary to maintain a desired room temperature for each hour of the day which characterizes the thermal resistance. As the ambient temperature fluctuates, the resistance varies, however the energy for 24 hours is used to determine the total apparent resistance. Examples of apparent resistance R-value have been improved beyond any published resistance values to date.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated panels of light transmitting plastics sheet material each have longitudinally extending parallel spaced ribs and longitudinally extending co-planner opposite edge portions. An elongated support member for each panel has a base portion secured to the opposite edge portions of the panel adjacent the upper end portion of the panel and includes a hook portion adapted to engage a hook-shaped support rail mounted on a building over a window or door opening. Each hook portion has end surfaces recessed inwardly from opposite edge surfaces of the panel and provide for overlapping edge portions of adjacent panels. The lower end portion of an outer panel is supported by a sill bracket mounted on the building under the opening and receives a U-shaped track member secured to the panel. The bracket and track member are connected by pull pins located within the ribs of the outer panel.

Abstract: A panel for providing explosion-resistant curtain walls comprising at least one glass pane suitable to form a glazing unit, and associated with a supporting frame constituted by at least two uprights connected, at their upper and lower ends, by at least two cross-members. The panel comprises an interconnection device for strengthening and interconnecting the uprights and the cross-members, a guiding device for strengthening and guiding in position two contiguous uprights of two panels arranged one above the other, and a limiting device for limiting mutual rotation of two contiguous uprights of two panels arranged side by side.

Abstract: There are currently two major types of exterior building envelope finishing systems: window wall systems, and curtain wall systems. Window wall systems use panels which fit between concrete floor slaps, and hence, are prone to leakage and are not aesthetically appealing. Curtain wall systems are installed proud of the concrete slabs, so have better performance, but are expensive to install. The system of the invention has the high performance of a curtain wall system, with the ease of installation of a window wall system. The invention uses rigid panels which cover the face of a building like a curtain wall system, providing a complete gasketed seal without the need for caulking as in the case of window wall systems. The vertical mullions are notched, so that the mullions can be easily anchored to the upper and lower surfaces of the concrete slabs.

Abstract: A footing form for supporting posts or other upright structural members of buildings and the like includes a primary web, and a plurality of structural webs extending upwardly from the primary web. The webs include structural webs that extend radially outward from a center portion of the base web, and a plurality of ring-like concentric webs that provide additional structural support. The webs form a plurality of upwardly-opening pockets, and apertures through the base web provide for drainage of water and the like from the upwardly-opening pockets. The footing form may have a one-piece molded construction. The footing form provides sufficient support to thereby eliminate the need for concrete or the like to support the posts.

Abstract: A tower foundation (10) comprises a base slab (11), a plurality of pillar slabs (12), and a crown stab (13). The base slab (11), pillar slabs (12) and crown slab (13) are all retained in position by six steel guide rods (18) that extend upwardly from the base slab (11). The six guide rods (18) have externally threaded ends configured to receive internally threaded mounting bolts (20). The guide rods are arranged in a generally triangular pattern. The pillar slabs are rectangular with their sides being undercut or sloping outwardly from the bottom surface to the top surface, i.e., the sidewalls diverge outwardly as they extend upwardly. The outwardly sloping sidewalls aid in preventing the foundation from tilting over time.

Abstract: A panel, in particular a floor panel, has a core of a wooden material, in particular MDF or HDF, or a wooden material/plastic mixture. A pattern is arranged on a visible side. The visible side is provided on at least one side edge (I, II) with a chamfer running at an angle ? hereto and a length (L). The angle ? of at least one of the chamfers varies over the length (L).

Abstract: The profile-rail system (1) serves for bridging expansion joints. It is held by means of undercut tongue and groove profilings (3, 4) such that it can be held in a click-in arrangement against flooring elements. In order to obtain a width adjustment and an adjustment to movements of the floor covering, the profile-rail system (1) has at least two telescopable profiled rails (5, 6). These profiled rails (5, 6) can be held against the flooring elements (2) exclusively on the end face.

Abstract: A sound and/or moisture barrier underlayment suited for use on a roof or floor surface to provide a substantially flat and level surface, comprises at least first and second strips of insulation membranes (10) laid down one next to the other in a coplanar relationship. The first and second strips (24, 26) have a thickness W1. An overlap joint (28) is provided between the first and second strips (24, 26). The overlap joint (28) has a thickness W2 substantially equal to or less than W1 to provide a free-bump transition between the first and second strips (24, 26) while preventing straight-through infiltration.

Abstract: A knocked-down insulating concrete form including two spaced apart lightweight panels maintained in position by a tie assembly. The tie assembly including a pair of vertically elongated anchors which are each attached to one of the two panels, and a tie engaging the anchors to maintain the panels in spaced apart relation. The tie engaging the anchors via a slideable locking mechanism for selectively preventing slideable movement between the tie and the anchors.

Abstract: A roofing shingle comprising a mat having regions of various thicknesses. A layer of asphalt-based material coats the mat and a layer of granules is deposited on the asphalt-coated mat. The variations in the thickness of the regions of the mat give the shingle differences in thickness corresponding to the thickness variations in the regions of the mat, thereby giving the shingle an appearance of depth.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A metal stud for use in a metal building wherein the studs are secured to horizontally extending and vertically spaced-apart girts which are either C-shaped or Z-shaped. A metal stud is generally C-shaped and includes a base wall portion and opposite side wall portions with upper and lower ends. The lower ends of the side wall portions each have slot formed therein wherein which are adapted to receive a wall portion and flange of a girt. The upper end of the stud has a tab which extends upwardly therefrom to enable the tab to be secured to a girt. The stud may also be used in the roof system of the building.

Abstract: A bracket system for assembling playground equipment includes a plurality of deck support brackets, at least two vertical frame brackets, at least two horizontal frame brackets, a swing bracket, and at least two ladder brackets. The deck support brackets secure horizontal deck support beams to vertical frame beams at first points along the vertical frame beams. The vertical frame brackets attach to at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at second points above the first points. The at least two horizontal frame brackets fix at least one horizontal frame beam to the at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at the second points; the horizontal frame brackets and the vertical frame brackets interconnect. The swing bracket fastens a swing support beam to the at least one horizontal frame beam at a third point along the at least one horizontal frame beam. The at least two ladder brackets connect a ladder to one of the horizontal deck support beams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method to maintain the integrity of a vapor barrier for use with concrete slab on grade construction. In accordance with the present invention an apparatus to repair a punctured concrete slab vapor barrier includes a substantially planar concrete slab vapor barrier patch having a resealable aperture to receive a removable, substantially upright support. The patch is secured to the existing vapor barrier and the concrete is poured and substantially set. The support is removed and the malleable concrete flows, causing the engagement of the resealable aperture, thereby repairing the punctured vapor barrier.

Abstract: A floor plug (10) is disclosed having a top plate (11) and a neck (12), the neck defining a top plate lip (14). To repair a bore hole (20) in a concrete floor (21) an adhesive (19) is applied to the underside of the lip (14) and the neck (12) is positioned within the bore hole (20). Once the adhesive has cured a viscous smoothing compound or concrete floor leveler is poured over the floor plug (21) and surrounding concrete floor area. If necessary, the concrete floor leveler material is smoothed to provide a generally smooth or level surface.

Abstract: A spacer profile (50) for a spacer profile frame mountable in the edge area of an insulating window unit for forming an intervening space (53) between window panes (51, 52), has a profile body (10) made of synthetic material and comprises one or more chambers (20) for accommodating hygroscopic material. A metal film (30) encloses the profile body on three-sides such that, in the bent/assembled state of the spacer profile, the non-enclosed inner side of the profile body is directed towards the intervening space between the window panes. The not-enclosed inner side of the profile body comprises openings (15) for moisture exchange between hygroscopic material accommodated in the chamber(s) and the intervening space between the window panes. The metal film comprises a profile (31a-g, 32a-g) on each end directed towards the intervening space of the window panes. Each profile has at least one edge or bend.

Abstract: The present invention provides spacer stock for making a spacer frame for a multi-sheet unit. The spacer stock includes a first supporting surface; a second supporting surface opposite to, and facing away from, the first supporting surface; a base surface between and connecting the first and second supporting surfaces, and wherein the first and second supporting surfaces and base surface are made of plastic and rate of moisture and/or gas movement through portions of the first and second supporting surfaces is greater than the rate of moisture and/or gas movement, respectively through the base surface.

Abstract: A cover segment for an aesthetic cover assembly includes a cover wall and at least one joint element. An aesthetic cover assembly includes two or more cover segments. The joint elements of the cover segments have a common profile and are secured along the corresponding cover wall in an opposite facing relation. A method of assembling a cover assembly is also included.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spacing, securing, and stabilizing I-joists at their ends, and insulating and structural enhancing I-joist assemblies, are provided around the perimeter, or in the interior, of a floor or ceiling where ends of I-joists are located. Insulated blocking panels may comprise an insulating portion that provides a high-R-value and a structural portion which may comprise vertical panel(s) and optional integral support blocks that provide a profiled end surface for extending to the web of the I-joists. Alternatively, insulated blocking panels with flat, vertical end surfaces may be used with field-installed support blocks, or insulated blocking panels with profiled end surfaces may be used without any support blocks. The support blocks or profiled end surfaces of the insulated blocking panels extend to the web of each I-joist, to fill in the space between the I-joists near the I-joist ends, including a substantial amount of the space immediately adjacent the web of each I-joist.

Abstract: A medicine delivering device permits additional medicine cassettes to be provided at low cost without greatly enlarging the installation space. The medicine delivering device includes a medicine storage and removal unit in which many medicine cassettes each containing a medicine are detachably provided to the outer surface of a drum whose upper and lower ends are rotatable supported by the device body and a medicine packaging unit that packages medicine removed through a collecting hopper from the medicine cassette of the medicine storage and removal unit. There is provided on the side surface of the device body a sub medicine storage and removal unit including: a body; a drawer body provided to be capable of being pulled out from the body and that is detachably provided with a plurality of medicine cassettes each containing the medicine; and a guide that guides the medicine taken out from the medicine cassette to the collecting hopper.

Abstract: A method of forming a reclosable fastener track having a slider. The process provides a reclosable fastener track, forms a slit in the fastener track, attaches a slider to the fastener track, seals the slit in the fastener track after the slider attaches, and creates a first and a second end stop on the track.

Abstract: A bulk material is compacted from its bulk state into a rectangular parallelepiped so that it can readily be wrapped with stretch film. To this end, a stretch film is wrapped spirally around a cylindrical skirt section having an open end while the stretch film is being moved towards the open end of the skirt section, thereby forming a cylinder of such stretch film. While the cylinder of wrapped film is being moved further, a pressed load material is pushed out of the skirt section to push the pressed load material into the cylinder of wrapped film fed past the open end of the skirt section. The wrapped cylindrical film is severed at positions spaced from opposite ends of the load material covered therewith or is sealed at these opposite ends.

Abstract: A method and packing machine for combining an insert and a group of cigarettes; the group of cigarettes is fed to a first seat of a pocket, which first seat is designed to house the group of cigarettes; the insert is fed to a second seat of the pocket, which second seat is designed to house the insert and is separate from the first seat; and the group of cigarettes and the insert are expelled together from the pocket by a common ejector device, so as to combine the insert with the group of cigarettes.

Abstract: A device for controlling a twist of a tube of packaging material in relation to an apparatus for transverse sealing of the tube comprises a number of rollers forming an aperture through which the packaging material is arranged to pass. A roller surface of each of the rollers is arranged to be in contact with an outer surface of the tube. The direction of the rotation axis of at least one of the rollers is adjustable to control the twist of the tube. A method for controlling a twist of a tube of packaging material comprises allowing the packaging material to pass through an aperture formed by a number of rollers with a rolling surface in contact with an outer surface of the tube, and adjusting the direction of the rotation axis of at least one of the rollers to control the twist of the tube.

Abstract: A method of folding a sheet of packing material, having an extraction opening, about a group of cigarettes; the method includes the steps of: bringing a first end wall of the group of cigarettes into contact with the flat sheet of packing material, so that the major transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the short sides of the sheet of packing material, and the minor transverse edges of the group of cigarettes are parallel to the long sides of the sheet of packing material; folding the sheet of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges of the first end wall, so that the sheet of packing material covers both the major lateral walls of the group of cigarettes completely; folding the sheet of packing material onto a second end wall of the group of cigarettes; and folding the sheet of packing material onto the minor lateral walls of the group of cigarettes; the first end wall of the group of cigarettes is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the sheet of packing material

Abstract: A method for operating a package emptying station having a work station, in which an emptying step is performed, an inlet via which the package to be emptied is inserted into the work station, an outlet via which the emptied package is ejected, and a product outlet through which the emptied contents of the package is discharged. Continuous tubular film packs are provided both at the inlet and also at the package outlet which seal off the inlet and the outlet and encase the package to be emptied or the emptied package during the insertion or corresponding ejection of the package. The film is sealed off and severed between individual packages such that the interior and the exterior do not come into contact. In this manner, both contamination of the package contents by environmental substances and also any contamination of the environment by the package contents can be avoided.

Abstract: A mower carried on shoulders or back to be used. A bowl-shaped contact member is disposed under a rotating body driven to rotate around a vertical axis as to be freely rotate around the axis. And, a bottom wall face portion of the bowl-shaped contact member has a flat face at right angles with the axis on a lower face. And, the bowl-shaped contact member has a curved face portion connecting a cylindrical peripheral wall face portion, of which center is the axis, and the bottom wall face portion.

Abstract: A marking assembly for attachment to a vehicle for distributing a marking agent on a substantially grass-covered field to mark one or more lines in one or more predetermined areas thereof. The marking assembly includes a deck having a grass-cutting subassembly for mowing the grass and removing the cuttings thereof to provide freshly-mown grass in the predetermined area, the deck being attachable to the vehicle. The marking assembly also includes one or more nozzle subassemblies positionable downstream relative to the grass-cutting subassembly when the vehicle travels in a forward direction. The nozzle subassembly includes one or more nozzles for releasing the marking agent to mark the line on the predetermined area.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

Abstract: A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. The header further includes end crop dividers that are mounted on outermost support arms that support the flexible cutterbar assembly so that the dividers swing with the outermost support arms as the flexible cutterbar assembly flexes.

Abstract: A power generation system. The exemplary system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a gas turbine (28), a gasifier (10) for generating gaseous fuel and a gas combustor (26) configured to receive the fuel and power the gas turbine (28). A drain collection and separation system (5) is positioned to collect gaseous fuel entrained in liquid and to separate the gaseous fuel from the liquid so the gaseous fuel can be cycled or disposed of separately from the liquid.

Abstract: A combustor arrangement for a gas turbine engine (31) has a split line (42) and a plurality of burners (20,37) arranged in an annular ring (40). The burners (46) of the combustor on either side of the split line (42) have a separation distance of at least two times the average separation distance between burners (48) distant from the split line (42).

Abstract: Power plants and process for lowering CO2 emissions generally includes extracting a portion of the recirculated CO2-rich flue gas mid-way through the compression pathway of a gas turbine and removing the CO2 in a separation unit. The remaining portion of the CO2 rich flue gas (i.e., the portion of the recirculated flue gas that was not fed to the separation unit) is mixed with fresh air coming from an additional compressor-expander and then fed back to the compression pathway. As a result, flue gas recirculation increases the CO2 concentration within the working fluid, leading to an additional increase in CO2 partial pressure. As the concentration and partial pressure of CO2 is increased, a lower energy penalty is observed to remove the CO2. Moreover, a reduced volume is fed to the CO2 separation unit during operation. Consequently, the size of the separation equipment can be reduced as well as the energy required for the separation process.

Abstract: A Liquid Metal Ion Thruster (LMIT) has a substrate having a plurality of pedestals, one end of the pedestal attached to the substrate, and the opposing end of the pedestal having a tip, the pedestals having grooves and the substrate also having grooves coupled to each other and to a source of liquid metal. An extractor electrode positioned parallel to the substrate and above the pedestal tips provides an electrostatic extraction field sufficient to accelerate ions from the tips of the pedestals through the extractor electrode. A series of focusing electrodes with matching apertures provides a flow of substantially parallel ion trajectories, and an optional negative ion source provides a charge neutralization to prevent space charge spreading of the exiting accelerated ions. The assembly is suitable for providing thrust for a satellite while maintaining high operating efficiencies.