Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a service unit for being installed on a service channel of an aircraft is disclosed, wherein said service unit features a mounting device and a connecting device. These two devices cooperate in such a way that the mounting and the automatic connecting are realized in one step when the service unit is moved into the installation position.

Abstract: A legrest assembly including a calf support hinged to a forward end of a seat frame and moveable between a stowed configuration generally vertically disposed below the forward end of the frame and a deployed configuration inclined above the stowed configuration, a foot support movable with and telescopically connected to the calf support, and a foot rest pivotally connected to the foot support and pivotable between a stowed configuration substantially parallel to the foot support and a deployed configuration extending outward from the foot support.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for detecting and recovering from a fire event within an aircraft. The technologies receive sensor data from a number of sensors associated with an aircraft. A determination is made as to whether the sensor data exceeds predefined thresholds indicating the fire event within the aircraft. In response to determining that the sensor data exceeds the predefined thresholds indicating the fire event, the technologies determine a location of the fire event within the aircraft based on the sensor data and depower components of the aircraft associated with the fire event. The technologies then initiate a fire suppressant mechanism within the aircraft directed to the location of the fire event.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an aircraft pylon system comprises a pylon, a bail bar located within the pylon, an offset bracket assembly, and a lanyard release assembly. The offset bracket assembly comprises an elongated member configured to be placed around the bail bar within the pylon, a bracket coupled to the elongated member, and a lanyard-engaging member coupled to the bracket and offset from a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The lanyard release assembly comprises a lanyard coupled to the lanyard-engaging member and a lanyard release connector coupled to the lanyard and releasably coupled to the store.

Abstract: Methods and systems for impact force attenuation reduce the time, expense, and material utilized in connection with aerial delivery of a payload. An impact attenuation system comprises a first airbag coupled to an aerial delivery platform, a gas source coupled to the first airbag, and a first pressure release valve coupled to the first airbag. Via use of an impact attenuation system, a payload may be more quickly rigged for aerial delivery, and more quickly extracted from an aerial delivery platform subsequent to the airdrop. Additionally, rebound, rollover, and other undesirable ground impact conditions may be reduced and/or eliminated.

Abstract: A microsatellite comprising a propulsion module for moving and/or pointing said microsatellite and an imaging device (100) mounted to said propulsion module. Furthermore there is a fuel supply (210) located within said imaging device (100).

Abstract: A device for transporting and ejecting small space payloads, in particular picosatellites, including a tubular body provided with a device for attachment onto a launch vehicle, the body including at least two longitudinal guide rails which can receive a satellite fixedly arranged inside the body in a storage position during transport and which can be moved along the guide rails towards a front end of the body during ejection, an ejection mechanism including a device for translatably moving a satellite in a longitudinal fashion, a drive device connected to the movement device and suitable for engaging with a satellite, and a device for controlling the ejection mechanism.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies described herein provide for a low noise aircraft wing slat system. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a cove-filled wing slat is used in conjunction with a moveable leading edge element of an aircraft wing to provide a high lift system. The moveable leading edge element may include a one-piece or two-piece panel that retracts within the aircraft wing to accommodate the cove-filled slat in the stowed position. Upon deployment of the cove-filled slat, the moveable leading edge element deploys outward to create a continuous outer mold line shape with the wing.

Abstract: In a jet aircraft according to the invention the jet engines are embedded in the wings and exhaust through fishtail diffuser ducts, from high aspect ratio nozzles located at a small control flap at the wing trailing edge. The jet engines are very-high bypass ratio geared turbofans operating at a lower than typical temperature. The jet aircraft according to the invention exhibits exceptionally low zero-lift drag leading to exceptionally high lift-to-drag ratios.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-joint cable protection and guide device that fits well with a flexible belt member in a flexed posture, that steadily protects and smoothly guides cables that assume the flexed posture, that requires fewer parts and that may be readily connected and disconnected corresponding as desired according to usage. The multi-joint supporting member has the flexible belt member in which cable inserting tubular portions are unitarily molded in parallel and a train comprising a plurality of block bodies flexibly connected with each other by concave-convex snap-fittings. The train of block bodies is inserted through the cable inserting tubular portions to control and support straight and flexed postures of the flexible belt member and each block body has a flexion outer peripheral-side curved surface whose curvature is equal to a radius of a flexed circular arc in the flexed posture.

Abstract: A modular tank stand is lightweight and easily transportable, but also capable of supporting the weight of a large bulk storage container filled with flowable material. The modular tank stand includes a plurality of individual tank stand sections which are interconnectable with one another to form a larger support surface sized to receive the bulk storage container. The individual sections include integral, vertically disposed support walls that provide both vertical support for the weight of the bulk storage container and resistance to collapse under shear forces arising from movement of the container. The interconnecting individual sections may be disconnected from one another and reconfigured to fit in a smaller space, such as onto a pallet or within a shipping container, thereby facilitating storage of the disassembled modular tank stand.

Abstract: A musical instrument stand which offers some protection to the instrument by absorbing mild pressure and knocks through being made of a spring material and configured to allow the components of the stand to bend and rotate in different directions, comprises a base for resting on a floor surface, a back portion extending upwardly from the base, a cradle portion for supporting the weight of the instrument in a vertical direction, and for restraining movement of the instrument in horizontal directions, and arms secured to the back portion above the cradle portion to hold the stringed instrument against lateral movement, and the base extending substantial distances to the rear and sides of the cradle portion for stability.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting of a hangboard includes first and second brackets each having first and second opposing end regions and a first elongate member having first and second spaced apart connection points configured for attachment to the first end regions of the first and second brackets. A second elongate member has third and fourth spaced apart connection points configured for simultaneous attachment to the first and second brackets. The second elongate member has a third connection point configured for attachment at a point along a portion of the first bracket between the first and second end regions thereof; and the fourth connection point configured for attachment at a point along a portion of the second bracket between the first and second end regions thereof. When the first and second members are so attached the assembly can be suspended within a wall opening.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for a planar adapter card retainer bracket that is removably attachable to a computer chassis and is formed with a plurality of plunger openings. Each plunger opening is configured to receive a respective adapter card retainer plunger. The adapter card retainer plunger is configured to extend from the bracket into the computer chassis to engage an edge of an adapter card thereby retaining the adapter card in a selected slot even if the adapter card is a low-profile adapter card.

Abstract: A cup holder comprising, a housing, a carrier member slidably engaged to the housing and movable between a condition where it is housed within the housing and condition where it at least partially extends from the housing, a cup receptacle that is slidably connected to the carrier member and carried thereby in a gimballed manner, wherein in an extended position the cup receptacle is presentable to be able to receive a cup, and wherein in a retracted position the cup receptacle is within the housing in a stowed condition.

Abstract: A reel seat (5) for affixing a fishing reel (80) to an archery bow (1) using a threaded fastener (16) attached to a support shaft (9). The foot (6) of the fishing reel (80) rests upon the shaft (9) and is secured between a cap (7) and a rear bushing (8). The rear bushing (8) is stationary while the cap (7) is movable along the shaft (9). Screwing a threaded fastener (23) into the shaft (9) advances the removable cap (7) towards the stationary rear bushing (8) and decreases the separation of the rear bushing (8) and the cap (7). The decreased distance results in physical forces and friction being applied to the reel foot, supporting member, and said structures. Prior to fully tightening the fastener (23), the fishing reel (80) may be placed in an infinite number of circumferential positions (90, 91, 92) with respect to the longitudinal axis (86) of the shaft (9).

Abstract: A utility bracket used for the simplified attachment of accessories and equipment to photography/video support systems.

Abstract: A fixture mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket for attaching, via a flange, to the outside wall of a building under construction. A mounting block for holding the fixture in place against the wall fits within the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a flashing component extending from the front face of the mounting bracket such that the mounting block is held in place by being at least partially surrounded by the flashing component. The fixture mounting assembly is useful but not limited to construction in which fiber cement siding will surround the outside wall and the associated fixture.

Abstract: A hanger is provided for mounting a curtain rod, such as a shower curtain tension rod, on a display. The hanger includes a body and a resilient collar, pivotally connected to the body, for engaging the rod in a “snap-fit” fashion. The body has a first opening adapted to receive the curtain rod end and a second opening adapted to be engaged by a prong of the display, to mount the curtain rod on the display. The curtain rod end may include a part, such as a finial, with an exterior surface having a contour. The first opening has a shape substantially corresponding to that contour. The second opening preferably includes three recesses such that conventional single prong and double prong displays can be accommodated.

Abstract: A one-piece molded holder clip is provided for retaining an associated sunshade rod. The clip has a body in which a hook element is formed with the body and having a generally C-shaped conformation to receive the rod therein. A sunshade guide surface is formed in the body and extends substantially tangentially from the hook element. A fastener is formed with the body and extends from a rear surface of the sunshade guide surface. First and second legs are received over a bracket extending from the automotive vehicle frame and at least one of the legs includes a locking tab dimensioned for snap-fit engagement with an associated bracket. A cover is formed with the one-piece body and extends from the hook element, and covers the fastener to provide an aesthetically pleasing design.

Abstract: A universal clamp for use on a crib and a method of securing the clamp to the crib. The clamp includes a first base and a second base removeably coupled to a crib. The first base includes an aperture and is configured to receive a strap and a recess. The second base includes a shaft configured to be received within the recess of the first base, a spring coupled to the shaft and being biased to retain the shaft within the recess, and a cam buckle connected to and pivotable with respect to the second base. The second base is configured to rotate with respect to the first base, and the cam buckle is configured to receive the strap to secure the clamp to the crib.

Abstract: A telescopic tube set for a bridge transport system is disclosed. The telescopic tube set includes cylindrical tubes each having an upper end, at which an upper ring is mounted, and a lower end, at which a lower ring is mounted, the cylindrical tubes having different diameters, pulleys mounted to respective inner wall surfaces of a part of the tubes, and extension/retraction lines each having an end connected to the upper ring of a corresponding one of the tubes, and an opposite end connected to the upper ring of another corresponding one of the tubes while extending around the pulley mounted to the tube interposed between the corresponding tubes. A plurality of bearings are installed at the lower ring to guide the tube, at which the lower ring is mounted, such that the tube extends or retracts straight in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A slip-on hook, having a hook portion and a body portion connected to the hook portion, is provided. The slip-on hook releasably retains an elongated material of an article. The hook portion of the slip-on hook engages a supporting bar for hanging the article for illustration purposes. The body portion of the slip-on hook engages the elongated material of the article. The body portion has an upper flange, an opposite lower flange, and a connecting web partially connecting the upper flange and the lower flange in the middle of the flanges. Spaces are provided between the upper flange and the lower flange at either side of the connecting web for receiving the elongated material of the article.

Abstract: Support foot apparatus that include a support foot structure that employs flexible flap members disposed on opposing sides of a central foot member, and that are configured for insertion into corresponding openings of a support foot location defined in an exterior surface of the chassis of an information handling system or other device or structure. Each of the flexible flap members may be provided with one or more securing apertures configured for placement over corresponding securing posts provided on an interior surface of the chassis to secure the flexible flap members of the support foot apparatus within the interior of the chassis at a support foot location to hold the central support body against an exterior surface of the chassis.

Abstract: A seat track system for a seat of a vehicle includes at least one seat track having a lower track member adapted to be fixed to a vehicle structure and an upper track member adapted to be connected to a seat and moveable relative to the lower track member. The seat track system also includes a manual positive engagement locking system cooperating with the at least one seat track to allow longitudinal adjustment of the upper track member relative to the lower track member and to positively engage the at least one seat track such that a locking element does extend through the locking plate but does not extend below the lower track member.

Abstract: The vehicle seat runner comprising first and second profiles sliding inside each other and a stop fixed on the first profile to limit the travel of the second profile. The stop passes through a first opening in the first profile and has, inside the runner, a stop face oriented capable of stopping the second profile and a nose opposite the stop face and that rests against an inner face of the first profile. The stop is extended opposite the nose, by a shank that extends against an outer face of the first profile to a fixing lug clipped into a second opening in the first profile.

Abstract: A sliding support assembly includes a sliding rail assembly and an attachment. The sliding rail assembly includes a fixed member, a sliding arm, and a hinge. The hinge has a positioning extension and a second portion, wherein the second portion is pivotally engaged to the positioning extension. The positioning extension is slidably engaged to the fixed member. The sliding rail assembly has a non-pivoted state and a pivoted state, wherein in the non-pivoted state the second portion is positioned substantially parallel to the fixed member, and in the pivoted state the second portion defines an angle with the fixed member. The attachment is engaged to at least a portion of the second portion and in the pivoted state is positioned a desired distance beyond the exterior edge of the partition.

Abstract: A balloon holder for helium and air-filled balloons comprises: a base with adequate mass to hold down at least one helium balloon; a housing surrounding the base; a loop member comprised of a sunken portion submerged inside the base and a loop above the base wherein the loop fastens to a line attached to a helium balloon; and a stem comprised of a lower end submerged inside the base and a top end above the base wherein the top end is adapted to receive a balloon cup attached to an air-filled balloon. The loop member may be comprised of a metal wire, and the loop may secure one or multiple helium balloons. The balloon holder may also include a platform on top of the base that includes a central aperture through which the stem passes through and at least one additional aperture through which the loop member passes through.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a display object to a post, having an inner member having a body, the body defining an opening sized and shaped to receive the post therein, the body having an outer portion, an adjustable securing mechanism provided in the opening for securing the inner member to the post, an outer member having an inner portion sized and shaped to engage with the outer portion of the inner member such that the outer member can rotate about the post, and at least one display support member on the outer member for securing the display object to the outer member.

Abstract: A support that includes a detachable element which has one border, of which at least a portion is attached to the support, with the border portions attached to the support all being so attached by weakened attachment seams, where the support also includes at least two lines of weakness that allow the support to be separated into at least two portions connected by a weakened attachment seam to the detachable element, with each of the lines of weakness being such that, when the support is bent along this line of weakness until it breaks, none of the weakened attachment seams breaks totally. Also disclosed is a method for the detachment of such a detachable element as well as a method for the manufacture of such a support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting various audio devices to a flat panel display employing mounting holes disposed on a rearward face of the panel of the flat panel display that are otherwise normally employed to couple a support of the flat panel display to the panel of the flat panel display, wherein a hub supporting rods that in turn support the audio devices is coupled to the rearward face of the panel with the aid of those holes, and wherein the hub and rods together convey electrical signals between at least one of the audio devices and at least one cable.

Abstract: An exhaust hanger band assembly, sleeve therefore, and method of increasing the elongation strength of an exhaust hanger band is provide. The exhaust hanger band assembly includes an elastomeric body configured to operably couple an exhaust member to a frame member of a vehicle. The elastomeric body has an annular outer surface extending along a body central axis between opposite sides. The assembly further includes a textile sleeve having a tubular wall extending along a sleeve central axis in generally parallel relation to the body central axis and between opposite ends. The tubular wall has at least one section of wale direction knit yarns extending along the sleeve central axis and at least one weft inserted yarn extending substantially transversely to the wale direction knit yarns about a circumference of the tubular wall. The at least one weft inserted yarn is interlinked with the at least one section of wale direction knit yarns.

Abstract: An exemplary mounting arrangement for an elevator machine comprises a first portion (32) and a second portion (34). The first portion and the second portion are moveable relative to each other between a shipping position and a deployed position in which the first portion and the second portion are generally perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a substantially vertical mechanical element, as a technical front surface, on a structural transverse element of bodywork of a vehicle such as an upper crossbar, the mechanical element including at least one substantially horizontal portion or structural nozzle bearing on an upper surface of the crossbar. The arrangement includes at least one carrier plate for the mechanical element which is slid under the bodywork of the vehicle and then mounted vertically. The plate includes a yoke for receiving the vertical mechanical element and which is capable of holding the element between at least one vertical position inclined towards the front and a vertical position.

Abstract: In some cases, a portable electronic device holder may include a holding member, a first arm attached to the holding member, a second arm attached to the holding member, a first mounting member attached to the first arm, and a second mounting member attached to the second arm. In other cases, a portable electronic device holder may include a holding member attached to a support member, and one or more mounting member attached to the support member. The one or more mounting members may be for mounting a portable electronic device. The holding member may include a slot and finger grooves for permitting a user to hold the portable electronic device holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming steps within a concrete stairway, wherein each step has a rise and a run. The apparatus includes a stringer rail, one or more riser brackets and a plurality of fasteners. The stringer rail has a lengthwise-extending channel. Each riser bracket has a panel leg and a support leg, wherein one end of the support leg is attached to panel leg. The fasteners are selectively slidable within the rail channel. One of the fasteners attaches the panel leg to the rail and another of the fasteners attaches the support leg to the rail. Each fastener is configurable in a first mode where the fastener is slidably attached to the rail. Each fastener is configurable in a second mode where the fastener is fixedly attached to the rail.

Abstract: A cyclic A/D converter which can reduce the number of reference voltages for D/A conversion is provided. The cyclic A/D converter (11) comprises a gain stage (15), an A/D converter circuit (17), a logic circuit (19), and a D/A converter circuit (21). In an operational action of the gain stage (15), an operational value (VOP) is generated by the use of an operational amplifier circuit (23) and capacitors (25, 27, 29). The gain stage (15) operates as receiving three kinds of voltage signal from the D/A converter circuit (21) by the switching of two kinds of voltage signal (VDA1, VDA2) to be applied to the capacitors (25, 27) in a switching circuit (31).

Abstract: An ADC includes: a single circuit capable of generating reference voltages that are constant and then decreasing over time, according to discrete values, including: a constant current source; a resistive bridge connected to the current source, the voltages of the bridge forming the reference voltages; a voltage source capable of producing a decreasing voltage on a node of the bridge; contact breaker for the connection of the voltage source to said node, a circuit including: means for comparing a voltage for conversion with the reference voltages; means for selecting the reference voltage whereof the value, when it is constant, is immediately higher than the voltage for conversion; means for counting a number of time units necessary for the reference voltage selected to become lower than the voltage for conversion during the decrease thereof; and means for storing, on the one hand a reference associated with the constant reference voltage which is immediately lower than or equal to the voltage for conversi

Abstract: The invention relates to vision equipment including a translucent optical strip covering all or some of the visual field of the user of the said equipment and a device for projecting images onto the said strip in at least one zone of the visual field of the user, called the image-projection zone. The optical strip includes a plurality of zones covered by a layer of material with a controlled coefficient of light transmission, a zone at least covering the image-projection zone and in that the vision equipment also comprises a means for controlling the coefficient of light transmission capable of receiving status information and of controlling the coefficient of light transmission of each of the zones and independently of one another as a function of the said status information. The invention preferably applies to helmet visor equipment or head-up displays for an aircraft cockpit and to vision equipment in the motor vehicle field.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprises an n-type surface region, a p-type region which is formed under the surface region, and an n-type buried layer which is formed under the p-type region, wherein the surface region, the p-type region, and the buried layer form a buried photodiode, and a diffusion coefficient of a dominant impurity of the surface region is smaller than a diffusion coefficient of a dominant impurity of the buried layer.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a system detects the degree of rotation of a knob, the system comprises a shaft having a length and a first end and a second end; the second end has an oblique reflective surface defined thereon; the first end fixedly attached to the knob. Containing the shaft is a rotation body, having a receptacle to accommodate the second end of the shaft with the oblique reflective surface exposed. An integrated circuit optical module is optically coupled the rotation body and the optical module detects light irradiance profile from the oblique reflective surface. The optical module includes a solid state light source and a plurality of photo detectors which generate an electrical signal upon exposure to light. As the knob is rotated, the oblique reflective surface generates a changing asymmetric irradiance profile, the change being translated into an electrical signal via the photo detectors. The electrical signal corresponds to the degree of rotation of the knob.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming thermal, epithermal, and/or cold neutrons into a beam using momentum transfer. The apparatus includes a source of thermal, epithermal, or cold neutrons, a momentum transfer mechanism containing a collection of suitable atoms that collide elastically with the neutrons, and an apparatus for moving the momentum transfer medium in a preferred direction. The embodiments include locating the neutron source within the test section of a wind tunnel filled with a gas consisting of appropriate atoms, either supersonic, transonic, or subsonic, locating the neutron source in the midst of multiple rotors constructed of appropriate atoms, and locating the neutron source inside a tube constructed of appropriate atoms, where the tube is excited by a mechanical transducer to a bulk acoustic wave, while the neutron source is optionally switched off and on to cause neutrons to enter the tube walls only when the tube walls are moving in the preferred direction.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer includes a permeation tube, ammonium sulfate disposed within the permeation tube in solid form, and a heating device configured to heat the permeation tube so as to create ammonia gas to flow within the permeation tube. When an array of sensors of the IMS is placed in contact with an unknown sample, the ammonia operates as a reactant so as to provide detection signals that are provided to a processor unit of the IMS, so as to identify the unknown sample based on its ion mobility spectrum.

Abstract: An improved sample chamber for laser assisted spectroscopy integrates valve mechanisms into the sample drawer, permitting the sample chamber to automatically bypass, purge and resume flow as the sample drawer is opened and closed to insert samples for processing. Integrating valve mechanisms into the sample drawer in this manner eliminates the need for external valves to be operated to bypass, purge and resume flow, thereby increasing system throughput and reducing system complexity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of vitamin D. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting derivatized vitamin D by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a mass spectrum, comprising: obtaining a transient from the oscillation of ions in a mass analyser; Fourier transforming the transient to obtain a complex spectrum having a real component and an imaginary component; and calculating an enhanced spectrum which comprises a combination of (i) and (ii) wherein (i) comprises a Positive spectrum; and (ii) comprises an Absorption spectrum. Also provided are an apparatus for producing a mass spectrum suitable for carrying out the method as well as a method of determining a phase correction for a complex spectrum obtained by Fourier transformation from a detected transient obtained from a mass analyser.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and 2D-LC-MS/MS) for the analysis of endogenous biomarkers, including steroid hormones, such as estrone and estradiol, thyroid hormones, such as free thyroxine, and metabolites, such as 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, in biological samples.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of one or more of one or more of epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (D) in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing one or more of E, NE, and D in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of one or more of E, NE, and D in the sample.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for transferring ions for analysis. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample including an ionizing source for converting molecules of a sample into gas phase ions in a region at about atmospheric pressure, an ion analysis device, and an ion transfer member operably coupled to a gas flow generating device, in which the gas flow generating device produces a laminar gas flow that transfers the gas phase ions through the ion transfer member to an inlet of the ion analysis device.

Abstract: A mass spectrometric analyzer and an analysis method based on the detection of ion image current are provided. The method in one embodiment includes using electrostatic reflectors or electrostatic deflectors to enable pulsed ions to move periodically for multiple times in the analyzer, forming time focusing in a portion of the ion flight region thereof, and forming an confined ion beam in space; enabling the ion beam to pass through multiple tubular image current detectors arranged in series along an axial direction of the ion beam periodically, using a low-noise electronic amplification device to detect image currents picked up by the multiple tubular detectors differentially, and using a data conversion method, such as a least square regression, to acquire a mass spectrum.