Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) barcode scanner uses a VCSEL light source module as a required light source for scanning or reading a barcode. Since a vertical cavity features extremely small thickness, capability of generating a longitudinal single-mode, low current, low power consumption, and high stability, components of the scanner can be miniaturized, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty and improving the practicability of the product.

Abstract: A card reader using the push-push system (20) comprising an integral push module (23, 24) movable in the direction of insertion of a card, said push-push module being pivotable in the direction of card insertion and in elevational direction.

Abstract: As a non-contact ID label, ID tag and the like being widespread, it is required to manufacture a considerable quantity of ID labels at quite a low cost. An ID label attached to a product is, for example, required to be manufactured at 1 to several yens each, or preferably less than one yen. Thus, such a structure and a process are demanded that an ID label can be manufactured in a large quantity at a low cost. A thin film integrated circuit device included in the ID label, the ID card, and the ID tag of the invention each includes a thin film active element such as a thin film transistor (TFT). Therefore, by peeling a substrate on which TFTs are formed for separating elements, the ID label and the like can be manufactured in a large quantity at a low cost.

Abstract: The device of the present invention, having at least one activation button, is further equipped with a sensor adapted to detect conditions under which unintentional triggering of the activation button is likely. The sensor is operatively coupled with the activation button to suspend its effect when the target conditions are being detected. The undesired side-effects of false button activations, including battery drain and activation counter drift, are thus avoided, increasing the device's lifespan and user convenience. In a particular embodiment, the sensor is a decoy button located near the activation button, which serves to de-activate the activation button.

Abstract: A system comprises a chip (71) and a substrate (78). The chip (71) comprises a circuitry and a mounting surface (83) with first and second contacts (73, 74, 75, 76). The substrate (78) comprises a surface (90) with first and second contact pads (79, 80) and an electrically conductive pad (91) connected to the first contact pad (79) by a low-resistive connection (93). The chip (71) is attached to the substrate (78) so that the mounting surface (83) is spaced apart from the first contact pad (75) and the electrically conductive pad (91). The mounting surface (83) overlaps partly the first contact pad (79) with a first overlapping area (B1) resulting in a first stray capacitor (C1) and the electrically conductive pad (91) with a second overlapping area (B3) resulting in a second stray capacitor (C3).

Abstract: A control system for electrical appliances associated with an enclosure comprising a wireless occupancy sensor for monitoring the presence of a human occupant within the enclosure, a wireless receiver for receiving information from the sensor, electricity flow means capable of establishing or interrupting the flow of electricity to an electrical appliance associated with the enclosure in response to a signal from a controller, and a controller in communication with said receiver and said electricity flow means, the controller capable of monitoring environmental conditions in the enclosure and being programmable to drive the operation of the flow means in response to the information obtained by the receiver from the sensor according to a set of pre-established instructions.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and system for predicting the availability of hot water for bathing. One or more parameters corresponding to the operation of a water heater are monitored over time and/or a temperature distribution of water in a hot water tank measured. Data corresponding to the monitored parameters and/or temperature distribution are processed to determine a rate at which hot water is being consumed by filling a bath and/or due to other hot water consumers and/or to determine a current hot water availability condition. Based on a hot water consumption rate and/or determination of a current hot water availability condition, a projection is made to whether there will be adequate hot water to fill the bathtub to a desired level or volume at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system that produces mechanical, electrical power, and/or fluid streams for heating or cooling. The cycle contains a combustion system that produces an energetic fluid by combustion of a fuel with an oxidant. A thermal diluent may be used in the cycle to improve performance, including but not limited to power, efficiency, economics, emissions, dynamic and off-peak load performance, and/or turbine inlet temperature (TIT) regulation and cooling heated components. The cycle preferably includes a heat recovery system and a condenser or other means to recover and recycle heat and the thermal diluent from the energetic fluid to improve the cycle thermodynamic efficiency and reduce energy conversion costs. The cycle may also include controls for temperatures, pressures, and flow rates throughout the cycle, and controls power output, efficiency, and energetic fluid composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel injection device comprising a housing and a valve element disposed therein and cooperating with a valve seat located in the area of at least one fuel discharge port. The valve element is composed of several parts while at least two parts of the valve element are coupled to each other via a hydraulic coupler.

Abstract: The telescoping pop-up sprinkler includes a telescoping piston assembly that allows the piston assembly of the pop-up to extend upwards at a greater height than the length of the pop-up sprinkler body. The telescoping pop-up sprinkler has a main body with a piston assembly that includes two or more pistons that engage internally with one another, with stops provided at one end of each piston to limit the stroke of each piston. Multiple internal seals are provided to prevent the bypassing of water around the outer diameter of each piston.

Abstract: A flow shut off or throttling valve is provided in a sprinkler nozzle housing to enable a nozzle to be changed without having to turn off a flow pressure source. The valve intersects a flow path through the nozzle housing and has an opening such that when the opening is aligned with the flow path, a flow stream can flow unobstructed through the flow path. The valve is movable between a fully open position in which the opening is aligned with the flow path and a closed position which blocks the flow stream from flowing to a nozzle disposed at an outlet passage of the flow path. The valve may be constructed to be either slidable or rotatable between the two positions, and is actuated by a gearing arrangement which is operable at the exterior of the nozzle housing. The external valve actuator may function as a physical barrier to retain the removable nozzle in the nozzle housing when the valve is open and to disengage the nozzle when the valve is closed.

Abstract: An extendable sprinkler device comprises a base cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A primary extension assembly is coupled within the through passageway of the base cylinder and is positionable between collapsed and extended positions. The primary extension assembly comprises a primary extension cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A stop is coupled to the first end of the primary extension cylinder. An actuator cylinder is coupled within the primary extension cylinder. The actuator cylinder comprises a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. The second end of the actuator cylinder is coupled with the second end of the primary extension cylinder.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a fuel injection nozzle with which occurrence of cavitation erosion due to occurrence of separation of fuel flow near the needle valve and injection holes is suppressed and variation in fuel injection characteristic is reduced, a method of machining injection holes, and an apparatus therefore to attain the object. An insert tool shaped like the needle valve or an insert tool having a conical surface similar to the needle valve and a groove or grooves are on the conical surface to introduce abrasive fluid to the injection holes, is inserted in the central hollow of the nozzle body when performing abrasive fluid flowing processing to round entrance corners of the injection holes, and the processing of each of the injection holes is stopped when flow rate of abrasive fluid flowing out through relevant injection hole reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of coal flow in the outlet portion of a coal pulverizer, and in particular to a new and useful system/apparatus, method and drive means for controlling the position of one or more coal flow vanes in the upper portion of a coal pulverizer. The system and/or apparatus in accordance with the present invention utilizes a “cartridge” which is insertable into a turret at the top portion of a coal pulverizer, the present invention permitting the control of one or more coal flow vanes via an internal control system/means. In certain embodiments, the “cartridge” in accordance with the present invention encircles the raw coal inlet pipe, and is insertable into a turret at the top portion of a coal pulverizer, the present invention again permitting the control of one or more coal flow vanes via an internal control system/means.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate components of a solid feedstock is described. The apparatus may include a threaded shaft that has a plurality of reaction zone segments along the length of the shaft that are separated from each other by dynamic plug segments. The threads of the shaft have a first thread pitch in the reaction zone segments, and a second thread pitch in the dynamic plug segments. The apparatus may also include a motor to rotate the shaft, and an outlet coupled to a second end of the shaft, where one or more solid components of the solid feedstock exit the apparatus through the outlet. The apparatus may additionally include a feeder to supply the solid feedstock to the threaded shaft, and a pump to provide a rinse fluid to the threaded shaft, where the rinse fluid flows in the opposite direction of the solid feedstock along the shaft.

Abstract: A grating plate (1) for a container/grater for friable food products, in particular hard cheese, is described, which is contained in a base (10) on which a reverse cup-shaped element is assembled for defining a chamber for the product, the grating plate (1) composing the bottom of the chamber and having a plurality of openings (27) with whose edges respective teeth (25), projecting in the containing chamber, are associated; the plate (1) is not equipped with supporting ribs and is equipped with a convex surface (29) adjacent to a lower cutting floor of the plate (1), the convexity of the surface (29) being adapted to make it reach a maximum height (A) with respect to the horizontal cutting plane of the plate (1) in the points of the plate (1) that are furthest from the center of the base (10) corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the rod (20), such height (A) progressively decreasing till it becomes zero at the center of the base (10), next to the longitudinal axis of the grating plate (1) and of the rod

Abstract: A device for shredding poultry carcasses, includes a frame supporting a comminuting unit and a drive unit. The comminuting unit includes a drum mounted on a rotatable shaft, the drum having a generally cylindrical surface and an array of cutting points affixed to the drum, protruding from the surface, and a stationary comb having an array of teeth separated by spaces, and extending close to the drum surface so that the points pass between the teeth as the drum rotates. The drive unit turns the drum to reduce the carcasses to a compostable mass.

Abstract: A powder processing apparatus includes a main body portion having a cylindrical rotor rotating at a high speed, and a cylindrical stator arranged coaxially with the rotor, outside the rotor with a gap therebetween; a supply port provided at one end of the main body portion, and supplying a processing raw material into the gap together with an airflow; and a discharge port provided at the other end of the main body portion, and discharging, from the gap, a processed product obtained by spheroidizing the processing raw material between the rotor and the stator. In the inner peripheral surface of the stator, there are provided circumferential grooves orthogonally intersecting the axis line of the stator, or a spiral groove forming an angle of not less than 60 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to the axis line.

Abstract: A single free-end wire reel includes a leveled area disposed on a rotary member to level arc tracks and a gap formed at the intersection of the arc tracks to change the motion track of a limit block. The present invention not only keeps the limit block to have a dual-positioning function when doing a circular motion but also controls the length of a wire exactly, providing a smooth operation when extending or extracting the wire.

Abstract: A pawl assembly comprising a pawl held in a floating engagement with a support structure and being operable to engage a ratchet, the support structure having an abutment portion, wherein in a first phase, on initial contact with the ratchet, the pawl remains in the floating engagement and is operable to move into a second phase, in which the pawl is operable to contact the abutment portion, to rotate the pawl towards full engagement with the ratchet.

Abstract: Apparatus for manually transporting cartons or reels of goods include a support structure that includes a horizontal support member having first and second components, first and second vertical support members, and first and second bushings attached to the vertical support members for insertion into arbor holes in a reel or carton. Additionally, the apparatus includes a handle affixed to the support structure. In an alternate embodiment, one or more stabilization members prevent the carton from rotating as the contents of the carton are removed.

Abstract: A steering device for a landing gear of an aircraft, including at least one actuator and at least one rack, located alongside the landing gear strut, outside and parallel to an upper tube of the landing gear. The steering device includes bevel pinions having a first conical pinion with an axis perpendicular to an axis of the landing gear strut and which meshes with a second conical pinion coaxial with a rotary annulus so that movement of the rack parallel to the strut is transferred to the annulus perpendicular to an axis of the landing gear through the bevel pinions having an axis perpendicular to the landing gear.

Abstract: A landing gear assembly comprises a wheel support housing rotatably connected to a support member, the wheel support housing containing an electrically powered motor operable to adjust the angular position of the wheel support housing relative to the support member.

Abstract: A system for electrical generation, conversion, distribution and starting on board an aircraft, of “bleedless” type, that is, with an electrical power architecture with no pneumatic circuits. The electrical distribution channels for high power loads specific to aircraft of “bleedless” type, and the electrical distribution channels for conventional loads, including technical loads, such as avionics, lighting, fuel pumps and commercial loads are separated, and are supplied with power by separate generators driven by the aircraft's engines.

Abstract: A wing for an aircraft includes a non-balanced lift gradient because as a result of at least one propeller slipstream flowing onto the wing the induced drag of the wing is increased. To reduce the increased induced drag, the wing comprises a first region with a reduced local wing camber and/or reduced local twist, and a second region with an increased local wing camber and/or increased local twist. The first region is defined as a wing surface situated downstream of the propeller slipstream, upstream of which wing surface the blades of the propeller move upwards. The second region is defined as a wing surface situated downstream of the propeller slipstream, upstream of which wing surface the blades of the propeller move downwards.

Abstract: A strut (18, 50) includes a fiber-reinforced, elongate composite body (36, 54) and has first and second ends and a metal and/or tubular support (20, 52) at least partially embedded in the composite body (36, 54), where the composite body (36, 54) has first (40, 60) and second ends (42, 62) forming first and second load-bearing end portions of the strut (18, 50). Also a method forms such a strut using a mold (70).

Abstract: A landing gear for an aircraft, characterized by upper and lower pintle frame members (38, 40) being connected to a telescoping shock strut (14) in a non-rigid manner that tolerates twisting when reacting to torsional loads applied to the landing gear, and/or by a pitch trim actuator (30) that positions a landing gear truck (16) proportionally to the retraction angle of a shock strut (14) during retraction and extension.

Abstract: The invention relates to an architecture for a hydraulic system for operating the landing gear of an aircraft including at least one pressure source and at least one hydraulic return, the system having a hydraulic circuit comprising a first hydraulic line that, when pressurized, causes the landing gear to be lowered, and a second hydraulic line that, when pressurized, causes the landing gear to be raised, said lines being selectively pressurized by means of a hydraulic distribution member comprising at least an isolation valve and a selector for putting one of the lines into communication with pressure and the other line into communication with return.

Abstract: In a self-propelled wheel apparatus of an aircraft, a drive mechanism composed of a wave gear drive and a motor is coaxially linked to an axle of a wheel via a one-way clutch, and rotational force in the reverse direction of the aircraft is transmitted to the wheel axle via the one-way clutch. When the aircraft moves forward, the link between the wheel axle and an output shaft of the wave gear drive is cut off by the one-way clutch, and motor rotational force is transmitted to the wheel axle, causing the wheel to rotate, only when the aircraft moves backward.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a combined habitation module for the crew of an aircraft is provided, which habitation module comprises two monument units that are separated from each other by a gap such that acoustic decoupling of the two monument units from each other is provided. In this way noise propagation within the habitation module may be prevented to a large extent.

Abstract: A front portion of a fuselage of an aircraft including a cockpit, a washroom, an access corridor to the cockpit alongside the washroom, and a rest compartment with at least one berth for at least one pilot. The corridor alongside the washroom includes a mechanism separating the corridor from the cockpit and a door for blocking access to the passenger cabin. The rest compartment can be accessed from the access corridor to the cockpit, between the separation mechanism between the corridor and the cockpit and the corridor door. The washroom includes two access doors, a first access door for accessing the washroom from the access corridor to the cockpit in the area located between the separation mechanism between the corridor and the cockpit and the corridor door, and a second access door for accessing the washroom from the passenger cabin.

Abstract: A device (D) for opposing sloshing in a flexible tank (21) provided with a top cushion (22) and having a bottom (23) and a plurality of sides (24), the device includes at least first and second ties (1 and 2). The first and second ties (1 and 2) are secured respectively to first and second edges (221 and 222) of the cushion, with the first edge (221) being opposite from the second edge (222). The device is remarkable in that it includes main distributor elements (10) for blocking only one of the ties when the tension exerted on that tie is greater than the tension exerted on the other tie, the first and second ties (1 and 2) also being secured to the main distributor unit (10).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for placing a satellite in an operational orbit. The satellite is equipped with its own satellite propulsion system as well as a detachable separate propulsion device. The satellite and separate propulsion device are launched into a transfer orbit by means of a space launcher. The separate propulsion device is controlled by a satellite. The satellite is transferred from the transfer orbit to an intermediate orbit by means of the separate propulsion device. The separate propulsion device is separated from the satellite in the intermediate orbit. The satellite then enters and operational orbit from the intermediate orbit by means of its own satellite propulsion system. The intermediate orbit is disposed between the transfer and operational orbits, and is in relatively close proximity to the operational orbit but is far enough away from the operational orbit to prevent possible interferences.

Abstract: Frangible fasteners and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an unmanned aircraft can include a fuselage portion, a wing portion, and a winglet carried by the wing portion. The aircraft can also include at least one frangible fastener coupling the winglet to the wing portion. The fastener is coupled to only partially release the winglet from the wing portion when a force on the winglet exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for control of a fluid flow. The system includes an array of interdependent fluidic actuators, each including a chamber, a flow control port, and opposite side walls configured to expand apart and contract together to flow a control fluid through the flow control port in response to an input, wherein adjacent actuators in the array of interdependent fluidic actuators are integrally coupled together via a common side wall of the opposite side walls.

Abstract: A system and a method for adjusting and locking a control surface that is movably arranged on a wind-tunnel aircraft model and comprises a drive arrangement for driving the control surface, and a locking arrangement. The drive arrangement comprises a first drive motor, arranged in a fixed manner relative to the control surface, at least one first connecting rod eccentrically connectable to the first drive motor, and at least one lever, whose one end can be held on the first connecting rod and whose other end can be held on a fixed point of the aircraft model. The locking arrangement can be attached in a fixed manner relative to the control surface and is further designed to block a relative movement between the control surface and the aircraft model.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure is provided for supporting a joint of two cable tray sections, wherein each of the two cable tray sections includes a side rail having a planar body member, a bottom edge and a top edge, and wherein the joint is positioned over a structural support member. The reinforcing structure may include a top member; a body member extending substantially perpendicularly from the top member; and a bottom member extending substantially perpendicularly from the body member. The bottom member may be configured for mounting on the structural support member. The bottom member may be configured to receive the bottom edge of the side rail. The top member may include an inside edge configured to support the planar body member of the side rail when the bottom edge of the side rail is received into the bottom member.

Abstract: A mount (50) for mounting an exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16) in an exhaust pipe (34) or in a component housing includes a spring band (54) and a plurality of spring fingers (64). The spring band (54) is configured to contact and substantially pass around an outer surface (52) of the exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16). The plurality of spring fingers (64) extend from the spring band (54) generally axially with respect to the exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16) and generally radially from the spring band. The spring fingers (64) contact the exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16).

Abstract: Disclosed are modular clamping systems and methods for use. A modular clamping system may be configured to mount a variety of accessories to a portion of tubing. The modular clamping system may utilize multiple strap clamp portions having different clamping diameters in order to mount an accessory to tubing of various diameters.

Abstract: The device for receiving oblong objects comprises a bottom wall (2) and a receiving element (1) having two bordering walls (3, 4) facing each other. A cover element (16) is mounted on the receiving element (1) so as to be pivoted by means of a border hinge (15) and can be linked with the receiving element (1) by means of a closure system (23, 24, 25, 26) facing the border hinge (15). The cover element (16) has at least three cover sections (17, 19, 21). Between adjacent cover sections (17, 19, 21), a center hinge (18, 20) is configured. The closure system (23, 24, 25, 26) allows for a number of closure positions that corresponds to the number of center hinges (18, 20) and in which the cover sections (17, 19, 21) are spaced apart from the bottom wall at different distances. The same design of the inventive device can therefore be used in different environments of assembly.

Abstract: An integrated infusion management system provides for stable support of components attached to the system, even when the system is mobile. The system is optionally a mobility assist or walker for a patient who is attached to any number of medical components. A central trunk connects to a two-sided base that does not interfere with patient motion. The trunk may be angled with respect to vertical and oriented to support medical components in a configuration that is tip-resistant. The system is optionally deployable to facilitate conversion between a compact storage configuration and a stable deployed configuration. In an embodiment, additional deployable features include holding arms for holding various medical components, wheels, mobility arms and handles. Also provided is a novel wheel system with deployable wheels and methods associated with providing compact storage of any one or more of the systems presented herein.

Abstract: A light bulb holder including a gripper unit for holding an elongate tubular light bulb during installation of the bulb in a light fixture. The gripper unit generally includes an attachment member for removably attaching the gripper unit to a ladder and at least one gripper supported on the attachment member. The gripper has opposed resilient fingers defining an opening for receiving a light bulb.

Abstract: A rack assembly comprises: an elongated main frame, a front surface of which is formed with a first display area, an inclined second display area, and a concave space defined therebetween, the first display area is defined with plural first limiting grooves and a longitudinally-extending first rail, the second display area is provided with at least one second limiting groove and an inclined second rail. At least one base plate is mounted in the concave space and includes a horizontal top portion for pivotally fixing a positioning sleeve and a longitudinal portion formed with at least one hanging hole for fixing to an object. Plural suspension members are detachably engaged in the first and second limiting grooves and each provided with an abutting portion to be abutted against the first and second rails, and a retaining portion to be engaged in the first and second limiting grooves.

Abstract: A tilting device is disclosed. A tilting device for tiltably supporting a mass may include: a bracket, which is attachable to and detachable from the mass, and which is configured to tilt about a rotation shaft; a nut, which is hinge-coupled to one side of the bracket about a hinge shaft; a leadscrew, which engages the nut; and a housing, which supports either side of the rotation shaft, and in which a guide indentation is formed that guides a movement of the hinge shaft. The tilting device utilizes a simple link structure to tilt a mass using a small-capacity driving unit.

Abstract: It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket for securing a video system behind a headrest including parallel support arms. The mounting bracket includes a rear support plate adapted for substantial vertical orientation for orienting a video system secured thereto in an orientation facing the passengers seated within the rear seat of a vehicle. The rear support plate includes a front surface to which the video system is secured, a rear surface which ultimately faces the rear surface of the headrest, a top edge, a bottom edge and first and second lateral side edges. First and second attachment members extend rearwardly from the rear support plate. The first attachment member includes a top horizontal plate connected to a bottom horizontal plate. The second attachment member includes a top horizontal plate connected to a bottom horizontal plate.

Abstract: A display device and method for displaying objects in association with a front or rear face of a screen display or screen display frame of a computer or video monitor or laptop or other framed structure is in one embodiment a flexible, lengthwise deformable band with at least two, usually four, spaced-apart corner-engaging loops. In a second embodiment, the device has at least first, second and third flexible lengthwise deformable bands that each wrap around a screen display or screen display frame. The at least three bands optionally are joined together at portions that overlap one another, or an integral band assembly is formed that has corner-engaging loops between points of overlap or cross-over of said bands. In another embodiment, one or more flexible bands are joined at each end to the screen display frame of a computer or video monitor or laptop, leaving a central portion of each flexible band movably deformable with relation to the front surface or rear surface of the frame.

Abstract: An irrigation mounting arrangement for an irrigation container that is defined by a body portion, a neck member, and a stopper, is disclosed. The irrigation mounting arrangement comprises an upwardly extending base member and a mounting arm mechanism that extends away from the base member. The mounting arm mechanism includes at least one mounting aperture configured to selectively receive a portion of the irrigation container such that the neck member of the irrigation container is oriented above the body portion.

Abstract: An electronic device holder is revealed. By the electronic device holder, an electronic device is supported in a preset position so that users can operate the electronic device conveniently. The electronic device holder consists of holding units on tow sides thereof and a connection member connecting the two holding units. By the stopping and clipping of the two holding units, the electronic device is held and supported firmly in a preset state.

Abstract: A hanging device is provided to hold a workpiece, where the workpiece has a preformed hole therein. The hanging device has an expandable element, such as a cup, that is adapted to be selectively retained within the hold in the workpiece. A hook is connected to the expandable element for use in supporting the expandable element and workpiece affixed thereto.