Abstract: The invention relates to an airship including a flexible envelope having no rigid inner structure containing a gas that is lighter than air, and a gondola. The balloon also includes three legs for setting the balloon on the surface and a landing structure. Said landing structure is located on the outside of the envelope, and provides a connection between the legs, the gondola and the envelope while surrounding the envelope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passenger service unit for an aircraft, comprising at least one light source and at least one passenger air supply device. According to the invention the passenger air supply device is adapted for applying a flow of air to the light source. Furthermore it relates to a method for providing light and fresh air to passenger of an aircraft by providing an air flow from an air supply device and light from a light source to the passenger. The method comprises applying an air flow from said passenger air supply device to said light source for cooling the light source by means of convection. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for assembling a passenger service unit and to an aircraft.

Abstract: A self-stowing jumpseat consists of a seat frame that is deployed by pulling the seat frame out of a pocket formed in the edge of a bulkhead. Once the seat frame has been deployed and locked in position, the seat pan is folded down to enable a user to be seated. The seat pan is spring-loaded to fold up, so that when the user vacates the seat, the seat pan automatically folds up into the closed configuration. As it does so, an interlock lever attached to the seat pan trips the seat frame locks from their locked to their unlocked positions. The seat frame has a retraction mechanism that urges the seat into the pocket. Accordingly, as soon as the seat pan interlock lever releases the seat frame locks, the retraction mechanism causes the folded seat frame to move into the stowed position within the bulkhead.

Abstract: An air to air refuelling drogue assembly includes a reception coupling and a drogue canopy connected to the reception coupling by connection means which hold the canopy in an operative, drag producing, position relative to the reception coupling during refuelling. The drogue assembly is arranged to controllably fail so as to reduce the drag load produced by the drogue when a drag load on the canopy exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention include an attitude control system for use with small satellites. According to various embodiments, the system allows rapid retargeting (e.g., high slew rates) and full three-axis attitude control of small satellites using a compact actuation system. In certain embodiments, the compact actuation system includes a plurality of single-gimbaled control moment gyroscopes (SGCMG) arranged in a pyramidal configuration that are disposed within a small satellite.

Abstract: A gust-insensitive unmanned air vehicle (UAV) for imaging the ground, comprising a substantially neutrally stable air frame having a fuselage and at least three wings which include control surfaces. The wings are arranged in symmetrical relation about the fuselage and confer the UAV with a roll stability about a longitudinal axis of the fuselage for any roll angle. The UAV also includes a propulsion device for propelling the UAV in flight, an image sensor for imaging the ground, and a flight control system for controlling the in-flight operation of the UAV. The flight control system includes flight control sensors and is operative to render the UAV gust insensitive in response to inputs from the flight control sensors.

Abstract: The system of the present application includes an engine and pylon arrangement for a tilt rotor aircraft in which the engine is fixed in relation to a wing portion of the aircraft, while the pylon is rotatable. The pylon supports a rotor hub having a plurality of rotor blades. Rotation of the pylon allows the aircraft to selectively fly in a helicopter mode and an airplane mode, as well as any combination thereof.

Abstract: Method and instrumentation for detection of rail defects, in particular rail top defects, in a railway-track by measuring an axle box acceleration signal of a rail vehicle, wherein a longitudinal axle box acceleration signal is used as a measure to detect the occurrence of said rail defects. The method also includes measuring a vertical axle box acceleration signal of said rail vehicle, whereby the longitudinal axle box acceleration signal is used in combination and simultaneously with said vertical axle box acceleration signal. It is preferred that the longitudinal axle box acceleration signal is used to remove from said vertical axle box acceleration signal a signal-part that relates to vibrations of the rail vehicle's wheel set, including the bearing and axle box, and that the axle box acceleration signals are filtered for removing signal-parts contributed by vibrations of the track, including the rail, rail pads, fasteners, sleepers, and ballast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.

Abstract: A retaining device for retaining at least one medical line adjacent to a supporting surface comprising a spiral-shaped holding portion defining a peripheral edge, loading channel and internal holding area, the internal holding area dimensioned to accept the largest medical wire the device is destined to be used with; and attachment means connected to a holding portion to secure the retaining device to a supporting surface; wherein a section of medical wire may be inserted into and along the loading channel to enter the holding area and be retained within.

Abstract: A retaining device configured for retaining at least one medical device adjacent to a supporting surface. The retaining device includes a plate shaped holding portion defining a peripheral edge, a slot extending from the peripheral edge defining a loading channel, and communicating with an internal holding area. The internal holding area is dimensioned to accept the largest medical device the retaining device is configured to be used with. An attachment mechanism is connected to the holding portion to secure the retaining device to a supporting surface. A section of medical device may be inserted into and along the loading channel to enter the holding area and be retained within.

Abstract: An item support stand comprising a central support bar extending an entire length of the item support stand, where the central support bar includes a main body and a lower portion; an end at the lower portion of the support stand, where the end sticks into a ground to enable the central support bar to stand upright; a top beam attached to a top portion of the central support bar, where the top beam curves down and out to create a support bar at each end; and a retaining member fastened to the top beam wherein the retaining member provides radial support for an item placed within the retaining member and resting upon the support bar.

Abstract: A display stand has a base, a vertical pole having a lower end fixed to the base. The pole includes two sections having a stem projecting upward from each section. A bearing is coupled each stem of the pole. A pair of racks, each having a central tube with a bearing race fixed within a lower end contacts an outer surface of the bearings for rotation around the tube. Each rack has a generally square perimeter with rounded corners formed of wire, with a plurality of radial support members coupled between the central tube and the rounded corners. Each side of the square perimeter portion includes a pair of hooks adjacent the rounded corners to engage products to be displayed on the stand, the hooks projecting a limited distance outward below the plane of the rack square perimeter.

Abstract: A modular portable stand that can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled by a solo user without the need for any tools or hardware in a very short time. In its disassembled condition, the stand includes a first and second base frame, a first and second side frame, and four legs, for a total component count of eight, with only three unique components, the base frame, side frame, and leg. The modularity of components provides simplified manufacturing, while allowing for relatively small disassembled packaging for transport, shipping or storage. The interlocking of the components at each corner provides a stiff and sturdy perimeter frame when assembled, that becomes more rigid as loaded with plant propagation trays, fish tanks, or other heavy items than require level secure support.

Abstract: A mounting component for a wall mountable storage arrangement includes a plurality of elongate brackets that are fastenable to a wall. The brackets are connected end-to-end in a consecutive manner and are detachable from one another to permit variation of the number of connected brackets. Each bracket is configured to engage a storage panel to support the storage panel in an operative position, such that a number of storage panels on a wall can be varied by detaching an appropriate number of brackets.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant self supporting ledge of a pre-formed shape, to which a bonding agent and ceramic tile is applied, in order to produce wall shelves for the purpose of storing or displaying objects. The base unit (1) connects to vertical surfaces by fasteners through mounting holes (3) which penetrate the integral mounting flange (2). Finish materials (5) are adhered to the base unit (1) and/or integral mounting flange (2) by way of adhesive penetration holes (4) and applied bonding agent (6).

Abstract: The disclosure and claims herein are directed to a paint can holder for attachment to a ladder, the paint can holder comprising a shaft having a first end, a second end, a top surface with a first friction area at the first end of the shaft, and a bottom surface with a second friction area at the second end of the shaft, configured such that inserting the shaft inside a rung of the ladder secures the paint can holder to the ladder, and a holding portion coupled to the second end of the shaft, the holding portion comprising a groove configured to receive a handle of a paint can, at least one opening, and at least one magnetic area.

Abstract: A display screen mounting structure includes a mounting frame unit comprising a base member for mounting on an upright support, a forked support arm extended from the base member, a connection rod member vertically pivotally mounted in the front end of the forked support arm and a connection plate affixed to the outer end of the connection rod member, and a support frame unit comprising a channel frame fastenable to the connection plate and two cushion members respectively capped on the shoulder plates for stopped against the display screen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the cap display apparatuses, systems and methods allow various products and goods such as caps, hats and other fashion and sports accessories to be mounted and displayed without having the mount primarily visible relative to the product being displayed. One cap display embodiment includes a housing with a base, an upper element connected to the base, a lower element connected to the base, a tensioning element for biasing the lower element towards the upper element, and a fastener connected to the base for fastening the housing to another element. The tensioning element holds the lower element against the upper element so that a cap or other item being displayed can be held between the upper element and the lower element in a fixed position.

Abstract: An improved support bracket is provided which may include a channel having spaced top and bottom walls and a connecting wall having a first and second end. The bracket may include at least one engagement member for releasably engaging a structural member, such as shelving, and a guide to facilitate attachment of the bracket to the structural member. The connecting wall of the bracket may be bent or angled. Thus, the bracket may releasably engage at least two structural members disposed at an angle relative to each other such that the inner surface of the connecting wall is substantially flush with the outer edge of the structural members. Brackets may be made such that the connecting wall is bent or angled to different degrees.

Abstract: The novel hook of the present invention comprises a hook having a hook portion at one end for use in securing pots and pans and then extending axially to its opposite end wherein it has a C or U shaped bend and then extends down towards the hook portion while rotating about the axis of the hook.

Abstract: A holder for a bedside urinal may include a closed loop of flexible material and a rigid spacer surrounding a portion of the closed loop. The holder may be attached to a bedrail by placing the flexible closed loop and spacer assembly around the bedrail with a first end of the loop and the spacer facing outwardly of a bed and with a second end of the loop facing inwardly of the bed. The second end may be pulled around the bed rail. The first end and spacer may be inserted through the second end and the first end may be tugged downwardly to cinch the flexible closed loop in place.

Abstract: A luggage connector that may be used with a baby stroller or wheelchair to transport rolling luggage is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the connector includes a first arm and a second arm. Clamps are disposed at a distal end of each arm. The clamps are used to secure the connector to a handle of luggage and a portion of a frame such as a stroller or wheelchair frame. Each arm is adapted to rotate about a central axis so that each respective clamp may be rotated and positioned appropriately to secure the connector to the frame. In addition, a rotating hinge is provided to adjust to a desired angle between the two arms to accommodate the connector being secured to the frame and rolling luggage.

Abstract: Ultrasound scanner support devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, an ultrasound scanner support device can include a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The ultrasound scanner support device can further include a recess having an interior surface between the first and second surfaces and a sidewall extending from the first surface to the interior surface. The recess can be shaped to releasably retain an ultrasound scanner connector. The ultrasound scanner support device can further include a peripheral channel extending around a perimeter of the body. The peripheral channel can have a curve at each directional change. Additionally, the ultrasound scanner support device can include a holder coupled to the body and configured to releasably retain an ultrasound scanner.

Abstract: A roll riser for supporting rolled goods during shipment is formed as a doughnut from a recyclable material such as corrugated paper or foamed plastic. The weight of the roll riser is selected in consideration of the size and weight to the rolled goods.

Abstract: A plurality of rolling members, which are retained by retainers between sidewall-portion inside operating surfaces formed on inside surfaces of sidewall portions of a lower rail and sidewall-portion outside operating surfaces formed on outside surfaces of sidewall portions of a first upper rail, roll in contact on the sidewall-portion inside operating surfaces and the sidewall-portion outside operating surfaces. Sidewall portions of a second upper rail are cut and raised at parts of only a predetermined length in a vehicle front-rear direction to be formed as rolling-element rolling portions having sidewall-portion outside operating surfaces. Rolling element circulation units each incorporating a plurality of rolling elements are fitted on the rolling-element rolling portions, so that the plurality of rolling elements roll and circulate in contact with the sidewall-portion inside operating surfaces and the sidewall-portion outside operating surfaces of rolling-element rolling portions.

Abstract: An antenna mount attaches an antenna to a commercial vehicle. Often, such vehicles do not include antenna mounts for items such as a CB or satellite radio. The antenna mount may permit such antennas to be installed, interconnecting with an existing spot mirror attachment point. The antenna mount includes a bracket adapted to connect to a vehicle, typically between a spot mirror and a vehicle door, using the existing spot mirror mounting bolts. One or more rods may extend from the bracket. Antennas may then be attached to the rods. The antenna mount may allow for mounting capability for CB and/or satellite radio antennas. The chosen location of the antenna mount, behind the spot mirror, may also maximize satellite and CB radio signals.

Abstract: A combination retaining wall structure and masonry form apparatus is provided having a first block with a depending lip and a non-linear edge, a second block having an upper surface with a recess presenting an inwardly facing edge, the second block being positioned with respect to a rotational axis through the first block. A zone of contact is located at the intersection of the inwardly facing edge and the outwardly facing edge, providing an area for rotation of the first block about the rotational axis of the second block. The first and second blocks forming a non-linear masonry wall structure having an upright axis, about which plural blocks may be rotated. The depending lip and recess being provided by a masonry form having a first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and second sides being removable for interchangeably configuring the first and second block.

Abstract: An optical transceiver comprises a substrate having a temperature control device, a light source, a light-guiding fiber, a detector, optics for collimating the light from the light source, coupling optics for focusing the light beam into the light-guiding fiber, and a beamsplitter which sends one part of the collimated light beam into a wavelength stabilization unit and another part of the collimated light beam into the coupling optics. A wavelength stabilization unit detects and compensates for wavelength drift of the light source. The optical transceiver has a superluminescent diode for its light source and may, for example, be integrated in a fiber-optic gyro.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solid-state imaging device includes: a vertical signal line through which a pixel signal read from the pixel is vertically transmitted; a level-shift circuit that shifts a potential at the vertical signal line; a level-shift control circuit that controls an amount of shifted potential at the vertical signal line; a timing control circuit that generates a control signal controlling the level-shift control circuit; and a pixel signal output control unit that controls an output of the pixel signal based on a change in potential at the vertical signal line when the potential at the vertical signal line shifted by the level-shift circuit is used as a reference.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: an element array portion in which unit elements are disposed in a matrix; and a signal processing portion including a signal processing circuit executing predetermined signal processing based on unit signals outputted from the circuit elements, respectively, every column, in which a function of the signal processing circuit is controlled in such a way that power consumption of the signal processing circuit concerned corresponding to the unit elements each not required becomes lower in a phase of an element selection mode in which only information on a part of the unit pixels for one row in the element array portion is required than in a phase of a normal operation mode.

Abstract: A light condensing member focuses light, which is incident upon a first area of the light condensing member corresponding to an opening portion of an insulation film, in an upper portion region of a light path member arranged within the opening portion, the insulation film having an upper face extending from the opening portion, and the light path member having a lower face in a region corresponding to a light receiving face of an photoelectric conversion portion.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus of a dynamic range enlarged by reading out a carrier accumulated in a carrier accumulation unit at a plurality of times during a single carrier accumulation time period.

Abstract: A titanium black dispersion includes titanium black particles, a dispersant, and an organic solvent. When the titanium black dispersion is for a wafer level lens, 90% or more of dispersed objects that consist of the titanium black particles have particle diameters of 30 nm or less, or dispersed objects including the titanium black particles contains Si atoms and the content ratio of Si atoms to Ti atoms (Si/Ti) in the dispersed objects is 0.05 or higher. When the titanium black dispersion is used for formation of a light-shielding film that is provided on one side of a silicon substrate having an image pickup device section on the other side, and that shields against infrared light, 90% or more of dispersed objects that consist of the titanium black particles have particle diameters of 30 nm or less.

Abstract: An optical finger navigation device includes a navigation cover. The navigation cover includes a tracking surface and an illumination surface. The tracking surface exhibits a first light reflection characteristic in a presence of a navigation object at the tracking surface and a second light reflection characteristic in an absence of the navigation object at the tracking surface. A light source generates illumination directed toward the illumination surface of the navigation cover. A redirection structure is interposed between the light source and the illumination surface of the navigation cover. A reflection surface of the first redirection structure is approximately facing the illumination surface of the navigation cover. An illumination surface of the redirection structure is approximately facing the light source. The redirection structure defines at least one hole therethrough to pass light generated by the light source toward the illumination surface of the navigation cover.

Abstract: Provided is a device for measuring the quantity of substrates including: a scan unit which generates a signal beam for measuring the quantity of a plurality of laminated substrates from a substrate laminate by scanning the substrate laminate with laser along a lamination direction of the substrates on a side surface of the substrate laminate formed by laminating the plurality of substrates; and a detection unit which detects the quantity of the plurality of laminated substrates by receiving the signal beam. According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and improve productivity through simplification of a manufacturing process and reduction of process time by automatically measuring the quantity of the plurality of laminated substrates to improve inefficiency of an existing process of measuring the quantity of substrates through a manual operation.

Abstract: A well logging instrument includes an instrument housing to traverse a wellbore penetrating subsurface formations. An electrically operated energy source that emits ionizing radiation is disposed inside the housing. An insulating sleeve is disposed between the energy source and an interior wall of the housing. The insulating sleeve comprises a thin dielectric film arranged in a plurality of tightly fitting layers of dielectric material disposed adjacent to each other and successively. A thickness of each layer and a number of layers is selected to provide a dielectric strength sufficient to electrically insulate the energy source from the housing and to provide a selected resistance to dielectric failure resulting from the ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A recording medium includes a surface in which an infrared absorptance is less than a threshold value; and plural dot images that records information by an arrangement pattern formed on the surface, in which the infrared absorptance is equal to or more than the threshold value, and a specular gloss to infrared rays is equal to or less than 22%.

Abstract: An alternating current electrospray mass spectrometry device includes an electrospray device having at least one emitter providing a passageway for transmission of an analyte sample. At least one conductive element is in electrical communication with the at least one emitter. A power source generates an alternating current electric field to form a liquid cone at a tip of the emitter and ionizes the analyte sample present in the liquid cone. The frequency of the electric field entrains low mobility ions in the liquid cone. The AC electric field causes the emitter to discharge the liquid cone as a liquid aerosol drop, and a mass spectrometry device analyzes the ionized analyte sample to determine the composition of the contained analyte sample.

Abstract: Provided is a method for diagnosing a disease or pathological condition in an animal. An ion mobility spectrometry measurement (IMS) or a differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) is carried out on a body sample from the animal to determine an amount of ions formed by at least two biogenic amines contained in the sample. A ratio is calculated of the amounts of ions formed by the different biogenic amines in the sample, wherein the ratio is indicative of the presence or absence of the disease or pathological condition. Also provided is a device for collecting a body sample from an animal and a method for obtaining a body sample from an animal.

Abstract: An ion guide or ion trap is disclosed having an entrance electrode and an exit electrode. The potential of the exit electrode is periodically dropped for a relatively short period of time allowing some ions to escape from the ion guide or ion trap via an aperture in the exit electrode. The period of time that the potential of the exit electrode is dropped for is progressively increased and ions emerge from the ion guide or ion trap in a mass to charge ratio dependent manner. The ion guide or ion trap may be operated as a mass separator or low resolution mass analyser.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and device to desorb an analyte using heat to allow desorption of the analyte molecules, where the desorbed analyte molecules are ionized with ambient temperature ionizing species. In various embodiments of the invention a current is passed through a mesh upon which the analyte molecules are present. The current heats the mesh and results in desorption of the analyte molecules which then interact with gas phase metastable neutral molecules or atoms to form analyte ions characteristic of the analyte molecules.

Abstract: A micro-reflectron for a time-of-flight mass spectrometer including a substrate and integrated with the volume of the substrate, means for application of a potential gradient in a volume suitable for constituting a flight zone of the ions. The means of application includes at least two polarization electrodes and a wall of at least one resistive material that can be polarized between these electrodes so as to generate a continuous potential gradient, itself providing the function of reflectron, this flight zone, these electrodes and this wall being obtained by the technology of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and this micro-reflectron having a thickness of less than 5 millimetres while its other dimensions are less than 10 times this thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing samples that include forming a first channel in a material by directing a first plurality of noble gas ions at the material, forming a second channel in the material by directing a second plurality of noble gas ions at the material, where the second channel is spaced from the first channel so that a portion of the material between channels has a mean thickness of 100 nm or less, and detaching the portion from the material to yield the sample.

Abstract: A secondary particle detector 302 for a charged particle beam system 300 includes a scintillator 304 and a transducer 312, such as a photomultiplier tube, positioned within a vacuum chamber 107. Unlike prior art Everhart-Thornley detectors, the photomultiplier is positioned within the vacuum chamber, which improves detection by eliminating optical couplings and provides flexibility in positioning the detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scanning charged particle beam apparatus equipped with an aberration corrector, contrived to eliminate resolution degradation in tilt observation by a chromatic third-order aperture aberration without relying on a specific optical system. A controller of the scanning charged particle beam apparatus provides a chromatic third-order aperture aberration measurement method relevant to tilt observation of a specimen. Further, the controller has a chromatic aberration control function relevant to tilt observation of a specimen. By means of the chromatic aberration control function, the controller controls a chromatic aberration to be positive or negative, rather than remaining at 0, in order to eliminate an image blur which occurs in a direction parallel to the specimen surface due to a chromatic third-order aperture aberration and a chromatic aberration at a tilt angle (t1) under observation and another tilt angle (?t1) axially opposite to the tilt angle.

Abstract: Particle beam system, comprising: a particle beam, source for generating a particle beam; an objective lens for focusing the particle beam onto an object plane, wherein the objective lens comprises a focal length and an optical axis; and a scintillator arrangement, which comprises an electron receiving surface facing the object plane and which is arranged such that it is exposed to electrons, which emanate from the object plane, wherein the scintillator arrangement further comprises a light exit face, wherein the scintillator arrangement is configured such that light rays which are generated by electrons, which are incident on the electron receiving surface leave the scintillator arrangement at the light exit face.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a minimally invasive cytometry system including a handling system that presents single cells to at least one QCL laser source. The QCL laser source is configured to deliver light to a cell within the cells in order to induce vibrational bond absorption in one or more analytes within the cell. The cytometry system also includes a detection facility that detects the transmitted mid-infrared wavelength light, wherein the transmitted mid-infrared wavelength light is used to identify the differentiation status of the cell as either pluripotent or functionally differentiated.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a system with scattering analysis including a handling system that presents a single particle to at least one quantum cascade laser (QCL) source. The QCL laser source is configured to deliver light to the single particle in order to induce resonant mid-infrared absorption in the particle or an analyte within the particle. A mid-infrared detection facility detects the mid-infrared wavelength light scattered by the single particle, wherein a wavelength and angle analysis of the scattered mid-IR wavelength light is used to determine analyte-specific structural and concentration information.