Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain winder which has a casing, a chain housed at least partially within the casing and extension means operable to cause the chain to extend out from the casing and also to retract back into the casing. The chain winder also includes a clutch mechanism which is operable to allow the chain to be extended out from the casing, or retracted back into the casing, without operating the extension means.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of a system for regulating the longitudinal strain in a longitudinal member being conveyed in a machine direction. The system may include a downstream mechanism that draws the longitudinal member in a machine direction, first and second control points upstream of the downstream mechanism, and a strain control mechanism disposed between the first and second control points. The strain control mechanism may include a strain motor with a drive shaft to which a travel path extension arm is coupled, and a travel path extension guide mounted on the travel path extension arm and in contact with the longitudinal member. The system may be configured and arranged such that rotation of the drive shaft effects rotation of the travel path extension arm and of the guide, thereby altering the distance of a travel path segment of the longitudinal member between the first and second control points.

Abstract: A hands-free towel dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume that may contain at least one roll of towel material. Within the dispenser a dispensing mechanism is in communication with a sensor system which scans for the presence of a user at a first pulse rate and initiates a dispense cycle upon sensing a user. The sensor system is in electrical communication with a control circuit which determines the time that has elapsed from the last dispense cycle and compare the elapsed time with a preset value. If the elapsed time is greater than the preset value, the control circuit configures the sensor system to scan for the presence of a user at a second pulse rate. Upon detecting a user, the control circuit initiates a dispense cycle and sets the sensor system to scan for the presence of a user at the first pulse rate.

Abstract: A retention mechanism in a dispenser for retaining an exchangeable roll of material, the retention mechanism includes a housing including a front wall. An insertion slot for a bearing pin of an end plug of the exchangeable roll extends along the front wall. A cam lock is arranged in the housing so as to be rotatable in a plane which is parallel to the front wall and to the direction of extension of the insertion slot. The cam lock includes a retaining member which is movable between an open position and a locked position by rotating the cam lock. When the retaining member is in the open position, the bearing pin can be inserted into the insertion slot, and when the retaining member is in the closed position, the bearing pin is retained in a locking section of the insertion slot.

Abstract: A cable reel or cable reel assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. In a specific embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling two cable reels to be stacked together such that the annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact. In another embodiment, a retractable handle is disposed within the side periphery when in the retracted position.

Abstract: A film winding core (10) of the present invention includes a core body (12) and a plurality of film supporting portions (14). The core body (12) has a tubular shape. The plurality of film supporting portions (14) are provided around the core body (12). The film supporting portions (14) protrude from the outer peripheral surface (12p) of the core body (12) respectively at a plurality of positions in a rotational direction of the core body (12) so that a film (18) is supported away from the outer peripheral surface (12p) of the core body (12). Each of the film supporting portions (14) is made of a material that can be deformed when the film (18) is wound on the film winding core (10).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an aircraft gearbox lubrication system includes a lubricant source containing a nanodiamond lubricant, a pump, and a dispenser. The nanodiamond lubricant comprises a base lubricant and a nanodiamond additive. The pump is in fluid communication with the lubricant source and is configured to provide a flow of the lubricant from the lubricant source. The dispenser is in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to allow the nanodiamond lubricant to flow from the pump onto a component in a gearbox at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: The invention pertains to aeronautical engineering and consists of an airborne platform that can be built to large sizes without requiring a rigid structure of comparable dimensions and which uses both buoyancy and the aerodynamic Magnus effect for lift. The aerodynamic lift is generated in lifting bodies (1), which also contain buoyant gas. The lifting bodies (1) are stacked in a column, at the bottom of which there is a structural anchoring module (2) which also contains buoyant gas. The lifting bodies (1) and anchoring modules (2) are connected by slender structural elements which, when taken together as a whole form a non-rigid assembly. The platform may be tethered or configured as an aircraft, for which purpose other features may be added, such as a propulsion system (11), a crew gondola (6), cables to (7) and from (8) a swivel (12) and a payload (10) connected to said cables.

Abstract: A device for mechanically connecting a control surface to a fixed structural element of an aircraft, including a rotary actuator for driving an element that is securely connected to the control surface in rotation in relation to an element securely connected to the fixed structural element, around an articulation axis, as well as articulation elements for articulating this control surface around this axis. These articulation elements are able to support the control surface independently of the rotary actuator. This arrangement permits taking benefit from the advantageous properties of rotary actuators while allowing removal of the rotary actuator without having first to remove the control surface.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage includes first and second end members and a pair of generally parallel arcuate beams, interconnecting the end members and defining a lateral space therebetween. A plurality of alternating fingers extend from each beam into the lateral space, and a damping member is attached between each adjacent pair of fingers within the lateral space.

Abstract: A fuselage having a longitudinal window belt has a composite outer skin including upper and lower composite skin sections. The skin includes at least one window opening located at the window belt. The upper and lower skin sections are joined together by a longitudinal splice joint located at the window belt.

Abstract: A primary fuselage structure for an aircraft, including circumferential frames, a floor structure having lateral ends connected to the circumferential frames, at least one strut supporting the floor structure and including a lower end fixed on a circumferential frame and an upper end fixed on the floor structure, and at least one failure-initiating element associated with the strut, including a first arrangement for fastening the strut to a circumferential frame, at a distance from the lower end of the strut, as well as a second arrangement for attaching the circumferential frame to the strut, away from the ends of the strut. A fuselage segment and aircraft, such as an airplane, including the primary fuselage structure are also provided.

Abstract: A mechanical control mixer configured to couple to an aircraft is provided. An axle is mounted to a frame of the mechanical control mixer, and a barrel is configured to rotate about the axle. A central rod is disposed within the barrel. The central rod is configured to rotate with respect to the barrel. A roll control input is connected to the central rod. The roll control input is configured to cause the central rod to rotate within the barrel. Output control rods are connected to the central rod. The output control rods are connected to at least one control surface of the aircraft. An air brake input is connected to the barrel.

Abstract: A cable management apparatus includes two mounting brackets, a cable management arm connected between the two mounting brackets and slidable vertically, and two elevating mechanisms. Each of the elevating mechanisms includes opposite sides respectively rotatably connected to one of the mounting brackets and abutting a bottom of the cable management arm. When the elevating mechanisms are rotated relative to the mounting brackets, the elevating mechanisms drive the cable management arm to slide vertically. The cable management arm defines a number of positioning holes. Each of the elevating mechanisms includes a locating pin to be operable to engage in one of the corresponding positioning holes to prevent the rotation of the elevating mechanisms.

Abstract: A cable management system for a patch panel component having a connectivity interface configured to connect with cables includes a cable support plate and two cable support brackets. Each cable support bracket includes a support bar, a first bracket and a second bracket. A fastener hingedly attaches the first bracket to the second bracket and is positioned to slideably mount the first and second brackets to the support bar. The first and second brackets include mounting plates that move toward and away from one another when sliding the cable support brackets. The brackets mount to opposed projecting pins on a patch panel. The fastener holds each cable support bracket in the desired position.

Abstract: A sprinkler elevating apparatus is provided for use on an irrigation device. The sprinkler elevating apparatus includes a sprinkler support body and a midline hose coupling body. The sprinkler support body is configured to support the sprinkler at an elevated position relative to the irrigation device. The midline hose coupling body is carried by the sprinkler support body. The midline hose coupling body has a contact portion configured to affix to a midline section of a flexible hose drop of the irrigation device. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A trash bag support structure comprising a frame; a pair of legs attached to the sides of the frame, where the legs provide the height to the support structure; a base attached between the pair of legs, where the frame, the legs and the base receive a trash bag; and a pair of feet extending from the bottom of each leg, attached to the base, where the feet enable the frame to stand erect during use, and where the feet extend into the trash bag to keep the bag in an open position.

Abstract: A device for turning an object about an axis which is stationary related to the device, the device including two manipulator modules, each provided with a base part, to which, rotatable on a base axis, an upper arm is linked, to which, rotatable on an arm axis, a lower arm is linked, which features an end axis. The base axis, the arm axis and the end axis of each manipulator module intersect with each other respectively in one intersection point, with their connecting line defining the swivel axis. A connecting piece is mounted between the two lower arms so that it is rotatable on the two end axes and forms and/or provides an object holder for the object to be turned/swiveled.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a base and a reinforcing structure. The base comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The reinforcing structure comprises a first reinforcing bead, a second reinforcing bead, a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second ribs. The second ribs radially extend from the first and second reinforcing beads and cross connect with the first ribs, for reinforcing the strength and rigidity of the base.

Abstract: Provided is a device for adjusting the effective length of a table leg. The device includes an upper and a lower member that is rotatably associated with one another and are biased apart by spring means, the upper member including a first downwardly directed ramp spaced apart from a second ratchet ramps associated with the lower member by a wall. The upper member includes one or more pawls adapted to run in the channel between the ramps, and including a formation adapted to engage the ratchet when the desired effective length of the leg plus device has been adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner attachment system for mounting a headliner to a non-magnetic roof structure includes a headliner having an interior and an exterior surface, a ferromagnetic plate attached to the exterior surface of the headliner, and a magnetic clip assembly affixed to the non-magnetic roof structure. The ferromagnetic plate and magnetic clip assembly enable magnetic attachment of the headliner to the non-magnetic roof structure.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner attachment system for mounting a headliner to a non-magnetic roof structure includes a headliner with an interior and an exterior surface, a magnet affixed to the exterior surface of the headliner, and a ferromagnetic clip mounted to the non-magnetic roof structure. The magnet and the ferromagnetic clip enable magnetic attachment of the headliner to the non-magnetic roof structure.

Abstract: The cap holder with magnet according to the present invention includes a base that serves to place caps, hats, visors, or articles having similar characteristics for their care, display, storage, or to keep them in order. A magnet is attached to the base or bottom section of the base. A protrusion is formed on the back section of the base. Inward curves are formed on the back section of the base. A hook may also be attached to the back section of the base to allow to vertically use the cap holder with magnet.

Abstract: The electronic tablet mounting apparatus described herein comprises a frame with a plurality of clamps and support elements in the back panel of the frame. The frame is preferably substantially rectangular to conform to the footprint of the tablet computer. The clamps and support elements are configured to removably engage a backside of a tablet computer and to securely hold the tablet computer in place on the back panel without obscuring functional elements on the backside of the tablet computer. The apparatus further comprises a mounting bracket configured as an L-shaped flange. The mounting bracket is fixedly coupled to the bottom-side of the frame. The bracket is further configured to removably couple to a tripod head or any portable stand suitable for stabilizing a tablet or similar device for a particular task, e.g. photography.

Abstract: A bat hanging device that can be securely and selectively connected to a chain link fence is disclosed. A modular rack into which the bat hanging device may be securely and selectively inserted is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a duplex module of a printer, includes a bracket, a left lock hung on a left portion of the bracket, a right lock hung on a right portion of the bracket; and a left transmission module and a right transmission module movably mounted on the bracket. The duplex module is secured to the bracket. The left transmission module abuts the left lock. The right transmission module abuts the right lock. The left transmission module and the right transmission module move synchronously to move the left lock and the right lock synchronously to attach the duplex module to the printer or detach the duplex module from the printer.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing the working end of an elongated flexible conductor of fluid or electricity to an elevated work platform comprising a locking C clamp having movable opposed jaws adapted to secure the clamp to the platform and where one of the clamping jaws mounts an adapter that provides an attachment point for connecting a hose or electrical cable to the platform, thus eliminating the necessity of a workman on the platform supporting the weight of and controlling a long length of hose or cable extending from the platform to the ground.

Abstract: A wall mountable holder may include a base portion, a first arm, and a second arm extending outward from the base, where each of the arms may extend to a distal end spaced away from the base. Additionally, the holder may include at least one groove extending downwardly from an upper edge of at least one of the arms. The holder also may include a tab extending inward at a distal end of at least one of the arms, the tab including a leading surface angled inward and rearward from proximate the distal end, and a trailing surface angled outward and rearward from the leading surface. An opening may be formed between the arms, proximate the distal ends, such that the opening may be narrower than a spacing between the arms at each point between the base and the opening.

Abstract: A wall mountable holder system may include a holder-mounting substrate having a plurality of mounting positions and at least one holder removably coupleable to the substrate. The holder may include a base portion, a plurality of protrusions extending rearwardly from the base portion, a first arm and a second arm extending outward from the base, a tab extending inward at a distal end of at least one of the arms, and at least one groove extending downwardly from an upper edge of at least one of the arms. Each tab may include a leading surface angled inward and rearward from proximate the distal end, and a trailing surface angled outward and rearward from the leading surface. An opening may be formed between the arms, proximate the distal ends, and the opening may be narrower than a spacing between the arms at each point between the base portion and the opening.

Abstract: The locking piece is formed by machining a long plate-shaped piece, and includes a lug boss, and extension parts formed by bending two ends of the lug boss. The locking piece is fixed to the backplane of a liquid crystal display (LCD) device by the extension parts, and a top of the lug boss is configured with a locking hole used to lock the LCD device on the wall hanging. In the present disclosure, because the locking piece has a simple structure, relative to the bolts, the locking piece is only machined by simple sheet metal machining technology.

Abstract: A tilter assembly is disclosed which comprises a pair of springs, each of which is coupled to the tilter body and the center tilt mount, that provide a counterbalance force to support the weight of a user device which is attached to the tilter. A bushing, which is capable of providing force to a friction cylinder which permits rotation of the tilter about an axis, is adjustable vis-à-vis the friction cylinder via a set screw to provide additional counterbalance force to the tilter to support the weight of the user device.

Abstract: A reserve tank is fixed to the vehicle body with a bracket. The bracket includes a supporting member supporting an intermediate part which is an intermediate part in vertical direction when the reserve tank is fixed to the vehicle body side. The supporting member includes the vertical movement restricting part for restricting a vertical movement while the reserve tank is fixed to the vehicle. The reserve tank includes the fastening part fastened with the fastening member to a fastened part formed on the bracket, the rotation restricting part for restricting, at a location apart from the fastening part, rotation on the fastening part, and an extending part protruding outwardly in a diametrical direction from a side surface of the reserve tank and extending from a side of the fastening part in a circumferential direction to the rotation restricting part.

Abstract: A ladder safety device for stabilizing and anchoring the side rails of a ladder on a supporting surface when in an upright operative position. The safety device is attached to the lower end of at least one side rail and includes a spike axially slidable and lockable in a sleeve rotatably mounted on the rail for driving into the underlying ground perpendicular to the ground when in its extended operative position and retracted for self-storage during transport and non-use.

Abstract: A safety anchor includes a coiled spring (5) and a stud (1) extending substantially centrally within the spring. The stud (1) is formed with a portion (3) of reduced strength. Means (7, 9) is provided for securing ends of the spring (5) to the stud (1) at each side of the portion (3) of reduced strength.

Abstract: A mounting system is provided to couple an engine unit including a turbine engine portion coupled to a gearbox portion about an axial axis to a support structure. An aft mounting device can couple the turbine engine portion to the support structure. A force determinator can be configured to determine a force load of the engine unit at the location of the aft mounting device. The length of the aft mounting device is adjustable between the turbine engine portion and the support structure in a radial direction to substantially align the gearbox portion and the engine portion relative to the axial axis. The aft mounting device may be sized to a desired length to correspond to a force load of the engine unit during the running condition.

Abstract: An assembly includes a solar cell to convert light into electric power, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter to convert electric power from the solar cell to RF energy and transmit the RF energy, and a mounting interface to mount the assembly to a window or transparent surface, wherein the solar cell is oriented to receive the light through the window or transparent surface. The transmitted RF energy may be adequate to power one or more RF self-powered devices and/or may include light level information. The light level information may include a measure of the light entering through the window and/or available light in a space of the building. The light level information may be implemented as an ON/OFF signal or a measure of the light level.

Abstract: A method for processing and imaging a first and second plurality of samples, comprising processing at least one sample from the first plurality of samples, imaging the at least one sample from the first plurality of samples, while being capable of simultaneously processing at least one sample from the second plurality of samples; and imaging the at least one processed sample from the second plurality of samples.

Abstract: A CMOS sensor has unit pixels each structured by a light receiving element and three transistors, to prevent against the phenomenon of saturation shading and the reduction of dynamic range. The transition time (fall time), in switching off the voltage on a drain line shared in all pixels, is given longer than the transition time in turning of any of the reset line and the transfer line. For this reason, the transistor constituting a DRN drive buffer is made proper in its W/L ratio. Meanwhile, a control resistance or current source is inserted on a line to the GND, to make proper the operation current during driving. This reduces saturation shading amount. By making a reset transistor in a depression type, the leak current to a floating diffusion is suppressed to broaden the dynamic range.

Abstract: If separations between photoelectric conversion elements are different from each other, charge leaking into adjacent photoelectric conversion elements varies. A photoelectric conversion apparatus of the present invention includes a first semiconductor region that can be potential barriers against signal charge, between first and second photoelectric conversion elements. Further, the apparatus includes a second semiconductor region that has the same depth as the depth of the first semiconductor region and a width narrower than the width of the first semiconductor region and can be potential barriers against the signal charge, between the first and a third photoelectric conversion element. Moreover, the apparatus includes a third semiconductor region that can be potential barriers against the signal charge under the first semiconductor region and the second semiconductor region.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a conversion unit including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each pixel including a conversion element, an output switch element, and an initialization switch element; an output drive circuit controls an output operation; an initialization drive circuit controls an initialization operation; and a readout circuit performs a signal sample-and-hold operation and a reset operation. A control unit performs termination of the output operation of a certain row and start of the output operation of another row after the termination of the reset operation, the start of the signal sample-and-hold operation after the termination of the output operation of the certain row and the start of the output operation of the other row, the start of the reset operation and the initialization operation after the termination of the signal sample-and-hold operation, and the termination of the reset operation after the termination of the initialization operation.

Abstract: An optical biosensor pixel for detecting the amount of light that is generated by the biosensing process and a biosensor array architecture that includes such biosensor pixels. The optical biosensor pixel includes a photodiode configured to convert an incident photon flux into a current. Additionally, the optical biosensor pixel includes an optical filter configured to select specific wavelengths and/or photon flux angles to reach the photodiode from a biological sample. The biosensor pixel further includes a trans-impedance amplifier coupled to the photodiode, where the trans-impedance amplifier is configured to convert the current into a voltage signal. Additionally, the biosensor pixel includes a 1-bit comparator coupled to the trans-impedance amplifier and a 1-bit digital-to-analog converter coupled to the 1-bit comparator, where the 1-bit digital-to-analog converter injects different levels of charge into an input of the trans-impedance amplifier at each cycle based on an output of the 1-bit comparator.

Abstract: An electronic system, connection failure reporting system and related methods. An electronic system may include a passive component of a connector; a detecting unit configured to detect presence of an active component of the connector in at least three points not in the same line on the passive component of the connector; and a connection status determining unit configured to determine a connection status of said connector based upon detecting results of the at least three points on the passive component of the connector. A connection problem of the connector can be identified, including identification of the type of connection failure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anti-glare device having a self-diagnostic mode capable of preventing an operation trouble by previously self-diagnosing a work environment and an operating condition, of enhancing work convenience by displaying a remaining battery charge, and of immediately executing a self-diagnostic mode by one-touch input. The anti-glare device includes an optical detection unit, an electromagnetic wave sensor unit, an electromagnetic wave detection unit, a control unit, a light transmission control unit, and a self-diagnostic command input unit for recognizing signals to check whether or not the device is operating normally, a shade level, a sensitivity level, a delay level, and a remaining battery charge by user's direct selection, operation, or adjustment, and inputting the recognized signals to the control unit.

Abstract: A night vision device with a switching power supply and a method of powering a night vision device with switching circuits are provided. The switching power supply converts a battery voltage to high DC voltages for powering photocathode, screen, and MCP of the night vision device. The switching power supply generates and adjusts a photocathode voltage instruction signal having a duty cycle based on the difference between a reference photocathode voltage and the output voltage of the photocathode voltage circuit. The switching power supply generates and adjusts a screen voltage instruction signal having a duty cycle based on the difference between a reference screen voltage and the output voltage of the screen voltage circuit. The switching power supply performs the automatic brightness control and auto-gating without directly sensing the output load current.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor amplifies a received light intensity signal generated through light projection processing and light receiving processing, and performs detection processing using the amplified received light intensity signal. The photoelectric sensor is provided with a variable resistor that generates an adjustment command signal that changes linearly with respect to sensitivity adjustment manipulations performed by a user. Further, the sensor is provided with an amplifier including a variable gain amplifier configured such that the aforementioned adjustment command signal is inputted thereto. Further, the variable gain amplifier is adapted to convert the signal into a gain control signal that changes exponentially with respect to sensitivity adjustment manipulations and, further, is adapted to perform amplification processing using a gain according to the gain control signal.

Abstract: A detection method of an image projection device is disclosed. A projection beam is projected on a plurality of projection regions within a projection range, wherein the projection beam carries different features when the projection beam is projected on different projection regions. A reflected beam from the projection range is received and converted to an electrical signal. The feature existing in the electrical signal is analyzed. The projection region corresponding to the feature is determined to identify which of the projection regions is/are blocked by an object.

Abstract: An optical system may include a polarization beam splitter having an input that receives multiple optical signals, a first output and a second output. The first output may provide components of the multiple optical signals having a first polarization. The second output may provide components of the multiple optical signals having a second polarization. The optical system may include a rotator having an input that receives the components to rotate the first polarization such that each of the components has the second polarization, and an output to supply components as rotated components. The optical system may also include an optical circuit including a substrate. The rotator may be separate from the substrate. The optical circuit may include an optical demultiplexer circuit provided on the substrate to receive the rotated components and the components.

Abstract: An automated shutter for dark acclimating a sample, comprising a base and a head mounted to the base and movable between an open and closed position. The automated shutter further comprises one or more artificial light sources and one or more optical detectors disposed in said head or base, and wherein the head is contiguous with the sample when moved into the closed position. Another embodiment comprises an enclosure placed over a sample to be dark acclimatised, with one or more artificial light sources and optical detectors disposed within or closely adjacent to said enclosure which is configured to be transformed between an optically transparent state and an optically opaque state.

Abstract: An optoelectronic rotary encoder for setting or regulating parameters comprises a first measuring arrangement having a plurality of first light sources (2.41, 2.43), which are arranged on an imaginary closed line and emit light beams in a clocked manner, time-sequentially, and a first receiver (2.3) for receiving a first light beam emitted by at least one of the first light sources and reflected by an object. An evaluation device evaluates the light received by the receiver (2.3) and converted into electrical signals and determines therefrom a position of the object relative to the rotary encoder. A further measuring arrangement is provided for the identification of additional information likewise by means of the evaluation device. The further measuring arrangement has a further light source (2.5) and a further receiver (2.7) for receiving a further light beam emitted by the further light source (2.5) and reflected at the object. A shading element (2.2, 2.10, 2.

Abstract: A method of formation evaluation using a pulsed neutron tool. The approach removes the effect of formation hydrogen index (HI) from the nuclear response of the tool. It can be used for gas detection and quantification, as well as for other fluids. It can also be used to improve a formation hydrogen index (HI) measurement.