Abstract: A hovering surveillance device. An electronic imaging device is disposed on a housing having a primary lift element, at least one compressed lighter-than-air gas element, a pitch adjustment element, and, a steering element. The compressed lighter-than-air gas is channeled to the primary lift element and the pitch adjustment element to selectively vary the altitude and angle for the housing such that scene of interest may be imaged. The lighter-than-air gas may be selected from the group of helium, hydrogen, heated air, neon, ammonia, and methane.

Abstract: A method for landing an airship on a landing device placed on the ground by: aligning, in particular horizontally aligning, the airship relative to the landing device with the aid of driving mechanisms arranged on the airship; lowering the airship onto a landing platform element of the landing device; arresting the airship on the landing platform element, wherein at least one electric magnet arranged in the landing device magnetically pulls the airship towards the landing device; and fastening the airship to the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel, especially for a component having a box structure in an airplane airfoil, comprising a surface shaped body and grid-like reinforcement bars protruding from the body on one side of the body, and the body and the grid-like reinforcement bars are integral molded. Since the body and the grid-like reinforcement bars of the panel are integral molded, no additional connecting process is required, so that the disconnection phenomenon as happened between the skin and the stiffener or stringer of the prior art would not occur, and the assembly complexity can be decreased.

Abstract: An assembly for shielding an aircraft from electromagnetic energy may include a window mounting configured to be conductively coupled to an aperture in a fuselage of an aircraft. The window mounting may include a window pane having an electromagnetically-reflective coating for reflecting electromagnetic energy. The window pane may remain electrically isolated from the fuselage prior to the electromagnetic energy exceeding a frequency of approximately 1 GHz. The window mounting may further include a capacitive gasket capcaitively coupling the window pane to the fuselage after the frequency of the electromagnetic energy reflected by the window pane exceeds approximately 1 GHz.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an elongated structure, a first plate, and a second plate. The elongated structure has a channel. The elongated structure is configured to be associated with a primary structure on a first side of the primary structure. The first plate is configured to be connected to the primary structure at a joint and cover a portion of the elongated structure. The first plate is connected to the primary structure on the first side of the primary structure. The second plate is configured to be connected to the primary structure on a second side of the primary structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for reorientation of an airborne vehicle during decent employs a handle rotatably attached to the airborne vehicle and connected to a parachute. Once the parachute is deployed, rotation of the handle reorients a deck angle of the airborne vehicle with respect to the parachute.

Abstract: The essence of the invention is a method and apparatus for thermally protecting the external surface of the structure of a space vehicle during atmospheric reentry. The method, in detail, uses a recently discovered fundamental electrodynamic combustion mechanism for alkali metals to burn the metal onto the surface of the outer wall of the vehicle. In this mechanism, a static electric field that is always inherent to the burning alkali metal surface interacts electrodynamically with the ionized particles streaming behind the atmospheric front shock wave that propagates in front of the vehicle such that the electrodynamic Lorentz force deflects the particles perpendicularly away from the original direction of the ionized atmospheric flow. Thus, convective heat flux into the vehicle's structure is prevented. An apparatus is also presented for coating the alkali metal onto the porous outer wall of the vehicle structure via transpiration from the interior of the liquid lightweight alkali metal.

Abstract: An aircraft for unmanned aviation is described. The aircraft includes an airframe, a pair of fins attached to a rear portion of the airframe, a pair of dihedral braces attached to a bottom portion of the airframe, a first thrust vectoring module and a second thrust vectoring module, and an electronics module. The electronics module provides commands to the two thrust vectoring modules. The two thrust vectoring modules are configured to provide lateral and longitudinal control to the aircraft by directly controlling a thrust vector for each of the pitch, the roll, and the yaw of the aircraft. The use of directly articulated electrical motors as thrust vectoring modules enables the aircraft to execute tight-radius turns over a wide range of airspeeds.

Abstract: A fluidic system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of fluidic oscillatory actuators, and at least one synchronization conduit connecting two or more of the actuators such as to effect synchronization between oscillations in the two or more connected actuators.

Abstract: The present invention regards an aircraft structure comprising an aerodynamic composite shell (7), the interior face (9) of which in whole or in part is bonded with at least one two- or three-dimensional structural composite part (11) by means of a bonding material (15). It also regards a method of manufacture of the aircraft structure. The bonding material (15) comprises a non-structural fiber reinforced resin system, wherein at least one portion of the bonding material, which portion spatially corresponds with an interior face filling volume (21), is thicker than other portions of the bonding material (15), due to settlement of resin of the non-structural fiber reinforced resin system in said interior face filling volume (21) during the viscous phase of the curing of the non-structural fiber reinforced resin system.

Abstract: A line retention device configured to releasably retain one or more lines therebetween. The device has a retention bracket with a female detent on a first end portion and having a receiving aperture defined by a primary opening and a keyway. A male detent is on a second end portion and has a proximal portion, a head portion, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion extends through the receiving aperture when the retention bracket is in the closed position with proximal and head portions on one side of the female detent and the intermediate portion on the opposite side of the female detent.

Abstract: A support device for a downspout extension is provided, comprising a molded assembly having a U-shaped upper portion and an elongated ground stake lower portion. The upper portion comprises a first and second upright member forming a substantial U-shape, wherein the distal ends thereof include an inward tab extending therefrom. The tabs and the shape of the upper portion are utilized to secure a section of a downspout extension, while the lower portion is adapted to be pressed into the ground a measured distance such that the downspout extension is supported in an elevated position. Graduation indicia are placed along the lower portion to measure the upper portion height relative to the ground, whereby the user can properly pitch a supported downspout extension using consecutive ground support devices. The device ensures proper and continued drainage pitch through a downspout extension, preventing distortions which may otherwise impede proper drainage.

Abstract: A bag-supporting frame apparatus is removably mountable on a portion of a substrate. The apparatus includes a gripping portion for contacting the substrate and holding the apparatus in place on the substrate. The apparatus also includes a bag-supporting portion configured to support an open end portion of a flexible plastic bag thereon, the bag-supporting portion including an outer loop portion and a downwardly-extending short portion attached to the outer loop portion at each end thereof. A projecting catch is defined, at each end of the outer loop portion, at the juncture of the downwardly-extending short portion and the outer loop portion. The outer loop portion is sized and configured to support a plastic bag of a predetermined size thereon. The apparatus also includes a connecting portion interconnecting the bag-supporting portion and the gripping portion. Methods of using the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A monitor stand for supporting a screen unit is provided. The monitor comprises a supporting unit, a mounting unit, at least one contact wall and at least one brake unit. The brake unit includes a resisting block capable of moving between a first position and a second position. A lower frictional threshold force is generated between the resisting block and the contact wall if the resisting block is at the first position; an upper frictional threshold force is generated between the resisting block and the contact wall if the resisting block is at the second position. The mounting unit moves against the supporting unit and toward a first direction or a second direction, and the resisting block is at the first position if the mounting unit moves toward the first direction, and the resisting block is at the second position if the mounting unit moves toward the second direction.

Abstract: A balloon-supporting centerpiece having several tubes molded to a base with a central aperture. A tube can be secured into the tubes of the base and provides a channel for holding sticks having balloons attached thereto. The tubes can be secured beneath the base when not in use. The preferred base is a cylinder or heart shape. Tinsel strips cover the top of the base to hide the apertures and present a festive balloon centerpiece.

Abstract: A device for supporting blinds has at least two components each having a holding part extending in a longitudinal direction and having a front surface forming a longitudinal receiving channel for receiving a part of a blind, an attaching part connected of one piece with the holding part, extending from the holding part in a transverse direction, and having a rear surface, and an adhesive layer provided on the rear surface of the attaching part and attaching the attaching part and thereby also the holding part to a supporting surface, and in the device the holding part, the attaching part, and the adhesive layer can be transparent.

Abstract: An article mounting system for non-destructively mounting sheet articles such as posters and other paper items to a mounting surface such as a wall, includes a clamping plate which is pivotable. A resilient compressible member holds the plate in a normal down position such that a portion of the plate serves as a jaw for pressing the sheet article against the mounting surface. The article is loosed by compressing the resilient member which pivots the plate.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved device for holding a towel or equivalent article for use in the bath or shower so to provide a means of wiping eyes free of irritants. A retractable article holding device encases a retractable reel mechanism in a water tight housing unit, which is suction mounted to a vertical surface. The retractable mechanism consists of at least one tether cord and at least one gripping mechanism, to which a towel or equivalent article can be securely fastened. The retractable tether allows for the towel or equivalent article to be extended to a desired location when tension is applied and subsequently retract to its original position when tension is released.

Abstract: A shelf display unit having one or more magnetic connectors allowing the display unit to be releasably attached to a shelf for the display of products.

Abstract: A quick attachment arm for securing to an elevated and structurally supporting location. A multi-sided and compressible band is constructed of a spring-loaded material. The band is open at its outer end and adapted to permit the band to be attached around a perimeter of the supporting location. An elongated arm is pivotally supported to and extending from the band, the arm adapted to supporting a weighted article placed thereupon.

Abstract: A mounting system for attaching an audio/visual device to a surface via a surface mounting member. The mounting system includes a support attachment bracket configured to operatively connect to the surface mounting member, a display mounting bracket configured to operatively connect to the audio/visual device, an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the display mounting bracket relative to the support attachment bracket between a collapsed position and a tilted position, and a locking feature configured to selectively engage a post for retaining the mounting system in the collapsed position. The locking feature is disposed on one of the support attachment bracket, the display mounting bracket, and the adjustment mechanism. The post is disposed on another of the support attachment bracket, the display mounting bracket, and the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A portable, compact and easy-to-install beverage carrier for shopping carts that also has space for marketing/branding/personalization. A portable beverage container apparatus is provided having a clamp portion movably connected to a beverage carrier portion that defines a container-receiving space. The clamp portion is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position the clamp portion extends outwardly from the beverage carrier portion in a first direction. In the retracted position the clamp portion is rotated relative to its orientation in the extended position and positioned substantially within the container-receiving space.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and/or positioning two-dimensional objects is described. In some examples, the apparatus is an easel configured to position a canvas in front of a painter in any orientation within three-dimensional space. Such an easel enables a painter working with the canvas to adjust and/or orient the canvas with respect to the painter, such as by rotating the canvas towards or away from the painter, rotating the canvas about itself, translating the canvas vertically, translating the canvas horizontally, and so on.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for manipulating of surveillance cameras and the like mounted on top of utility poles. The system comprises: a multi-link articulating mechanism connected to a base, having a distal end, and configured to change positions of said distal end between over the base and cantilevered beyond the base; an object support connected to at least two links of the mechanism and configured to rotate from upright position with the distal end being over the base to upside down position with the distal end being cantilevered beyond the base; a winch mounted to the object support having a cable extended through said object support and configured for attaching the detachable object; and control means configured to manipulate the detachable object between being mounted upright and hanged by the cable at a predetermined height.

Abstract: Disclosed is a platform for a whole body vibrational apparatus. The platform is powered by a centrally located iso-linear drive system incorporating elastomeric bushings that support the cover of the platform and impart the oscillatory motion from the motor to said cover. The use of the bushings reduces noise and cushions the jarring usually associated with oscillatory motion. The cover is curved in a manner to accommodate the iso-linear drive system and present a lower mounting height to aid in mounting and dismounting the platform. A modular column may also be added to control the vibrator platform but is also isolated from the platform at its connection. Additional control modules, such as a ski module, may be added to further enhance the utility of the platform.

Abstract: A device for carrying high-voltage equipment in an electrically-insulated manner includes electrically non-conductive support insulators that are configured for mounting a carrier platform, which receives the high-voltage equipment, on a foundation in an electrically-insulated manner. Each support insulator extends towards the foundation from a bearing connected to the carrier platform. In order to provide such a device which is cost-effective and easy to produce, two support insulators extend at an incline from each bearing and the two support insulators form an acute angle with respect to their shared bearing.

Abstract: A portable pumping unit base for receiving and anchoring a pumping unit thereto is disclosed herein. The disclosed base generally comprises a body made of a rigid polyurethane foam system, said rigid polyurethane foam system comprising an isocyanate component and a polyol resin component. Additionally, the disclosed base made of said rigid polyurethane foam system may be encapsulated in a polyurea coating.

Abstract: An imaging element includes pixel portions each having a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel and outputs a phase difference detection-type focus detecting signal. An image signal A includes information for the first sub-pixel and an image signal AB includes information for the second sub-pixel. A level determining unit compares the image signal A with a threshold value SHA and compares the image signal AB with a threshold value SHAB. A correlation calculation processing unit performs correlation calculation for a signal excluding the image signal A having a level exceeding the threshold value SHA and the image signal AB having a level exceeding the threshold value SHAB so as to output the result of calculation to a CPU. The CPU calculates a focal shift amount in accordance with the result of calculation and performs a focus adjusting operation by drive-controlling a focus lens.

Abstract: The technique introduced herein decouples the traditional relationship between bandwidth and responsivity, thereby providing a more flexible and wider photodetector design space. In certain embodiments of the technique introduced here, a photodetector device includes a first mirror, a second mirror, and a light absorption region positioned between the first and second reflective mirrors. For example, the first mirror can be a partial mirror, and the second mirror can be a high-reflectivity mirror. The light absorption region is positioned to absorb incident light that is passed through the first mirror and reflected between the first and second mirrors. The first mirror can be configured to exhibit a reflectivity that causes an amount of light energy that escapes from the first mirror, after the light being reflected back by the second mirror, to be zero or near zero.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing a high voltage variable resistor. In one aspect, an optical transconductance variable resistor includes a photoconductive wide bandgap semiconductor material (PWBSM) substrate, whose conduction response to changes in amplitude of incident radiation that is substantially linear throughout a non-saturation region thereof, whereby the material is operable in non-avalanche mode as a variable resistor, and first and second electrodes in contact with the material so that: a first triple junction boundary region is formed between the PWBSM substrate and the first electrode, and a second triple junction boundary region is formed between the PWBSM substrate and the second electrode, and the PWBSM substrate is located within an internal triple junction region formed between the first and second triple junction boundary regions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device, includes: a first holding section configured to hold a first substrate; a second holding section configured to hold a second substrate; a turning section configured to turn the first holding section such that the first substrate and the second substrate face each other; an elevation unit configured to elevate the second holding section and attach the first substrate and the second substrate via an adhesive layer; and a first radiation section configured to radiate ultraviolet rays from at least one direction of an inclined lower side of an opening of a space between the first substrate and the second substrate and an inclined upper side of the opening toward the opening.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device according to the present disclosure includes: a pixel unit in which unit pixels are arranged two-dimensionally, each of the unit pixels including: a photodiode which stores signal charges; a transfer transistor for transferring the signal charges stored in the photodiode; a charge detection unit which temporarily stores the transferred signal charges; and a reset transistor for resetting the signal charges stored in the charge detection unit; and a vertical scanning unit which drives the pixel unit, the vertical scanning unit including: a row selection unit; a level shift circuit for converting a level of an externally inputted power supply voltage; and a buffer circuit for buffering a voltage whose level has been converted by the level shift circuit, the level shift circuit including: a step-down level shift circuit; and a step-up level shift circuit isolated from the step-down level shift circuit by a well.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels and a row driver. Each pixel includes a photodiode, a first transfer gate, a second transfer gate, a first storage node, and a second storage node. The row driver is configured to provide signals to the first transfer gate and the second transfer gate of each pixel such that charge is transferred from the photodiode to the first storage node through the first transfer gate while a signal representing charge stored at the second storage node is output from the pixel to a column readout line. The row driver is also configured to provide signals to the first transfer gate and the second transfer gate such that charge is transferred from the photodiode to the second storage node through the second transfer gate while a signal representing charge stored at the first storage node is output from the pixel.

Abstract: This solid-state image sensor includes a photosensitive cell array including first through fourth photosensitive cells 2a to 2d, a dispersing element array including first and second dispersing elements 1a and 1b arranged to face the first and third photosensitive cells 2a and 2c, respectively, and a microlens array including first and second microlenses 4a and 4b. The first dispersing element 1a makes parts of incoming light that have come through the first microlens 4a and that have first and second color components incident on the first and second photosensitive cells 2a and 2b, respectively. The second dispersing element 1b makes parts of incoming light that have come through the second microlens 4b and that have third and fourth color components incident on the third and fourth photosensitive cells 2c and 2d, respectively. In addition, light that has not passed through the first and second microlenses 4a and 4b is also incident on the second and fourth photosensitive cells 2b and 2d.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a substrate; a pixel area constituted of one or more pixels including a sensor element on the substrate; and a light source, wherein the light source is disposed at a side of the substrate in which the pixel area is disposed and outside of the pixel area, and light from the light source is incident on the sensor element.

Abstract: An image projection device for displaying an image onto a remote surface. The image projection device employs a scanner to project image beams of visible light and tracer beams of light onto a remote surface to form a display of the image. The device also employs a light detector to sense at least the reflections of light from the tracer beam pulses incident on the remote surface. The device employs the sensed tracer beam light pulses to predict the trajectory of subsequent image beam light pulses and tracer beam light pulses that form a display of the image on the remote surface in a pseudo random pattern. The trajectory of the projected image beam light pulses can be predicted so that the image is displayed from a point of view that can be selected by, or automatically adjusted for, a viewer of the displayed image.

Abstract: A light receiving circuit includes a light receiving element, a transimpedance amplifier, a delay circuit and a comparator. The transimpedance amplifier is configured to convert the current signal into a first voltage. The comparator includes first to third current control elements each including first to third electrodes and configured to control current of the third electrode by voltage of the second electrode. The first voltage is inputted to the second electrode of the first current control element. Output voltage of the delay circuit is inputted to the second electrode of the second current control element. A second voltage is inputted to the second electrode of the third current control element. The comparator is configured to compare output current of the first current control element with sum of output current of the second current control element and output current of the third current control element.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a light receiving circuit includes a light receiving element, a differential circuit, a fifth transistor, and first and second current sources. The differential circuit includes an amplifier and a bias circuit. The amplifier includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a first feedback resistor. The amplifier is configured to convert a current from the light receiving element into a voltage. The bias circuit includes a third transistor, a fourth transistor, and a second feedback resistor. A reference voltage is supplied to a control electrode of the fourth transistor. The second and third transistors are included in a current mirror circuit. A fifth transistor has a control electrode connected to a connection point between the first and second transistors. A voltage signal switched to a high level or a low level according to a change of an optical signal is outputted.

Abstract: There is provided a scanning endoscope including an optical scanning unit in which an angle at which illumination light is emitted from a leading edge of an insertion portion is changed to scan the emitted illumination light on an object, a plurality of light receiving portions which is circumferentially spaced apart at the leading edge of the insertion portion and receives return light returning from the object as a result of the optical scanning unit scanning the illumination light, a light detection unit that detects the intensity of the received return light, a return light selection unit that selects the return light whose intensity is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, and a storage unit that stores the intensity of the return light selected by the return light selection unit in association with the position where the optical scanning unit scans the illumination light.

Abstract: A microscope has a light source for generating a light beam having a wavelength, ?, and beam-forming optics configured for receiving the light beam and generating a Bessel-like beam that is directed into a sample. The beam-forming optics include an excitation objective having an axis oriented in a first direction. Imaging optics are configured for receiving light from a position within the sample that is illuminated by the Bessel-like beam and for imaging the received light on a detector. The imaging optics include a detection objective having an axis oriented in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: A gesture sensing device includes a single light source and a multiple segmented single photo sensor, or an array of photo sensors, collectively referred to herein as segmented photo sensors. A light modifying structure relays reflected light from the light source onto different segments of the segmented photo sensors. The light modifying structure can be an optical lens structure or a mechanical structure. The different segments of the photo sensor sense reflected light and output corresponding sensed voltage signals. A control circuit receives and processes the sensed voltage signals to determine target motion relative to the segmented photo sensor.

Abstract: On a predetermined mounting surface of a surface (22A) of a flexible wiring board (22), a flexible wiring board pressing plate (28) which presses the mounting surface against a lower cover (12) is provided at a position immediately below a first radiation block (24) and a pressing sheet (26). The flexible wiring board pressing plate (28) has five pairs of projections (28PA and 28PB) respectively arranged in lines. The projections (28PA and 28PB) are formed to intersect conductive patterns (22ACP) at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A linear encoder includes a housing, a scale disposed within the housing and a sensor unit disposed within the housing facing the scale with a gap between the sensor unit and the scale. The sensor unit is configured to scan the scale and obtain position information. At least one adjustment hole for a gap adjustment is disposed in at least one of the housing and an end cover of the housing at a position corresponding to a position of the gap.

Abstract: A method for detecting hydrocarbons with an underwater vehicle equipped with one or more measurement components is described. The method includes navigating the UV within the body of water; monitoring the body of water with measurement components associated with the UV to collect measurement data. The collected data from the UV is used to determine whether hydrocarbons are present and at the location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting the rapid pyrolysis of peptides, proteins, polymers, and biological materials. The method can be carried out at atmospheric pressures and takes only about 5 to 30 seconds. The samples are cleaved at the C-terminus of aspartic acid. The apparatus employs a probe on which the sample is heated and digested components analyzed.

Abstract: Methods for helping to monitor subject adherence with a prescribed antipsychotic drug treatment regimen are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods using mass spectral data analysis and a classification algorithm provide an ability to determine whether a solid epithelial tumor cancer patient is likely to benefit from a therapeutic agent or a combination of therapeutic agents targeting agonists of the receptors, receptors or proteins involved in MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathways or the PKC (protein kinase C) pathway upstream from or at Akt or ERK/JNK/p38 or PKC, such as therapeutic agents targeting EGFR and/or HER2. The methods also provide the ability to determine whether the cancer patient is likely to benefit from the combination of a therapeutic agent targeting EFGR and a therapeutic agent targeting COX2; or whether the cancer patient is likely to benefit from the treatment with an NF-?B inhibitor.

Abstract: A RF only quadrupole rod set mass filter or mass analyser and a linear quadrupole ion trap with axial ejection are disclosed comprising a first pair of rod electrodes, a second pair of rod electrodes and an energy filter. The first pair of rod electrodes is longer than the second pair of rod electrodes. Ions having desired mass to charge ratios experience fringing fields at an exit region which results in the ions possessing sufficient axial kinetic energy to be transmitted by the energy filter. Other ions possess insufficient axial kinetic energy to be transmitted by the energy filter and are attenuated.

Abstract: A lens for electron capture dissociation may include: a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other and arranged along a first direction; and a third electrode and a fourth electrode spaced apart from each other and arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first electrode and the second electrode may be disposed in a space in which a magnetic field is formed in the first direction and trap electrons. The third electrode and the fourth electrode may be in the form of a flat plate and may apply an electric field to the trapped electrons in the second direction.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising providing a flight region for ions to travel through and a detector or fragmentation device. A potential profile is maintained along the flight region such that ions travel towards the detector or fragmentation device. The potential at which a first length of the flight region is maintained is then changed from a first potential to a second potential whilst at least some ions are travelling within the first length of flight region. The changed potential provides a first potential difference at an exit of the length of flight region, through which the ions are accelerated as they leave the length of flight region. This increases the kinetic energy of the ions prior to them reaching the detector or fragmentation cell.