Abstract: A dozen or more orbiting solar generators stay in constant touch. They can be congregated rapidly in space at any desired secret location. Once congregated they all focus their energy to a death star. This death star is a newly launched ICBM with a microwave or laser collector. A laser generator uses this huge energy to project a non-nuclear death ray to a target. The target could be a city, a ship or a satellite. In the event of an asteroid approaching earth, this system could destroy an asteroid. In peacetime the orbiting solar generators supply electric power to an earth based power grid.

Abstract: Vehicles with bidirectional control surfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a rocket can include a plurality of bidirectional control surfaces positioned toward an aft portion of the rocket. In this embodiment, the bidirectional control surfaces can be operable to control the orientation and/or flight path of the rocket during both ascent, in a nose-first orientation, and descent, in a tail-first orientation for, e.g., a tail-down landing.

Abstract: Improved supersonic laminar flow wing structure, on a supersonic aircraft, having strake extending forwardly of the wing inboard extent, and reversed fillet at strake junction with the wing leading edge.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for changing the shape of a wing using a plurality of morphing structures. One example method includes coupling a plurality of morphing structures to each other. Each morphing structure includes an anchor, a plurality of hinges, a plurality of shape-memory alloy members wherein each shape-memory alloy member extends from the anchor to a different hinge, a plurality of springs wherein each spring extends from the anchor to a different hinge, and a plurality of rigid members wherein each rigid member extends between two hinges. The method further includes actuating the plurality of shape-memory alloy members in at least some of the morphing structures wherein the shape-memory alloy members contract when actuated to pull against the hinges and anchors within the actuated morphing structures to rotate the rigid members and change the shape of the actuated morphing structure.

Abstract: A support assembly for a helicopter control stick is provided. The support assembly includes a supporting structure and an instrument panel fixed to each other; and a connecting assembly for connecting the stick to the supporting structure. The connecting assembly includes an arm elongated in a longitudinal direction and having one end supporting the stick; a guide for connecting the arm in longitudinally sliding manner to the supporting structure, to move the end to and from the supporting structure; and a rotary assembly for connecting the arm to the supporting structure in rotary manner about a horizontal axis, to adjust the height of the end. The rotary assembly has a first releasable retainer, wherein the first releasable retainer operates to lock rotation of the arm with respect to the supporting structure in a desired angular position.

Abstract: A piloting device for piloting an aircraft includes a piloting member (11), a mechanism (13) for mounting and guiding in rotation the piloting member about at least one rotation axis with respect to a frame (12), stops (25, 26, 35) arranged so as to cooperate with bearing surfaces (32) integral with the piloting member upstream of the mechanism in order to limit the rotation amplitude thereof, and at least one force sensor (19), these being arranged with respect to one another so that each contact of a bearing surface (32) with a stop (25, 26, 35) generates an abutment reaction, the orientation of which with respect to each deformable sensing element of each force sensor is such that it stresses this deformable sensing element at least substantially outside its deformation modes.

Abstract: A multimedia assembly and an instrument panel assembly for use in an automotive vehicle are provided. The multimedia assembly includes a multimedia device and an auxiliary device. The multimedia device has a faceplate which is disposed on the outer surface of the instrument panel so as to be exposed to the cabin space of the vehicle. The auxiliary device is disposed beneath the multimedia device and hidden behind the outer surface of the instrument panel of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for mounting systems, for example an electrical or fluid-conveying line, on a structure, in particular of an aircraft or spacecraft, the device comprising a basic holder which is fastenable to the structure and a system holder for mounting the systems, the system holder being fastenable to a first interface of the basic holder, which system holder is fastenable to a first interface of the basic holder; the basic holder comprising a first part, which comprises the first interface, and a second part, one end of which is attachable to the first part so as to be pivotal about a pivot axis and the other end of which is fastenable to the structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a cable tie mount. The cable tie mount includes a body and a mount. The mount includes a top, a bottom, sides, and a channel therethrough. The body has a base member with a mounting hole and a receiving member with a locking hole. The receiving member extends at an angle from the base member. The mount is installed on the receiving member of the body such that the receiving member is positioned within the channel of the mount.

Abstract: Kiosks for supporting an electronic device, where the kiosks include a stand, a swivel mechanism roratably coupled to the stand, and a frame mounted to the swivel member and configured to support the electronic device. In some examples, the swivel mechanism includes a fixed member coupled to the stand and a swivel member rotatably supported by the fixed member. The swivel member is configured to rotate relative to the fixed member between a first position, which orients the frame in a first orientation, and a second position, which orients the frame in a second orientation. In some examples, swivel mechanism includes a position selection mechanism.

Abstract: A display for holding and displaying an object includes a base and a projection extending from the base and having a slot to form a pair of branches. The branches are adapted to hold a portion of the object within the slot and to display the object.

Abstract: A post stabilization apparatus and method of operation for setting a post within a post hole formed in the ground. The post stabilization apparatus includes one or more braces to support the post, each of said braces having a first end adapted for being driven into the ground; each of the one or more braces having a bracket assembly pivotally secured adjacent to a second end of thereof; and each bracket assembly having a magnet to removably attach the bracket assembly to the post.

Abstract: A vehicle seat anchorage (22) assembly employs a cam (34) mounted in an anchorage member (24) for rotation about an axis transverse of the anchorage member between: an unlocked position (FIG. 17A) in which the cam allows a pair of locking members (70 and 72) to assume their unlocked positions, and a locked position (FIG. 17B) in which the cam pushes down on inner portions (82) of the locking members so that outer portions (84) of the locking members assume their locked positions engaging under lips (12) of an anchorage rail (10).

Abstract: The invention concerns a power tool holder which includes at least two clamping parts mutually movably connected to each other by at least one adjustable connection part, the at least two clamping parts each having a clamping surface which face each other and have a clamping space formed between them, wherein a power tool can be clamped by an adjustment of the connection part to move the clamping parts together. At least one clamping part includes at least one through hole located adjacent to the clamping surface of said clamping part, such that the clamping surface will flex when subjected to pressure on clamping a power tool.

Abstract: A load carrier device is provided with a support structure and means arranged for connection to a lifting means. The support structure comprises one or more shock absorbers provided with a telescoping element which in an initial position projects downwards from an underside of the support structure and is arranged for damped compressive telescoping at the contact of the load carrier with a base.

Abstract: A display fixture includes a fixed component including a product receiving portion and an elongated spine portion, a first adjustable component insertably engaged with the elongated spine portion and including a product receiving portion and an adjustment portion, a second adjustable component insertably engaged with the elongated spine portion and including a product receiving portion and an adjustment portion, a third adjustable component insertably engaged with the elongated spine portion and including a product receiving portion and an adjustment portion. The first adjustable component operates to slidably adjust a distance between the product receiving portion of the fixed component and the product receiving portion of the first adjustable component, while the second adjustable component and the third adjustable component operate to slidably adjust a distance between the product receiving portion of the second adjustable component and the product receiving portion of the third adjustable component.

Abstract: A device for automatic closure of control valves in separable connection units for flexible pipes is described. The device comprises, for every sector of the control valve, a slidable body operating on the valve sector to cause closing and opening rotation thereof, elastic means housed within a first chamber to activate the sliding body to cause the closing rotation of said valve sector, a braking fluid housed in a second chamber to brake the movement of said sliding body in the closing direction and fluid dynamic communication means between said chambers to permit the controlled transfer of the braking fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber during the movement of the sliding body in the closing direction. The fluid dynamic communication means comprise a passage duct with an enlarged part and a cartridge with external grooves of variable length inserted in said enlarged part.

Abstract: In a fuel injection valve, it is intended to enhance valve-closing responsivity while maintaining durability (anti wear property) of a collision portion between a stationary core and a movable core and valve-opening responsivity. An annular end face 106A of the movable core 106 in the fuel injection valve is provided with a collision portion 106C that collides to a stationary core 107 when the movable core is magnetically attracted toward the stationary core side and a non-collision portion that keeps a fluid gap between both cores at an area of an outer side or an inner side from the collision portion. The annular end faces of the stationary core and the movable core are coated with platings 30, 31 having anti wear property, and at least one of the platings of the stationary core and the movable core is formed in such a manner that the thickness thereof at the collision portion 106C is to be thicker and the thickness thereof at the non-collision portion is to be thinner.

Abstract: A glue valve with electromagnetic actuation of a valve tappet (15) having a valve housing (10), which has a lateral aperture which is open in the upward direction, that is to say a side opening (36). A coil core (13) and a transversely directed carrying crosspiece (26), on which a plug (22) can be fitted, form a unit, that is to say a coil unit (21), which can be introduced into the valve housing (11) in one operation, via the side opening (36) which is open in the upward direction.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems are provided for sealing the door of a slit valve. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a seal, adapted to extend along a perimeter of a slit valve door; and a hard stop, disposed between the seal and an outer edge of the slit valve door, and adapted to extend along the length of the seal, wherein the hard stop and elastomer seal fill at least a portion of a gap between the slit valve door and an insert leading to a process chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to align a seat ring in a valve are described. An example fluid valve includes a valve body having a curved internal surface to receive a seat ring and a seat ring having a sealing surface to receive a movable control member and a curved surface opposite the sealing surface to engage the curved internal surface of the valve body.

Abstract: A piping component for controlling the flow of high-temperature fluids that includes a piping body having an inlet end and an outlet end, including methods of operating such components within a piping system. The piping body may be sized for fluids operating at temperatures from approximately 350° F. up to approximately 500° F., and 650° F. The piping body may also be sized for high-temperature fluids (e.g., steam) operating at pressures of up to approximately 400 psi, and 600 psi. In addition, the piping body is made from a silicon-copper alloy consisting essentially of less than 16% zinc, less than 0.25% lead, less than 0.25% bismuth, 2 to 6% silicon and a balance of copper (by weight).

Abstract: The invention relates to a three-armed pivot system, the two upper pivot arms having a V shape and representing part of a parallelogram, and the lower arm being a single, centrally situated pivot arm which represents the second part of the parallelogram. The active cylinder is assisted by a gas spring, and a personal protection safety net covers the gap between the vehicle and the platform, which may optionally be horizontally displaced. The active cylinder has a lift sensor which is connected to the controller, and the offset positioning of the active cylinder with respect to the bracket and of the fastening point to the pivot arm or support produces an improved lifting force.

Abstract: A field-installable pulling eye and a method for providing and using the same are disclosed. The pulling eye comprises a bolt, a sleeve, and a collet. The sleeve has a hollow interior defining a cavity configured to receive the collet through an open end, and an aperture passing from the exterior of the sleeve to the cavity at the opposite end. The bolt has a head portion and a threaded shaft configured to pass through the aperture and engage a complementary threaded orifice at one end of the collet. The collet has two or more jaws extending from the opposite end that are configured to exert a compression force the terminal end of a conductor inserted between the jaws as the collet is drawn into the cavity of the sleeve by tightening the bolt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring the ends of power lines between first and second supports including a frame having a pair of independently operable hoist mechanisms which each include a tension line with an attachment element at the end thereof, with the drums being rotatable by respective ratchet mechanisms for enabling the transfer of the end of a tension line from one support location to a different support location.

Abstract: A hoist spooling assembly for spooling a cable about a drum while preventing relative movement between the cable and the drum. The hoist spooling assembly evenly delivers force from a roller to the cable while reducing the incidence of spooling problems, including mechanical wear of the cable and formation of loops and kinks in the cable.

Abstract: A fence post which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood. A plurality of fence post(s) may be used to form a fence (FIG. 8). Each fence post includes an engaging mechanism at a first end thereof, which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood, and, a retaining mechanism at a second end thereof to retain the post near its pre-released position, such that the fence posts may be easily re-installed after the flood has passed.

Abstract: A system of transporting micro-cargo incorporates an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a tether capture device. A tether is connected to and suspends a micro cargo container with a suspension system to vertically extend the tether. The system having a first pickup state and a second flight state with a transition between the first and second states. The first state provides the micro-container unsuspended via the tether from the suspension system. The transition state provides engagement of the tether by the UAV, the tether positioning the micro-cargo container with respect to the capture device which secures the tether. The second state is then entered with the micro-cargo towed by the UAV in cruising flight to its destination.

Abstract: A humidifier is provided that typically includes a water filtration unit and a pump that draws filtered water from the water filtration unit, typically a carbon nanotube filter. The humidifier further includes a nozzle having an outlet orifice, wherein the nozzle is connected to the pump, where the pump forces the filtered water through the nozzle, thereby expelling the filtered water into an atmosphere in the form of a purified vapor or mist.

Abstract: An automated frothing assembly. The automated frothing assembly has a wand module that includes an elongate member having an inlet, one or more outlets, and a fluid passageway extending between and in fluid communication with the inlet and the plurality of outlets. At least one of the one or more outlets extends parallel to a vertical plane that includes the centerline of the elongate member and at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to both the vertical plane and the centerline of the elongate member. The assembly further includes an actuator configured to be operatively coupled to the wand module and to drive the movement of at least a portion of the wand module along an axis, and an electronic controller configured to be electrically coupled to the actuator and to control the operation of the actuator to control the movement of the wand module.

Abstract: An object is to provide a micro-bubble generator, etc., capable of efficiently generating bubbles having a particle size of a nanometer order. One aspect of the present invention is a micro-bubble generator provided with a swirl chamber, a fluid introduction opening connected to the swirl chamber, the fluid introduction opening for introducing fluid along a line tangent to an inner surface of the swirl chamber, and a discharge tube for guiding the fluid in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid is introduced. The discharge tube penetrates a wall surface of the swirl chamber and protrudes to an interior of the swirl chamber. According to the present configuration, by isolating a path of the introduced fluid, a loss of kinetic energy of a swirl flow of the fluid can be reduced. Thus, the micro-bubble generator capable of reducing the size of the generated micro-bubbles can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides a self supporting isobaric structure for electrolyte aeration in an electrodeposition cell for electrolytic refining or winning of non-ferrous metals, and a method of fabrication thereof. The structure is constructed using thermoplastic material pipes the external surface of which is wrapped in a thermosetting polymer composite material and one or more successive wrapped layers of fiber glass mats, thus forming a structural monoblock. The pipes are arranged in a reticular layout having a generally rectangular frame that follows the contour of the cell, transverse structural elements that connect the longer sides of the frame and tubular elements connecting the shorter sides of the rectangular frame. The tubular element provide a means for gas diffusion and aeration in the cell. Furthermore, the invention provides pipe couplings that allow shorter elements to be connected together in order to achieve the reticular configuration.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring strut for a vehicle, having a working chamber which is at least partially enclosed by a pneumatic spring bellows and having a centrally arranged telescopic damper, wherein the pneumatic spring bellows is fastened to the pneumatic spring cover and to a pneumatic spring piston connected to the damper cylinder and can roll on the outer side of the pneumatic spring piston, wherein the pneumatic spring piston is connected, at its top end and above the roll fold, to the damper cylinder by an elastic bearing, and the elastic bearing is composed of an elastomer body which is provided between a collar, which is situated on the damper cylinder, and a flange, which is arranged on the pneumatic spring piston, wherein the collar situated on the damper cylinder is arranged below the piston-rod-side end of the damper cylinder.

Abstract: A shock absorbing assembly (10) has a front plate (12) and a rear plate (14) separated by spacers (16). The plates and the spacers each have holes (18A, 18B), the upper holes (18A) in the front plate preferably being threaded. Fasteners, such as but not limited to threaded rods (22A, 22B) and locknuts (24A, 24B), hold the spacers in position between the front plate and the rear plate. The threaded rods (22A) are screwed into the threaded holes in the front plate but do not protrude from the front face of the front plate. The threaded rods (22A) are secured by locknuts 24A on one end and the threaded rods (22B) are secured by locknuts 24B on both ends. The rear plate also has a pair of engagement plates (20) which position the assembly on the catwalk.

Abstract: An elastomeric bearing arrangement for the reduction of machine vibrations caused predominantly by externally acting forces. The bearing, due to its special design and construction symmetry, is capable of processing the forces occurring in all spatial directions with optimal material protection. The bearing is preferably suitable for a rotational connection of rotor/gearbox units to the support plate in wind turbines. The bearing has a sandwich element (5), a cone element (3), a cone piece (4) and a cylinder piece (4a) which interact with one another.

Abstract: A clamping device for magnetically clamping non-magnetic material objects. The clamping device comprises first and second clamp members each having at least one straight edge surface and each having at least one magnet disposed therein. The first and second clamp members are adapted to magnetically and removably couple to each other, wherein the magnetic coupling is capable of clamping at least one non-magnetic material object. The clamping device is further at least partially transparent, includes markings to facilitate correct alignment of the clamp members and comprises a support member for securely positioning the clamping device on an underlying surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning barrier wall modules atop a retaining wall includes a flat base transversely disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the retaining wall. The flat base is positioned between adjacent barrier wall modules disposed in end-to-end relation to one another atop the retaining wall. The flat base includes a central part, first and second flat arms and first and second elongate bolts secured to and extending from respective free ends of the first and second flat arms in opposite directions. First and second nuts screw-threadedly engage the first and second bolts. First and second housings slidingly ensleeve the first and second arms and the first and second bolts respectively. The first and second housings abut first and second sides of adjacent barrier modules when the first and second nuts are advanced and control positioning of the barrier modules atop the retaining wall.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus and method that can be used to secure a component to be tested to a testing device when the mounting holes of the component are offset from each other in one or more axes in relation to the axis of the component to be tested.

Abstract: A method supports a tire building assembly. The method comprises the steps of: supporting one end portion of a radially collapsible building drum for assembling a green tire; moving the end portion in a first direction by an actuator acting in the first direction; and moving the end portion in a second direction by the actuator acting in the first direction.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a lens-holder device (1) intended to be hooked onto a support (101) of determined direction belonging to a conveyor carriage intended for transporting optical lenses (10) so that an optical test can be carried out on said optical lenses following a treatment of said optical lenses, said lens-holder device (1) comprising a body (2), suspension means (3) for suspending from the support (101) which are connected to the body (2), retaining the means (4) for keeping an optical lens (10) in position on the lens-holder device (1), which are connected to the body (2), these retaining means (4) comprising support means (5) defining at least one first resting point (a) for the optical lens (10), elastic return means (6) defining at least two further resting points (b, c) for the optical lens (10), the various resting points (a, b, c) defining a location for the optical lens (10), the body of the lens-holder device (1) being shaped in such a way as to pass around the portions of s

Abstract: An extension table assembly for a power tool having a working surface for supporting a piece of material to be modified, and a working area where the power tool can modify a piece of material. The extension table assembly comprising a frame portion, at least one arm portion, a drive system, and a measurement system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming system including: an image forming device to notify a downstream post-processing device of sheet information relating to a sheet on which an image is formed, before the sheet is discharged, and to notify the downstream post-processing device of set separation information indicating a final sheet of each set of document in synchronization with the sheet information relating to the final sheet of each set in case that a plurality of sets of document are printed, the image forming device being compliant with a first communication system; a post-processing device which is connected to a downstream of the image forming device and is compliant with a second communication system which is different from the first communication system; and the relay apparatus which is connected to the image forming device through the first communication system and is connected to the post-processing device through the second communication system.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a pair of squeezing members having a projection and a recess to engage each other, to squeeze a sheet bundle inserted therebetween in a direction of thickness of the sheet bundle, and a pressure applying unit to apply pressing force to the squeezing members to squeeze and bind the sheet bundle. The pressing force generated between the squeezing members by the pressure applying unit increases in strength as a relative distance between the squeezing members decreases.

Abstract: A post-processing apparatus includes a processing tray, a conveyance portion, a staple unit, an operation portion, a mode switching portion, a cover, and an open/close detection portion. The staple unit, which has an automatic mode and a manual mode as processing modes for stapling processing, executes stapling processing for a paper sheet conveyed to the processing tray by the conveyance portion in the automatic mode, and executes stapling processing for a paper sheet stacked on the processing tray by a user in the manual mode. The cover is attached in an openable and closable manner so as to cover the operation portion when closed, and expose the operation portion when opened. While the open/close detection portion is detecting that the cover is opened, when the operation portion has received an operation for switching to the manual mode, the mode switching portion switches the automatic mode to the manual mode.

Abstract: A stacker is described, in particular in an installation of the paper processing industry, for forming a stack of several flat parts to be fed in a transport direction, in particular film sheets or paper sheets, with a stack forming area and a support device for supporting the stack to be formed from the flat parts in the stack forming area. The special nature of the invention lies in that the support device has a plurality of discrete support elements that are at least arranged one behind the other seen in the transport direction of the flat parts and are supported in a moveable manner between a lower position and an upper position at an angle to the transport direction of the flat parts, preferably approximately at right angles to the transport direction A of the flat parts and/or approximately vertically.

Abstract: An image recording device having a first housing, a second housing, and a support tray adjacent to a first side of the second housing and a first side of the first housing. The support tray is pivotably connected to the first housing and is movable between a third state and a fourth state and a retainer portion connecting the support tray to the second housing in a first state and a second state.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems that facilitate common feed path printing devices to discern between original media and blank media are described herein. The novel systems may include, among other things, a print and a scan mechanism having a common input path to receive a first and a second media, the first media being original media to be scanned by the scan mechanism, and the second media being blank media to be printed on by the print mechanism. The system may further include a divider and a first sensor. The divider being configured to provide to the common feed path the first and the second media by defining a first and a second input slot to locate the first and the second media, respectively, wherein the divider to provide the first and the second media to the common feed path via the first and second input slots. The first sensor may detect absence of the first media in the first input slot.

Abstract: A sheet transport device includes a sheet supporting surface which receives a plurality of sheets set thereon, a separation roller which separates the sheets set on the sheet supporting surface sheet by sheet to transport a separated sheet in a predetermined transport direction, and a first detection unit which is disposed to the supporting surface and detects whether a sheet is set on the sheet supporting surface. The separation roller and the first detection unit are disposed to be separated at least in a sheet width direction orthogonal to the predetermined transport direction, and a distance between the first detection unit and an end edge of the separation roller at a side of the first detection unit is longer than a short side of a non-allowable sheet which is smaller than a minimum sheet size within an allowable transport range set in the sheet transport device.

Abstract: A sheet feed device is provided in which, at the time of pulling out a sheet housing portion from an image forming apparatus main body, when the sheet housing portion moves from a first position to a second position, a pickup roller moves on a first rotary shaft, to a position on an upstream side in an insertion direction, and at the time of inserting the sheet housing portion in the image forming apparatus main body, when the sheet housing portion moves from the second position to the first position, the pickup roller moves on the first rotary shaft, to a position on a downstream side in the insertion direction. A movable area of the pickup roller in a direction of the rotary shaft is equal to or larger than a movement amount of the pickup roller between the upstream side position and the downstream side position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a separating and taking out device has a feeding base, a takeout part, a support part and an ultrasonic vibrator. The feeding base places a piled stack. The piled stack is composed of a plurality of media stacked in a direction. The taking out part takes out the plurality of media one by one from one end in the direction of the piled stack. The support part has a facing surface opposing a side surface of the piled stack. The ultrasonic vibrator has a vibrating surface opposing the end in the direction of the piled stack and one end in the direction of the support part. The ultrasonic vibrator oscillates the vibrating surface along a line connecting the vibrating surface with a gap between the side surface of the piled stack and the facing surface of the support part.