Abstract: Methods and apparatus for destabilizing and reducing the strength and even destroying tornadoes are disclosed. Rather than over-powering a tornado, tornado vulnerabilities in stability maintenance are identified and turned against the tornado. Embodiments include attacking tornado vulnerabilities chemically without the use of explosives. Selected chemicals are introduced into a tornado adjacent to the wall of the funnel, advantageously above the height of entrained debris, to reduce the transmission of local angular velocity of the funnel toward the earth and to attack the local generation of energy from the tornado's air/water mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid pressed air freshener and odor neutralizer composition which can include greater than 10% fragrance. The air freshener comprises a fragrance; preferably the fragrance is impregnated within a water soluble substrate made from a foamed vegetable starch, a surfactant and a solidifier. The solid formulations break down easily in the presence of water and may be sprayed, within the area to be freshened.

Abstract: A discharge system includes: a head unit including discharge heads that discharge a liquid material from nozzle openings that are communication with cavities onto a target by changing the internal pressure of the cavities using piezo elements; a viscosity estimating unit that estimates the viscosity of the liquid material by sucking the liquid material from first vessels that hold the liquid material into the cavities; and a waveform control unit that controls the voltage applied to the piezo elements according to the estimated viscosity of the liquid material.

Abstract: An injector for injecting a reagent includes an axially translatable valve member positioned within a housing. An electromagnet is positioned within the housing and includes a coil of wire positioned proximate the valve member such that the valve member moves between a seated position and an unseated position relative to an orifice in response to energizing the electromagnet. A connector coupled to the housing includes an inlet tube concentrically aligned with and surrounding a return tube. The inlet tube is adapted to receive pressurized reagent from a source of reagent. The return tube is adapted to return reagent to the source.

Abstract: A rotary sprinkler in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a riser with a nozzle assembly rotatable mounted thereon. The nozzle assembly includes a pressure regulator and flow control element.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system and method for controlling actuation thereof. The thrust reverser system may have a control system, two thrust reverser doors actuatable between an open position and a closed position, hydraulic actuators attached to and used to actuate each of the thrust reverser doors, servo valves each communicatively coupled with one of the hydraulic actuators to control hydraulic flow to and from the hydraulic actuators, and position sensors mounted on each of the thrust reverser doors to provide signals associated with a position thereof to the control system. The control system may send command signals to the servo valves to independently adjust at least one of hydraulic flow rate, hydraulic pressure, direction, and position of the hydraulic actuators depending on an amount of offset between the signals received from the position sensors.

Abstract: A combined pilot valve mechanism and a shower system are applied with the combined pilot valve mechanism. By switching to close the control hole, the first water diversion hole or the second water diversion hole to control the pressures of the pressure cavity, the valve spool is driven to move to alternately close the first outlet or the second outlet, so that the inlet waterway is switched to connect to the first outlet waterway, the first water diversion hole or the second water diversion hole. As the shower system is applied with a combined pilot valve mechanism, which utilizes the control hole to switch the waterways, thus preventing the main pipe from great water pressure. The diameter of the control hole can be smaller, so that the water pressure of the button mechanism can be ignored, only friction and light elastic force of the spring exist.

Abstract: A pilot valve switch mechanism and combined shower applied with the pilot valve switch mechanism includes a fixed portion and a valve spool. The fixed portion includes an inlet waterway, a first outlet waterway, a second outlet waterway and a control hole capable to connect to the outlet waterways. The first outlet waterway has a first outlet. The second outlet waterway has a second outlet. The valve spool is slidably assembled inside the fixed portion along the inlet waterway, with a slim hole connected to the inlet waterway. The valve spool and the fixed portion form a pressure cavity, which is connected to the control hole and the slim hole. The control hole controls the water pressure of the pressure cavity to drive the valve spool to close the first or second outlet, connecting the inlet waterway to the first or second outlet waterway. The control hole switches the waterways.

Abstract: A pilot valve switch mechanism of a shower system includes a fixed portion and a valve spool. The fixed portion is has an inlet waterway, a first and second outlet waterway and a control hole that can connect to the outlet waterways. The first outlet waterway has a first outlet and the second outlet waterway has a second outlet. The valve spool is slidably assembled inside the fixed portion vertically to the inlet waterway, and has a slim hole connected to the inlet waterway. The valve spool and the fixed portion form a pressure cavity. The control hole and the slim hole are connected to the pressure cavity. The pressure cavity is controlled by the control hole to drive the valve spool to move along the inlet waterway to close the first or second outlet, switching the inlet waterway to connect to the first or second outlet waterway.

Abstract: A dual turbine showerhead provides multiple spray modes emanating from the head. The showerhead includes an inlet orifice, a backplate, a first turbine located side-by-side with a second turbine, a faceplate forming a first orifice group and a second orifice group, a first fluid channel in fluid communication with the first and second turbines and the first orifice group, and a second fluid channel in fluid communication with the second orifice group. In another embodiment, the showerhead includes first and a second turbines located side-by-side and a valve body that channels a fluid to the first turbine and the second turbine. In another embodiment, the showerhead includes a first and a second turbine located side-by-side along a centerline of the showerhead, a corresponding outlet region is arranged along the centerline and additional outlet regions are laterally spaced therefrom.

Abstract: A pressure compensating drip emitter for controlling fluid flow through a hole in an irrigation line includes an enclosing sidewall that has two ends, surrounds a volume, and is formed with an internal ledge between the ends to support an elastomeric membrane. A pressure-reducing fluid passageway that is formed as a labyrinth is provided that includes an outer, annular portion that is in fluid communication with an emitter inlet and an inner annular portion that is in fluid communication with an emitter outlet. The membrane is deformable between a first low-pressure membrane configuration which allows fluid to bypass the inner annular portion in flowing from the outer portion to the outlet. In a second high-pressure membrane configuration, the deformed membrane covers the inner fluid passageway forcing the fluid to flow through both the outer and inner fluid passageway portions.

Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed having a pipe and a continuous tape of irrigation emitters that is affixed to an inside surface of the pipe and extends along its length. The pipe includes a plurality of fluid outlet ports, with one output port for each emitter in the tape. Each emitter includes a base member that is affixed to the inner surface of the pipe to create an enclosed fluid flow channel between the inner surface of the pipe and the base member. For each emitter, the fluid flow channel extends from a fluid inlet port, though filtering, flow regulation and collection sections, and to one of the fluid outlet ports formed in the pipe. The flow regulation section is formed as a labyrinth path and established which reduces the deposition of particles in the emitter which can reduce flow and/or clog the emitter.

Abstract: A bale processor with a bale processing bin that has a bale cutter therein and an engagement section on the bale cutter for supporting part of a bale. A conveyor section supports another part of the bale. The bale processor has a load sensor that senses the load, or something that is a function of the load, on the bale cutter and a controller controls feeding of the bale to the bale cutter and/or the position of the engagement section, based on the function of the load on the cutter.

Abstract: A shredder has cutter elements for destroying articles (paper) and a feed mechanism for advancing paper from a stack in a tray into cutters for shredding. The feed mechanism has a feed member provided adjacent to the tray with an elastic arm for engaging and disengaging the stack. The feed member rotates in a feeding direction about an axle, with the elastic arm elastically deforming to apply pressure to feed paper atop the stack to the cutters. The elastic arm can include a protruding tip that is inserted into the stack. The tray includes a curved feed bed to assist in feeding paper into the cutters and deforming the elastic arm. A pivot arm can also move the feed member relative to the tray (e.g., vertically). A disengagement mechanism can hold the feed mechanism in an inoperable feeding position when a drawer or tray is moved into an open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fishing spinning reel in which handle operation in high load winding is smooth. Specifically, the fishing spinning reel includes: a pinion gear having a rotor fixed on an end of the pinion gear and meshing with a drive gear rotationally driven by rotational operation of a handle rotatably supported on the reel body; a spool shaft inserted through the pinion gear and having a spool mounted on a front end thereof, the spool holding a fishing line wound therearound; and an oscillation mechanism configured to reciprocate the spool shaft back and forth in accordance with drive of the drive gear, wherein the spool shaft is not supported at a region from a meshing region between the drive gear and the pinion gear to a rear end of the spool shaft where the spool shaft is supported by a slidable body of the oscillation mechanism.

Abstract: An oscillating mechanism includes a traverse camshaft, an engaging unit, and a slider body. The traverse camshaft includes a spiral groove. The traverse camshaft rotates in conjunction with the winding operation of a handle attached to the reel main body. The engaging unit includes an engaging claw configured to engage the spiral groove. The slider body includes a supporting hole rotatably supporting the engaging unit. A groove extends in the penetration direction of the supporting hole, and is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the supporting hole of the slider body.

Abstract: A roller clutch includes an outer ring, an inner ring, a roller, a first spring member, a retainer, and a protrusion portion. The roller is disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring and is movable between a transmitting position and a non-transmitting position. The retainer has a roller holding space holding the roller and a support section supporting the first spring member. The protrusion portion is configured to regulate the movement of the roller, and resist the biasing force of the first spring member at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a clutch pin, a pinion gear, a first bearing, a second bearing and a clearance adjusting part. The pinion gear is axially movable to an on-position that causes the pinion gear to engage with the clutch pin and be unitarily rotatable with the spool shaft and an off-position that causes the pinion gear to disengage from the clutch pin. The first bearing is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of a first support part of the pinion gear. The second bearing is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of a second support part of the pinion gear. The clearance adjusting part is configured to partially reduce a clearance between an inner peripheral surface of a through hole and the outer peripheral surface of the spool shaft at the clearance adjusting part in an on-state of the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: One object is to maintain the moving performance of a power transmission member for a long period and maintain excellent operation of a clutch mechanism. In accordance with one aspect, the clutch mechanism includes a power transmission member supported by a bearing so as to be rotatable and movable in an axial direction of the spool shaft, the power transmission member being switched between a line-winding state wherein the power transmission member is moved toward the spool and transmits a rotational drive force from the handle to the spool shaft and a free-spool state wherein the power transmission member is moved opposite to the spool and shuts off the rotational drive force.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel includes a reel body, a spool shaft, and a spool body. The spool shaft is rotatably mounted to the reel body. The spool body is non-rotatably mounted to the spool shaft. The spool body has an insertion hole. The spool shaft is inserted into the insertion hole. The spool shaft has an insertion region. The insertion region is inserted into the insertion hole and is disposed to oppose a surface of the insertion hole. The insertion region has a first region and a second region. A first gap is disposed between the first region and the insertion hole. A second gap that is smaller than the first gap is disposed between the second region and the insertion hole.

Abstract: A spool device includes a spool shaft and a spool. The spool shaft is rotatably mounted to the reel body. The spool is mounted to the spool shaft. The spool device has a notch part and a protruding portion. The notch part is disposed on one of the spool and the spool shaft. The notch part is formed in an axial direction of the spool shaft. The protruding portion is disposed on the other of the spool or the spool shaft. The protruding portion is configured to engage the notch part.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including plural image forming portions that form an image on a recording medium, and a transport unit that transports the recording medium to at least one image forming portion selected among the plural image forming portions, wherein the transport unit includes plural transport paths that are different at least in an image forming portion, to which the recording medium is transported, among the plural image forming portions, and in an order of the recording medium transported to each image forming portion constituting the image forming portion to which the recording medium is transported.

Abstract: A guide is adapted to be positioned for encirclement by a helical formation of rod rings free falling from the delivery end of a conveyor. The guide comprises a vertically projecting mandrel terminating at its upper end in a nose cone. The nose cone has a horizontal profile defined in part by at least one element having an outer edge separated by a variable radial distance from a central axis of the mandrel.

Abstract: A casing structure of a cable reel includes a hollow main body, which has two ends communicating with the outside and an interior space rotatably receiving therein a reciprocal rotary disk that receives therein a cable having first and second end sections in such a way that the first and second end sections of the cable extend out of the main body through the two ends of the main body. The main body has at least one first through opening in communication with the interior space of the main body. The first and second end sections of the cable are provided with predetermined colors so that when the first and second end sections of the cable are selectively pulled, a visual effect caused by reciprocal rotation of the first and second end sections of the cable is observable through the first through opening.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a winding device includes a supporting part, a pressing part, a movement part configured to move a positional relationship between the supporting part and the pressing part, a control part, a target movement speed calculation part configured to detect a target relative movement speed of the pressing part with respect to the supporting part, a wire feed speed detection part configured to detect a feed speed of the wire, a deviation amount calculation part configured to calculate a difference between a detection result of the target movement speed calculation part and a detection result of the wire feed speed detection part, and a determination part configured to determine that the wire has deviated from the movement path.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, winding apparatus includes a bobbin, a core, a pressing section, a moving unit, a first rotating unit, a second rotating unit and a control unit. The moving unit is configured to move the pressing section relatively to the core along each of first to third axes perpendicular to each other. The first rotating unit is configured to rotate the pressing section relatively to the core around fourth and fifth axes perpendicular to each other, and set on the core. The second rotating unit is configured to rotate the pressing section relatively to the core around a sixth axis which becomes parallel to, when the core is in an initial position at which the fourth and fifth axes become parallel to any two of the first to third axes, a remaining one of the first to third axes.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and a device for changing removable carrier units (8a?, 8b?) with flat packaging material (10) wound on supply rolls (9), in particular, packaging film (11) within a packaging machine (3), which is equipped with devices for at least partially wrapping piece goods, containers, article groups, etc., with flat packaging material (10). With the method removable carrier units (8a, 8b) with new supply rolls (9) are fed in a series one after the other to a work area (AB) of a handling device (5), the work area (AB) of which extends into at least one position of the operating position of the removable carrier unit (8a?, 8b?) arranged in the packaging machine (3), which is equipped with a supply roll (9), so that it replaces removable carrier units (8a?, 8b?) located in the packaging machine (3) and used up supply rolls (9?) with new removable carrier units (8a, 8b) with in each case a new supply roll (9).

Abstract: Sheet product dispensers and methods are provided. A sheet product dispenser includes a loading station for sheet material, a sheet feeding mechanism configured to feed the sheet material, a presentation station for presenting one or more discrete sheet products to an end user, a sensor downstream of the feeding mechanism and upstream of the presentation station configured to detect a presence of the discrete sheet products, and a controller configured to facilitate dispensing of the one or more discrete sheet products in response to a signal, and to determine and store data associated with the dispensing of the sheet products.

Abstract: A rolled material dispenser includes a brake mechanism designed to govern the rolling of a roll of packing material during dispensing of the packing material to reduce unintended tearing of the packing material and improve the user experience of handling such material dispensing. In one example, the brake mechanism includes a first portion configured to engage the roll during normal unloading of material from the roll and a second portion configured to engage the roll to impede rotation of the roll when unloading of material is uneven. An idler roller engages the material being dispensed, which idler roller may be resiliently supported to absorb forces on the material.

Abstract: A coil component has a core including a winding core extending in a predetermined direction, and a winding wrapped around the winding core in two or more layers. A first winding portion at one end in the predetermined direction in an (n+1)'th layer of the winding, where n is a natural number, is positioned over a space between second and third winding portions in an n'th layer, the second and third winding portions being adjacently spaced in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An Adapter (device) facilitating the insertion of a Tube Free Toilet Paper Roll onto a conventional wall mounted toilet paper dispenser shaft by being inserted in place of the cardboard tube cores traditionally used in toilet paper.

Abstract: An electromagnetic energy protection system and method disclosed herein that includes a plurality of conductive sheets ohmically connected by conductive interconnects. The conductive interconnects can be metal formed by a metal deposition process. The metal deposition process can include a plasma deposition process. The conductive interconnects can help prevent the formation of surface deformities such as bumps that may be caused when connecting, either physically or electrically, adjacent conductive sheets.

Abstract: A bracket (24) for connecting a traverse (20) of a landing gear to a cabin of a helicopter. A landing gear retainer (5) is fixed around the traverse (20) coaxially to the longitudinal direction of the traverse (20) and at least one cabin clamp mount (7) is fixed to the cabin. The landing gear retainer (5) is in between the cabin and upper and lower pendulum bolts (12, 13) and upper and lower pendulum bearings (18, 19). A pendulum (9) is in longitudinal direction of the traverse (20) hinged to the landing gear retainer (5). The invention is further related to an application of such brackets (24).

Abstract: Provided are stowage bin systems for use on aircrafts and other like vehicles. A stowage bin system may include two disjoint supporting panels and a stowage bin bucket disposed between and pivotally supported by these panels after installation. The supporting panels may be attached to vertical frame members and, in some embodiments, to other frame members, such as adjacent vertical frame members or to horizontal frame members. In some embodiments, a supporting panel may include a gusset extending substantially normal to the main surfaces of the panel. The gusset may provide additional rigidity to the panel and, in some embodiments, include one or more open channels for attaching to a horizontal frame member. The supporting panels transfer all loads generated during operation of the aircraft from the stowage bin bucket and to the fuselage or, more specifically, to vertical and other frame members.

Abstract: A passenger service unit (PSU) for a transport vessel has a unitary chassis with a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. Each one of the apertures is independently sized to receive at least one of a plurality of different modules. Each one of the modules includes one or more PSU fixtures having components different from other ones of the plurality of modules. A representative vessel is a passenger aircraft. Representative modules include vent and passenger reading light module, speaker module, passenger oxygen supply module and display module.

Abstract: A cargo door arrangement for an aircraft includes a fuselage portion, a cargo door and a locking mechanism. The fuselage portion includes a skin portion, at least one fuselage former and an opening. The cargo door includes at least one door former. The locking mechanism includes a first engagement element, a second engagement element and a connecting means. The first engagement element has a tapered portion and is rigidly connected to the door former. The second engagement element includes a tapered cavity having a shape matching the shape of the tapered portion and is rigidly connected the fuselage former. In the closed position the tapered portion is engageable with the cavity. The connecting means is adapted to rigidly connect in the closed position the door former to the first or second engagement element.

Abstract: A transport landing vehicle for transferring an astronaut to and from an extraterrestrial mass such as a moon, asteroid, or small planet is disclosed. The transport landing vehicle has a cage that is substantially open to the outside environment.

Abstract: An airlock that provides a substantially 360 view using enlarged viewports is disclosed.

Abstract: A high-lift trailing edge flap system for an aircraft wing unit is provided. In high-lift trailing edge flap system, the backward movement and the inclination of the trailing edge flap in the extended position are dissociated in order to allow for the incorporation of the actuating mechanism into the wing in the stowed position.

Abstract: A helicopter with a fuselage, at least two engines substantially inside said fuselage, an air intake for each of said two engines and at least two separate lateral air inlet ports for said at least two engines in said fuselage. Said separate lateral air inlet ports being arranged on sides opposed to each other relative to an essentially vertical midplane of said fuselage and oriented with their respective cross section substantially parallel to a forward flight direction of the helicopter. At least one frontal air inlet port with a forward portion is provided separate from said lateral air inlet ports, said frontal air inlet port being located on a gear cowling of the fuselage oriented with its cross section substantially perpendicular to the forward flight direction of the helicopter.

Abstract: A medical device supporting apparatus for use in a medical environment to releasably secure a medical device to a support structure, the medical device supporting apparatus having a base member configured to releasably mount the medical device supporting apparatus on the support structure; and a medical device mounting assembly including a base attachment portion and a device attachment portion connected to the base attachment portion, and further including a connection mechanism mounting the base attachment portion on the base member for rotation about a roll axis relative to the base member whereby the medical device mounting assembly can hold the medical device at different selected angles about the roll axis with respect to the base member, the device attachment portion being constructed for translational, sliding reception of the medical device into mounting engagement with the device attachment portion. The medical device supporting apparatus also can have a tube holder.

Abstract: A modular stand system is adjustable in the transverse direction and height and is adapted for HVAC system components that need to be elevated above a support surface. In certain embodiments, the modular stand systems herein are advantageously used to support HVAC variable refrigerant flow (VRF) units.

Abstract: A tie down apparatus for securing an item is shown and described herein. The tie down apparatus may include first and second body members, where the first body member is configured to be located and rotated about a first axis within a first receiving member and the second body member is configured to be located and rotated about a second axis within a second receiving member. The tie down apparatus may also include first and second locking members each extending through the first and second body members, respectively, where rotating the first and second body members about the respective first and second axes engages the first and second locking members and generally prevents removal of the first and second body members from the first and second receiving member, and a safety chain holding member selectively engaged with either of the first and second body members.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an inner support member having an outer surface and an outer support member rotatably coupled to the inner support member and having an inner surface configured to matingly engage the outer surface of the inner support member. One of the outer surface of the inner support member and the inner surface of the outer support member defines a concave surface and the other defines a convex surface. The outer support member and the inner support member are collectively configured to be releasably coupled to an edge of an object having a substantially horizontal surface. A capture region is defined by at least one of the outer support member or the inner support member and is configured to receive a portion of an article such that the article can be suspended from the object when the inner and the outer support members are coupled thereto.

Abstract: A medical device support apparatus for use in a medical environment to releasably secure a medical device to a support structure, the medical device support apparatus having a base member configured to releasably mount the medical device support apparatus on the support structure; and a medical device mounting assembly including a base attachment portion and a device attachment portion connected to the base attachment portion, and further including a connection mechanism mounting the base attachment portion on the base member for rotation about a roll axis relative to the base member whereby the medical device mounting assembly can hold the medical device at different selected angles about the roll axis with respect to the base member, the device attachment portion being constructed for translational, sliding reception of the medical device into mounting engagement with the device attachment portion.

Abstract: Segment of an articulated arm made of composite material, with an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis, and having a box-like cross section. The segment includes a first end portion, configured for the pivoting of a further segment, a second intermediate portion configured for the pivoting of an actuation member, and a third end portion. The first, second and third portions are made in a single body. The second intermediate portion includes a protruding zone defined by a first side and by a second side converging with respect to each other to define a top. Pivoting elements are provided in the protruding zone for the pivoting of the actuation member between the protruding zone and the first end portion. The first and the second side defining the protruding zone are filleted to substantially rectilinear adjacent tracts of the first and third end portions.

Abstract: A support device for detachably supporting a portable electronic apparatus includes a base body, a support column member standing from one end of the base body, a flap axially supported in the support column member turnably clamp the portable electronic apparatus between the flap and the support face, conical rollers attached to the flap, each conical roller having an outer periphery diameter enlarged from one end portion thereof, and an urging device provided between the support column member and the flap and urging the flap in a direction of approaching the base body. The flap includes an arm portion, and support shafts extending in a right-and-left width direction from a tip of the arm portion. The support shafts incline relative to the base body, and each conical roller is turnably supported on the support shaft such that a small diameter portion is located close to the arm portion.

Abstract: A support device is configured to receive an electronic device. The support device includes a base, a holder rotatably mounted to the base, a semi-gear engaged with the holder, an eccentric gear including an shaft inserted into the holder, a wheel module selectively to drive one of the semi-gear and the eccentric gear to rotate, and a rotating module fixed to the wheel module; when the rotating module is rotated in a first direction, the wheel module drives the semi-gear to rotate, so as to make the holder to move up and down with respect to the base; when the rotating module is rotated in a second direction reversed to the first direction, the wheel module drive the eccentric gear to rotate, so as to drive the holder to rotate with respect to the base to adjust an angle between the holder and the base.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a slide rail. A cap provided in a lower rail or an upper rail integrally includes a base portion adjacent to a longitudinal rear end of the lower rail or the upper rail provided with the cap, and a first deformation prevention portion extending into a space from the base portion toward a longitudinal center of the lower rail or the upper rail provided with the cap, the first deformation prevention portion being provided between the pair of side face portions within the space so as to restrain deformation of the rail. When the upper rail is placed in a rearmost position within a slidable range, the first deformation prevention portion is placed in vicinity to the rear end of the lower rail.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a slide rail that has a lower rail and an upper rail, and a cap that is provided on an end portion in a longitudinal direction of at least one of the lower rail and the upper rail. A base portion that is adjacent to and follows an end surface shape of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the lower rail or the upper rail on which the cap is provided, and a filler portion that extends from the base portion toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the lower rail or the upper rail on which the cap is provided, and that fills a space in a separating direction of the lower rail and the upper rail, are provided on the cap.