Abstract: A lubricating apparatus for a differential device of vehicle may include a ring gear mounted in the inside of a housing mounted at an oil pan, the ring gear being provided such that at least a portion of a lower portion of the ring gear is submerged into oil to churn the oil by being rotated; and a gear casing including a partition wall which is provided to surround an outer peripheral surface of the ring gear and allows the oil to flow into between the partition wall itself and the ring gear and a restriction part which is located in a front of the ring gear and formed with a top end portion facing an upper portion of the housing to limit an amount of the oil flowing into between the partition wall and the ring gear.

Abstract: An actuator for selecting shift stages of a vehicle transmission comprises a lever housing, a selector lever, as well as a transfer device for transferring switching commands to the speed change gear. The actuator is characterized by am exchangeable module adapter which is arranged between the lever housing and the transfer device. The module adapter has the purpose of adapting the actuator in such a way that the ergonomic point of the actuator can be changed in vertical and/or horizontal direction and thus be adapted to different situations of assembly. The actuator can be adapted to be installed in different vehicle types primarily by selecting the appropriate module adapter and without requiring considerable structural changes.

Abstract: Oil pressure controller for an automatic transmission produces a pre-charge shelf pressure supplied to a starter clutch by rapidly decreasing a command hydraulic pressure to the starter clutch after temporarily rapidly increasing the command hydraulic pressure, also produces a capacity adjustment pressure (Pb1 or Pb2) of the starter clutch by gradually increasing the hydraulic pressure from a decrease point of the pre-charge shelf pressure (Pa), when a selecting operation is made from N-range to D-range. By changing capacity adjustment pressure (Pb1 or Pb2) according to brake-operating/nonoperating state, capacity adjustment pressure (Pb1) in the brake-nonoperating state is set to be higher than capacity adjustment pressure (Pb2) in the brake-operating state by an offset hydraulic pressure amount. With this, when the selecting operation is made from N-range to D-range, in the brake-operating state, selection shock of the starter clutch can be reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle speed control system operable to cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the system being operable automatically to perform a direction change operation wherein the system causes a transmission of the vehicle to adopt a configuration corresponding to travel in an opposite direction to the instant configuration when the vehicle speed does not exceed a prescribed transmission direction change speed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission device in a vehicle includes determining a basic shift pattern according to whether towing is performed and road inclination during vehicle driving, determining first energy consumption according to loads of operating devices in the vehicle, determining second energy consumption according vehicle speed and the road inclination, comparing the first and second energy consumptions and a state of charge (SoC) of a battery to determine an energy compensation pattern, and determining a last shift pattern so as to correspond to the basic shift pattern and the energy compensation pattern.

Abstract: A method for adjusting clutch fill command pressure for a transmission using a lubrication compensator model includes determining clutch fill line pressure and lubrication compensator model pressures, and adjusting the clutch fill command pressure to achieve the lubrication compensator model pressure based on the torque converter clutch status.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic transmission assembly that prevents an erroneous operation. The automatic transmission assembly includes a housing including a detent part; a gear shift lever including a guide part and a detent bar that is movable up and down in the guide part. The detent bar is movable; and a stopper including a resilient part and a head on a side of the resilient part, the head being disposed to be located on a side of the detent part, where the stopper is pivotable in the front, back, left, and right directions, the detent bar, when moving rearward, makes contact with the outer front surface of the head to confine the movement of the gear shift lever, and the stopper pivots in the left and right directions to move irrespective of the head when the detent bar moves from the rearmost side to the front side.

Abstract: A control device for a continuously variable transmission performs kick-down control for executing downshift if kick-down conditions are satisfied. The device includes an upshift determining unit, an upshift controller, a second-time kick-down determining unit, a second-time kick-down controller, and a second-time kick-down upshift conditions setting unit. The upshift determining unit determines whether upshift conditions are satisfied during kick-down control. The upshift controller sets an upshift amount and executes upshift if the upshift conditions are satisfied. The second-time kick-down determining unit determines whether second-time kick-down conditions are satisfied during kick-down control. The second-time kick-down controller sets a second-time kick-down downshift amount and executes downshift if the second-time kick-down conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: When a line pressure is dominated (determined) by at least one of a primary pressure and a secondary pressure during idling of a continuously variable transmission, the hydraulic pressure that is applied to at least one of pulleys, to which the hydraulic pressure larger than a clutch pressure is applied, is reduced. On the other hand, when the line pressure is dominated by the clutch pressure during idling of the continuously variable transmission, the speed gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is controlled to a lowest speed gear ratio.

Abstract: A target module determines a target ratio between a speed of an input shaft and a speed of an output shaft of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) based on an accelerator pedal position. A maximum rate of change (ROC) module determines a maximum ROC of the target ratio. A switching valve control module, based on a comparison of the maximum ROC and a ROC of the target ratio, selectively actuates a switching valve of the CVT one of (i) from a closed position to an open position and (ii) from the open position to the closed position. The switching valve prevents transmission fluid flow through a flow path between a transmission fluid pump and a pressure regulator valve of the CVT when the switching valve is in the closed position. The switching valve allows transmission fluid flow through the flow path when the switching valve is in the open position.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission capable of operating in a forward direction or reverse direction maybe controlled in the reverse direction by providing an initial skew angle in a first skew direction, followed by a set or sequence of skew angle adjustments in an opposite direction to prevent runaway or other unintended consequences. A continuously variable transmission may include a timing plate to maintain all planets at an angle or within a range of an angle in forward and reverse operations.

Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission park control system for a vehicle comprises receiving a shift request from a transmission controller, wherein the shift request is not completed by the transmission and reporting the shift request from the transmission controller to the transmission park control system. Various vehicle sensors are monitored to detect motion of the vehicle. Detected motion and the shift request are compared to determine that a transmission park control brake action is desired. A brake system is requested to apply one of an electronic parking brake and/or a vehicle service brake to bring the vehicle velocity to zero and hold the vehicle velocity at zero.

Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising a diaphragm mechanism. A diaphragm mechanism comprises an enclosure defined by opposing flexible walls joined along a perimeter of the enclosure and one or more coiled springs contained entirely between the opposed flexible walls. A central, helical axis of the one or more coiled springs is disposed substantially parallel to the opposed flexible walls and arrayed in concentric spirals around a central hole or arrayed in parallel bands.

Abstract: A piston ring having a ring-shaped body with at least one internal wall surface configured to bear against the piston, an exterior wall surface, and at least a top wall surface extending from the exterior wall surface to the at least one internal wall surface and capable of intersecting a top surface of the piston to form an extended top surface of the piston when mounted on the piston. The top wall surface of the ring cooperates with the piston top surface to form a reservoir that collects liquid scraped off the cylinder wall, thereby reducing or eliminating blow-by of contaminants to the crankcase.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a rotor key member, along with a related assembly and steam turbine. Particular embodiments include a rotor key member for radially retaining a circumferential seal in a steam turbine rotor body, the rotor key member including: a main body sized to contact an axial face of the circumferential seal; and a hook extending from the main body in a direction axially away from the circumferential seal, the hook sized to substantially complement a corresponding shelf in the steam turbine rotor body to restrict movement of the circumferential seal relative to the steam turbine rotor body.

Abstract: A device is formed that will accept or itself be a component to be inserted into and removably secured in a bore, the device being a cup shaped housing with a cylindrical wall and a floor in which there may be a central opening, the open end of the housing has an inner chamfer and an outer chamfer and an outwardly protruding ridge extending around the open end, and the device is used by inserting into a bore, with or without a separate component secured inside the housing, and forcing the ridge to expand into the bore wall by way of a tool having an outer conical surface corresponding to the inner chamfer, after which the housing can be removed by forcing the open end and ridge to compact by way of a tool having an inner conical surface corresponding to the housing outer chamfer.

Abstract: A line blind valve includes: a valve body formed with an opening at each of a front side and a rear side thereof; a fixed pipe fixedly provided on the front side to be in a shape inserted in the opening of the front side; a moving pipe provided on the rear side by being inserted into the opening of the rear side, and movable in a direction of a pipeline, with threads formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof; a blind provided between the fixed pipe and the moving pipe to open or block the pipeline by moving upward or downward; and a drive assembly including a gear set engaged with the threads and configured to press the moving pipe toward the blind to sealingly fix the moving pipe, and a drive unit coupled to the gear set to control a rotation direction of the gear set.

Abstract: An adjustable valve includes a main valve body having a first end portion, an oppositely disposed second end portion, and an endless cylindrical wall extending therebetween. Oppositely disposed flanges, including respective flange apertures, are formed in the endless cylindrical wall for accepting cylindrical fluid conduits. A fluid flow volume is positioned within the main valve body and disposed between the aperture flanges. A plug is controllably insertable through the first end portion into the valve to at least partially obstruct the fluid flow volume. An at least partially hollow cylindrical drum is rotatably connected within the main valve body, wherein the drum has a pair of oppositely disposed drum apertures formed through a wall thereof. The drum is rotatable to at least partially align the pair of oppositely disposed flange apertures to define an unobstructed fluid flow path through the valve body.

Abstract: A rotary valve comprising a stator with an inner stator face, and a rotor with an inner rotor face arranged in sealing contact with the inner stator face, the rotor is rotatably movable to a plurality of rotor positions about a rotational axis relative to the inner stator face, the stator comprises a plurality of connection ports each being in fluidic contact with a corresponding valve orifice at the inner stator face and the rotor comprises two or more interconnection paths for selective fluidic interconnection of said valve orifices with respect to the rotor position, wherein the stator comprises, an inlet port, an outlet port, a component feed port, a component return port, and wherein the interconnection paths in the rotor are arranged to: —in a first rotor position interconnect the inlet port with the outlet port, —in a second rotor position interconnect the inlet port with the component feed port and the component return port with the outlet port, —in a third rotor position interconnect the inlet port w

Abstract: A one way valve assembly including a base, a cover, and a valve member is provided. The base includes a first and a second lower hollows and an inlet communicated with the first lower hollow. The cover includes a first and a second upper hollows, a connecting path, an outlet, and an exhaust nozzle. Positions of the first and the second upper hollows correspond to positions of the first and the second lower hollows. The first upper hollow is communicated with the second upper hollow via the connecting path. The outlet is communicated with the second upper hollow. The valve member is disposed between the base and the cover. The valve member has a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone corresponding to the first and the second upper hollows and the connecting path, and includes a valve nozzle between the second lower hollow and the second upper hollow. The first zone can deform towards the first lower hollow or the first upper hollow.

Abstract: A valve device comprises a body, a rotating valve set and a safety valve set. The body comprises an inner space, a first opening and a second opening. When the rotating valve set is located in a water-providing position, the inner space, the first opening and the second opening are communicable. When water pressure is higher than a safe pressure, the safety valve set and the rotating valve set can block the first opening and the second opening that safe pressure is maintained at the second opening. When water pressure becomes normal, the safety valve set is moved to its original position. Therefore, it has a piston-typed safety valve set is highly reliable. It has a coaxial structure to reduce its volume. It has an engaging and hooking structure for precise and easy assembly. It has an opening and/or closing function for its valve body with wide range of applications.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein for relief valves (“relief valves”). A relief valve can include a flow path, a primary valve poppet that is urged or biased into a closed position by a tensioned spring, and a pilot valve in communication with a valve compartment of the relief valve. When an exterior space pressure overcomes the tensioned spring, the primary valve poppet can be overcome and pressure between an interior space and the exterior space can equalize, at least partially. When the pressure within the interior space increases beyond a defined threshold, which can be defined by a spring of the pilot valve, the pilot valve can open, the valve compartment can vent, and the tensioned spring again can be overcome and can open to allow at least partial equalization of pressures within the interior space and the exterior space.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an automatic flushometer includes a locking ring configured for coupling to a flush valve body and configured to be disposed about a rotational axis. The locking ring defines a recess in a radially outer perimeter. A cover defines an opening at one end and a cavity configured to receive a solenoid of the flushometer. The cover has a projection extending radially inwardly from a radially inner surface of the cover. The projection defines a circumferential groove. The projection is configured to allow movement of the cover relative to the locking ring along the rotational axis when aligned with the recess in the locking ring. The groove is configured to receive a portion of the locking ring circumferentially adjacent to the recess upon rotation of the cover about the rotational axis thereby preventing movement of the cover relative to the locking ring along the rotational axis.

Abstract: A magnetic valve includes a valve component and a valve body that engages around a region of the valve component in a hood-like manner and in a sealing manner in at least one sealing region. A flow chamber is formed between the valve body and an end face of the valve component. The valve component has an axially running through-channel with a constant cross-section which passes through the end face and which opens into the flow chamber so as to form an axial duct for a fluid. The valve body has a through-opening that is fluidically connected to the flow chamber and is configured to be closed by a closing element that is movably arranged on a valve body face that faces away from the flow chamber. The end face is configured as a type of lip seal ring.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an intermediate bulk container (IBC) and a valve opening/closing device therefor. The container comprises a base, side plates, and a valve installed at the bottom of the container. The valve opening/closing device comprises a handle, a motion-transferring device and a valve opening/closing mechanism. The handle is installed at the side plate and is connected with the motion-transferring device. The motion-transferring device is at least partially located in the cavity between two sidewalls of the side plate of the container or at least partially located in the groove provided on the side plate, and is used to transfer the actions acting on the handle to the valve opening/closing mechanism to open/close the valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow apparatus (10) for a vessel storing fluid under pressure having a flow control valve (12) having a housing (14) and an outlet aperture (16) and further including a valve seat (18) and a sealing member (20) for sealing against said seat (18) such as to obturate said outlet (16), said apparatus further including an actuator (22) connected to said sealing member (20) for moving it between an open position of the valve in which it unobturates the outlet aperture (16) and a closed position in which it obturates said outlet, characterized by an electrical switch (24) for controlling the supply of electrical current to one or more electrical components (25) and wherein said switch is operably connected to said sealing member (20) to allow for the passage of current when said valve (12) is in a first position and to restrict the flow of current when said valve (12) is in a second position.

Abstract: A shroud for covering a portion of a utility line, such as the end of a clean out line for an in-ground sewer is encompassed by the present disclosure. The shroud can include a body forming a cavity for enclosing a portion of a utility line and an access port for accessing the utility line. A method for covering a portion of a utility line is also provided.

Abstract: A marine pipeline installation vessel and a method are provided for laying an offshore rigid pipeline in the sea, the vessel at least being adapted to carry out the rigid reel lay method. The vessel includes at least one vertical storage reel for the storage of a spooled rigid pipeline. A left and right reel support structure are provided to support the weight of the at least one storage reel. The left and right support structures are embodied to form a pivoting structure allowing an angular adjustment of the horizontal reel axis about a vertical axis to alter the angular position of the at least one storage reel.

Abstract: A pipe support structure is described comprising a support member defining a support surface, and a plurality of pipe support elements; wherein the support surface defines a plurality of grooves each correspondingly sized and shaped to receive a respective one of the pipe support elements, with the pipe support element being sized to project beyond its groove when so received. The pipe support elements may then be fabricated from a material selected for instance for low friction, corrosion resistance or the like. A pipeline system, a method for supporting a pipe, and a method for deploying a pipeline system are also described embodying the same general principles.

Abstract: A porous metallic coating is provided. The coating is characterized by a combination of optimized properties that improve coating performance, as measured by heat transfer efficiency. The porous coating has optimal ranges for properties such as porosity, particle size and thickness, and has particular applicability in boiling heat transfer applications as part of an air separations unit. The porous coatings are derived from slurry-based formulations that include a mixture of metallic particles, a binder and a solvent.

Abstract: A fuel hose is provided, which includes an inner tube including a rubber layer and a rubber layer, a resin layer provided around an outer periphery of the inner tube and comprising a thermoplastic resin as a major component, and an outer tube provided around an outer periphery of the resin layer and including a reinforcement thread layer and a rubber layer. The inner tube of the fuel hose has a dynamic loss (Tan ?) of 0.3 to 1.2. The fuel hose has an outer diameter change ratio of not greater than 10% and a volume change ratio of not less than 15% when the internal pressure of the hose is increased by 1 MPa. The fuel hose is less costly, and has a fuel permeation resistance (fuel barrier property) as well as a pulsation suppressing property.

Abstract: Coupling members for coupling an earth-boring drill tool to a drill string, drilling tools including a coupling member attached to a body of an earth-boring drill tool, methods for forming drilling tools including a coupling member, and methods for forming coupling members are disclosed. A coupling member may include a distal region comprising a first material composition and a proximal region comprising a second, different material composition. A drilling tool may include a body that is attached to a coupling member with a varied material composition for coupling the body to a drill string.

Abstract: A seal system includes a first connector member, a second connector member, a gland structure, and a seal member. The first and second connector members include respective seal structures. The second connector member is configured for connection to the first connector member. The gland structure is defined by the first connector member and the second connector member, and is located between the first and the second seal structures. The seal member is at least partially positioned in the gland structure. The first and second seal structures are configured to deform the seal member into the gland structure in response to connection of the first connector member and the second connector member.

Abstract: A flexible connection system includes one or more pipe connectors coupled to a section of flexible hose. A pipe connector includes a housing body defining an axial bore arranged to receive a length of pipe. A plurality of sealing members are positionable in a stacked configuration within the axial bore. The sealing members define a first opening through which the length of pipe can pass and are arranged to form a seal between the length of pipe and the housing body. A locking member is positionable in the axial bore above the sealing members. The locking member defines a second opening. The length of pipe is movable through the second opening in a first direction and the locking member engages the length of pipe when the pipe is forced in a second direction opposite the first direction to form a one-way stop.

Abstract: Couplings and gaskets are disclosed. Couplings may include an upper housing, a lower housing, at least one fastening device coupling the upper housing to the lower housing, and a gasket positioned within the upper and lower housings, the gasket including two primary seals and a rib protruding from an inner surface of the gasket and between the two primary seals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breakaway coupling for a liquid line comprising a first and a second coupling part (3, 4) which each have a liquid connection and which can be separated by a defined force in the axial direction of the coupling and/or a tilting moment acting transversally to the axial direction. According to the invention, an antitwist device (12) is provided which prevents the first and second coupling part (4, 3) from twisting relative to one another during the operation of the coupling.

Abstract: The disclosure presents exemplary embodiments of a cartridge nut concept for conduit fittings. The cartridge nut concept may include the feature of loosely retaining one or more conduit gripping devices with a fitting component such as a male or female threaded nut. The cartridge nut concept may be realized using one or more geometry or shape features or characteristics of one or more conduit gripping devices. Still further, the cartridge nut concept may be realized in combination with a ferrule cartridge concept.

Abstract: A quick connector, which can securely demonstrate the lock confirmation function by a checker when a piped body is reinserted, is provided. A checker includes reinsertion-inhibiting bosses. Thus, when a piped body is inserted through an opening of a retainer again in such a state as the checker is moved to the lock confirmation position after the piped body has been pulled from out of a housing and the retainer in such a state as the checker is moved to the release position, the reinsertion-inhibiting bosses hock up onto an annular boss, thereby inhibiting the piped body from being inserted into the retainer and housing.

Abstract: A tubular coupling comprising a female connector (2) into which a male connector (6) provided with an annular collar (7) is designed to be inserted axially, and a connection element (9) that extends in a transverse direction in the female connector. The connection element is designed to interfere mechanically with the collar while the male connector is being inserted into the female connector, and to move by itself in said transverse direction towards the inside of the female connector. In addition, the connection element and the female connector are also designed so that, after the reaction to the radial resilient deformation of the connection element on the collar of the male connector, they come to bear against each other in the manner of a projection (14) that, by resilient return, exerts pressure on a guide ramp (15), so as to generate a thrust force that extends the movement of the connection element towards the inside of the female connector.

Abstract: A coupling, conduit assembly, method for coupling conduits and faucet assembly are described herein, wherein the coupling includes a female section with a conduit connecting end and a retainer with at least one projection; a male section with a conduit connecting end and a male projecting portion with a two large diameter sections, each having an inwardly facing surface wherein the surfaces define a channel that is configured so a mating surface on the projection or projections contacts the surface of the first large diameter section when the coupling is locked; and a locking piece on the female section capable of sliding along that section to engage the projection or projections when situated in the channel so the mating surface on the projection or projections contacts the surface of the first large diameter section and the locking piece retains the projection or projections in position and locks the coupling.

Abstract: A multi-coupling includes a fixed plate and a free plate, and a primary locking mechanism for locking the free plate to the fixed plate aligned to form multiple fluid passages through the multi-coupling. The primary locking mechanism may include a drive screw secured to the fixed plate engaged with a drive nut secured to the free plate, and a clam shell securing mechanism that secures the drive screw to the fixed plate. The clam shell halves are moveable to release the drive screw from the fixed plate independently of releasing drive screw from the drive nut. The multi-coupling further may include satellite locking mechanisms in combination with the primary locking mechanism. The satellite locking mechanisms may include satellite securing mechanisms that are moveable to release the satellite locking mechanism from the fixed plate. The locking mechanisms are removable while retaining the fixed plate fixed to base equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to electrofusion fitting methods that allow for continuity and repeatability of welds between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining (or stand-alone pipe). An electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe has heating elements configured to create at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, however prior to the weld step taking place the electrofusion fitting is heated and expands accordingly to ensure contact with the pipe lining. Preheating the electrofusion fitting also provides a predetermined starting temperature for the fitting and the lining which results in improved fusion cycle reliability. Furthermore, the need for clamps or support frames to support the electrofusion fitting in situ is removed, with corresponding reductions in cycle times, complexity, and hence cost.

Abstract: A pipe carrier in an embodiment includes a pipe-carrying region in which forward and rear pipe lifting assemblies are arranged to lift and carry a pipe section. For example, the pipe-carrying region lies rearwards of the front traveling support of the pipe carrier, and forwards of the rear traveling support of the pipe carrier. The pipe carrier includes a modular extension assembly carrying an energy source for powering the pipe carrier, wherein the energy source is at least partially carried within the pipe-carrying region.

Abstract: A cap for tubing. The cap includes a post and a socket. The post includes an exterior tube mating surface and a substantially flat top surface disposed at a first end of the post. The socket is disposed at a second end of the post. The socket includes an interior tube mating surface and a tool mating surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joint cover capable of improving working efficiency in mounting a joint cover on a joint. A joint cover provided on the outside of a joint includes a first cover body provided with an opening and adapted to house one side of the joint; and a second cover body detachably attachable to the first cover body, wherein a dividing position formed when the first cover body and the second cover body are in contact with each other is offset toward the second cover body.

Abstract: A tripod system including clamp assembly, rod assembly, rod-hub, plurality of spoke-rods, plurality of corner-joints, plurality of screen-rods, plurality of storage-assembly-rods, plurality of storage assembly rods, and plurality storage assembly corners. Each of spoke-rods and screen-rods are adjustable in length. The tripod system configured to hold and maintain a screen. The clamp assembly is removably affixable to a tripod. The rod assembly includes first-end and a second-end, with rod assembly removably affixable to clamp assembly at first-end in a substantially horizontal plane. The rod-hub includes plurality of spoke-apertures, with the rod-hub affixable to second-end of the rod assembly and rotatable in relation to rod assembly. The plurality of spoke-rods insertable into the plurality of spoke-apertures of the rod-hub and the plurality of corner-joints removably affixable to the spoke-rods where the plurality of screen-rods removably affixable between two corner-joints.

Abstract: A movable platform includes a housing having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side having a first port and the second side having a second port. The first and second ports are configured to receive a drive line that has at least one flat side in a twist resistant manner. The movable platform also includes a drive mechanism disposed between the first port and the second port for engaging the drive line, and a support member disposed adjacent to the drive mechanism for guiding the drive line toward or away from the drive mechanism. The movable platform further includes a motor operatively connected to the drive mechanism. The motor provides power to the drive mechanism and causes the drive mechanism to rotate.

Abstract: A gimbal assembly and a hand-held device are provided. The gimbal assembly includes a gimbal, an image pick-up device and a light-transmitting cover covering the gimbal and the image pick-up device. The gimbal includes a holding assembly, the holding assembly is configured to drive the image pick-up device to rotate around at least one axis in the light-transmitting cover. The at least one axis passes through a spherical center of the light-transmitting cover, and upon the image pick-up device rotating, an optical axis of a lens of the image pick-up device always coincides with a normal line of a tangent plane at an intersection of the optical axis and the light-transmitting cover.

Abstract: An extendable leg (11) for a tripod (10) (for supporting an optical apparatus such as a video camera), the leg being V-shaped and having telescopic side members (15,16) to enable the length of the leg to be varied with hinge means to connect the side members to each other at an apex of the V, means to connect the side members to a head (12) of the tripod which allow the angle of the V to vary with extension and retraction of the leg, and clamping means (50) to clamp the side members at a required length; wherein the leg has a mechanism for controlling the extension and retraction of the side members when the locking means is released whereby the apex of the leg is constrained to move generally linearly in the lengthwise direction of the leg.

Abstract: An adjustable stand system for a container includes a basket composed of a pliable material, the basket having a body that forms a cavity; an adjustable leg assembly having a plurality of legs; and a leg locking assembly. The leg locking assembly includes a member rigidly attached to the basket; a leg adapter configure to releasably engage with an adjustable leg of the adjustable leg assembly; and a pivot joint configured to pivotally engage the leg adapter to the member. A method includes securing the container to the cavity of the basket; and adjusting the height of the basket via the adjustable leg assembly.