A method for controlling voltage crossing a power switch of a switched-mode power converter includes the steps of: controlling a switch frequency of the power switch of the switched-mode power converter to a first frequency as activating the switched-mode power converter; and then changing the switch frequency of the power switch to a second frequency after the switched-mode power converter is activated for a predetermined time; wherein the first frequency is lower than the second frequency.

A ballast circuit for a Light Emitting Diode (LED) has a regulator element coupled to the LED and to an input voltage source. A control circuit is coupled to the LED and to an input voltage source. A first switching device is coupled in series with the regulator element. A second switching device is coupled to the input voltage and the control circuit.

A constant on-time switching converter includes a switching circuit, an on-time control circuit, a comparing circuit and a logic circuit. The switching circuit has a first switch and is configured to provide an output voltage to a load. The on-time control circuit generates an on-time control signal to control the on-time of the first switch. The comparing circuit compares the output voltage of the switching circuit with a reference signal and generates a comparison signal. The logic circuit generates a control signal to control the first switch based on the on-time control signal and the comparison signal. When the switching frequency of the switching circuit approaches an audible range, the switching converter enters into a sleep mode, the on-time control signal is reduced to increase the switching frequency of the switching circuit.

A power converting circuit includes an upper gate switch, a transistor, a current source circuit, a comparator circuit, a delay circuit, and a pulse width modulation signal generating circuit. The transistor and the current source circuit provide a reference signal. The comparator circuit generates a comparing signal according to the reference signal and an output signal provided by the upper gate switch. The delay circuit generates a delay signal according to the comparing signal and a clock signal. The pulse width modulation signal generating circuit generates a control signal for the upper gate switch according to the delay signal and the clock signal for configuring the conduction status of the upper gate switch. The power converting circuit adjusts the conduction time of the upper gate switch according to the reference signal and the output signal.

In conventional aircraft cargo compartments panels or similar flat floor elements are fastened to floor beams or similar supporting elements that are installed in the body of the aircraft. Subsequently functional units such as roller elements, latches or PDUs are mounted and connected to one another by way of appropriate control conductors. It is proposed to fasten the floor elements permanently to the supporting beams so as to form prefabricated floor modules and to install these floor modules in the aircraft.

A pourable aqueous cement composition is disclosed. The cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, water and a selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof. An article, including a downhole article, and more particularly a reconfigurable downhole article is disclosed. The article includes a hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has at least partially set into a permanent form. The article also includes a selectively removable material dispersed within the cement, the selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof, wherein the selectively removable material is configured for removal in response to a predetermined wellbore condition.

When conducting cementing operations within confined locales, such as the annular space within a wellbore, it can sometimes be difficult to successfully deliver an uncured cement composition to a desired location. Cementing methods can comprise: providing a cement composition comprising a cement and a property control package, the property control package comprising: a filtration control agent; a friction reducer; and a setting accelerator; introducing the cement composition into a mineral exploration wellbore; and setting the cement composition in the wellbore.

Health and usage monitoring systems for aircraft hoist systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a health and usage monitoring system comprises a capacitive load cell and a processing unit for communication with the capacitive load cell, the capacitive load cell comprising a load receiving surface and a capacitive assembly coupled to the load receiving surface, the capacitive assembly comprising parallel electrically conductive plates separated by a reversibly deformable spacer construction wherein the parallel plates comprise aligned apertures providing a passageway through the capacitive assembly for the hoist system cable.

An aerial roller spacer apparatus and related methods thereto are provided. The aerial roller spacer apparatus includes a spacer body. At least one saddle is formed on the spacer body. A spacer arm is connected to the spacer body at a first end, wherein the spacer arm extends away from the spacer body. A roller assembly is positioned proximate to a second end of the spacer arm, wherein the roller assembly has two rotatable roller halves that are removably engagable with one another with at least one fastener. A messenger groove is formed between the two rotatable roller halves.

A nail print apparatus, including: a print head which performs printing on a nail region on the basis of image data including a first design and a second design that is a background of the first design; and an image data processing unit which has a second image data processing unit that processes the image data so that the second design covers an entire nail region.

The invention relates to CO2 capturing binder with an amortized environmental cost, the method of manufacture thereof by means of selecting, purifying and optimizing the carbide lime paste for use as a cementing material, and aggregates for the manufacture of lime paints and slurries, stuccos, mortars and concretes having multiple applications in the construction industry, in architectural restoration, in public works and land conditioning, object of the present invention. It is basically characterized in that the raw material is the residue in the form of sludge generated in the industrial manufacture of acetylene (C2H2) from calcium carbide (CaC2) the fundamental component of which is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in highly reactive nanometric formations treated in a specific manner according to the invention.

A curable aqueous composition is disclosed comprising a carbohydrate, a crosslinking agent, and an amine base, wherein the curable aqueous composition has a pH adjusted by the amine base. Further disclosed is a method of forming a curable aqueous solution.

A coil spring forming apparatus including a core bar 2 which rotates around an axis thereof and on which a wire material W fed from a wire material-feeding means is wound; a clamping portion 22 which rotates integrally with the core bar 2 and grips an end of the wire material W on the core bar 2; and first guide rollers 30 and second guide rollers 40 for guiding the wire material W onto the core bar 2; wherein the first guide rollers 30 and the second guide rollers 40 are provided so as to move independently from each other in parallel with the axis of the core bar 2, and a coil spring formed by the above coil spring forming apparatus.

The present invention provides a crane with an automatic counterweight balancing device and a method of arranging counterweight thereof. The crane includes a main body and a counterweight device mounted to the main body. The counterweight device includes first and second magnetic field generators and first and second permanent magnetic counterweight blocks. The crane uses a combined arrangement of the magnetic field generators, the permanent magnetic counterweight blocks, an electrical control device, and a transducer device to detect, in a real time manner, output torques of servo motors, whereby when the output torques are not equal to rating torques, magnetic field intensities are varied to change downward magnetic forces acting on the permanent magnetic counterweight blocks thereby regulating loading of the servo motors and thus regulating the output torques of the servo motors to effect automatic balancing of counterweight and improve stability of the crane during a conveyance process.

A method for controlling a hoisting or lowering movement of a load, which is suspended from a hoisting mechanism of a crane by means of at least two hoisting cables trained round cable sheaves on the load, by monitoring the position of the load and braking and/or stopping the hoisting mechanism upon detection of an undesirable position, wherein the cable sheaves are each connected to the load for pivoting about a horizontal axis, and the position of the load is monitored by detecting a pivoting movement of at least one of the cable sheaves.

A textile sleeve and method of construction thereof is provided. The textile sleeve has a water-based, impervious coating for protecting elongate members contained within the sleeve. The sleeve has a flexible, tubular wall of tightly braided yarns with a coating applied thereto to render the wall impervious to fluid. The coating is a water-based coating applied as two distinct, first and second layers. The first, underlying layer includes a dielectric enhancing additive and a thickening agent to enhance the impermeability of the wall. The second, outer layer contains a similar formulation as the underlying first layer, however, it is free of the thickening agent.

A three-dimensional preform, composite components formed with the preform, and processes for producing the preform and composite materials. The three-dimensional preform includes first and second sets of tows containing filaments. Each tow of the first set has a predetermined polygonal cross-sectional shape and is embedded within a temporary matrix. The preform is fabricated from the first and second sets of tows, in which the second set of tows are transverse to the first set of tows, adjacent tows of the second set are spaced apart to define interstitial regions therebetween, and the polygonal cross-sectional shapes of the first set of tows are substantially congruent to the cross-sectional shapes of the interstitial regions so as to substantially fill the interstitial regions.

A manufacture method of a three dimensional (3D) braided composite tube with a throat section includes: providing an assembled mandrel comprising an upper mandrel and a lower mandrel, and braiding an 3D braided inner layer on the upper mandrel; winding fiber yarns to form a fiber yarn layer over the 3D braided inner layer; tightening the 3D braided inner layer to the assembled mandrel by an appropriate tension force when winding; and infiltrating resin and increasing temperature to cure the resin for obtaining a composite tube with a narrower throat section. The present invention takes advantage of winding fiber yarn outer layer to keep the radius of the throat of the 3D braided inner layer to meet design requirement. Additionally, the hoop strength of the throat section is increased so that the metal shell can be made thinner to reduce the weight of the rocket nozzle.

A method designed to replace a compromised instrument case with a new case without the need to disconnect any wire, relay or any other electric equipment is described herein. The instrument panel is supported for example by a temporary support frame during the dismantling of the old case and the assembly of the new case. The new case is therefore assembled on site around the instrument panel. The new instrument case includes a floor which is made of at least two parts, one on each side of the wiring. The instrument case therefore remains in a normal working mode during the entire replacement procedure thus preventing downtime. As well, the amount of manpower required for the replacement of an instrument case is drastically reduced.

The present invention includes a telegraph controller and an FSK modulator that serve as a signal transmission unit that creates a checking telegraph that is different from a controlling telegraph and transmits the checking telegraph to a pickup coil, an FSK demodulator and a telegraph controller that serve as a signal reception unit that restores telegraph information from the checking telegraph received via the pickup coil, and a communication controller that compares transmission telegraph information included in a checking telegraph transmitted from the signal transmission unit with reception telegraph information restored from a received checking telegraph that includes the transmission telegraph information to verify a telegraph reception function on an on-board side.

An assembly for molding and demolding hardened cementitious products comprises a flexible mold and a demolding apparatus. The flexible mold has a top side with separate openings for receiving cementitious material therein for hardening thereof, an opposite closed rear side and a perimeter. The apparatus for demolding the hardened cementitious products from the flexible mold comprises a conveyor, a holding member, a clamp, and a movable member. The conveyor conveys the flexible mold. The clamp grips a portion of the perimeter. The holding member engages the mold. The movable member moves the clamp and the clamped portion of the mold about the holding member thereby disengaging the flexible mold from the cementitious material.

A method for producing a wood wool construction element. This method comprises the steps of dispersing at least a part of a mixture of wood wool and a hydraulic binder in a mold so as to obtain a layer of the mixture with a height that is less than the height of side walls of said mold. Said mixture is at least partially hardened after which a subsequent layer of mixture is provided. The thickness of a construction element may well exceed 30 cm, for example 40 cm, 50 cm or even 60 cm. Also, an element obtained with such method is described, as well as a production facility.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a toy dart launcher comprises a housing defining an interior recess and a launch assembly. The launch assembly is at least partially disposed within the interior recess and comprises: a projectile feed, a slidable frame, and a launch mechanism. The projectile feed is rotatably disposed within the interior recess and comprises a plurality of receiving chambers each adapted to receive one or more projectiles. The slidable frame has at least one engagement finger rotatably disposed thereon, and is movable with respect to the projectile feed so that the at least one engagement finger can engage and move at least one projectile through at least one receiving chamber. The launch mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the projectile feed and is configured to create a pressure differential about the at least one projectile so that the at least one projectile can be launched from the housing.

A concentric coaxial cutting machine which cuts cylinders, cylindroids or cones using a chain saw from a single larger object such as a wood tree trunk, a block of ice or a block of plastic. An embodiment of the invention comprises a transverse support member having directly or indirectly mounted thereon; a headstock member including; a headstock spindle member mounted to said headstock member including; a drive spindle rotationally mounted to said headstock spindle member and adapted to rotationally retain one end of an object to be centrically cut; a tailstock member including; a tailstock spindle member mounted to said tailstock member including; a tailstock spindle rotationally mounted to said tailstock spindle member and adapted to retain an opposite end of the object; a drive assembly in rotational communication with the drive spindle and adapted to rotate said drive spindle around a common axis with said tailstock spindle; and, a first chain saw variably aligned at an angle to said common axis and adapted to concentrically cut the object from at least the opposite end.

A capacitive transparent conductive film comprises: a transparent substrate, comprises a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface; a light-shield layer, formed at the edge of the first surface of the transparent substrate, the light-shield layer forms a non-visible region on the first surface of the transparent substrate; and a polymer layer, formed on the first surface of the transparent substrate, and covering the light-shield layer, the surface of the polymer layer is patterned to form a meshed trench, the trench is filled with conductive material to form a sensing region on the surface of the polymer layer. The capacitive transparent conductive film can effectively protect the conductive material and has low cost and good conductivity. A preparation method of the capacitive transparent conductive film is also provided.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for adherence monitoring, and devices, systems, and methods are provided for monitoring use of consumable dispensers. In general, the devices, systems, and methods can facilitate an individual's adherence to a schedule for consuming consumables and can facilitate monitoring and tracking of the individual's adherence to the schedule. The devices, systems, and methods can allow data regarding the individual's historical adherence to the schedule to be accessible via a computer system. In one embodiment, an accessory is provided that can be configured to attach to consumable dispensers. The accessory can be configured to be removably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to provide a notification to a user indicating that a certain event occurred and/or that a certain action needs to be taken. The accessory can be configured to sense attachment thereof to and removal thereof from the dispenser.

A smart home system having a controller which controls an ozone generator, gas supply outlets connected to gas supply outlets of the ozone generator via a pipe, and solenoid valves which control opening and closing of the gas supply outlets. The controller is connected with each of the solenoid valves and controls opening and closing of each of the solenoid valves. An operation method for the system discloses driving the ozone generator by the controller to generate ozone, controlling opening of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives an external signal for opening the solenoid valves, reducing opening level of the solenoid valves when a gas flow sensor detects that the ozone flow rate passing through the gas inlet is greater than the flow rate threshold, and controlling closing of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives a signal for closing the solenoid valves.

The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large utility scale photovoltaic array in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. This is accomplished using a large light-weight, rigid, buoyant structure to support the large photovoltaic array. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground and hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from the photovoltaic array is then coupled to high voltage transmission lines which connect from the platform to the earth's surface. The electricity is then transmitted through the high voltage transmission lines to the earth's surface where it is connected to the electrical supply grid and provides lower cost, more reliable electricity.

The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large rigid buoyant platform in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. The platform can serve several uses, either individually or in any combination. These uses include uninterrupted radio and light communications, radar and optical observation including very powerful radars and solar power electricity generation. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground which hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from a photovoltaic array is used to power platform uses and can also be coupled to high voltage transmission lines which transmit power from the platform to the earth's surface during daylight hours. Power can also be transmitted up to the platform during darkness to power facilities mounted on the platform ensuring continuous operation.

Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

A method for manufacturing high speed pressure compensator-type drip irrigation tubes and the tubes obtained thereby having absolute radial orientation of molecular chains, the orientation imparting strength as well as flexibility to the tube material. The said method comprises extruding a tube using a plurality of extruders; blowing up the extruded tube by introducing a pressure inside the tube relatively higher than the pressure outside the tube; drawing the blown tube simultaneously to the blowing of tube; flattening the blown tube by heat welding the collapsed halves together and forming a tape immediately, subsequent to the process of blowing and drawing the tube; extrusion of a bonding polymer on one border of the tape; printing flow channels into the hot and viscous bonding polymer; and forming a tube by lengthwise folding the tape and heat welding the overlapping borders together using the bonding polymer.

This invention is directed to a spray device for spraying two or more components. The two or more components are maintained separated in the spray device and are mixed post atomization. This invention is also directed to a gravity fed spray gun and a system for spraying two or more components. This invention is further directed to a kit for converting an existing conventional single-component spray gun typically used for spraying a single component to a two-component spray gun for spraying two components.

An application tip and method for dispensing a fluid into a hole, the tip having a hollow housing or body with an open end and a closed end, the open end configured to be removably attached to and in fluid communication with a fluid source, the closed end including a nozzle having at least one passage or fluid outlet opening.

Disclosed are an apparatus for setting a price for a multi-vending machine and a method thereof. The apparatus includes a price setting unit for inputting a price setting function, selecting a price setting column and inputting price information about the selected column; a control unit for controlling a price display of the selected column when the column is selected and the price information is input through the price setting unit; and a price display unit for displaying prices of products exhibited in a column according to a price display control of the control unit.

A banknote handling device includes a safe that protects banknotes (casing of a second unit), a first conveyance path externally provided to the safe, and a second conveyance path internally provided to the safe. The safe is provided with at least one opening portion through which the banknotes pass. A passing unit including a passing conveyance mechanism that passes a banknote between the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path and a left-behind sensor that detects a banknote that is left-behind, is detachably installed inside the opening portion of the safe.

Disclosed is a system and method for decreasing airflow and improving ventilation within a tunnel, such as a railroad tunnel, including a path for movement of a vehicle (e.g., train) therethrough. The system has a plurality of air baffles mounted within the tunnel, each device comprising a body and a mounting device. Each mounting device positions each body inside and along the length of the tunnel between the entrance and the exit. The air baffles are configured to restrict airflow at least in part in a longitudinal direction of the tunnel, thereby increasing a relative difference between a vehicle speed and air speed in a tunnel annulus when the vehicle passes through the tunnel. The restriction (e.g., decrease) of airflow in the tunnel reduces the piston effect resulting from the vehicle or train passing through, thus reducing emissions and heat generated by the locomotives in the tunnel.

Animal litter having up to a sixty percent reduction in bulk density can be produced by combining flat-shaped cellulosic materials and sodium bentonite clay. Not only is the resulting litter lighter, but it also maintains a high clump strength as compared to clay-based animal litters that contain greater than ninety percent by weight sodium bentonite clay.

A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state.

A sizer for a hanger lacking a hook boss includes a pair of longitudinal walls spaced apart from each other by a pair of end sections. The sizer may include a pair of protrusion, wherein a first is disposed on a first wall of the pair of longitudinal walls and directed toward a second wall of the pair of longitudinal walls. A first jaw is disposed on one of the pair of end section. The pair of longitudinal walls flexes apart when the jaw passes over a flange of the hanger. The first jaw includes a lower portion having a curved edge. The first jaw further includes an upper portion. The lower portion and upper portion meet at an abrupt jaw point.

A process for the controlled gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock includes pyrolizing the feedstock by conveying the feedstock through a retort surrounded by a plurality of successive heating chambers each comprising an axially adjustable chamber separation wall and each operated at a predetermined temperature, wherein a predetermined dwell time of the feedstock in each of the plurality of successive heating chambers is controlled by a conveyance rate of the feedstock through the retort and a position of each of the axially adjustable chamber separation walls to produce a gas product and a solid product. The gas product includes methane and noxious chemicals and the solid product includes carbon, and the pyrolizing step is controlled using feedback related to constituents of the gas product.

A method and apparatus for pyrolytic destruction of polymer products including whole vehicle vulcanised rubber tires is disclosed. The apparatus 111 has a reaction chamber 153 into which a tire can be placed, and immersed for pyrolytic decomposition in a molten alloy of zinc with a minor proportion of aluminium. The apparatus 111 has a heated reservoir 155 in which the alloy is maintained in a molten state, and from where it can be transferred to the reaction chamber 153 to immerse the tire. Fluid hydrocarbon byproducts are drawn off for condensation and recovery, and solid zinc sulphides are also recovered. Where steel belted tires are processed, carbon and steel residues are also recovered.

The method produces a hydrocarbonaceous fluid (a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons, or in other words a mixture of hydrocarbons which is liquid at ambient room temperature and atmospheric pressure), which functionally is a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, from a feed of waste plastic. The method can comprise the steps of: (step 1) melting a feed of substantially solid waste plastic in an aerobic atmosphere (for instance, air) whereby a waste-plastic melt is produced; (step 2) distilling at least a portion of the waste-plastic melt whereby a hydrocarbonaceous distillate is produced; and (step 3) collecting the hydrocarbonaceous distillate. That distillate is generally referred to above as a condensate. The method can include the step of comminuting the feed of substantially solid waste plastic into pieces substantially no greater than about 1.5 cm2 prior to step 1. The method can also include the step of adding an effective amount of a cracking catalyst to the waste plastic prior to step 2.

A partition subset selection module selects a subset of available partitions for a macroblock pair of the plurality of macroblock pairs, based on motion search motion vectors generated by a motion search section, and further based on a macroblock adaptive frame and field indicator. A motion refinement module generates refined motion vectors for the macroblock pair, based on the subset of available partitions for a macroblock pair.

Provided is an inter-layer video decoding method including determining a size of a subblock of a current block by comparing at least one of a height and a width of a predetermined minimum size of the subblock with at least one of a height and a width of the current block of a first layer image; determining at least one subblock from the current block according to the size of the subblock of the current block; determining a candidate block that corresponds to the current block and is included in an encoded second layer image; determining a candidate subblock from the candidate block of the second layer image by using the subblock of the current block; determining motion information of the subblock included in the current block by using motion information of the candidate subblock included in the candidate block; and generating a prediction block of the current block by using the motion information of the subblock included in the current block.

A seal assembly for a submersible pumping system is presented. The seal assembly includes a housing and a support tube disposed within the housing. Further, the seal assembly includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) foil disposed within the housing, surrounding the support tube to define a first chamber between the shape memory alloy foil and the support tube. The first chamber is configured to store a motor fluid, and wherein the shape memory alloy foil is configured to restrict a flow of a wellbore fluid to the motor fluid.

Provided are apparatus and systems having a poppet valve assembly and swing adsorption separation techniques related thereto. A poppet valve includes a valve body, a plurality of static valves fixedly secured to the valve body and a single dynamic poppet valve having a plurality of openings. The plurality of static valves align and mate with the plurality of openings. The single dynamic poppet valve reciprocates to selectively open and close the plurality of static valves.

A method and apparatus are described for swing adsorption processes. The method includes obtaining different plates, wherein the plates have gaseous openings and a utility fluid opening. Then, the gaseous openings are substantially oriented along a common axis for gaseous openings and the plates are diffusion bonded. Once diffusion bonded, the gaseous openings within the module are wash coated with an adsorbent material.

A cyclone system for a gasifier having two or more cyclones arranged in series sharing a combined loop seal and dipleg is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for capturing and recycling fines with the cyclone system.

An update system for the Linux operating system and a method thereof are disclosed. In the system and method, an update program can be obtained via distributed clients, to reduce a server's loading. When updating the operating system, allocation data on a user data sector is backed up and restored, so as to complete the update for the operating system. With the present technical features, the technical effect of backing up and restoring the allocation data on the user data sector, and reducing the loading of the server can be achieved.