Abstract:
There is described a focusing apparatus having a deformable membrane that at least partially defines a cavity and an optical fluid disposed in the cavity. An actuator assembly can be provided for imparting a force to the deformable membrane. In one embodiment, the actuator assembly can include a piezoelectric actuator.
Abstract:
A rail conveyor system comprises a base member supporting a rail conveyor mechanism that includes a mechanical power transfer assembly mounted within the base member. A plurality of parallel support rods mounted upon the base member is rotatable by the mechanical power transfer assembly. A plurality of parallel square tubes rests perpendicularly to and upon the support rods providing a uniform support surface above the base member. The tubes are operatively connected to the power transfer assembly for sequential, longitudinal reciprocation, perpendicular to the support rods. The support rods each include a series of indented surfaces for sequentially lowering one of the tubes relative to three adjacent tubes. The mechanical power transfer assembly provides sequential, longitudinal movement of three adjacent tubes in one direction and movement of a fourth bracketed tube in an opposite direction, while simultaneously rotating the support rods to first lower, then raise the opposite moving fourth bracketed tube.
Abstract:
An universal mounting system for mounting a projector or other device to a surface. The mounting system comprises a base configured to operatively connect to the mounting surface. The base includes a periphery continuously disposed about the base and proximate an intermediate portion of the base. At least one arm assembly is operatively connectable at any point along the entirety of the periphery. The at least one arm assembly includes at least one connection portion selectively locatable in relation to the periphery and adapted to operatively connect to a coupling location disposed on the projector.
Abstract:
A low profile moveable mounting system for mounting a device to a surface. According to various embodiments, a surface bracket is operatively connected to a surface member attachable to a surface, one or more hinged translation assemblies are rotatably connected to the surface bracket and rotatably connected to a device bracket adapted for operative connection to a device, and a link member rotatably connected to the surface bracket and the device bracket. The moveable mounting system is selectively tiltable and moveable between an extended orientation, where the device bracket is displaced substantially perpendicular from the surface and a retracted orientation, where the device bracket is positionable proximate the surface. The moveable mounting system may be particularly adapted for mounting a flat panel display device.
Abstract:
A system for securing an electronic device to a surface. A display device is connected to an adaptor plate. The adaptor plate is engagable with an adaptor bracket positioned on a support column. The support column connects to a mounting assembly which is affixed to a surface. The mounting assembly is engagable with a floor and/or a ceiling to provide support for the display device from below or above, respectively.
Abstract:
A tie bar arrangement uses a rod end cartridge assembly that provides relative rotatability between an associated rod end and a coupler tube. The provision of a connecting link and steering arm adapter associated with the rod end cartridge assembly also provides relative rotation about first and second axes which allow sufficient flexibility to avoid placing the tie bar arrangement under excessive stress when one marine propulsion device is tilted relative to another marine propulsion device.
Abstract:
A frame for a gaseous fueled vehicle is provided. The frame includes a floor pan, a tunnel positioned centrally and longitudinally in the floor pan extending a full length of the frame, and a tank integrated into the tunnel, where the tank is circular in cross-section and has a variable diameter. The tunnel may also integrate two or more tanks.
Abstract:
Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for weakening a strong focus effect of an acceleration-deceleration column of an ion implanter during a deceleration mode are disclosed. The apparatus includes a tube lens surrounding the ion beam adjacent to a deceleration lens of the acceleration-deceleration column. The tube lens causes a defocusing of the ion beam at the entrance of the tube lens, which reduces the ion dispersion problem generated by the column. The invention also includes an accel-decel column and ion implanter incorporating the tube lens. An additional deceleration-suppression electrode may also be added subsequent to the tube lens for confining electrons within the tube lens.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for forming a composite workpiece are provided. An electromagnetic field generator induces a current in a susceptor, thereby heating the workpiece in a die cavity. An elastomeric bladder in the cavity is inflated and urges the workpiece against a contour surface corresponding to a desired configuration of the workpiece. Coolant fluid can also be circulated through the die cavity to cool the workpiece. Thus, the workpiece can be heated, formed, and cooled quickly and without substantial heating of other components, thereby reducing the time and energy relative to conventional forming methods.