Abstract:
A mechanical linkage, for use on original equipment or for replacement of existing hydraulic ram based actuators, comprises a rotary to linear transmission. The transmission provides two co-rotatable capstans of different diameters, and two idler wheels spaced on a longitudinally slidable linkage. The capstans are linked to a first of the idler wheels by means of a pulley line wound from the first capstan, around the wheel, and then back to the second capstan. The first capstan is also linked by means of a pulley line to the second idler wheel, and the second capstan likewise to the second idler wheel by a third pulley line. The difference in diameters causes a differential winding of the various lengths of pulley line between the idler wheels and the capstans, which urges the linkage to slide relative to the capstans. Cooperation of the two capstan/idler wheel combinations compensates for possible backlash.
Abstract:
A receptacle box installer includes an L-shaped element with a first arm and a second arm, a block attached to an inside surface of the first arm of the L-shaped element, and a gap between a side of the block closest to the second arm of the L-shaped element and the second arm of the L-shaped element. A user then inserts the second arm of the L-shaped element into a receptacle box until the gap is filled with an outside wall of the receptacle box. A surface of the block opposite the connection with the first arm of the L-shaped element is contacted with a front surface of a framing member. The receptacle box is then contacted with the framing member. A user then attaches the receptacle box to the framing member using standard attachment means. Once the receptacle box is installed on the framing member, the receptacle box installer is removed from the receptacle box.
Abstract:
The medium (9), such as water, of a container (10), such as a fuel cell accumulator, is kept above freezing by a hydrogen/oxygen catalytic combustor (13) fed hydrogen from a source comprising a mechanical thermostatic valve (25) in thermal communication (26) with the container (10) and connected to a hydrogen supply (28). The combustor may comprise an ejector (32) having hydrogen through its primary inlet (31) drawing air through a secondary inlet (33). The combustor may comprise a diffusion combustor having a catalyst (38) spaced from a heating surface (30) and a diffusion control plate (40) low partial pressure of oxygen at the catalyst causing diffusion through the barrier. Water vapor from combustion condenses on a surface (146) and is led by hydrophilic woven carbon paper (126) to wicking material (133), which has smaller pores than the carbon paper, which leads the water downwardly, through a disk (140) and plugs (147) to atmospheric air. The noble metal catalyst mixture includes TEFLON® to permit water generated by combustion to flow by gravity out of the catalyst.
Abstract:
A camouflaged outdoor fan system includes a housing, a fan inserted into the housing, and a camouflaged lid removably connected to the housing. The housing is buried in the ground, or in alternative embodiment, mounted to the underside of a deck, the fan is inserted into the housing, and the camouflaged lid is placed over the fan to hide the fan and housing from view. The fan is operable to generate and propel an air stream out of the housing that can be used for cooling purposes. The system also may include optional features, such as a water-misting device, a heater, motion detectors, an evaporative cooling assembly, a temperature switch, a humidity switch, a rain gauge switch, a wind sensor switch, a dc power source, solar cells, or a remote control system.
Abstract:
New photoresists are provided that comprise a blend of at least two distinct phenolic polymers, wherein each polymer has distinct photoacid labile groups from the other polymer. One or preferably both distinct phenolic resins of the blend have extremely low polydispersity values. Photoresists of the invention can exhibit excellent resolution of a formed image upon lithographic processing.
Abstract:
An electrical connector includes a body with first and second end sections, a mid-section disposed between the first and second end sections. The mid-section is radially larger than each of the first and second end sections and includes an outer surface. A transition shoulder is disposed between the first end section and the mid-section. The transition shoulder includes a face wall extending between the outer surface of the mid-section and an outer surface of the first end section. A plurality of radial indicator ribs extend from the outer surface of the mid-section. Each of the radial indicator ribs includes an abutment surface laterally offset from the face wall of the transition shoulder to abut or almost abut a portion of a mating electrical connector.
Abstract:
A membrane switch (10) is disclosed having a bottom membrane (12) with an upper conductive surface (16), a top membrane (14) with a lower conductive surface (18), and an intermediate spacer (20) disposed therebetween. The intermediate spacer includes a central aperture (24) and is formed of an intermediate substrate (21) having a lower surface (26) and an upper surface (28). First y-axis electrodes (30A, 30B) including first contact portions (31A, 31B) and second x-axis electrodes (34A, 34B) including second contact portions (38A, 38B) are both formed on the upper surface of the intermediate substrate. The intermediate spacer further includes an upper adhesive layer (45) including predefined first apertures (50) adapted to overlie the first contact portions of the y-axis electrodes and predefined second apertures (47) adapted to overlie the second contact portions of the x-axis electrodes, and a lower adhesive layer (43). Preferably after the intermediate spacer is assembled, at least one hole (39) is defined through each of the first contact portions, extending through the intermediate substrate and the lower adhesive layer. Then conductive epoxy material (41) is poured into the first aperture and the hole so as to provide an electrical conduction path between the first contact portion of the y-axis electrode and the lower adhesive layer. Similarly, conductive epoxy material is poured into the second aperture predefined through the upper adhesive layer so as to provide an electrical conduction path between the second contact portion of the x-axis electrode and the upper adhesive layer. When the intermediate spacer thus constructed is secured between the bottom and top membranes, the y-axis and x-axis electrodes are in electrical contact with the bottom and top membranes, respectively.
Abstract:
A robotic arm comprises a plurality of sequentially pivotally attached links. The proximal end portion of the proximalmost of the links is pivotally mounted to a relatively static structure. An end effector structure has two substantially oppositely extending hands each capable of picking up a workpiece. The end effector structure is centrally pivotally mounted to the distal end portion of the distalmost link. The links, end effector structure and static structure are such as to allow the robotic arm to reverse across the pivot axis of the proximal end portion of the proximalmost of the links. A radial drive serves for driving the links in a manner such that the pivot axis of the central portion of the end effector structure moves only substantially linearly radially along a straight line passing through and perpendicular to the pivot axis of the proximal end portion of the proximalmost of the links and to the pivot axis of the central portion of the end effector structure. The effector structure is maintained at a selected angle to the line. A rotational drive rotates the relatively static structure and with it the links about the pivot axis of the proximal end portion of the proximalmost of the links.