Abstract:
A morphing duct of a ducted fan for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle is configured to change shape as function of the flight mode of the vehicle to improve the thrust per unit energy input for the ducted fan. Additionally, the morphing duct may be configured to change shape to change the flight path of the VTOL vehicle.
Abstract:
A manhole assembly is usable in combination with an underground tank assembly, and essentially comprises a double-walled, lid-supporting skirt assembly. The skirt assembly comprises inner and outer isolation walls. The inner isolation wall defines an inner manhole cavity and a moisture-directing, outer manhole channel. The outer manhole channel extends intermediate the inner isolation wall and the outer isolation wall. The outer manhole channel directs moisture from the superior skirt end adjacent a manhole lid supported by skirt assembly to the inferior skirt end thus isolating the inner manhole cavity from channel-directed moisture. The manhole assembly may further comprise a spring-actuable, lid-compressible collar assembly. It is contemplated that the collar assembly may be cooperable with the lid for selectively allowing matter to pass through the outer manhole channel depending on whether the lid is seated upon the collar assembly or removed therefrom.
Abstract:
Packaging tray for a recording disc that includes: a) a recess sized to house a circular disc, the recess being characterized by the absence of a raised hub for engaging the central aperture of the disc; and b) at least one releasable catch at the periphery of the recess.
Abstract:
Packaging for an object such as a digital recording medium that is contained within a plastic molded tray that is mounted on a panel. The tray is molded with extensions from opposite edges of one surface of the tray. Each extension folds to form a peripheral wall along that edge and it engages an element of the tray to permanently lock the extension in place. In their locked positions, the extensions fold around opposite edges of the panel so that the panel is locked in place under the tray.
Abstract:
The invention provides an Internet-based integrated household management system. Each user or household has a unique account with the provider of the system to manage their personal data within system. The provider uses this data to make available information that is relevant to the shopping and organizational tasks. This information may include promotional offers, product information and new product announcements for consumer products and services. The data structure can display information that is relevant to a user's specific needs, providing an efficient system of delivering highly targeted information to consumers. A directory format is included which enables users to search for specific types of information or browse available information that may have been filtered out based on the user's data. The user can be provided with purchase information and purchase incentives based on a user's profile and buying patterns.
Abstract:
A microturbine power generation system includes an electrical generator, a turbine and a compressor intermediate the generator and the turbine. The turbine, compressor and electrical generator are secured together by a tieshaft. The tieshaft is prestressed such that faces of the turbine, electrical generator and compressor maintain contact during high-speed, high-temperature operation of the system.
Abstract:
A layout transformation system accesses application metadata that defines a plurality of different structures for displaying components of the application, based upon the particular modality of the display device. The layout transformation system then transforms a user interface display based on the application metadata and based upon the particular modality, and provides the user interface display to the display device for rendering and user interaction.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to support structures including truss assemblies and purlins, the truss assemblies including struts, wherein utilities such as pipes and cables can be contained within the purlins, and can pass through openings in the struts, to thereby be retained by the support structures so as to be hidden from view.
Abstract:
A card holder is disclosed which has: a) a front and a back panel connected by a central hinge; the holder having a closed position in which the front panel at least partially overlies the back panel, generally in a single plane, and an open position in which the panels are pivoted about the central hinge for viewing material positioned between the panels; and b) a pop-up connected to both panels, the pop-up panel being connected to at least one of the panels by a foldable extension. Opening the holder along the central hinge unfolds the foldable extension rotating the pop-up panel and moving the pop-up out of the plane of the panels.
Abstract:
A feed line assembly includes adjacent running or coaxial delivery and return conduits for transferring asphalt between a spray bar and a pump and tank of an asphalt distributor. The coaxial feed line assembly provides for one directional flow in each of the feed lines between the spray bar and the asphalt tank/pump. The circulating system can be operated in spraying and circulating modes. Asphalt flows through the delivery conduit to the spray bar and out through nozzles in the spraying mode and asphalt flows from the delivery conduit through the spray bar and is returned through the return conduit in the circulation mode. Asphalt is substantially static in the return conduit during the circulation mode. The coaxial feed line assembly serves as a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the delivery conduit to the return conduit and thereby prevent freezing of substantially static asphalt in the return conduit during spraying mode. A pressure differential between spraying and circulation modes control the position of a pressure relief valve connected to the return conduit to thereby control the flow through the circulating system.