33results about How to "Harsh environmental condition" patented technology

An emergency pitch drive power supply is provided, the emergency pitch drive power supply comprising an auxiliary generator for producing electric power, wherein the auxiliary generator is a permanently excited multi-pole generator adapted to generate sufficient power for a pitch drive of a wind turbine when driven with wind rotor speed, and wherein the auxiliary generator is connected to at least one pitch drive motor of the wind turbine.

Techniques for operating a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. A personal communication structure (PCS) may include a frame, a housing, and a mounting system coupling the housing to the frame. The mounting system may include a plurality of four-bar linkages. Each of the four-bar linkages may include two links, first pin joints coupling first ends of the respective links to the frame, and second pin joints coupling second ends of the respective links to the housing. Rotation of the links of the mounting system results in displacement of the housing relative to the frame along an arcuate path.

An earpiece may include an earpiece housing, an electronics package associated with the earpiece housing, a hydrophobic barrier on the earpiece, and an oleophobic barrier on the earpiece. The hydrophobic barrier may be applied directly to the electronics package. The oleophobic barrier may be distal to the electronics package. The oleophobic barrier may be an oleophobic nano-coating applied to a mesh or screen. The hydrophobic barrier may be distal to the electronics package. The oleophobic barrier may be distal to the hydrophobic barrier. The hydrophobic barrier may be a nano-coating applied directly to a mesh or screen. The oleophobic barrier may be a nano-coating applied directly to a mesh or screen.

Raman spectroscopy probe assemblies are disclosed for use with portable and / or handheld analyzers. The probes are also adaptable to sample liquids, and / or powders, tablets and / or other solids and are capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. The probes include an optical head assembly, associated optical fibers and replaceable sampling tubes. In one aspect of the invention, a simple orthogonal optical head assembly is disclosed that does not require collinear optical paths. The orthogonal arrangement of input and captured light paths also reduces the need for precise alignment of the optical components. The orthogonal optical head assemblies of the present invention are well suited to accommodate the shutoff mechanisms of the present invention. In another aspect of the invention, sampling tubes, and replaceable end caps for such tubes, are disclosed that facilitate hand measurements of substances.

Techniques for operating a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. In particular, a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a PCS is described. The temperature control system may include a ribbed heat sink and first and second air circulation controllers. The heat sink may be coupled to the PCS's frame, adjacent to the back surface of a housing for a display module. The first air circulation controller may be configured to recirculate air in a cavity within the display module's housing. The second air circulation controller may be configured to move ambient air across the heat sink.

An infrared signaling apparatus is disclosed, which utilizes high intensity solid state lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide signaling for navigational as well as search / rescue applications employing night vision equipments.

A cold-weather apparel item configured to promote breathability, provide warmth, and minimize distractions is provided herein. The cold-weather apparel item is formed from a composite fabric that is breathable and repels water. The cold-weather apparel item further comprises at least a hood lock cord system that maintains the hood of the apparel item in a secure position while not being used, inflow air ducts and outflow air ducts to provide ventilation, and a layered thumbhole assembly with overlapping panels that fits snugly around a wearer's thumbs when used.

A method and apparatus for rapidly severing a decoy towline extending from an aircraft by a mechanical spring actuated cutting blade and a thermal fuse type of release mechanism eliminating a pyrotechnic actuation device. The cutting blade is biased toward cutting engagement with the towline by a preloaded coil compression spring retained in the loaded position by a length of a polymer cord. The polymer cord has a heater wire wrapped about a portion of the cord which is connected to a DC voltage supply. The heater wire melts the cords when electrically connected to the DC power supply which releases the restraint on the spring which then drives the cutting blade into severing engagement with the towline.

A shroud and method capable of attenuating undesirable environmental noise from reaching a microphone. The shroud is a cover including a closed end, an open end substantially opposite of the closed end, and an intermediate portion that extends away from the closed end toward the open end. The intermediate portion includes a back side with a mouth opening that faces a user's mouth. The intermediate portion further includes a front side that is substantially opposite of the back side, with the front side being impermeable to airflow. Preferably, the shroud mounts over a windsock that mounts over the microphone. A flexible fastener may be secured to a portion of the open end so that the shroud more snugly mounts around the microphone. As such, the shroud shields a microphone from harsh environmental conditions such as wind and rain.

An infrared signaling apparatus is disclosed, which utilizes high intensity solid state lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide signaling for navigational as well as search / rescue applications employing night vision equipments.

Techniques for operating a personal communication structure (PCS) are described. A personal communication structure (PCS) may include a frame, a housing, and a mounting system coupling the housing to the frame. The mounting system may include a plurality of four-bar linkages. Each of the four-bar linkages may include two links, first pin joints coupling first ends of the respective links to the frame, and second pin joints coupling second ends of the respective links to the housing. Rotation of the links of the mounting system results in displacement of the housing relative to the frame along an arcuate path.

The invention relates to methods for encapsulating a material comprising the steps of: (a) providing an aqueous solution or suspension of the material that is to be encapsulated, (b) warming the aqueous solution or suspension to a temperature that is sufficient to enable dissolution of a first biocompatible polymer in the aqueous solution or suspension without adversely affecting the properties of the material to be encapsulated, (c) dissolving the first biocompatible polymer in the aqueous solution or suspension, (d) de-aerating the solution or suspension obtained in step (c), (e) emulsifying the solution or suspension obtained in (d) in a biocompatible oil comprising a surfactant to create microdroplets, and (f) hardening the microdroplets by dropwise addition of an aqueous solution comprising Zn2+ ions and a second biocompatible polymer to form microcapsules; the invention further relates to microcapsules obtained by methods of the invention and their uses.

A tag assembly secures to an animal's body and includes a tag body. The tag body may be made of a flexible base panel and a flexible transparent cover panel joined at their perimeters and elongated to be configurable into a closed loop. Alternatively, one or more elongated attachment bands can form the closed loop. Fasteners are used to retain the tag assembly in a closed loop when secured to the animal. The fasteners include mounting holes on the margin of the tag body or on the elongated attachment band(s). These holes selectively mount on retention posts, and retention grommets are then locked on the retention posts. The retention posts may have pointed heads to punch an identification card or a separate punch post and punch grommet may be provided. The invention contemplates a kit including the tag assembly, an identification card and a marking device.

A method and apparatus for rapidly severing a decoy towline extending from an aircraft by a mechanical spring actuated cutting blade and a thermal fuse type of release mechanism eliminating a pyrotechnic actuation device. The cutting blade is biased toward cutting engagement with the towline by a preloaded coil compression spring retained in the loaded position by a length of a polymer cord. The polymer cord has a heater wire wrapped about a portion of the cord which is connected to a DC voltage supply. The heater wire melts the cords when electrically connected to the DC power supply which releases the restraint on the spring which then drives the cutting blade into severing engagement with the towline.

A hinged connection apparatus is described for securing a first wind turbine blade component to a second. The first wind turbine component may be a wind turbine blade body (10) and the second wind turbine component may be a control surface such as an aileron (11). The first or second wind turbine blade component comprises at least one hinge housing in which a rotary actuator (26) is retained. The rotary actuator (26) may comprise a motor, or in alternative embodiments a material that changes its shape under the influence of an external stimulus, such as a piezo-electric element or a memory alloy. The rotary actuator may be provided as part of the hinge pin connecting the first component to the second.

A sealed plug-in circuit breaker panel has an enclosure defining a sealed interior portion. The enclosure includes a housing, a face plate removably coupled to the housing and a front seal member disposed between the face plate and the housing such that the face plate and the housing are sealingly engaged. The panel further includes an electrical bus structure coupled to the housing, a plurality of first plug-in members coupled to the bus structure and a number of circuit breakers disposed in the enclosure. Each circuit breaker includes a manual operator and at least a pair of second plug-in members which are electrically coupled to corresponding first plug-in members. The manual operator protrudes through and extends from a respective aperture formed in the face plate. The panel further includes a number of feeders and load connectors electrically coupled to the bus structure.

A sensor system, and an associated method for detecting harsh environmental conditions, is provided. The sensor system includes at least one sensor having an electrical sensing element. The electrical sensing element is based on certain classes of composite materials: (a) silicon carbide (SiC); (Mo,W)5Si3C; (Mo,W)Si2; or (b) (Mo,W)5Si3C; (Mo,W)Si2; (Mo,W)5Si3. The sensor system is useful for determining harsh environmental conditions. Gasification systems, which include at least one of the sensor systems are also described.

The present invention realizes a polymer substrate with hard coating layer comprising a high level of environmental resistance and a high level of abrasion resistance.A polymer substrate with hard coating layer is provided that comprises a polymer substrate (60) having a thickness of 1 mm to 20 mm and a hard coating layer (70,80) on the surface thereof. Here, in this polymer substrate with hard coating layer, the hard coating layer (70,80) is laminated on the surface of the polymer substrate, contains as a main component thereof a hydrolysis-condensation product of an organic silicon compound, has a thickness of 0.1 μm to 20 μm, makes direct contact with a cured underlayer on the opposite side of the polymer substrate, is formed from an organic silicon compound by PE-CVD, and satisfies all of the following requirements (a) to (c): (a) film thickness of the silicon oxide layer is within the range of 3.5 μm to 9.0 μm, (b) maximum indentation depth of the surface of the silicon oxide layer as determined by measuring nanoindentation under conditions of a maximum load of 1 mN is 150 nm or less, and (c) the value of critical compression ratio K of the silicon oxide layer, as defined by formula (1) in a 3-point bending test of the polymer substrate with hard coating layer that imparts indentation displacement in which the surface laminated with the silicon oxide layer becomes concave, is 0.975 or less.

Field customizable airflow systems, and methods related to the same, are provided. A housing for an electronic display subassembly includes an intake and an exhaust for ambient air. A communications box located above the electronic display subassembly includes one or more electronic components, a convection aperture plate with one or more apertures, an intake portion, an exhaust portion, and one or more fans which cause a flow of ambient air to be accepted at the intake portion, circulated through each of the apertures in the convection aperture plate, and exhausted through the exhaust portion when activated.

A vortex flowmeter having a measuring tube through which a medium can flow, a bluff body in the measuring tube and a pressure sensor in the effective range of the bluff body. The pressure sensor has a deflectable measuring diaphragm for determining the pressure in the medium neighboring the measuring diaphragm, at least one optical fiber being arranged on and / or in the measuring diaphragm for detecting the deflection of the measuring diaphragm. The optical fiber is at least partially effectively connected to the measuring diaphragm along its length so that a deflection of the measuring diaphragm caused by the medium pressure leads to an extension and / or compression of the optical fiber. The pressure sensor has a pocket that can be deflected by the pressure of the medium and which surrounds the measuring diaphragm and optical fiber to protect them from the medium. The measuring diaphragm is deflected with the pocket.

This provides an ID reader, typically configured for handheld operation, which integrates three types of illumination into a compact package that generates robust performance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust and moisture. These illumination types include, direct (diffuse) light, low-angle light and polarized light. The ID reader includes a sealed reader module assembly having the illuminators in combination with an imager assembly (optics and image sensor) at its relative center. Additionally, also an on-axis aimer and a variable focus system with liquid lens have been integrated in this module and is placed on axis using a mirror assembly that includes a dichroic filter. As the optimal distance to read a code with low-angle light is typically shorter than the optimal distance to use the polarized illumination a variable (e.g. liquid) lens can adjust the focus of the reader to the optimal distance for the selected illumination.

The disclosed invention is a permanent, low-profile outdoor stage that resulted from achievement of objectives to build a home-based site for developing performing artists to practice their art. The stage's performance floor simulates floor-features on which users normally carry out training, recitals and competitions. Between practice sessions the stage can be left uncovered and unattended without being damaged by environmental elements while still retaining its desired original structural and functional qualities. The stage's novelty pertains to composition of its performance floor that is made of matte-finished high-density polyethylene, and the process by which this surface is anchored to the stage's rigid base. The stage is functionally spacious, strong and safe. This stage's novel performance floor, its potential extended utility, its durability against outdoor environmental conditions, and its carefree maintenance combine to make the invention unique in its field.

The present invention provides a polymer substrate with a hardcoat layer exhibiting excellent environmental resistance and wear resistance. A polymer substrate (60) is 1-20 mm thick and a hardcoat layer (70, 80) on the surface thereof comprises: an underlayer cured layer (70) with a thickness of 1-20 μm, and including 10-90 parts by weight of a multifunctional acrylate, and 90-10 parts by weight of inorganic oxide fine particles and / or a silicon compound hydrolytic condensate; and a silicon oxide layer (80) which is in direct contract with the underlayer cured layer, is formed by PE-CVD with an organosilicon compound as the starter material, and satisfies all of the following conditions (a)-(c): (a) the film thickness of the silicon oxide layer is 3.5-9.0 μm; (b) the maximum indentation depth of the surface of the silicon oxide layer by nanoindentation measurement at a maximum load of 1 mN is 150 nm or less; and (c) the limit compression ratio K of the silicon oxide layer is at most 0.975 in a 3-point bending test of the polymer substrate with a hardcoat layer having been subjected to indentation deformation that causes the surface on which the silicon oxide layer is layered to be indented.

The present invention relates in general to the field of water pumps, and more specifically, to an attachment configured to connect to the rear wheel of a motorcycle or motorscooter to provide power to a water pump and a method of pumping water using the attachment. One aspect of the aquacycle pump includes a base plate and a kick-stand support bracket configured to slidably adjust so that the aquacycle pump may be compatible with different sizes of motorcycles or motorscooters. The aquacycle pump may further include a roller that is configured to abut against the rear wheel of the motorcycle or motorscooter. The aquacycle pump may further include a water pump, wherein the water pump is connected to the roller. The aquacycle pump is configured such that as the engine of the motorcycle or motorscooter is started and power is provided to rotate its rear wheel, the abutting roller of the aquacycle pump also rotates. The rotation of the roller, in turn, operates the water pump to convey water to a location where water is needed. The purpose of the invention is to provide a device and method that may utilize existing motorized vehicles prevalent in developing countries (e.g., motorcycles, motorscooters), instead of electricity or petrol generators, to provide energy to a water pump for delivering water.

A sealed plug-in circuit breaker panel has an enclosure defining a sealed interior portion. The enclosure includes a housing, a face plate removably coupled to the housing and a front seal member disposed between the face plate and the housing such that the face plate and the housing are sealingly engaged. The panel further includes an electrical bus structure coupled to the housing, a plurality of first plug-in members coupled to the bus structure and a number of circuit breakers disposed in the enclosure. Each circuit breaker includes a manual operator and at least a pair of second plug-in members which are electrically coupled to corresponding first plug-in members. The manual operator protrudes through and extends from a respective aperture formed in the face plate. The panel further includes a number of feeders and load connectors electrically coupled to the bus structure.

The present invention realizes a polymer substrate with hard coating layer comprising a high level of environmental resistance and a high level of abrasion resistance.A polymer substrate with hard coating layer is provided that comprises a polymer substrate (60) having a thickness of 1 mm to 20 mm and a hard coating layer (70,80) on the surface thereof. Here, in this polymer substrate with hard coating layer, the hard coating layer (70,80) is laminated on the surface of the polymer substrate, contains as a main component thereof a hydrolysis-condensation product of an organic silicon compound, has a thickness of 0.1 μm to 20 μm, makes direct contact with a cured underlayer on the opposite side of the polymer substrate, is formed from an organic silicon compound by PE-CVD, and satisfies all of the following requirements (a) to (c): (a) film thickness of the silicon oxide layer is within the range of 3.5 μm to 9.0 μm, (b) maximum indentation depth of the surface of the silicon oxide layer as determined by measuring nanoindentation under conditions of a maximum load of 1 mN is 150 nm or less, and (c) the value of critical compression ratio K of the silicon oxide layer, as defined by formula (1) in a 3-point bending test of the polymer substrate with hard coating layer that imparts indentation displacement in which the surface laminated with the silicon oxide layer becomes concave, is 0.975 or less.