Flip-flop (electronics)

In electronics, a flip-flop or latch is a circuit that has two stable states and can be used to store state information. A flip-flop is a bistable multivibrator. The circuit can be made to change state by signals applied to one or more control inputs and will have one or two outputs. It is the basic storage element in sequential logic. Flip-flops and latches are a fundamental building block of digital electronics systems used in computers, communications, and many other types of systems.

Flip-flops and latches are used as data storage elements. A flip-flop stores a single bit (binary digit) of data; one of its two states represents a "one" and the other represents a "zero". Such data storage can be used for storage of state, and such a circuit is described as sequential logic. When used in a finite-state machine, the output and next state depend not only on its current input, but also on its current state (and hence, previous inputs). It can also be used for counting of pulses, and for synchronizing variably-timed input signals to some reference timing signal.

Latch (hardware)

A latch (called sneck in Northern England and Scotland) is a type of mechanical fastener that is used to join two (or more) objects or surfaces together while allowing for the regular or eventual separation of the objects or surfaces. A latch typically engages another piece of hardware on the other mounting surface. Depending upon the type and design of the latch, this engaged bit of hardware may be known as a keeper or strike. Note that a latch is not the same as the locking mechanism of a door or window, although often they are found together in the same product.

Latches range in complexity from flexible one-piece flat springs of metal or plastic, such as are used to keep blow molded plastic power tool cases closed, to multi-point cammed latches used to keep large doors closed.

Common types

Deadbolt latch

A single-throw bolt. The bolt can be engaged in its strike plate only after the door is closed. The locking mechanism typically prevents the bolt from being retracted by force.

Fireball

A fireball is a somewhat spherical mass of fire.

It may also refer to:

Science

Transportation

Entertainment

Fire Ball

Fire Ball is an amusement ride manufactured by Larson International. It replaced a series of Larson rides manufactured prior to its unveiling, the first being the Super Loop and the second being the Ring of Fire. Several variations of each exist (ex. Space Raiders, Mega Loop, etc.) The rides run the same but the older models have a caged train, whereas the Fire Ball has an open face-off train. Also, some owners of the older Ring of Fire rides have had the caged train replaced with the new Fire Ball train.

Design

The rides are similar in design. There is a large steel boxed-track loop attached to a concrete base or portable trailer with supporting outriggers and steel cables. In this boxed track is a multiple-piece pivoted end-rim (inertia ring) with wheel dogs attached settled within this boxed track. On one section of the rim the train is snugly placed. The rim is run through a shock-absorbent tire drive, which drives the train around the loop.

Travel Path

The ride's train is rocked back and forth at a generous rate, as not to put too much stress on the tire drive. It elevates on every pass through the station until it has gained enough momentum to make it completely around the loop. Once a number of consecutive loops are made it can be shifted to go the other direction. It can also be hung upside down (stopped at the top).

Wooden Coaster - Fireball

Wooden Coaster - Fireball (Chinese: 谷木游龙) is a wooden roller coaster located at Happy Valley in Songjiang, Shanghai, China. The coaster was designed by American wooden coaster designers The Gravity Group and manufactured by Martin & Vleminckx. It opened on August 16, 2009 as China's first wooden roller coaster.

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