Abstract: A system for making a brine solution is provided comprising: a single conveyor; and a hopper assembly configured to receive a salt and a solvent, the hopper assembly comprising a lower hopper having a shape in which sides of the lower hopper direct any solid contents of the lower hopper, under a force of gravity, towards an entry point of the single conveyor, the hopper assembly further comprising a solvent inlet arranged to spray the salt, wherein the solvent inlet is configured to create a brine solution from a spray of the solvent combined with the salt in the hopper assembly, and wherein the single conveyor is configured to remove debris from the hopper assembly at the entry point of the single conveyor. A novel sediment tank is also provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for computer aided design of physical structures using generative design processes, where three dimensional (3D) models of the physical structures can be produced to include lattices, hollows, holes, and combinations thereof, include: obtaining design criteria for an object; iteratively modifying 3D topology and shape(s) for the object using generative design process(es) that employ a macrostructure representation, e.g., using level-set method(s), in combination with physical simulation(s) that place void(s) in solid region(s) or solid(s) in void region(s) of the generative model of the object; and providing a 3D model of the generative design for the object for use in manufacturing a physical structure corresponding to the object using one or more computer-controlled manufacturing systems.

Abstract: A ball for use in sport or recreation to be delivered through air comprises a smooth portion having a relatively smooth surface on one side of the ball, and a rough portion having a relatively rough surface on an opposite side of the ball. The smooth portion may comprise greater than 50% of the surface of ball. For example, the smooth portion may comprise between 55% and 75% of the surface of the ball. The ball also may comprise a seam located entirely on the smooth portion. The seam may include a plurality of rows of imitation stitches on the surface of the smooth portion. When delivered through the air, the ball may deviate from an expected trajectory towards the side of the ball having the smooth surface.

Abstract: A ball for use in sport or recreation to be delivered through air comprises a smooth portion having a relatively smooth surface on one side of the ball, and a rough portion having a relatively rough surface on an opposite side of the ball. The smooth portion may comprise greater than 50% of the surface of ball. For example, the smooth portion may comprise between 55% and 75% of the surface of the ball. The ball also may comprise a seam located entirely on the smooth portion. The seam may include a plurality of rows of imitation stitches on the surface of the smooth portion. When delivered through the air, the ball may deviate from an expected trajectory towards the side of the ball having the smooth surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ball (1) which is manufactured to include a relatively rough surface (3) on one side of the ball and a relatively smooth surface (2) on the other side of the ball, wherein when the ball (1) is delivered through air the ball (1) deviates from an expected trajectory towards the smooth side.