Abstract: A process for the extraction and concentration of saponins from agricultural feedstocks. An agricultural feedstock can undergo a first preparation step intended to increase surface area of the feedstock for increased efficiency in extracting saponin from the feedstock. A saponin extraction step can extract saponin from the prepared feedstock and diffuse the saponin into a solution. A pH adjusted crossflow filtration step can be used to concentrate the saponin into a concentrated saponin solution. One or more pH adjusted centrifugation steps can be used to spin out and concentrate suspended saponin solids. The saponin solids can undergo a drying step to remove any excess water and produce a purified saponin product that can be easily packaged and transported.

Abstract: A projectile having a leading section and a trailing section coupled together to define a structure for delivering a plurality of flechettes. The trailing section includes aerodynamic control surfaces that are deployable to apply an aerodynamic braking force to the trailing section to separate the trailing section from the leading section. The flechettes surround an explosive charge in the leading section such that initiation of the explosive charge outwardly disperses the flechettes after the leading section and the trailing section have separated. The control surfaces optionally also may impart spin to the projectile to assist in dispersing the flechettes. Thus, aerodynamic force is employed to assist in removing the flechettes from their confining structure in the projectile before dispersing them.

Abstract: A process for the extraction and concentration of saponins from agricultural feedstocks. An agricultural feedstock can undergo a first preparation step intended to increase surface area of the feedstock for increased efficiency in extracting saponin from the feedstock. A saponin extraction step can extract saponin from the prepared feedstock and diffuse the saponin into a solution. A pH adjusted crossflow filtration step can be used to concentrate the saponin into a concentrated saponin solution. One or more pH adjusted centrifugation steps can be used to spin out and concentrate suspended saponin solids. The saponin solids can undergo a drying step to remove any excess water and produce a purified saponin product that can be easily packaged and transported.

Abstract: Process for enhancing production rates/production of yeast cell wall products and yeast extracts by adding saponin or a saponin containing ingredient to yeast cultures during fermentation or to yeast cream prior to autolysis. In the context of a sugar beet processing facility, saponin, which is contained within the sugar refining process streams during sucrose production, is readily available and can be introduced to the yeast cultures or yeast cream as either a saponin extract or as dried and shredded sugar beet leaves, without requiring any additional sourcing or acquisition costs. Activity between the saponin and yeast/yeast cream results in the formation of saponin fermentation products.

Abstract: A projectile having a leading section and a trailing section coupled together to define a structure for delivering a plurality of flechettes. The trailing section includes aerodynamic control surfaces that are deployable to apply an aerodynamic braking force to the trailing section to separate the trailing section from the leading section. The flechettes surround an explosive charge in the leading section such that initiation of the explosive charge outwardly disperses the flechettes after the leading section and the trailing section have separated. The control surfaces optionally also may impart spin to the projectile to assist in dispersing the flechettes. Thus, aerodynamic force is employed to assist in removing the flechettes from their confining structure in the projectile before dispersing them.

Abstract: An explosive device includes a housing and an explosive charge within the housing. The explosive charge includes a primary explosive charge and a shaped charge placed against an inside surface of the housing. The explosive device may further include a buffering material that separates the shaped charge and the primary explosive charge. The shaped charge provides a means for opening the housing before detonating the primary explosive charge, thereby enhancing the blast effect from detonating the primary explosive charge.

Abstract: A warhead 10 with selectable output can provide either a high-yield mode for a wide area of damage or a low-yield mode for restricting damage to a confined area. The warhead 10 includes a casing 14 having one or more partitions 16 that separate the casing 14 into multiple compartments. Each compartment includes an explosive charge. The multiple compartments include at least a first compartment 20 with a first explosive charge 22 and a first igniter 30, and a second compartment 24 separate from the first compartment 20 with a second explosive charge 26 and a second igniter 32. The second compartment 24 has a deflagration charge 34 for selectively destroying the second explosive charge 26 without detonation.

Abstract: A warhead 10 with selectable output can provide either a high-yield mode for a wide area of damage or a low-yield mode for restricting damage to a confined area. The warhead 10 includes a casing 14 having one or more partitions 16 that separate the casing 14 into multiple compartments. Each compartment includes an explosive charge. The multiple compartments include at least a first compartment 20 with a first explosive charge 22 and a first igniter 30, and a second compartment 24 separate from the first compartment 20 with a second explosive charge 26 and a second igniter 32. The second compartment 24 has a deflagration charge 34 for selectively destroying the second explosive charge 26 without detonation.

Abstract: Non-lethal payloads may be customized for particular uses and desired visual and audible incapacitation based upon the selection of igniter/activators and illuminants used with the non-lethal payloads. Non-lethal payloads employing high flame temperature igniter/activators and illuminants of powder metals, powdered metals combined with oxidizers, and powdered metals combined with heat-activated chromophores may produce improved “flashes” and “bangs” for non-lethal payloads used with diversionary or other devices. Such devices and methods of producing illuminance and noise are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleanly breaking a continuously advancing cellulose web includes a transfer fabric which supports and advances the cellulose web to a wind up zone. The transfer fabric forms a closed loop and is driven at a desired speed by a drive roll. At least two spray nozzles are arranged transversely across the advancing cellulose web as it is carried on the transfer fabric. The spray nozzles are capable of emitting a liquid under high pressure against the advancing cellulose web to form perforations across the width thereof. A plurality of hollow cores are independently and sequentially moved into position at the wind up zone to receive the advancing cellulose web. The hollow cores are located downstream of the spray nozzles and each hollow core is capable of accumulating a predetermined amount of the cellulose web.