Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes a key supported for pivoting movement about a pivot point, a mass member for imparting a reaction force to performance operation of the key in interlocked relation to the key, a transmission member provided in abutment with both of the key and mass member to transmit a load from one of the key and mass member to the other, and an electromagnetic actuator for driving, via a fixed coil, the transmission member toward at least one of the key or mass member. Good key touch feeling can be achieved not only by a load applied from the mass member to the key but also through load control by the actuator. Thus, it is possible to faithfully reproduce a key touch feeling approximate to that in a natural keyboard instrument, such as an acoustic piano, with a simple construction and facilitated control.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toroidal cloth comprising a plurality of closed-loop toroids interconnected together, each toroid having a body defining an interior, the method comprising: providing a first toroid of the plurality of toroids having a first proximal portion and a first distal portion; providing a second toroid of the plurality of toroids having a second proximal portion and a second distal portion; providing a third toroid of the plurality of toroids having a third proximal portion and a third distal portion; overlapping the second toroid and the third toroid such as to overlap the second and third proximal portions; forming an interconnection between the first, second and third toroids by looping the first proximal portion around the body of the second and third toroids being overlapped and passing through the interior of the first toroid adjacent to the first distal portion to cause the first distal portion to be positioned adjacent to the second and third proximal portions; and wherein the

Abstract: A device for triggering mines by pressure, including a chassis and at least one wheel having a central hub and including: at least one assembly that is movable in translation along a radius of the wheel and comprises a weight block at its peripheral radial end, a device suitable for driving the at least one movable assembly, as the wheel rotates in a determined direction with respect to the chassis, in the direction of the hub over a limited sector of the wheel that is less than 2? radians; wherein the device suitable for driving the at least one movable assembly in the direction of the hub are fixed with respect to the chassis, or in that the assembly that is movable in translation comprises a support that is fixed with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant articles having excellent resistance to deterioration due to liquid exposure. More particularly, a ballistic resistant structures and articles formed from a hybrid of woven and non-woven fibrous components that retain their superior ballistic resistance performance after exposure to liquids such as sea water and organic solvents, such as gasoline and other petroleum-based products. The hybrid structures are particularly useful for the formation of or for use in conjunction with soft, flexible body armor.

Abstract: An armor system for defeating rocket propelled grenade-type missiles and/or high velocity jets created by shaped charges directed at a vehicle includes a grid layer such as a net and/or an array of slats or bars (“RPG”) spaced from an outer surface of the vehicle by support members. The grid layer has a characteristic mesh size or bar/slat spacing to disrupt the missile firing mechanism. The system also has a shaped layer having a plurality of tapered members formed from a fiber-reinforced material, the tapered members positioned between the grid layer and the vehicle outer surface and having respective apex ends proximate the distant the grid layer and base ends, the tapered members defining with adjacent tapered members a plurality of depressions opening in a direction to receive an incoming conical portion of an unexploded RPG-type missile, or a jet emanating from an exploded RPG or other anti-armor device, and a layer of fiber-reinforced material abutting the base ends of the tapered members.

Abstract: A ballistic vehicle-immobilization apparatus includes an optical module adapted to provide visual feedback to a user to aim at an object. The ballistic vehicle-immobilization apparatus further includes a firing mechanism adapted to fire a projectile towards the object and a housing containing the firing mechanism. The ballistic vehicle-immobilization apparatus is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle.

Abstract: An Extensile Fluidic Muscle Actuator (FMA) that changes the normal direction of force and motion, achieving compressive force generation and extensile motion output with just a small increase in friction, weight, and cost is disclosed. The motion conversion is accomplished by a pushrod that is attached to the inside end of one of the actuator's end fittings, and extends through the actuator body and slidably out through the other end fitting. The other end fitting is held stationary by a seal housing that contains a sealing element to retain internal fluid pressure as the actuator moves. A linear bearing may also be installed to keep the rod aligned and centered properly in the seal. Upon pressurization of the actuator, the flexible body of the actuator will expand radially, causing relative contractile motion between the two end fittings. However, as the two end fittings are drawn towards each other, the pushrod is extended.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder includes a piston unit inside a cylinder to be free to slide within the cylinder; and a piston rod having the piston unit fixed to one end thereof and another end thereof projecting from the cylinder. The piston unit is inserted into a small diameter portion of the piston rod with an end surface thereof fixedly contacting a shoulder end surface of the piston rod. A round portion is formed as an annular concave in a base end portion outer periphery of the small diameter portion of the piston rod. A tapered portion is formed on an inner periphery of the piston unit from the end surface in alignment with a portion formed by concaving the small diameter portion. A length of the tapered portion in a piston unit axial direction is equal or greater than a length of the concave portion in a piston rod axial direction.

Abstract: In order to detect the position of a piston, e.g. in a piston accumulator, without a run out of electrical cables etc. from the pressure loaded cylinder, the mechanical portion of the band sensor is disposed in the interior of the piston accumulator and a magnet driven in rotation by the winding drum is scanned contactless through a magnetically permeable wall portion from the outside through an angle sensor with respect to a rotation position of the magnet.

Abstract: A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.

Abstract: A process and system (100) for removing contaminants from a solution to regenerate the solution within the system. The process includes providing a solution (165) from a wash vessel (160) to a stripping column (181), the solution (165) including contaminants removed from a flue gas stream (150) present in the wash vessel (160) and contacting the solution with steam (185) inside the stripping column (181) thereby removing the contaminants from the solution and regenerating the solution. The stripping column (181) is operated at a pressure less than about 700 kilopascal.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (1) for deaerating a feed liquid (3) comprising a liquid suspension or pulp, the apparatus comprising a feed conduit (2) to convey the feed liquid (3) into a separator (4), the separator (4) comprising a mechanical agitator (5) for inducing a rotational flow of the feed liquid in a separation chamber (6), such that the rotational flow generates a centrifugal vortex (15) to separate the feed liquid into a first component (7) consisting essentially of froth or gas and a second component (8) consisting essentially of deaerated liquid or sludge, the separator (4) further comprising a device (17) for controlling the location of the vortex (15) in the separation chamber (6). The invention also provides a method for deaerating a feed liquid (3) comprising a liquid suspension or pulp.

Abstract: Separating a mixture comprising at least two solid materials comprises transporting the mixture into a plenum, introducing air into the plenum, removing a heavier fraction of the solid materials from the plenum, removing air having a lighter fraction of the solid materials entrained therein from the plenum, removing the lighter fraction of the solid materials from the air that is removed from the plenum, filtering the remaining air, and re-circulating the air back to the plenum. Valves at the locations where material is introduced to and removed from the system can prevent air flow therethrough while allowing the materials to pass. The air can be introduced into the plenum at an angle with respect to the pathway in which the heavier fraction of the materials falls through the plenum, thereby avoiding damage to a screen that diffuses the air being introduced into the plenum.

Abstract: A fabric filter bag (50) and cage (10) system for use in a bag house (66) for industrial process gas stream particulate removal. The bag house (66) includes an inlet (68) for process gas flow into an interior space (65) thereof, at least one fabric filter bag (50) and cage (10) system within the interior space (65) for filtering the process gas as it flows therethrough, and an outlet (70) for flow of cleaned process gas out of the interior space (65) of the system. The subject fabric filter bag (50) and cage (10) system provides about an additional 14% filter material per bag as compared to like sized round filter bags, thereby effectively reducing the size of bag house (66) required to achieve a particular air to cloth (A/C) ratio. Reducing the size of the bag house (66) required to achieve a particular A/C ratio significantly reduces capital costs typically associated therewith.

Abstract: The air purification apparatus includes a duct (10), a filter (20) for air purification, an electrostatically atomizing device (30), a fan (40), and a switching device (50). The duct (10) has an inlet (11) and an outlet (12). The filter (20) is placed inside of the duct (10). The electrostatically atomizing device (30) is configured to generate a mist of charged minute water particles by means of electrostatically atomizing phenomenon and discharge the same into the duct (10). The fan (40) is configured to send air from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12). The switching device (50) is configured to switch one of a first mode and a second mode. The air purification apparatus is configured to send a mist of charged minute water particles from the electrostatically atomizing device (30) to the outlet (12) not through the filter (20) in said first mode.

Abstract: A sorbent activation plate having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a plurality of reliefs in the first surface, and a plurality of protrusions on the second surface. The sorbent activation plate is structured to attach to a boiler tube such that the plurality of protrusions contact the boiler tube and offset the second surface from the boiler tube.

Abstract: A ductless fumehood system comprising: at least one ductless fumehood comprising a housing; a workspace formed within the housing; a door for selectively closing off the workspace; an air inlet for introducing air into the workspace; a master module for receiving air from the workspace, purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere; and a slave module for receiving air from the workspace, purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere; wherein the slave module is in communication with the master module such that the master module central processing unit is capable of (i) controlling the operation of the active elements of the slave module, (ii) detecting a function failure of the slave module, and (iii) activating the master module alarm in the event of a failure within that slave module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter arrangement (1) for filtering a fluid, e.g. combustion air for a combustion engine. Said filter arrangement has several tubular sections or segments (2, 3). At least part of a wall (4) of at least one tubular section (2) comprises a filter material (4B). At least one tubular section (3) is designed in a bendable manner like a folding joint (5A).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved temperature gauges and adjustability for coffee makers used on board aircraft or used in other instances of varying altitudes.

Abstract: Arrangements are disclosed for sealing and/or retaining a component in a washproof electrical appliance. A heated liquid dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooking appliance including a cooktop having a cooktop surface and a griddle system including at least one cooking grate positioned on the cooktop surface, the at least one cooking grate including at least one griddle support protruding therefrom, and a griddle configured to removably engage the at least one griddle support, the at least one griddle support being configured to support the griddle away from the cooktop surface, and/or an oven cavity defined by top, bottom, front, rear, and lateral sides and a broil system including a diffuser disposed adjacent the top side of the oven cavity, a single tube broil element disposed between the diffuser and the top side of the oven cavity, and the diffuser being configured to diffuse heat emitted from the single tube broil element to form a substantially even temperature gradient proximate the top side of the oven cavity.

Abstract: A toaster with an housing containing at least one toasting chamber accessible from the top, the housing having a side wall that includes a door mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis relative to the rest of the housing, the axis being in a lower part of the housing, the toaster further including at least one bread carriage spaced from the axis so that in the open position of the door, a portion of bread on the carriage projects out of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cooking apparatus having a pan with a sidewall, a bottom wall and a grill top. The bottom wall has a top surface and a bottom surface, with the bottom surface facing a heating source and the top surface facing an air space. A grill covering is disposed on top of the sidewall, with the air space forming between the grill covering and the top surface of the bottom wall. The sidewall also contains at least one handle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of steaming food products such as tamales is disclosed. The method may include the steps of: providing a food product to be steamed, providing a vessel capable of retaining and boiling a liquid, placing a liquid in the vessel to a predetermined level; providing a food supporting inset, the inset being adapted to fit inside the cooking vessel; providing the inset with a tubular conduit having an axis, an inlet, and an outlet.

Abstract: A griddle top for the fast griddling of a plurality of substantially cylindrically-shaped foods, includes a grill plate, which is disposed on a grill or another heat source, and in which a plurality of grooves are formed, the channels including three approximately flat strips, which are connected at their longitudinal edges to form an upwardly open profile, with at least one piece of food being in contact on at least two mutually spaced, elongated portions of its outer skin, or surface, with one of the three strips of a channel.

Abstract: A device, skimmer or utensil for removing unwanted fat, impurities or foam from excess starch accumulated on the surface of soups, stocks, sauces, stews, or boiling pasta; wherein the skimmer is slowly inserted into the cooked liquid and by gently rotating its handle back and forth and gradually dipping the plate into the liquid, the fat, grease, or unwanted foam is spilled onto its holding plate; thus, removing from the cooked food unhealthy fat and/or other unwanted impurities.

Abstract: A fruit squeezer for squeezing juice picks up, squeezes and discards the squeezed fruit with use of a single hand. The squeezer has a first handle and a second handle that are rotatably connected to each other. Each handle has a top portion and a bottom portion. A biasing spring biases the top and bottom portions apart. A U-shaped jaw is fixed to the bottom end of the second handle. A pressing plate jaw is pivotally mounted to the bottom end of the first handle. Squeezing the top ends of the handles toward each other against the force of a spring moves the jaws for squeezing the fruit. A screen operatively connected to the handles simultaneously rotates at a second pivot axis from a rest position to a screening position below the fruit for screening solids from the squeezed juice.

Abstract: A linear printing machine with exchangeable printing modules for printing on hollow bodies. The machine includes a transport system including a drive, using which the hollow bodies to be printed on are transported through the linear printing machine and at least a first printing station and a second printing station which is arranged downstream of the first printing station in the conveying direction of the hollow bodies. At least one drying station dries the ink on the hollow bodies which have been printed on.

Abstract: A fabric printing method includes the following steps. A flexile underlayer and a fabric are provided and the fabric is pasted onto the flexile underlayer. The flexile underlayer and the fabric are sent to the printer to perform a UV printing. Thereby, the UV ink printed on the fabric can be suddenly dried to prevent the UV ink from expanding. Therefore, the figures on the printed fabric can be more delicate, beautiful and clear. The printed fabric can be mass produced by machine to reduce the cost and the manufacturing time. A printed fabric is also provided.

Abstract: A stitching head is provided for stitching books or printed products. The stitching head includes a supporter and a driver. The supporter has a corrugated supporter surface including first ridges and first grooves. The driver interacts with the supporter and has a channel and a corrugated driver surface which includes second ridges and second grooves. The first grooves and first ridges of the supporter mesh with the second ridges and first grooves of driver and the channel supports stitching material between the corrugated supporter surface and the corrugated driver surface. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A printing press is provided. The printing press includes a print unit printing a plurality of printed products, the plurality of printed products being formed into a stream downstream of the print unit. The printing press also includes at least one base and a press component, the press component is mounted onto the at least one base for placement in the stream and translational movement transverse to the stream. The press component may be a pitch changing apparatus. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing cylinders for printing on a web during auto transfer operations is provided. The method includes the steps of printing images on a web with at least one first printing cylinder; accelerating at least one second printing cylinder so that the at least one second printing cylinder has a surface velocity that equals a velocity of the web; adjusting a phasing of the at least one second printing cylinder with respect to the web during the accelerating step and before the surface velocity of the at least one second printing cylinder equals the velocity of the web; moving the at least one first printing cylinder away from the web and moving the at least one second printing cylinder towards the web; and printing images on the web with the at least one second printing cylinder. A printing press configured for auto transfer is also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus to meter ink for electrographic printing. An ink loading mechanism having an anilox roller fills ink from an ink supply into cells in the anilox roller having a plurality of valleys and lands that form the cells. The ink loading mechanism causes the valleys to be full or nearly full with the ink. The anilox roller rotates in a first direction. A blanket roller rotationally engaged with the anilox roller pulls the ink out of the cells and causes the valleys to be partially filled. The blanket roller rotates in a second direction. A first cleaning blade cleans tops of the lands of the cells. Another embodiment is a method and apparatus to meter ink for electrographic printing. An ink loading mechanism having an anilox roller fills ink from an ink supply into cells in the anilox roller having a plurality of valleys and lands forming the cells. The ink loading mechanism causes the valleys to be full or nearly full with the ink.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus to meter ink for electrographic printing. An ink loading mechanism having an anilox roller fills ink from an ink supply into cells in the anilox roller having a plurality of valleys and lands that form the cells. The ink loading mechanism causes the valleys to be full or nearly full with the ink. The anilox roller rotates in a first direction. A blanket roller rotationally engaged with the anilox roller pulls the ink out of the cells and causes the valleys to be partially filled. The blanket roller rotates in a second direction. A first cleaning blade cleans tops of the lands of the cells. Another embodiment is a method and apparatus to meter ink for electrographic printing. An ink loading mechanism having an anilox roller fills ink from an ink supply into cells in the anilox roller having a plurality of valleys and lands forming the cells. The ink loading mechanism causes the valleys to be full or nearly full with the ink.

Abstract: Blasting apparatuses are disclosed that include enhanced security features, including biometric analysis of specific biological features of a candidate blast operator, thereby to generate a biometric signature. Other corresponding methods relate to cross-referencing of biometric signatures between components of the blasting system. Additional security features of the blasting apparatuses, and corresponding methods of blasting employing the blasting apparatuses, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A projectileless ammunition system (20; 320) includes a metallic case (22; 322). A propellant charge (26; 326) is carried by the case and covered by an over-powder member (24; 324) in the absence of a separate projectile. The ammunition is advantageously used with an industrial ballistic tool operating so that each spent case serves as the effective projectile to be propelled by firing of the next round of ammunition.

Abstract: Non-lethal ammunition for a riot gun assembles a bi-chambered projectile body and an impact nose, the assembly being spin-stabilized and nose-heavy such that the nose will impact first at the target. The rearward end of the assembly is mounted into the forward end of a shell casing having a high-energy gas expansion chamber, the mounting forming a low-pressure chamber at the rearward end of the projectile. A cup-shaped multi-port gas diffuser plug, spaced from the projectile body, directs burnt propellant gases from the expansion chamber into the low-pressure chamber to expel the projectile at a relatively low velocity. A sleeve interiorly of the gas diffuser plug closes the ports and is degraded by the burnt gases to provide a complete burning of the propellant.

Abstract: An amusement park ride adapted for fully rotating a passenger compartment in response to vehicle motion along a guide track. The ride includes a vehicle chassis that engages the guide track and travels along the ride path during operation of the ride. The ride further includes a cam-based positioning assembly that is supported by the vehicle chassis to move with it along the guide track. The positioning assembly operates in response to being moved along the guide track to rotate the passenger compartment. The positioning assembly rotates the passenger compartment in counterclockwise and clockwise directions to provide 360-degree rotation. The positioning assembly includes a cam shaft with three cam follower pairs offset along the shaft and extending outward from the shaft at angular offsets, and three cam rails are used to selectively position the followers to rotate the cam shaft and set the position of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A system for guiding a mobile carriage in a frame. The frame has three parallel linear-guiding tracks including a first track extending centrally on the frame and second and third tracks arranged laterally of the first track. The carriage has at least two axes of rotation. A first axis drives at least a first wheel in the first guiding track and a second axis drives at least a second wheel and at least a third wheel, respectively, in the second and third guiding tracks. The two axes of rotation are perpendicular. The description also relates to an associated method. A primary object is to enable the end of a mobile beam, such as a beam carrying a device for wiping a galvanizing product off a steel strip, to perform a guided movement with a high degree of freedom while minimizing mechanical stresses.

Abstract: A rail vehicle has a powered bogie, wherein the powered bogie has driven wheels. Each driven wheel of the powered bogie can be driven by an electric machine, with a power converter being assigned to the electric machine. As a result, a separate power converter is assigned to each driven wheel.

Abstract: Mixed phthalocyanine and naphthalocyanine water-soluble dyes with near-infrared absorption comprise four isoindole units linked together in a large ring to form a phthalocyanine macrocycle. At least one benzene ring is linked to an isoindole unit and at least one naphthalene ring is linked to another isoindole unit. The remaining two isoindole units each have a benzene ring or a naphthalene ring linked thereto, in any combination. A metal atom is optionally complexed to the phthalocyanine macrocycle.

Abstract: The present invention is a colorant compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein at least one of R2, R4, R7 and R9 is an acylamino group represented by the following general formula (2): wherein R11 denotes one of an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, an arylalkyl group, an alkenyl group and a heterocyclic group; and ‘*’ denotes a bonding site with an aromatic ring of the general formula (1).

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a composition that comprises a dispersion in a solvent of a compound comprising the reaction product of (1) a polyamine in which a plurality of amine groups are bonded to at least one radical comprising alkylene or arylene groups that separate the polyamine nitrogen atoms by at least four intermediate atoms in a chain, and (2) a silane which carries a plurality of silicon-bonded hydrolysable groups, and a silicon-bonded organic group that is covalently reactive with and which bonds with an amine group, to provide a reaction product molecule which comprises an average of at least about 2.5 of said silane groups per molecule. Some of these materials show superior advantage as a paint primer and some provide excellent corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides combustion products of hydrocarbon fuels and controlled amounts of metal oxide strength enhancing materials. The combustion products are useful as additives to cementitious materials. A hydrocarbon fuel such as coal is introduced into a combustion chamber and selected amounts of materials comprising CaO, SiO2 and Al2O3 are also introduced into and/or downstream from the chamber. The hydrocarbon fuel undergoes combustion while the metal oxide strength enhancing materials react with each other and/or the ash or other reaction products of the hydrocarbon fuel. The combustion products have been found to significantly increase compressive strengths of cements such as Portland cement. A reduction in SO2 emission levels also results from the introduction of the metal oxide strength enhancing materials into the combustion process.

Abstract: A simple and easily useable system for reverting an uncured colored concrete material back to a gray color, by merely determining the original pigment and loading initially used to color the concrete material. The system utilizes a collection of pigment mixtures that can be selected and combined as needed to revert virtually any colored concrete back to a gray color, thus eliminating or reducing the expulsion of non-gray or colored concrete and/or dirty rinse water. Additionally, the volume of rinse water needed to clean out gray concrete is significantly less than that needed to clean out colored concrete.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments as disclosed herein are directed to setting and curing accelerators for hydraulic binders, including at least one ester of a polyhydric alcohol with an acid and/or salts thereof, where the acid is a phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid or a C2 to C20 carboxylic acid. Compositions including at least one accelerator as disclosed herein can accelerate the setting and curing of hydraulic binders and mortar or concrete produced therefrom, such as quick-setting cement. Methods for accelerating the setting and curing of hydraulic binders and mortar or concrete produced therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: A tray assembly mounted on a wheelchair. A housing containing the tray is mounted along the side of the chair arm. The tray assembly has a tray surface moveable between a stowed and unstowed position.