Abstract: A sensor structure is provided so that a dynamic pressure effect caused by airflow is avoided as much as possible even when a mass airflow measurement device is integrated with a pressure measurement device, thereby preventing contaminated substances, water droplets, or the like from arriving at a pressure measurement part. In the sensor structure, the mass airflow measurement device is inserted into a sensor insertion port provided in an intake air tube component including an intake air tube and is fixed to the intake air tube, and a pressure measurement device is mounted in a housing structural component of the mass airflow measurement device for measuring the pressure. The pressure measurement device and the inside of the intake air tube are connected by a pressure intake port provided in the housing structural component.

Abstract: A load testing device is provided, comprising a main beam and a pair of load testing assemblies operatively connected to the main beam. Each of the load testing assemblies includes a load applying member having a first ball at its terminal end; a spreader plate pivotally attached to the first ball to establish a first ball and socket joint enabling three rotational degrees of freedom about the first ball; a bracket pivotally connected to the spreader plate, wherein the bracket further includes a second ball extending toward the main beam; an adjustment beam pivotally attached to the second ball to establish a second ball and socket joint, and wherein the adjustment beam is slidably disposed relative to the main beam and lockable in one or more predetermined positions.

Abstract: A detection device includes a first substrate having a plurality of force sensors disposed around respective reference points, and a second substrate on which is formed elastic protrusions whose centers of gravity are positioned in positions that overlap with respective reference points and that elastically deform due to the force in a state in which the tips of the elastic protrusions make contact with the first substrate. The second substrate is an elastic material having a predetermined elasticity.

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive amplifier stage comprising four unipolar pressure-sensor transistors each including a piezoresistive current path. The pressure-sensor transistors are connected as a pressure-measuring bridge having two bridge legs each comprising first and second pressure-sensor transistors which are connected in series. Two unipolar control transistors each has a control terminal and a current path arranged between a further first and a further second terminal. The respective first and second terminals of the two control transistors are connected in pairs, and the control terminals each is connected to a node between the pressure-sensor transistors. The interconnected second terminals are connected to the control terminals of the second pressure-sensor transistors of the two bridge legs.

Abstract: A handle pipette including at least one cylinder with an upper end and a lower end, said cylinder having a movable piston, an elongate handle (1), by which the pipette can be manually gripped, said handle having an upper part, and in the upper part of the handle, a sideways extending finger support (7), which finger support (7) is at least partly flexible and/or it can be shaped by the user.

Abstract: A keyboard testing system includes a chassis; a retaining board; a plurality of guiding rods mounted between the chassis and the retaining board; a platform; a lifting device mounted on the chassis to drive the platform to move toward and away from the chassis; a motor mounted in the control box; a transmission device mounted in the control box; a key testing device movably mounted on the guiding rod. The motor drives the key testing device to move toward and away from the platform along the guiding rods by the transmission device.

Abstract: A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.

Abstract: A feed system, rack bar and drive sprocket for moving an underground winning machine having a travel drive with drive sprocket having symmetrically profiled teeth, and rack bars with a plurality of rack teeth being arranged between a supporting strip and a guide strip of the rack bar. The tooth flanks of the teeth are inclined in the direction of movement and diverge towards the tooth tip for the interaction with tooth surfaces of teeth of drive sprocket. In order to improve the interaction between the teeth and produce less wear, the two tooth flanks of each rack tooth are concavely arched and form a trough between guide strip and supporting strip transversely to the direction of movement, with the trough rising towards the tooth tip, and the two tooth surfaces of each drive sprocket tooth is convexly arched and forms a crown transversely to the direction of movement.

Abstract: A spindle drive having a threaded spindle driveable in a rotational fashion, a carriage adjustable via the threaded spindle along a guide rail, and several guide carriages arranged in front and behind the carriage in the feed direction to support the spindle, with the guide carriages arranged in front of the carriage in an accumulating motion being pushed together successively by the carriage towards the spindle end, and with the guide carriages arranged behind the carriage being entrained by a coupling mechanism and moved into allocated support positions. Coupling elements are provided on the guide carriages and the carriage, that cooperate together and can be operated by switching elements fixed on the guide rail, by which the guide carriages arranged in front of the carriage are automatically coupled during the successive displacement motion, and by which the entrained guide carriages upon reaching their support position are automatically decoupled and fixed.

Abstract: A nonparallel-axes transmission mechanism includes conical pulleys. A first conical pulley includes a first rotation axis and a first imaginary conical surface including a center line identical to the first rotation axis. A second conical pulley includes a second rotation axis not parallel to the first rotation axis, and a second imaginary conical surface including a center line identical to the second rotation axis. The first and second imaginary conical surfaces include matching apexes. Support shafts rotatably support the conical pulleys. A fan belt transmits power from the first conical pulley to the second conical pulley and contacts the first and second imaginary conical surfaces. The first conical pulley includes a shape of the first imaginary conical surface removing a shape of the contacting fan belt. The second conical pulley includes a shape of the second imaginary conical surface removing a shape of the contacting fan belt.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system that shortens the time from when the actuation of the motor is started to when the actual winding of the seatbelt around the spindle is started. This vehicle occupant restraint system includes a clutch mechanism that connects or disconnects an electric actuator and a spindle, and a power transmission mechanism that can transmit motive power from the electric actuator to the clutch mechanism 20. The power transmission mechanism is provide with a low reduction transmission path that reduces the rotation of the electric actuator at a low reduction ratio, a high reduction transmission path that reduces the rotation of the electric actuator at a high reduction ratio, and switching means.

Abstract: A power tong unit having a gear train in which one or more of the gears in the gear train have removable and replacement roller tooth elements, in lieu of conventional gear teeth. In one embodiment, the ring gear and pinion gears have roller tooth elements, and idler gears disposed between the ring gear and pinion gears, have a semi-circular tooth root profile to mesh with the roller element gear teeth. The ring gear of the power tong unit may also have a removable section. A means for removing the removable section from the ring gear, and moving it to a position in which a tubular can be inserted into a central opening in the ring gear, may include a hydraulic cylinder, a clamping mechanism, and a cam surface to generate rotation of the removable section once lifted out of engagement with the ring gear.

Abstract: A robot according to an embodiment includes a base, a first structure, a second structure, and a third structure. The first structure is connected to the base to be rotatable about a first axis. The second structure is connected to the first structure to be rotatable about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The third structure is connected to the second structure to be rotatable about a third axis parallel to the second axis. The first structure and the third structure are formed by using cast materials having a same shape.

Abstract: A steering device includes an outer column including fastening pieces formed to face each other at both sides, in the width direction, of a slot portion formed at either of a lower side or an upper side of an embracing body portion along an axial direction thereof, a fixed bracket clamping the outer column, a fastener that fastens the outer column and the fixed bracket, an inner column, and a pushing member having an expanding shaft portion. The two fastening pieces of the embracing body portion are connected by the fastener so that the two fastening pieces can be expanded and contracted, and the expanding shaft portion is elastically biased in an axial center direction of the outer column so as to abut on end zones of the slot portion and expand the two fastening pieces.

Abstract: The invention concerns a handle brake device (10) suitable for being installed on a handlebar (11) of a wheelchair, a wheeled walker, a bicycle, a motorbike, a scooter or any type of transportation device that makes use of a manually driven brake to control a transmission cable connected at one end to the hand brake device (10) and at the other end to a brake mechanism mounted on a wheel of the wheelchair or the wheeled walker comprising:—a housing (1) fixable onto the handlebar (11) of the wheelchair or the wheeled walker,—a brake lever (2) rotatably installed on said housing (1),—a transmission cable connected to said brake lever (2) through a cable connector (4), said cable connector (4) defining a connecting point, characterized in that the brake lever (2) comprises a first arc hole (16) and a second arc hole (17), inside each of which a pivot pin (13?, 13?) fixedly connected to said housing (1) is slideably engaged in such a manner as to provide dual pivot for the brake lever (2), respectively a first pi

Abstract: A retractable control device for a household electrical appliance includes a knob movable against an elastic member within an aperture or seat of a control interface of the appliance. The knob is configured to assume two working positions including a first position in which the knob is seated in the aperture and a second position in which the knob extends outwardly therefrom. The knob cooperates with a control member for a functional element of the appliance, such as an electrical resistance heater or microwave generator of an oven, or a gas burner of a cooking hob. The device also includes a cylindrical element disposed and fixed in the aperture of the control interface about the knob. The cylindrical element contains the knob when the knob is in its first position and guides its movement within the aperture along a central longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a travel simulator arrangement, in particular for motor vehicle braking systems, having a travel simulator which has a means, in particular a resilient or elastic one, to represent an actuating travel as a function of an actuating force, characterised in that the travel simulator (8) has assigned to it an adaptive means which produces a variable opposing force to the travel simulator force.

Abstract: A high energy density flywheel has a central rotating axle for storing kinetic energy. The flywheel comprises a first member to be operatively mounted around the axle. The first member comprises a first material having a given high mass density enabling a given high kinetic energy storage capacity. The flywheel comprises a second member operatively attached to the first member. The second member surrounds an outside portion of the first member subject to radial forces generated by a rotation of the flywheel. The second member comprises a second material having a given high yield strength enabling a given high maximum rotational speed. The second member enables an operation of the flywheel at a given high flywheel rotational speed greater than the rotational speed that would be allowed by the maximal yield strength of the first material, to thereby provide the flywheel with a given high kinetic energy storage capacity.

Abstract: To provide a housing cover for fixing to a housing which is simple to produce and to fit, it is proposed that the housing cover is configured as a sheet metal formed part, that the housing cover is provided with a plurality of fastening means through-apertures and with a sealing bead, which comprises an elastomeric material, and that when the housing cover is in a rest state prior to tightening the housing cover against the housing by means of the fastening means, at least one contact region portion of the inside of the housing cover which faces the housing when the housing cover is in the fitted state, said contact region portion being located between two fastening means through-apertures and carrying a portion of the sealing bead, projects, at least in a section thereof, over the inside edges of the two adjacent fastening means through-apertures.

Abstract: A transmission for a Series/Parallel Hybrid Vehicles (SPHV) enabling the vehicle to switch between series and parallel modes while the vehicle is in motion and while both the traction motor and the prime mover are operating at efficient levels is described herein. The traction motor and the prime mover are connected to an intermediate shaft via different ratio gear assemblies. A clutch is provided between the prime mover gear assembly and the intermediate shaft to allow the switch between the series mode and the parallel mode.

Abstract: A drive-train of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a continuously variable transmission for driving under internal combustion engine power and having at least one electric machine for driving under electric power. The electric machine can be coupled, on the drive output side, in such manner that electric driving can take place decoupled from the continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: This invention relates to a waste treatment furnace and method comprising: Generating a molten metal bed, which moves in a forward direction, such as to define a closed circuit in a cyclical and continuous manner, the surface of said bed comprising at least one essentially-slag-free segment. Loading waste onto the aforementioned essentially-slag-free segment, the waste being dragged by the molten metal bed such that it floats in the mentioned forward direction. Retaining the waste on the surface of the molten metal bed as it moves in the mentioned forward direction. Treating the waste under the effect of the constant and continuous heat exchange generated by the movement of the molten metal bed beneath the waste retained thereon.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an Fe/Ni-containing material having a low content of sulfur from an Fe/Ni/SO4-containing liquid waste, a ferronickel mass using the Fe/Ni-containing material, and a method of manufacturing the ferronickel mass. The method includes: removing SO4 from an Fe/Ni/SO4-containing liquid waste by adding an SO4 neutralizing agent to the liquid waste so that pH of the liquid waste can be maintained to a pH level of 0.5 to 2.5; precipitating Fe and Ni in the form of hydroxide [(Ni,Fe)(OH)] by adding NaOH to the SO4-free solution; washing the precipitate with water; and manufacturing an Ni/Fe-containing material by filtering and drying the washed Ni/Fe-containing sludge. The method may be useful to suitably apply to the field of recycling of waste acids since an Fe/Ni-containing pellet and a high purity plaster are recovered as the stainless steel material from the waste water at the same time.

Abstract: A method and system for making metallic iron nodules with reduced CO2 emissions is disclosed. The method includes: assembling a linear hearth furnace having entry and exit portions, at least a conversion zone and a fusion zone, and a moving hearth adapted to move reducible iron bearing material through the furnace on contiguous hearth sections; assembling a shrouded return substantially free of air ingress extending adjacent at least the conversion and fusion zones of the furnace through which hearth sections can move from adjacent the exit portion to adjacent the entry portion of the furnace; transferring the hearth sections from the furnace to the shrouded return adjacent the exit portion; reducing reducible material in the linear hearth furnace to metallic iron nodules; and transporting porting gases from at least the fusion zone to the shrouded return to heat the hearth sections while in the shrouded return.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention refer to a MHP process do produce rough ferro-nickel product and that may include the steps of mixing nickel hydroxide with an iron source and slagging agents, putting the mixture in contact with a reducing agent producing a ferronickel alloy, and producing a roasted product that has disseminated ferronickel alloy inside the structure.

Abstract: A method for producing metallic magnesium by vacuum circulating silicothermic process and apparatus thereof The method comprises the following steps: passing molten ferrosilicon (109) of 1350˜1600° C. and magnesium ore powder containing magnesia blended therein through a vacuum container (104) with a vacuum of 350˜10000 Pa periodically in a manner of circulating flow, and collecting liquid magnesium (201), i.e. the magnesium vapor released upon condensing. The apparatus comprises a heating container (101) and a vacuum container (104) connected with an elevating dip pipe (102) and a falling dip pipe (103) whose lower ends immersed into the molten ferrosilicon (109) in the heating container (101). An inert gas blowing device is inserted into the elevating dip pipe (102) wall. The method and apparatus thereof can improve productivity.

Abstract: Device (10) and method for opening containers (12) containing liquids, to remove lids (11) or capsules from the relative containers (12). The lids (11) are conformed so as to define a spout (11a) with a hole in it to allow the liquid to come out of the container (12). The device (10) comprises one or more extraction members (15), each provided with an air passage pipe (17) associable with at least part of the spout (11a) in order to selectively introduce pressurized air inside a relative container (12). A closing valve member (30) is disposed along the air passage pipe (17), and is selectively openable when the extraction member (15) is associated with a relative spout (11a), and wherein the introduction of pressurized air inside the container (12) determines a relative movement of separation of the lid (11) and the container (12).

Abstract: An oil filter removal tool having a base and axially compressible bellows attached at a liquid-tight joint to the base that telescopes over an oil filter being removed defining a container that collects excess oil during filter removal. Base has a filter engaging recess with a fluid passage enabling oil collected during removal to flow into a reservoir between the filter and base. Another reservoir formed between filter and bellows holds additional oil. Joint is formed by a seating arrangement having a configuration that also strengthens the tool. Bellows can compress to seal against pan ensuring oil in oil pan and filter that spills during filter removal remains within tool. After removal, bellows can return to its uncompressed length providing a container sidewall extending outwardly beyond filter enabling collected oil to be transported and dumped into a container.

Abstract: A knot loosening device and method of use. A pointed member is disposed, for inserting into the knot, followed by a midsection with a pry arm. Once the midsection is engaged, the pry arm is actuated by means of a lever arm which can be viewed as outwardly expanding jaws or jaw surfaces which have the effect of spreading or loosening the knot.

Abstract: A torque-limiting driver has a handle, a body, a torque-limiting assembly and a work-piece engaging tip. The torque-limiting assembly includes an upper and lower shank that have a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced. The teeth have a vertical face, an inclined face, and a flat peak. There is a spring for applying pressure across the upper and lower shank with multiple washers interposed between the lower shaft and spring. In some instances, there is a round square drive with arched catches having preselected radii to assure operation over certain cycles at selected torque and to reduced nose cone damage and breakage at a predetermined inch pounds of torque.

Abstract: A cutting insert for a machining cutting tool. In a radial direction Q, which extends in a main plane H from the cutting corner to a center Z of the cutting insert, the following are formed in order: a falling cutting surface, a chip guiding stage base adjacent the cutting surface, a first chip guiding stage, which is adjacent to the chip guiding stage base and has a first surface rising from the chip guiding stage base and a first plateau adjacent thereto. A second chip guiding stage has a second surface rising from the first plateau and a second plateau adjacent thereto. A third chip guiding stage has a third surface rising from the second plateau and a third plateau adjacent thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of acquiring slices or portions of slices of constant weight from food products sliced by a cutting apparatus. A plurality of cross-sectional areas Fi of the product are determined for at least one product to be sliced, in particular in accordance with the light sectioning process. The total weight Gges of the product is determined; control data are calculated using the cross-sectional areas Fi and the total weight Gges; and the cutting apparatus, is operated at least in part using the control data.

Abstract: A weight correction system for a slicing apparatus includes a weigh scale that weighs a draft of slices output from a slicer, a laser device arranged above the drafts of slices from the slicer, and a control that assigns a weight to each draft of slices, compares the weight to a pre-selected acceptable weight and determines a correction indicator representative of the number of slices to be added to or subtracted from each draft. The control commands the laser device to project the correction indicator onto a top slice of the draft. The laser device can project the correction indicator onto the draft as the draft is moving on a conveyor, or the laser device projects the correction indicator onto the drafts when the drafts are stationary, such as when the drafts are stationary in a packaging station.

Abstract: A method for automatically cutting a workpiece comprising the steps of moving a workpiece along its longitudinal axis, positioning a cutting blade by rotating the blade about a vertical axis, positioning the cutting blade by rotating about a bevel axis, and vertically moving the blade into cutting contact with the workpiece, thereby stab cutting the workpiece and creating a bevel cut. The method may also comprise moving the blade along a transverse axis. Further steps may include moving the cutting blade along a transverse axis simultaneous to moving the workpiece along it longitudinal axis, thereby creating a scarf cut.

Abstract: A method for making an opening in a substrate includes creating a cutting path in the substrate for cutting out a polygonal area along predetermined side paths which enclose the opening and are connected to each other via respective corner points. The cutting path is started in an internal region of the polygonal area at a distance from the side paths. The cutting path is continued in a recess in the internal region to a start point on a first one of the side paths, the start point being disposed along the first one of the side paths at a substantial distance from each of the respective corner points so as to divide the first one of the side paths into a long side path portion and a short side path portion. The cutting path is continued, from the start point, along each of the side paths.

Abstract: A shearing system is adapted to remove a portion of product having a main product length moving along a line. The system comprises: a pair of parallel shafts arranged approximately normal to the line; a hub assembly carried by the pair of a parallel shafts and comprising a pair of first cutting blades in a first cutting zone adjacent to one side of the line; a drive assembly for continuously rotating the shafts in opposing directions; and a switching assembly for deflecting the product from the line along a path bypassing the first cutting zone and for sequentially traversing the product. The hub assembly can further comprise a pair of second cutting blades in a second cutting zone separated by the first cutting zone by a neutral zone without cutting blades. Also, the hub assembly can comprise multiple pairs of third cutting blades in a third cutting zone bordering the second cutting zone.

Abstract: A rotary die cutter including a die plate including a blade which die cuts a material, die cylinder, opposed cylinder, air blowing device, receiving device, and guide device. The die cylinder mounts the die plate on its circumferential surface and is supported rotatably. The opposed cylinder is opposed to the die cylinder and supported rotatably. The die cylinder cuts the material using the die plate at the position at which the die cylinder is opposed to the opposed cylinder. The air blowing device blows air onto the circumferential surface of the die cylinder in the tangential direction to the die cylinder from the downstream side to the upstream side in the direction in which the die cylinder rotates. The receiving device receives the cut piece peeled from the die plate by the air blown from the air blowing device. The guide device guides the cut piece to the receiving device.

Abstract: A mandoline slicer includes a slicing blade and an adjustable slicing ramp. A series of julienne blades is selectively movable between a stowed and a deployed position above the ramp. At a distal end of the ramp, a portion of the ramp is pivotable between a first position for using the slicing blade and a second position covering the slicing blade and exposing a grating surface.

Abstract: A substrate cutting apparatus and a method of cutting a substrate using the same. The substrate cutting apparatus includes: a stand that supports a substrate; a support that is movable up and down, presses the substrate toward the stand, and has a groove forming unit that form grooves corresponding to positions where the substrate is to be cut at an interval; and a cutting unit that is formed in the support to be movable up and down and cuts the substrate using the grooves formed by the groove forming unit. According to the substrate cutting apparatus, V-shaped grooves are formed in advance of cutting a substrate into unit substrates at portions to be cut. Thus, breaking of the substrate may be prevented during the cutting.

Abstract: A string-replacement assembly may be installed within an inner cavity of a body of a guitar or non-fretted string instrument. The assembly includes at least one cartridge configured to contain a supply of replacement string therein, corresponding to a particular string gauge for the guitar. Each supply of replacement string is rotatably mounted within a cartridge. A free end of each supply of the replacement string can be threaded through an exit opening in the body of the guitar for installation on a topside of the guitar or non-fretted string instrument. When a string needs to be replaced, a portion of the supply of the replacement string may be readily advanced from a corresponding cartridge to a desired length, and installed in a playing position on the topside of the guitar or non-fretted string instrument, to replace a removed portion of the string.

Abstract: A system for spacing structural members of a drum head of a drum apart from the drum shell, thereby eliminating a source of distortion to the tonal qualities of the drum. One or more adapting brackets having a series of inner and outer holes are provided. The bracket is fastened to the lugs of the drum shell using the inner holes. An oversize drum head is substituted for the conventional drum head.

Abstract: Described is a drum foot pedal with a tension adjuster for adjusting the tension of the spring and corresponding return action of a beater. The device includes a foot pedal and a beater bracket operably connected with the foot pedal such that the beater bracket is actuated in response to force applied to the foot pedal. A rocker component is attached with the beater bracket such that rotational motion of the beater bracket causes a rotational motion of the rocker component. A swivel component is connected with the rocker component. Further, a spring is attached with the swivel component for biasing the beater bracket to force a return action of a beater when force is removed from the foot pedal. Finally, a spring tension adjuster connected with and between the swivel component and spring, the spring tension adjuster operable for allowing a user to selectively adjust tension of the spring.

Abstract: A data sonification method for representing multidimensional numerical information with a plurality of variable-timbre channels rendered in a sound field is described. The method includes generation of a plurality of variable-timbre audio waveforms, each having an audio frequency parameter and at least one timbre modulation parameter having an adjustable value that affects the timbre of the audio waveform. The method includes associating aspects of multidimensional numerical data with the timbre modulation parameter of each audio frequency waveform using a mapping element. The mapping element varies values of timbre modulation parameters responsive to selected values from the multidimensional numerical data. The method also positions each audio frequency waveform within a sonically-rendered sound field, associating aspects of multidimensional numerical data with the sonically-rendered position within the sound field. The sound field can be stereo, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and an apparatus for training an absolute pitch, to an electronic musical instrument, and to a sound source processing apparatus. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an absolute pitch training apparatus is provided, comprising: an output request input unit for taking, as an input, an output request for a specific sound; an overtone output unit for outputting an overtone, the number of vibrations of which is greater than the basic number of vibrations for a specific sound; and a compound tone output unit for outputting a compound tone in which a fundamental sound, having a basic number of vibrations, and an overtone for a specific sound are mixed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an absolute pitch training method for training an absolute pitch is proposed, enabling persons necessarily requiring an absolute pitch to train so as to achieve an absolute pitch.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for purging an airlock cavity created between the airlock access door and the primary explosion chamber opening sealing mechanism. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an airlock device is used to ensure that, in the event toxins are released from the primary explosion chamber opening sealing means, the toxins are properly handled and are not inadvertently released into the atmosphere. In one embodiment, negative pressure is used to vacuum the entrained air within the airlock cavity subsequent to an explosion. To facilitate the sweeping and exhausting of the cavity, an orifice in the access door may be operable to allow the flow of ambient air through the airlock access door.

Abstract: A perforating gun having an outer gun barrel, inside of which an inner barrel is coaxially arranged, carrying perforators that can be ignited by means of a detonating cord leading through the gun barrel and, after ignition, pierce the gun barrel in order to form penetration holes, wherein means are provided for automatically closing the penetration holes after the blast, said means being a swellable medium. In order to ensure that the swellable medium requires little space in the perforating gun and can be easily integrated into the perforating gun, the swellable medium is disposed in a laminary manner inside the perforating gun.

Abstract: There is a transparent armor system. The system comprises a transparent front region comprising a strike-face layer. The front region includes a mass of a type of material characterized by having sufficient energy absorption capacity and energy dissipation properties to reduce radial tensile stresses and hoop tensile stresses caused by an impact at the strike face to a set reduced level. The impact has impact energy caused by an impact projectile having a mass hitting the strike-face layer. The system further comprises a transparent back region comprising a potassium-sodium exchanged glass characterized by having a surface compression of at least about 50,000 psi and a compression case depth of at least about 200 microns. The potassium-sodium exchanged glass is present in one of a layer and a plurality of layers in the back region. There are also associated methods of making and methods of using.

Abstract: A novel firearm handguard system includes a handguard and an integrated gas tube. In a particular embodiment, the gas tube includes fastening feature and the handguard includes a complementary fastening feature that is adapted to be coupled to the fastening feature of the gas tube. In a more particular embodiment, the gas tube includes an integral mounting rail and the handguard includes an integral mounting rail. In an even more particular embodiment, the gas tube and the handguard each include a feature for configuring removable rail systems thereon.

Abstract: A fluid operated actuator (100) is provided. The fluid operated actuator (100) includes a body (101) forming a piston bore (201). A piston (111) is movable within the piston bore (201). The fluid operated actuator (100) also includes a valve unit (105) coupled to the body (101) and including a fluid inlet port (217), a fluid exhaust port (220), and a valve member (214) configured to selectively open a fluid flow path between the fluid inlet port (217) and the piston bore (201) and between the exhaust port (220) and the piston bore (201). The fluid operated actuator (100) can also include a control unit (106) coupled to the body (101) and the valve unit (105). The control unit (106) can include a pilot input port (317a) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port (217). The control unit (106) can also include first and second pilot output ports (317b, 317c) in fluid communication with the valve member (214).

Abstract: A capacity control valve capable of enhancing the function of discharging liquid refrigerant in a control chamber during startup of a variable capacity compressor, and improving the control speed of a swash plate during control is provided. The valve has an adapter that has an annular bearing surface and is provided to a free end of a pressure-sensitive body in the elongation and constriction direction, and a valve body for discharging liquid refrigerant, moveably provided inside the adapter. A slit is provided to an engaging part of the adapter with a third valve part, and an introduction hole for causing the control chamber pressure to act on a bottom surface of the valve body for discharging the liquid refrigerant is provided to the base part side, and an urging force is provided whereby the valve body for discharging the liquid refrigerant is urged in a valve-opening direction away from the third valve part.