Abstract: A fuel cell system having partial and/or total redundancy of at least one operational component, such as a redundancy of fuel cell stacks and/or fuel processors. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks adapted to deliver the same maximum rated power output as a comparative fuel cell system having only a single fuel cell stack. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks adapted to deliver more than the maximum rated power output of the comparative fuel cell system. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks having at least n+1 (or total) redundancy compared to a fuel cell system having only a single fuel cell stack. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system includes a control system and/or structure adapted to limit the applied load to the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for refining or otherwise processing tungsten alloys, including ferrotungsten powder and articles formed therefrom, and methods for detecting the presence of the same. The methods include at least one of magnetically-separating and particle-size-separating ferrotungsten or ferrotungsten-containing powder. In some embodiments, powder may be separated to remove fine particles, and optionally to separate the remaining particles into fractions containing selected particle size distributions. The powder additionally or alternatively may be separated into at least magnetic and non-magnetic fractions. In some embodiments, portions of two or more size and/or magnetism fractions are mixed to provide a ferrotungsten-containing feedstock. Selected fractions resulting from the size and magnetism separation steps may be utilized to provide a ferrotungsten-containing feedstock from which articles are produced and which may include additional components.

Abstract: This swimming pool consists of a first sheet or layer of concrete (1) forming the foundation, on which general “C” profile prefabricated reinforced concrete parts (2a, 2b, 2c) are laid, which have tongues or clips (25, 26) projecting from the reinforcement, holes (22) to assemble side torque means (3, 31), vertical channels (23) which define a housing containing concrete filler (4) with expansive additives, and vertical bevels (24) to place sealing filler (5) of the joints. It also consists of a bed (6), which covers the front tongues or clips (25), an upper perimeter finish (7, 8) and a lining of tiles (9) applied directly on the prefabricated parts (2a, 2b, 2c) and the bed (6).

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle driving system having differential gear including an input shaft, an outlet shaft and a reactionary shaft, a flywheel, an engine, the flywheel and the engine being interlocked with the input shaft, an output shaft interlocked with the outlet shaft, a first motor generator (MG) interlocked with the reactionary shaft and a second MG adapted to receive the output electric power of the first MG as input.

Abstract: A reinforced flexible pipe having a tubular core member and a plurality of reinforcing tape members wrapped on the core member; the innermost tape member includes a plurality of openings that communicate with the external surface of the core member; and a polymer material embedded in the openings in the tape such that the polymer material contacts the core member and the tape to improve the hoop strength and the collapse resistance of the pipe. The polymer layer may also be bonded to the outer reinforcing tape to provide abrasion resistance to the reinforced flexible pipe.

Abstract: A modular fuze assembly is provided for use in multiple types of military ordnance. The fuze comprises a base unit having an initiator for arming the fuze; a timer assembly that includes a programmable clock package; a trigger assembly comprising a line monitoring circuit and a photo-capacitor; and a top cover unit. Each of the individual components are interconnected together to form a single, unitized system. Multiple initiation stages are provided to ensure payload activation.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter system is disclosed that includes an inlet fitting that is adapted to be inserted into an existing filter body. A spray tube having a plurality of outlets that slideably engages the inlet fitting, is positioned in the ring discs of the existing filter and a compression member proximate to one end of the ring discs applies a compressive force to the ring discs. When fluid enters the spray tube from the inlet fitting compression on the ring discs is reduced to allow the ring discs to separate while fluid pressure is simultaneously imposed on the ring discs through a plurality of outlets to clean the filter component. The parts included with the system may be used to convert a manual filter into a self-cleaning filter system.

Abstract: A compound of plasticizers for the water dispersability of diol diarylate-type resins is disclosed; wherein the compound contains a high amount of diol monocarylates and optionally contains triol mono- or diarylates.

Abstract: Improved flooring is disclosed that is formed by concrete slabs (1) with several parallel ribs (11) on the upper surface, between which there are longitudinal channels (12) connected with a main channel (2) laid transversally, in relation with one of the ends of the concrete slabs (1), and which ends in an outside connection (3). The ribs (11) have a thickened part (13) on the upper edge with an inner hole (15) for the circulation of hot water. Between the thickened parts (13) there are some grooves (15). The flooring is manufactured on site or by means of prefabricated slabs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of forming a card embedded with an integrated circuit (IC) and an antenna coil, which method including the steps of (a) embedding an antenna coil onto a core sheet; (b) laminating the core sheet with a number of outer sheets to form a laminated panel; (c) forming a first cavity in the laminated panel to expose part of the antenna coil; (d) pulling out two ends of the antenna coil from the core sheet; and (e) securing the integrated circuit with the antenna coil, e.g. by soldering or thermo compression bonding.

Abstract: The method includes eliminating the two side caps of the fruit, cutting the remaining portion into slices, optionally classifying by diameter the obtained slices, and finally peeling the slices. The device includes slice cutter (1) provided with two conveyor belts (2) to position the fruit, and blades (4 and 5), —transport equipment for the slices (102) with a diameter gauging device to classify the slices (102) by size, —a slice (102) turning machine and—a slice (102) peeling module to separate the flesh (103) from the pith (104).

Abstract: A digital game device and method that can be played on a game board or planar grid structure or on an electronic device are disclosed; the crossword style mathematical apparatus includes a pre-defined play area having a combination of useable and unusable empty spaces that are oriented in a horizontal and a vertical direction; the resulting grid structure forms a combination of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal rows of useable and unusable spaces; a set of rules is applied to the resulting grid structure wherein numbers are selectively entered by the player into the useable empty spaces such that the mathematical difference between adjacent numbers entered into the grid structure is greater than one; in addition, the rules specify that all individual numbers in any continuous horizontal, vertical, or diagonal direction are different.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electronic device therein for use in an underground boring machine includes an elongated housing having an elongated, lengthwise central cavity opening at one end thereof, a cartridge containing a sonde therein, which cartridge fits in the cavity; and a keying mechanism for securing the cartridge and sonde in a predetermined orientation relative to the housing when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity through the opening. One or more lengthwise fluid passages isolated from the cavity extend through the housing. A sonde housing of the invention may be used with a drill string and bit assembly in directional boring.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus for mounting an electronic device such as a sonde therein for use in directional drilling. Such an apparatus includes an elongated housing having projections at opposite ends of the housing for connecting the housing to other components of the boring machine, an elongated internal chamber configured to receive an electronic device therein and having an elongated access opening which extends along an exterior surface of the housing, and a cover sized to close the access opening, the cover having a first hole extending therethrough.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an article sorting system includes successive coarse and fine singulators and a recirculating loop for processing a disordered stream of items including three-dimensional non-flat articles. A coarse singulator includes cascaded ramped conveyors, preferably operating at progressively greater speeds. A detection system, such as a vision system, for monitoring the stream of articles and identifying and/or tracking individual items passing through the system is used in conjunction with a fine singulator such as a chevron, hold-and-release or strip conveyor downstream from the coarse singulator. A control system is utilized in connection with the vision system to regulate the flow of articles through the system by, for example, diverting doubles or clusters for separations.

Abstract: The invention provides a rock drilling bit with a plurality of cutting teeth raked into the cut of the drilling bit. Such teeth are oriented at an angle of at least about 30 degrees relative to an imaginary line normal to a front surface of the cutting head from which the cutting teeth project. Such an arrangement provides the desired shear cutting force against the rock face while simultaneously reducing the shock and vibration applied to sonde housing and the drill string. The bit according to the invention may further incorporate a rear, frustoconical crushing surface that defines a space or zone crescent-shaped in cross-section that narrows from front to rear, and an improved replacable tooth for use on a rock drilling bit.

Abstract: A drill head for an apparatus for directional boring according to the invention includes a bit, a holder for a device for detecting angular orientation of the bit, and a hammer including a striker for delivering impacts to the bit, wherein the bit assembly, holder and hammer are connected head to tail with the bit at a front end. The bit of the invention has a frontwardly facing main cutting surface having a plurality of main cutting teeth disposed thereon and a gage tower extending radially outwardly from the main cutting surface, which gage tower has at least one frontwardly facing gage cutting tooth thereon suitable for cutting over an angle defined by less than a full rotation of the bit. The device for detecting angular orientation is in a predetermined alignment with the gage tower so that it determines the orientation of the gage tower relative to the axis of rotation of the drill head.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a mast suitable for use with closed circuit television equipment comprising a plurality of tubular sections detachably connected together to define a tubular structure with two ends wherein a lower end is fixed to a support and the structure tapers towards its upper end to provide a rigid structure and wherein the apparatus further comprises a support for supporting a camera or the like at an upper portion of the tubular structure. There also comprises a device for supporting a housing in a confined area of a mast and for manipulating the housing out of said confined area which apparatus comprises a flexible joint interconnecting an internal wall of the mast and housing, which flexible joint is adapted to move the housing from a stored position to an extended position.