Abstract: A modular ballistic wall assembly incorporates a rigid frame including first and second spaced-apart uprights, and at least one cross-member extending between the uprights. A plurality of ballistic panels are carried by the frame between the first and second uprights. Each ballistic panel has top and bottom edges, opposing side edges, and opposing major surfaces. The major surfaces define respective threat and lee sides of the panel. The ballistic panels are arranged edge-to-edge, such that adjacent panels form an unprotected seam therebetween. A first ballistic seam protector is carried by the cross-member of the frame, and covers the unprotected seam on the threat-side of the ballistic panels. A second ballistic seam protector is carried by one of the first and second uprights of the frame on the threat-side of the ballistic panels. The second ballistic seam protector is adapted for covering a second unprotected seam formed between adjacent ballistic panels.

Abstract: An inline electromagnetic tool actuator incorporates an actuator housing, an elongated armature, a tool assembly, spaced-apart return magnets, at least one drive magnet, and at least one magnet wire. The elongated armature is located inside the housing, and is adapted for reciprocating linear movement along a notional assembly axis. The tool assembly is operatively attached to the armature. The return magnets are located inside the housing, and are coaxially aligned with the armature. The return magnets have respective inward facing surfaces defining respective magnetic poles. The drive magnet is affixed to the armature, and is arranged between the return magnets. The drive magnet has opposing outward facing surfaces each of like polarity to adjacent inward facing surfaces of the return magnets. The magnet wire is coiled about the armature.

Abstract: A yarn system, apparatus, and methods of reducing production loss or increasing production speed in a continuous yarn production process are provided. A yarn conveyor receives a bundle of yarn, an oven heats the yarn, and a yarn cooler cools the yarn exiting the oven to heat set the yarn. The conveyor carries the yarn through the oven and cooler. A counterband extends through the oven substantially parallel to and above the conveyor to abuttingly contact the yarn against the conveyor. The counterband is formed by hydrophobic fibers woven in a mesh pattern that form apertures to enhance flow of a heated fluid between the fibers. A cooling efficiency of the cooler is increased responsive to the hydrophobic fibers allowing the cooler to cool the yarn without moisture from the heated fluid being absorbed by the counterband.

Abstract: A utility hand-piece is adapted for being worn on a hand of a user. The hand-piece includes a body portion adapted for covering at least a portion of the hand, and incorporating at least one fluid channel. A fluid inlet is formed with the body portion and communicates with the fluid channel. A fluid outlet is formed with the body portion and communicates with the fluid channel downstream of the fluid inlet. Upon connecting a fluid source to the hand-piece, fluid is transferred from the fluid inlet through the fluid channel and dispensed from the body portion through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A carry-out food container includes a food compartment tray adapted for holding a food item, and a lid for removably covering the food item contained in the tray. An integrally-formed hinge interconnects the tray and the lid at a joined side edge. The hinge enables pivoting movement of the lid relative to the tray between an open position and a closed position. A flexible sheet is attached adjacent the hinge and is adapted for residing between the tray and the lid.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an Internet, or other network communications protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as a local-area infrared or an RF data communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal or another portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension member of a vehicle suspension system is adapted for supporting a frame of vehicle. The suspension member interconnects first and second components of the vehicle, and enables movement of the first component relative to the second component when the vehicle is in motion. The suspension member includes an elongated swivel link assembly having first and second opposite ends. The first end is operatively connected to the first component of the vehicle, and the second end is operatively connected to the second component of the vehicle. The link assembly swivels about a longitudinal axis defined by the suspension member. The swivel range is greater than 45 degrees.

Abstract: A computer-implemented land planning system is designed to generate at least one conceptual fit solution to a user-defined land development problem. The system electronically creates at least one candidate solution to the land development problem. The candidate solution incorporates a number of engineering measurements applicable in development of an undeveloped land site. A fitness function quantitatively evaluates the candidate solution based on its fitness. A heuristic problem-solving strategy manipulates the engineering measurements of the candidate solution to achieve a more quantitatively fit solution to the land development problem. A computer output device outputs to a user documentation illustrating the fit solution to the land development problem.

Abstract: An active noise control system for aircraft includes a headset for use by a pilot of the aircraft. A plurality of sensors are mounted on the aircraft at predetermined locations to sense aircraft noise. The aircraft noise at each of the sensors has a first sound waveform in a first phase. A plurality of actuators are operatively connected to respective sensors and communicate with the headset. Each actuator generates a second sound waveform in a second phase. A controller commands each of the plurality of actuators, and dictates the second phase of the second sound waveform, such that the first and second sound waveforms interact out of phase in a manner sufficient to control the aircraft noise. The controlled aircraft noise enables auditory detection of remote environmental disturbances outside of the aircraft thereby enhancing pilot sensory awareness.

Abstract: A disposable protective sole is adapted for wear on a foot or shoe of a user. The protective sole includes a multilayer composite having opposing inside and outside major surfaces. The outside major surface is textured to resist slippage of the protective sole on an underlying surface. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to the innside major surface of the composite, and is adapted for removably attaching the protective sole to the foot or shoe of the user.

Abstract: A flash pan is adapted for collecting and distributing water infiltrating a building at an access opening. The flash pan includes a low-profile base designed to reside beneath the access opening. The base has opposing longitudinal inside and outside edges, opposing lateral end edges, and top and bottom major surfaces. A plurality of feeder channels are formed with the top major surface of the base, and extend from the inside edge towards the outside edge. A longitudinal collection channel is formed between the inside and outside edges of the base. The collection channel communicates with the plurality of feeder channels for receiving water collected by the feeder channels. A drain channel communicates with the collection channel, and extends outwardly towards the outside edge of the base. Water collecting in the feeder channels flows to the collection channel, and is distributed away from the base through the drain channel.