Abstract: A machine (30) is described for packaging products in a plastic film, comprising at least one longitudinal cutting and welding bar (31) actuated in its up-and-down movement by at least one first piston (34), supported by a first supporting structure (37) of such packaging machine (30); at least one transverse cutting and welding bar (33) independent from the longitudinal cutting and welding bar (31) and actuated in its up-and-down movement by at least one second piston (35) supported by a second supporting structure (39) of such packaging machine (30); and controlling and managing means adapted to control and program the operation of at least the first and the second piston (34, 35).

Abstract: A method provides a protected region of a data storage device associated with a computational device, where data in the protected region is primarily protected by preventing access without proper access authorization. The method comprises the steps of providing, in an unprotected region of the data storage device, a first operating system and associated operating system data; monitoring operating system data accessed by the computational device until a predetermined functionality becomes available; storing, in the protected region, the monitored operating system data; providing, in the protected region, a second operating system; transferring control of the computational device from the first operating system to the second operating system; storing data in the protected region; and preventing access to the stored data in the protected region without access authorization.

Abstract: A barrier for stopping unwanted watercraft and subsurface intruders from entering into a port or off-shore structure is provided. In one embodiment, the invention is a barrier comprised of a vertical net structure supported from the sea floor. The barrier comprises vertical supports and a net assembled between the vertical supports with a system of ropes and energy absorbing devices. The structural components of the barrier are designed and configured in a manner as to absorb and displace the kinetic energy generated by an explosive laden small watercraft traveling at a high rate of speed. In another embodiment, invention is a barrier system installed around the perimeter of a water side or offshore facility. This barrier system comprises a bottom founded perimeter fence having a gate system and a series of barriers comprised of a vertical fence structure supported from the sea floor.

Abstract: An auxiliary wing and flap assembly for an aircraft which is to be extendable from a retracted position to a deployed position. Relative to the chord of the wing, the split flap is located directly adjacent the trailing edge of the wing with the auxiliary wing assembly being located at approximately the mid length of the chord of the wing. A split flap assembly extends approximately one-half the length of the aircraft wing with the auxiliary wing assembly extending the total length of the aircraft wing. The split flap is extendable to assume approximately a sixty degree angle relative to the bottom surface of the aircraft wing while the auxiliary wing assembly is extendible to assume a maximum of ninety degree angle relative to the bottom surface of the aircraft wing. The chord length of the split flap is equal to approximately 0.15 of the chord length of the aircraft wing while the auxiliary wing assembly has an airfoil-shaped member that has a chord length of approximately 0.

Abstract: A fountain (50) comprises a supply of water under pressure, a primary fluidic diverter (10) having an input (12) for said supply, and first and second outputs (16a, b) diverging from said input. Two control ports (20a, b) are provided with control flow to direct input flow to one or other of the two outputs that lead to the two inputs of a vortex amplifier (40). This comprises a vortex chamber (54), a radial port (50), a vortex inducing port (60) and an axial output port (58). One (16a) of the diverter outputs is connected to the vortex inducing port, the other (16b) to the radial port, so that supply to said axial output port is modulated by formation of a vortex in the chamber when flow is to the vortex inducing port. The axial port leads to a nozzle whereby a vortex spray or axial jet is produced, depending on which diverter output (16a, b) is active. A wind detector (100) has a vertical jet (102) and a catcher (104) which fails to catch water from the jet in high wind conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing chemical additives into contaminated liquids and electrolyzing contaminated liquids includes the positioning of a vibratable element, such as a metal spring, within a cylindrical liquid conduit. A treatment additive is introduced into the liquid upstream of the vibratable element and the liquid is directed through the conduit. The flow of the liquid in proximity to the vibratable element causes the element to vibrate and mix the liquid and the additive. The conduit and the vibratable element may be electrically charged such that the flow of the liquid in proximity to the charged and vibrating element causes an electrical charge to be imparted to the liquid. The vibration of the element also prevents fouling.

Abstract: A tap (1) is disclosed for dispensing liquids from a vessel, composed of: a body (3) made in a single piece comprising: a supporting member (5) from which a liquid dispensing mouth (7) and air entering mouths (9) project; a resilient thrusting member (11) that allows/prevents the dispensing of liquids; and winged abutting means (12); and a valve member (14) contained inside the body (3) and adapted to engage at one end the outlet mouth of the vessel in order to open/close it, and adapted to further engage the resilient member (11) to open and close the liquid dispensing opening.

Abstract: A holder for a disk having a central opening includes a base, a forwardly projecting ring for supporting the disk, a diaphragm supported within the ring member, and a button structure projecting forwardly from the diaphragm for engaging the central opening. Retainer members project radially outwardly from the central opening proximate the front face surface for releasably holding the disk when the diaphragm member is in a relaxed position. Downward pressure on the button structure deflects the diaphragm to move the retainer members inwardly for releasing the disk. The retainer members are on hook stem members that are rigidly joined to an inner extremity of the diaphragm in radial alignment with circumferentially spaced ring attachment locations of the diaphragm. Button stem members rigidly connect a button member to the diaphragm in alternating circumferentially spaced relation to the hook stem members to provide greatly enhanced lateral support of the disk.

Abstract: A holder for a disk having a central opening and front and back surfaces includes a base having a planar panel and a forwardly projecting pedestal including a ring for supporting the disk, an inwardly extending disk member, a plurality of stem members for engaging the disk opening, and a corresponding plurality of U-shaped connector segments supporting the stem members in cantilevered relation to the disk member. Alternating ones of the stem members have outwardly projecting retainer members and inwardly projecting tab members, collectively forming a button surface for receiving downward pressure whereby the disk is releasable. Deformation of the pedestal in response to the downward pressure is concentrated in the connector segments and, to a limited extent, an innermost portion of the disk member, providing improved structural integrity for a given downward force required to release the disk.

Abstract: Electroosmotic flow controllers and methods of fluid flow control are described. The invention uses an electroosmotically generated flow component in conjunction with a pressure driven flow component to modulate fluid flow. The devices and methods of the invention may include salt bridges for making electrical connection between a power supply and a channel filled with a porous dielectric material and a fluid. Embodiments including flow controllers and flow splitters are described as is their use in a variety of fluid handling applications.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a disputed electronic signature is that of a purported signator includes the steps of (a) creating in a single step an ink on paper signature and an identical electronic signature of the purported signator; (b) verifying that the ink on paper signature is consistent with known ink on paper signatures of the purported signator; and (c) comparing the disputed electronic signature with the electronic signature of the purported signature to determine whether the disputed electronic signature is that of the purported signator.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing an organic material includes the steps of (a) forming a preoxidation mixture comprising the organic material and water, and (b) causing the preoxidation mixture to react with a liquid oxidizer in a continuous flow reactor supercritical conditions for water, including a pressure of at least 3206 psia and a temperature of at least 705° F., to form a post-oxidation mixture containing condensible material and non-condensible material, wherein substantially all of the organic material has been oxidized.