Abstract: A method of providing an indication of the direction of a target such as a sniper. A rifle mounted sensor array detects an acoustic pulse originating from the target. The signal is processed to estimate the direction of the target, and an indication is provided when the weapon is aligned with the estimated direction. The direction of arrival of an acoustic pulse is estimated by spectrally decomposing each signal from the sensor so as to generate one or more spectral components for each signal, and processing the spectral components to estimate the direction of arrival.

Abstract: A changeover system for a metal forming mill, in particular for a tube-forming mill, comprises at least one pair of work modules, the work modules of which are adapted to be pivoted into and out of a line of work stations of the mill. Each work module has its own drive or drives. Within a pair of work modules the two work modules are arranged such, that when one work module is arranged in the line of work stations the other one is arranged off the line.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing recombinant neuraminidase by culturing in a suitable culture medium host cells which are transformed with a neuraminidase expression vector or infected with a virus which is transformed with a neuraminidase expression vector, wherein the expression vector comprises at least a part of the coding region of a neuraminidase gene of an influenza virus minus the region which codes for the membrane anchor, or a modified version thereof, preceded in phase by a signal sequence; and isolating the expression product neuraminidase from the culture medium. The invention further relates to vectors expressing the neuraminidase.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of zinc metal from a zinc mineral includes the steps of leaching the zinc mineral in a solution including a halide species formed from two or more different halides, to leach the zinc into the solution. The zinc-bearing solution is then electrolyzed to yield zinc metal and to generate the halide species. The electrolyzed solution including the halide species is then returned to the leaching step. A portion of the electrolyzed solution can be removed as a bleed stream from a cathode compartment of an electrolytic cell of the electrolysis process and processed to remove manganese as manganese dioxide precipitate by adding thereto limestone, and the halide species from an anode compartment of the electrolysis process. In this regard, the pH and Eh of the solution can regulated in a manner that favors the formation of the manganese dioxide precipitate over the formation of a precipitate of zinc.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing organic-inorganic hybrid materials with controlled porosity and functionality comprising hydrolysis and condensation polymerization of a compound of formula (I): Z-R1—Si(OR)(OR?)(OR?), with an alkaline or alkaline-earth silicate in a mol ratio of (I)/(silicate)=1:9, in the presence of a non-ionic surfactant, to form a mesoporous silica represented by Z-R1—SiO1.5 9 SiO2, whereon is then anchored an organic compound, represented by (?)N—H, comprising a —NH— group capable of reacting with Z, to form a functionalized mesoporous silica represented by (?)N—R—SiO1.5 9 SiO2, which is optionally complexed with a metallic cation to form an organometallic complex. The invention also concerns the use of these materials to separate gases.

Abstract: An interconnect element incorporates a plurality of smaller, substantially identical, interconnect modules. Multiple identical elements can in turn be combined to form larger interconnect networks. Signal paths in the elements can be implemented with optical fibers or electrical conductors.

Abstract: A mining device for subsurface extraction of raw materials off rocks includes bracing means for the reversible bracing of the mining device in a hollow space, a frame, and tunneling means stationarily connected with the bracing means, whereby the frame is movable by the tunneling means in a predefined direction. A rotatable roller is arranged on the frame, at the circumference of which cutting tools and clearing devices are arranged such that a rectangular mining cross-section can be created and such that the mining device and also the frame of the mining device is movable into a mining tunnel created by these cutting tools.

Abstract: An improved tamper resistant screw and driver tool. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a tamper resistant screw and screw driver tool. The screw head features a unique tamper resistant design. The screw cannot be turned successfully with standard screw drivers, pliers, vice grips, wrenches or socket type wrenches. It is driven by a specially designed driver tool which, upon application, is centered on the screw head to avoid side-to-side slippage and is driven by angle-to-angle contact. The angle and depth of the drive tool can be changed to maximize the amount of torque delivered to the screw. This design not only discourages an individual from attempting to gain access to a restricted area, it will clearly indicate if the screw head has been tampered with by means of score marks and gouges.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing an aqueous solution of free hydroxylamine (HA) by simultaneous countercurrent treatment of a HA salt with ammonia or ammonia water, then separating the HA by distillation and reconcentrating the aqueous HA solution in a countercurrent with a stripping medium. The stripping medium used according to the invention is a mixture of steam and a non-condensable inert gas and the process temperature at a defined pressure is controlled by the quantity of non-condensable inert gas at the column inlet. The preferred non-condensable inert gas is nitrogen. This results in increased safety and a reduction in losses of the method for producing aqueous solutions of free HA.

Abstract: A method for machining a workpiece in which a machine tool comprising a first and a second chuck devices is employed to machine the workpiece, the machine tool being used in which the first and the second chuck devices comprise a chuck main body, plural chuck jaws, a chuck jaw drive body, and a pressing member, the method comprising: machining a clamp part of the other end part of the workpiece in a state where one end part of the workpiece is clamped by the first chuck device; machining a clamp part of the one end part of the workpiece in a state where the clamp part of the other end part of the workpiece is clamped by the second chuck device; and executing desired machining on the workpiece in a state where each of the clamp parts are clamped by each of the chuck devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for matching an output of an auxiliary signal transducer with a reference signal transducer where the auxiliary signal transducer and reference signal transducer receive audio signals from a common signal source along different respective signal paths. The method includes the steps of determining a signal amplitude output value provided by the auxiliary and by the reference transducers within each of a plurality of different frequency ranges in response to the audio signal received along the respective signal paths and adjusting the signal amplitude output value of the auxiliary transducer within at least some of the plurality of different frequency ranges based upon the respective signal amplitude output value of the reference transducer.

Abstract: Interlocking parts that can be assembled to form a stand are shown. Each part includes at least one leg, and when the stand is assembled, it includes a total of at least three legs, which support the stand. Each part also includes an interlocking buckle member coupled to the legs. The parts are then assembled so that the interlocking buckle members cooperate with each other to form a platform that is supported by the legs. The stand comprises of the legs and the platform. After the stand is no longer needed, the parts can be disassembled and stored; and, when needed again, the interlocking parts may be retrieved from storage and reassembled to form the stand.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for the automatic optimal placement text or symbol labels corresponding to graphical objects on maps. Using a map server and a thin, typically mobile client, maps are dynamically drawn and displayed at the client. Optimized labeling of map objects is achieved by dividing the task into pipelined subtasks, some being performed off-line, and others being performed in real time, responsively to changing client requests, and changes in the map viewport. Optimization of candidate label positions is accomplished using simulated annealing.

Abstract: A semiconductor single crystal manufacturing apparatus capable of lowering the local deterioration of a wire under high temperature atmosphere in the furnace of a chamber, wherein a crucible (24) in which silicon melt (28) is filled is installed in the furnace of the chamber (22), a pull-chamber (23) is disposed above the chamber (22), and a seed holder (32) lifting between the inside of the pull-chamber (23) and the inside of the furnace is suspended by a wire (50) through a coupling member (31). A collar (52) is fitted to the wire (50) so that, when the seed holder (32) is positioned to touch the melt, the exposed portion of the wire (50) near the tip thereof becomes a specified temperature or below under the high temperature atmosphere in the furnace.

Abstract: A focusing-device for the radiation from a light source (2) is provided with a collector mirror (1, 1?) which is arranged in a mount (24) and collects the light, in virtual or real terms, from the light source (2) at the second focus (200). The collector mirror (1, 1?) is displaceably connected to the mount (24) via a bearing in such a way that its optical properties remain at least approximately the same even in the event of temperature changes.

Abstract: An in-the-ear hearing aid has a housing with an audio input end and an audio output end. The housing is formed of two sections which are coupled together along a seam which extends between the two ends. An elastomeric sheath can enclose the housing.