Abstract: A processor for reducing solids from a predefined input size to a predefined output size is provided. The processor includes a base, an enclosed cylinder, a pair of rotor assemblies (each driven by its own motor) having a plurality of disk sets, the disk sets having a plurality of hammers thereon. As the rotor assemblies spin, the hammers cause the solids to be reduced. The processor further includes an inlet port for receiving solid material, and an outlet or discharge port for exiting the reduced solid material. The inlet port and discharge port extend across the length of the cylinder, to allow solids to be fed into the cylinder across its length and to allow multiple processors to be stacked or cascaded.

Abstract: An analysis system for accurately measuring the time-of-flight of an audio signal generated in response to a stimulus signal by an electro-acoustic transducer of an electro-acoustic system, such as an audio loudspeaker, to a point of measurement. The measurement is made by correlating the audio signal to a second signal having the same characteristics as the stimulus signal, but is delayed with respect to the stimulus signal. The measurement identifies the total overall delay from the time the stimulus signal is generated to the time the resulting audio signal is detected. Thus, any system delays, such as those due to signal processing, have already been accounted for by the measurement. Some or all of the measurement process may be automated through software programming in order to minimize measurement time. The time-of-flight is the delay time corresponding to when the stimulus signal, or the delayed second signal, and the resulting audio signal reach peak correlation.

Abstract: A method and system for compensating for wheel wear uses position and/or speed information from an independent positioning system to measure some distance over which the train has traveled. Wheel rotation information and/or distance and speed from a wheel sensor over the distance is also collected. The wheel rotation information and distance and/or speed information are then used to determine the size of the train wheels and/or a correction factor that can be used to correct the information from the wheel sensor for wheel wear. The method is performed periodically to correct for changes in wheel size over time due to wear so that the wheel rotation information can be used to determine train position and speed in the event of a positioning system failure.

Abstract: A system for obtaining inline sensory feedback from an electroactive polymer based transducer for use in feedback control applications is disclosed. Specifically a method of obtaining sensory feedback from an electroactive polymer based transducer includes the steps of: receiving a user input in a control system, combining it with a control system feedback signal from a sensory feedback circuitry and producing a control signal; receiving the control signal in an amplifier and sensory tone generator, combining it with an amplifier feedback signal from the sensory feedback circuitry and producing a power signal; receiving the power signal and an environmental disturbance in an electroactive polymer transducer and sensory circuitry and responsive to the user input producing a sensory signal; receiving the sensory signal in the sensory feedback circuitry and producing the control system feedback signal and the amplifier feedback signal; and producing a data output in the control system.

Abstract: A controller connected to computers analyzes messages from the computers and converts the analyzed messages into a different format. The controller also generates correspondence information for the message.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an impact and torque-absorbing module for a low profile lower limb prosthesis comprises two support members telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element resists axial displacement of the two support members, and a torque resisting cuff resists rotational displacement of the two support members. Precompression of the resilient element can reduce the size of the shock module making it more compact. The resilient element can also be replaced allowing adjustment of the shock absorption.

Abstract: A bicycle rack is provided for connection to a vehicle, and especially a bus for the transport of a bicycle. The bicycle rack has a frame pivotally connected to a bracket which is connectable to a front of a bus. A pair of elongate cradles traverse the frame of the rack. Each elongate cradle is capable of receiving a bicycle. Each elongate cradle includes a rear wheel cradle and a front wheel cradle. The front wheel cradle has a spring operated wheel lock. The wheel lock includes a rotatable armature which overlays and holds the front tire of the bicycle in a locked position. The armature is actuated by the weight of the front wheel or by the manual activation of an adjacent handle.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention a splitter is provided with a male F-59 type connector for direct connection to the female port of a video amplifier. In another embodiment of the invention, a cable televison amplifier is provided with a male F-59 type connector for direct connection to the female input port of a typical splitter.

Abstract: Process for producing a nitric acid of a concentration from 75 to 99.9% from a more diluted nitric acid, wherein a nitric acid of a concentration of about 45 to 70% is rectified in contact with a liquid extraction medium to prevent the formation of a nitric acid-water-azeotropic mixture, and the vapors of the concentrated nitric acid are condensed and a concentrated nitric acid is obtained and wherein additionally the extraction medium is reconstituted through reconcentration and returned into the extractive rectification, wherein the nitric acid to be concentrated is fed as a boiling liquid or partially vaporized to the extractive rectification preferably carried out in two columns (K 1.0, K 1.

Abstract: A system and method for the removal of metals such as mercury from a gas stream. The method involves contacting a gas stream containing the target metals with reactive chemical species generated in a plasma device. The metal to be removed is chemically converted into forms enabling capture in either conventional particulate removal devices or in a wet scrubber for the capture of a soluble chemical species.

Abstract: This invention relates to internal combustion engines with cylinders arranged parallel to the main shaft and where reciprocating movements of the pistons are converted to rotation by means of a Z-crank mechanism and motion converter, or conversely to systems such as pumps and compressors wherein rotation of the Z-crank and motion converter produces reciprocating motions of the pistons. The motion converter is prevented from rotation by a reaction control shaft or by a gear train. Connecting rods are prevented from rotating about their long axes. Double-ended configurations can be either opposed cylinder or opposed piston, and may include multiple pairs of pistons with each pair in a common cylinder. The Z-crank may be moved axially for the purpose of varying the compression ratio. Variation of the compression ratio is controlled by an engine control unit and is adjusted to optimize engine performance under varying loads and other conditions.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus and a method for producing carbonated water capable of obtaining high concentration carbonated water effectively. Carbon dioxide gas is passed through a first carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) composed of a membrane module to be dissolved in water and the carbonated water passing through the first carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) is passed through a static mixer (13), which is a second carbon dioxide gas dissolver. Consequently, a high concentration carbonated water can be obtained remarkably, effectively and easily with a simpler structure than conventionally.

Abstract: An apparatus for mass analyzing molecules includes a mass spectrometer configured to select precursor ions having a mass to charge ratio range, a metastable species generator configured to generate a metastable species for introduction into the mass spectrometer, and a mass detector configured to detect a mass of the product ions. The apparatus also includes interaction region in the mass spectrometer where the precursor ions fragment into product ions via interaction of the precursor ions with the metastable species.

Abstract: Method of replacing a blind flange manhole cover of the type including a bolted on blind flange mounted on a bolting flange of a negative pressure storage tank manway with a manhole cover having a hinged door assembly includes the step of removing the blind flange manhole cover from the bolting flange of a tank-installed manway. The manhole cover may be attached to the bolting flange of the existing manway. A seal may be provided for creating a leakproof joint between the cover and a cover receiving surface when the hingedly attached manhole cover is in a closed position. A manway having a hingedly attached manhole cover may be provided with a hinge frame. A locking assembly may be provided adjacent the cover that includes a locking and sealing element for engaging the cover with a seal for locking and sealing the manway.

Abstract: An apparatus of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a chamber having an outlet, a susceptor in the chamber to hold a substrate thereon, a source material container supplying the chamber with a source material, a liquid mass flow controller connected to the source material container, a plurality of vaporizers connected to the liquid mass flow controller, a plurality of source gas injectors, each of which is connected to each vaporizer and one end of each of which projects into the chamber, a reactive gas container supplying the chamber with a reactive gas, and a plurality of reactive gas injectors connected to the reactive gas container, one end of each of which projects into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and a method for detecting the condition of the material of a pipeline wall. The apparatus includes means for inducing and detecting magnetic flux at a location on the pipeline and, at said location, sensing means detect whether any change in material condition is on or near the external wall of the pipeline. By analysing the two sets of monitored values a change in condition, such as corrosion, can be detected, located and determined to be at or near the external or internal surfaces of the pipeline wall.

Abstract: This invention is to a method and system for controlling withdrawal of liquid from pipelines. The system includes intercommunicating analyzers, control applications and controllers for analyzing and controlling flow of a liquid from a pipeline system. Pipeline systems with which this invention can be used include any type of pipeline system capable of transporting and distributing liquid fluids, particularly hydrocarbon liquids.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cyclonic vapor/liquid contacting device and distillation or related mass transfer or heat transfer processes employing its use, such as fluid catalytic cracking. Liquid feed is introduced near the floor of the cyclone via downcomer or plenum. Vapor enters through sieve holes in the bottom of the cyclonic device. Near the floor are angled tabs or vanes that impart a spin to the vapor rising up through the floor. The tabs or vanes mix the liquid and vapor. The liquid is then thrown toward the cyclone wall, where it exits through slots in the wall. A second set of tabs or vanes, located about in the middle of the cyclone, imparts additional spin to the vapor and entrained liquid rising through the cyclone. This improves liquid collection by the cyclone, especially in cases where a heavy liquid load dampens the spin action of the vapor in the base of the cyclone.

Abstract: A compact fuse (1) for an automobile is provided. The fuse is formed by a fuse element (2) and an insulative housing (3) having a cutaway portion (8). The fuse element includes two base plates (4) and a melting portion (5) connecting the base plates. The melting portion is accommodated in the housing and parts of the base plates are exposed from the housing. The length of the base plate is the sum of the length (A) of the melting portion in the longitudinal direction of the base plate, the length (B) of a notch (4c) in the longitudinal direction of the base plate, and the length (C) of a cover supporting portion in the longitudinal direction of the base plate.

Abstract: A gas flow meter having a gas flow detection circuit for detecting a current flowing through a resistor installed in a gas passage and a voltage generated across the resistor and outputting a voltage signal representing a gas flow passing through the gas passage; a noise reduction circuit for reducing external noise; and a digital adjusting circuit for digitally adjusting a signal representing the detected gas flow and outputting the adjusted signal; wherein a voltage signal based on the signal adjusted by the digital adjusting circuit is output.