Abstract: Disclosed apparatus and method to extrude a honeycomb, providing correction in bowing of the extruded honeycomb structure, employs a deflector device having a base plate including an opening aligned in a direction parallel to the extrusion axis through which the plastic material is conveyed to the die. The deflector device includes a bow plate movably mounted to the downstream or upstream side of the base plate. The bow plate includes a constant area aperture. The deflector device positioned upstream of extrusion die imparts a degree of bow reduction by the position of the constant area aperture over the opening imparting a pressure drop gradient on the flow stream entering the die.

Abstract: A head mounted information system comprises a frame configured to be worn by a user, a sensor unit coupled to the frame, and a processor unit coupled to the frame. The processor unit is connected to receive signals from the sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises a gyroscope configured to produce angular velocity signals representing a head angular velocity about a generally horizontal axis oriented generally perpendicular to a direction the user is facing when the user is wearing the frame. The processor unit is configured to detect a jump by the user based on the angular velocity signals received from the sensor unit and generate a jump output signal indicting one or more jump parameters. A display unit may also be coupled to the frame to display the jump parameters to the user.

Abstract: Microwave drying of ceramic honeycomb logs using a customizable cover that can take the form of a flexible wrap or a rigid cover is disclosed. The cover can be in the form of a wrap disposed directly in contact with the leading edge of the log surface. The cover can also be a rigid cover disposed adjacent but not in contact with the leading edge of the log surface. At least a portion of the trailing edge of the log can remain uncovered either by having windows in the wrap or by the rigid cover only covering the leading edge of the log surface. The customizable cover can be configured to compensate for log shape deformities as well as or in addition to the adverse effect on log shape cause by the drying differential created by passing a log through a microwave drying station leading-edge first.

Abstract: The present invention is directed ?-particle emitting nanoparticles that comprise a lanthanide phosphate sequestration shell enclosing an ?-emitting-radioisotope-doped lanthanide phosphate core such that the shell allows at least some of the ? emissions from the ?-emitting radioisotope to pass therethrough and prevents at least some radioactive decay products of the ?-emitting radioisotope from exiting the ?-particle emitting nanoparticle. Further, such ?-particle emitting nanoparticles may be coated with gold and functionalized. Additionally, a method for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Microwave drying of ceramic honeycomb logs using a customizable cover that can take the form of a flexible wrap or a rigid cover is disclosed. The cover can be in the form of a wrap disposed directly in contact with the leading edge of the log surface. The cover can also be a rigid cover disposed adjacent but not in contact with the leading edge of the log surface. At least a portion of the trailing edge of the log can remain uncovered either by having windows in the wrap or by the rigid cover only covering the leading edge of the log surface. The customizable cover can be configured to compensate for log shape deformities as well as or in addition to the adverse effect on log shape cause by the drying differential created by passing a log through a microwave drying station leading-edge first.

Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. At least one auxiliary member includes a counterweight pad that is configured to not touch the ground during a pick, move, and set operation. A linear actuator is configured to adjust a distance that the counterweight pad is above the ground.

Abstract: A method of making ceramic bodies includes systematically orienting the bodies during firing relative to a temperature gradient in a kiln. The systematic orientation of the bodies relative to the temperature gradient can allow for an average deviation of a measured shape of the ceramic bodies from a predetermined target contour shape to be less than what they would be if the bodies were oriented randomly relative to the temperature gradient.

Abstract: A method of making ceramic bodies includes systematically orienting the bodies during firing relative to a temperature gradient in a kiln. The systematic orientation of the bodies relative to the temperature gradient can allow for an average deviation of a measured shape of the ceramic bodies from a predetermined target contour shape to be less than what they would be if the bodies were oriented randomly relative to the temperature gradient.

Abstract: A solid-state high energy-density micro radioisotope power source device including a dielectric and radiation shielding body having an internal cavity, a first electrode disposed a first end of the cavity, and a second electrode disposed at an opposing second end of the cavity and spaced apart from the first electrode such that a micro chamber is provided therebetween.

Abstract: A method of constructing a solid-state energy-density micro radioisotope power source device. In such embodiments, the method comprises depositing the pre-voltaic semiconductor composition, comprising a semiconductor material and a radioisotope material, into a micro chamber formed within a power source device body. The method additionally includes heating the body to a temperature at which the pre-voltaic semiconductor composition will liquefy within the micro chamber to provide a liquid state composite mixture. Furthermore, the method includes cooling the body and liquid state composite mixture such that liquid state composite mixture solidifies to provide a solid-state composite voltaic semiconductor, thereby providing a solid-state high energy-density micro radioisotope power source device.

Abstract: Methods of extruding a honeycomb body with an extruder comprise the step of feeding batch material to the extruder, wherein the batch material comprises a ceramic or ceramic-forming material. The methods further include the step of rotating at least one mixing screw to cause the batch material to travel along a flow path defined by a barrel of the extruder. The methods further include the step of indexing a carriage to remove a first device from the flow path and introduce a second device into the flow path of the batch material. In one example, the pressure of the batch material changes less than about 25% as a result of indexing the carriage. In addition or alternatively, further methods include the step of reducing a decrease in temperature of the batch material resulting from the step of indexing. In further examples, the method includes the step of pre-filling a second honeycomb extrusion die held by the carriage with a plugging material.

Abstract: Microwave drying of ceramic honeycomb logs using a customizable cover that can take the form of a flexible wrap or a rigid cover is disclosed. The cover can be in the form of a wrap disposed directly in contact with the leading edge of the log surface. The cover can also be a rigid cover disposed adjacent but not in contact with the leading edge of the log surface. At least a portion of the trailing edge of the log can remain uncovered either by having windows in the wrap or by the rigid cover only covering the leading edge of the log surface. The customizable cover can be configured to compensate for log shape deformities as well as or in addition to the adverse effect on log shape cause by the drying differential created by passing a log through a microwave drying station leading-edge first.

Abstract: A cooler has an upright housing with a sidewall. A product compartment disposed in the housing has a floor and a sidewall that is attached to the floor forming a watertight compartment and to the housing sidewall. Disposed in the product compartment is a product platform that is movable vertically relative to the floor and adapted to hold a plurality of product containers disposed within the product compartment. A telescoping pole has upper and lower end portions and is disposed in the product compartment between the product platform and the floor. A spring coiled about the telescoping pole and disposed between the floor and the product platform exerts an upward force on the product platform to maintain product containers on the product platform at a constant height as product containers are removed from the platform.

Abstract: A method of making ceramic bodies includes systematically orienting the bodies during firing relative to a temperature gradient in a kiln. The systematic orientation of the bodies relative to the temperature gradient can allow for an average deviation of a measured shape of the ceramic bodies from a predetermined target contour shape to be less than what they would be if the bodies were oriented randomly relative to the temperature gradient.

Abstract: A head mounted information system comprises a frame configured to be worn by a user, a sensor unit coupled to the frame, and a processor unit coupled to the frame. The processor unit is connected to receive signals from the sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises a gyroscope configured to produce angular velocity signals representing a head angular velocity about a generally horizontal axis oriented generally perpendicular to a direction the user is facing when the user is wearing the frame. The processor unit is configured to detect a jump by the user based on the angular velocity signals received from the sensor unit and generate a jump output signal indicting one or more jump parameters. A display unit may also be coupled to the frame to display the jump parameters to the user.

Abstract: A honeycomb extrusion apparatus comprises a die body and a flow control device. The die body comprises an inlet end, an outlet end, a central axis, a first set of feedholes, a second set of feedholes, a set of central slots, and a set of outermost peripheral slots. The first set of feedholes extends from the inlet end to an interior interface portion of the die body. The second set of feedholes extends through the die body from the inlet end to the outlet end. The set of central slots extends from the outlet end to the interior interface portion of the die body. The set of outermost peripheral slots is disposed radially outwardly of the central slots. The interior interface portion of the die body is configured to allow flow of the batch material from the first set of feedholes to the central slots and to the outermost peripheral slots.

Abstract: The present invention is directed ?-particle emitting nanoparticles that comprise a lanthanide phosphate sequestration shell enclosing an ?-emitting-radioisotope-doped lanthanide phosphate core such that the shell allows at least some of the ? emissions from the ?-emitting radioisotope to pass therethrough and prevents at least some radioactive decay products of the ?-emitting radioisotope from exiting the ?-particle emitting nanoparticle. Further, such ?-particle emitting nanoparticles may be coated with gold and functionalized. Additionally, a method for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling wheel hop at a vehicle axle includes determining that one of a difference between average front and rear wheel speeds exceeds a reference difference, a frequency of a signal produced by an accelerometer mounted on the axle exceeds a reference frequency, and a frequency of a lock ring torque exceeds a second reference frequency; pulsing pressure in the wheel brakes of the axle; and reducing engine torque.

Abstract: An extrusion die is processed to alter the flow of extrudable material through the die by collecting data reflecting flow variations across the face of the die, constructing a graded resistance flow restrictor utilizing the data, and forcing an abrasive machining medium through the flow restrictor and die with the flow restrictor being arranged to deliver higher abrasive flow through die portions initially exhibiting low extrusion rates, the resulting die being useful for the manufacture of ceramic honeycomb bodies exhibiting a reduced incidence of shape defects attributable to die flow variations.

Abstract: A technique includes operating a converter to convert a first voltage produced by an electrochemical cell stack in a power producing mode into a second voltage. The technique includes operating the converter to convert a third voltage into a fourth voltage to drive the electrochemical cell stack in a pumping mode.