Abstract: Methods of debittering and coloring black ripe olives include the steps of treating the olives with iron solution at elevated temperature, in the absence of oxidizing agents, followed by the step of aerating the solution. The unique coloring method permits a relatively high concentration of lye to be used in the debittering process which precedes the coloring process, resulting in significant overall time savings for the combined processes. A three day debittering and coloring olive process is described which results in consistent, high quality product.

Abstract: A torque tube/spar assembly (100) for transferring operational loads of a Variable Diameter Rotor blade assembly (16) to a rotor hub assembly (18) and includes a torque tube member (24), a spar member (30) and a bearing assembly (40a, 40b) for telescopically mounting the spar member (30) to the torque tube member (24) and furthermore defines an internal channel (62) for housing a retraction/extension mechanism (64) which mounts to an internally formed restraint surface (86) of the spar member (30) and is operative to vary the length of the rotor blade assembly (18). The torque tube member (30) has a substantially constant external geometry along the length of bearing assembly engagement and defines a root end region (102), a tip end region (106) and an intermediate transition region (104) disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A composite armour comprises a forward metal armour plate, a metal armour backing plate spaced from and generally parallel to the forward armour plate and between the forward armour plate and the armour backing plate an array of armour layers each inclined at a substantial angle to the plane of the backing plate.

Abstract: A composite armor system comprises a homogeneous metal armor plate and a plurality of reactive armor panels, each said panel comprising a forward layer, an intermediate layer of explosive material and a rearward layer, the homogeneous armor plate being formed with a plurality of recesses in its forward surface and the rearward layer of each reactive armor panel being received in a respective one of said recesses.